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As 2025 draws to a close, Nigerians reflect on a year full of highs and lows, milestones and challenges, both locally and globally. The year has been marked by remarkable achievements, unexpected setbacks, and memorable moments that shaped the world. While many are ready to bid farewell to 2025 and step into 2026, the New Year has already arrived in several parts of the world, thanks to time zone differences. As Nigerians prepare for celebrations, it’s interesting to note which countries are welcoming 2026 ahead of them.
New Zealand
At the forefront of the New Year countdown is New Zealand, an island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean comprising the North and South Islands. Its capital, Wellington, is 12 hours ahead of Nigeria. By the time it is noon in Nigeria, New Zealanders will have already ushered in 2026, celebrating with fireworks, concerts, and cultural festivities.
Fiji
Located in the South Pacific, the Republic of Fiji, with Suva as its capital, follows New Zealand in welcoming the New Year. Fiji is 13 hours ahead of Nigeria, and by 1 pm Nigerian time, the island nation will have celebrated the arrival of 2026 with vibrant parades, beach parties, and traditional ceremonies.
Japan
Japan, a major island country in East Asia, also leads the early celebrations. Tokyo is eight hours ahead of Nigeria, meaning by 4 pm Nigerian time, Japan will already be ringing in 2026. Japanese New Year celebrations, known as Shōgatsu, are deeply rooted in tradition, with families visiting shrines, enjoying special meals, and observing cultural rituals to mark the new beginning.
North Korea
The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, sharing borders with China, Russia, and South Korea, welcomes 2026 simultaneously with some of its East Asian neighbours. By 4 pm Nigerian time, North Koreans will have commenced their New Year celebrations, which are typically marked with state ceremonies, public displays, and festive gatherings.
South Korea
South Korea also joins the early New Year festivities at 4 pm Nigerian time. Known for its blend of traditional and modern celebrations, South Koreans celebrate with family reunions, special dishes such as tteokguk (rice cake soup), and public events in major cities like Seoul.
Singapore
Singapore, the bustling city-state in Southeast Asia, is seven hours ahead of Nigeria. By 5 pm Nigerian time, Singaporeans will have welcomed 2026 with spectacular city-wide celebrations, light shows, and cultural performances, reflecting the country’s cosmopolitan charm.
China
China, home to 1.4 billion people, is another early entrant into 2026. Beijing, Shanghai, and other major cities are seven hours ahead of Nigeria, meaning the New Year arrives at 5 pm Nigerian time. Traditional fireworks, lantern displays, and family gatherings are central to Chinese New Year celebrations, blending modern festivities with cultural heritage.
Indonesia
The Southeast Asian archipelago of Indonesia, spanning thousands of islands, is six hours ahead of Nigeria. By 6 pm Nigerian time, Indonesians will celebrate 2026 with lively street parties, concerts, and family feasts across cities such as Jakarta, Bali, and Surabaya.
Russia
Moscow, Russia’s capital, welcomes the New Year two hours ahead of Nigeria. By 10 pm Nigerian time, Russians will already be celebrating with grand fireworks, festive markets, and cultural events that highlight the country’s rich traditions and love for communal celebrations.
Understanding Time Zones
The sequence in which countries celebrate the New Year is determined by their respective time zones. While some nations welcome the new year early in the day, others, including Nigeria, follow later due to their position relative to the prime meridian.
As Nigerians prepare for midnight celebrations, it is fascinating to see how different parts of the world enter 2026, each with its unique cultural flair, festive spirit, and traditions. From the South Pacific islands to East Asia and Eastern Europe, the arrival of the New Year reminds us of the global unity in celebrating fresh beginnings, even as each country adds its distinct touch.
In a matter of hours, Nigeria too will ring in 2026, joining millions worldwide in hopes of a year filled with peace, progress, and prosperity.
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