The year 2025 has been a rollercoaster one, not just for Nigerians but for the entire world at large.

The year has witnessed the good, the bad and the ugly.

Many landmark events happened in 2025. While some shaped Nigeria and the world positively, others left negative impacts. But one thing is certain: 2025 is an eventful year.

As today indicates the last day of the year, many Nigerians are eager to put all that has happened in 2025 behind them and welcome the year 2026. Maybe, maybe not, the New Year will be significant in one or the other.

But just before Nigeria welcomes the New Year’s Day, here is a list of some of the countries that will be welcoming the year 2026 ahead of Nigeria.

New Zealand

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean that consists of two main landmasses, the North and the South Island. Wellington, New Zealand, is 12 hours ahead of Nigeria, and by the time it is noon today in Nigeria, the country will already be in 2026.

Fiji

The Republic of Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean with its capital in Suva. By the time it is 1 pm in Nigeria, the country will have welcomed 2026.

Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Tokyo, Japan, is 8 hours ahead of Nigeria and would have welcomed the new year by the time it is 4 pm in Nigeria.

Singapore

The Republic of Singapore is a sovereign island country and city-state in maritime Southeast Asia. By the time it is 5 pm in Nigeria today, the country will have welcomed the year 2026.

North Korea

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is an eastern Asian country. The country shares borders with China, Russia and South Korea. North Korea welcomes the year 2026 by 4 pm Nigeria time.

Japan

Japan is an island country in Eastern Asia situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean. The country’s new year starts at 4 pm Nigeria time.

South Korea

While Nigerians will still be running around by 4 pm today, South Korea, a country in East Asia, would have already been in the year 2026.

China

The People’s Republic of China is the most populous country with a population of 1.4 billion people. The country is 7 hours from Nigeria and will welcome the new year by the time it is 5 pm in Nigeria.

Indonesia

Indonesia is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. The country is 6 hours ahead of Nigeria and will welcome the new year at 6 pm Nigeria time.

Russia

Russia is a transcontinental country spanning Eastern Europe and Northern Asia. Moscow, Russia, is 2 hours ahead of Nigeria and will welcome the new year by the time it is 10 pm Nigerian time.

It should be noted that the order in which countries begin the new year is determined by their time zone. (Tribune)