US Congress Report Recommends Sanctions Over Religious Freedom Concerns

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February 24, 2026

According to The Nation Newspaper, a recent report submitted to the United States Congress has recommended specific sanctions and the blocking of certain Nigerian exports, including beef, citing concerns over the persecution of religious minorities.

The report specifically points to the ongoing conflict involving Fulani herdsmen in the North-Central region as a primary driver for the recommendation. While not yet law, the document has sparked a diplomatic frenzy in Abuja, with the Federal Government moving to address the allegations through bilateral channels.

The escalating diplomatic tension was also tracked by Vanguard News, which reported that the US is seeking a formal bilateral pact with Nigeria to monitor religious freedom more closely. Vanguard quoted the report’s summary: “The persistence of these attacks necessitates a review of our trade relations to ensure human rights are prioritized.”

The Punch further detailed the Nigerian presidency’s response, noting that the government “strongly disagrees with the report’s findings,” describing them as a misrepresentation of what is largely a socio-economic conflict over land and resources.

Echotitbits take:

This is a significant diplomatic hurdle for the Tinubu administration. If the US Congress acts on these recommendations, it could hurt Nigeria’s agricultural exports and dampen foreign investment. The government’s best defense will be the successful implementation of the new state police and the “Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration” (DDR) centers being proposed in states like Benue.

Source: PM News Nigeria – https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/02/24/war-anniversary-zelensky-accuses-putin-of-failing-to-break-ukraine/, February 24, 2026

Photo credit: PM News Nigeria

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Nigerian Stars Shine at 2026 BAFTA Film Awards

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Bob Echols’s

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February 24, 2026

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In an update published by Channels Television, the Nigerian film industry celebrated a historic night as several stars and productions took home top honors at the 2026 BAFTA Film Awards. Wunmi Mosaku and the Nigerian-produced film My Father’s Shadow were among the major winners, signaling the continued global ascent of Nollywood-linked talent.

The recognition underscores a year where Nigerian storytelling has dominated international streaming platforms and prestigious award circuits alike.

The triumph was also celebrated by Daily Post, which noted that the win is a testament to the improving production quality in the Nigerian creative sector. Daily Post quoted a film critic saying, “Nollywood is no longer just about volume; it is now about world-class artistry.”

The Guardian Nigeria also featured the story, reporting that the government intends to use these wins to drive further investment into the creative economy. The Guardian quoted a ministry official: “Our stars are our best ambassadors, and their success at the BAFTAs is a victory for the entire nation.”

Echotitbits take: The “Nollywood to the World” movement has reached a new pinnacle with these BAFTA wins. Beyond the prestige, this translates to higher valuations for Nigerian intellectual property and more co-production deals with global studios. Expect the Federal Government to roll out more tax incentives for the film industry in the 2026 budget to capitalize on this momentum.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/full-list-nigerians-shine-at-2026-bafta-film-awards/, February 24, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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Ondo State Inks Landmark $4 Billion Deal for Deep Sea Port and Petrochemicals

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Bob Echols’s

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February 24, 2026

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Reporting by the Nigerian Tribune indicates that Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has signed a transformative investment framework during the Ondo State Investment Summit 2026. The deal includes the development of a Deep Sea Port where the state holds a 12.5% stake, alongside a massive $4 billion petrochemical fertilizer plant.

The Governor declared that the state is shifting its economic base from a civil service-driven model to a private sector-led industrial powerhouse, aiming to leverage its coastline for global trade.
Supporting coverage from ThisDay Live emphasized the scale of the foreign direct investment involved, quoting Governor Aiyedatiwa: “Ondo State is now open for business, innovation, and global partnerships on a scale never seen before.”

Additionally, The Nation highlighted the federal support for the project, noting that the Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs attended the signing. The Nation quoted official remarks stating, “This project aligns with the national goal of boosting domestic production and reducing our reliance on imported fertilizers.”

Echotitbits take:

Ondo State is sitting on a goldmine with its coastline, and this deep-sea port could potentially decongest the Lagos ports. The $4 billion petrochemical plant is particularly strategic, as it positions Nigeria to become a net exporter of fertilizer to the West African sub-region. Watch for the environmental impact assessments and the timeline for the commencement of dredging.

Source: Vanguard- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/summit-aiyedatiwa-signs-mous-on-deep-seaport-4bn-petrochemical-fertiliser-plant/amp/, February 24, 2026

Photo credit: Vanguard

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Naira Maintains Stability as Inflation Slows for Tenth Consecutive Month

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February 24, 2026

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Figures cited by Vanguard News show that the Nigerian Naira opened the week with a firm stance at the official market, trading around N1,344.65 per dollar. This stability is attributed to sustained Central Bank interventions and a marked decrease in “panic buying” by domestic traders.

Economic data released today also indicates that headline inflation has decelerated to 15.10% as of January 2026, marking the tenth straight month of cooling prices, which has bolstered investor confidence in the local currency.
The cooling inflation trend was corroborated by reports from Nairametrics, which noted that the harmonization of exchange rates is finally gaining traction. Nairametrics quoted a market analyst saying, “The current alignment of rates provides a more predictable environment for businesses.”

Furthermore, The Guardian Nigeria reported on the psychological impact of the stable currency, noting that “liquidity in the official window has improved significantly, reducing the reliance on the parallel market for essential imports.”
Echotitbits take:

While a 15% inflation rate is still high by global standards, the downward trend for ten months is a massive win for the current economic team. The stability of the Naira at these levels suggests that the “fair value” has been found. The next hurdle will be ensuring this stability translates into lower food prices for the average Nigerian household.

Source: Vanguard News – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/02/dollar-to-naira-exchange-rate-today-february-24-2026/, February 24, 2026

Photo credit: Vanguard News

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National Assembly Halts Plenary Sessions to Finalize 2026 Budget Defense

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February 24, 2026

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In an update published by Premium Times, the leadership of the National Assembly has officially postponed the resumption of plenary sessions, originally slated for today, February 24. The delay is intended to provide various house committees and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) more time to conclude the defense sessions for the 2026 Appropriation Bill.

An internal memo from the Acting Clerk of the House confirmed that lawmakers are now expected to reconvene in early March to begin the final phase of budget deliberations.
The legislative shift was confirmed by The Punch, which reported that the move was necessary to ensure no sector is underfunded. The Punch quoted Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana: “This postponement is to enable committees of the Assembly to conclude ongoing budget defense sessions effectively.”

Similarly, Daily Post highlighted that the 2026 budget is under intense scrutiny due to its focus on industrialization and mining. Daily Post reported that “legislative thoroughness is being prioritized over speed to avoid the pitfalls of previous fiscal years,” citing a senior parliamentary source.

Echotitbits take:

A delay in plenary usually signals friction between the executive’s proposals and the legislature’s priorities. With the 2026 budget targeting a massive shift toward production and mining, lawmakers are likely haggling over the specific allocations for infrastructure. The March 5th deadline will be a critical date to see if the budget can be passed before the end of the first quarter.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nassembly-shifts-plenary-resumption-to-march-5/, February 24, 2026

Photo credit: The Punch

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CBN Unveils Payment System Vision 2028 to Slash International Transfer Costs

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February 24, 2026

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According to The Nation Newspaper, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso has introduced a new “Payment System Vision 2028” aimed at revolutionizing cross-border transactions for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The initiative is designed to integrate advanced financial technology to reduce the high fees currently associated with international remittances.

Cardoso highlighted that by simplifying these channels, the apex bank expects monthly remittance inflows to surge from the current $600 million to over $1 billion by the end of the fiscal year.

This strategic move has gained significant traction across the financial sector. Nairametrics reported that the framework includes the introduction of Non-Resident Nigerian Investment Accounts, quoting Governor Cardoso as stating, “Our goal is to eliminate the bottlenecks that have historically hindered the flow of diaspora capital into the domestic economy.”

Additionally, Leadership News emphasized the technological aspect of the reform, noting that “Automation and the National Single Window will be the twin pillars of this new financial era,” as the bank seeks to deepen financial inclusion for the underbanked.

Echotitbits take:

Reducing the cost of remittances is a masterstroke for stabilizing the Naira without depleting foreign reserves. By formalizing these channels, the CBN is effectively competing with the “gray market,” which should lead to better liquidity in the official window. The success of this vision depends heavily on the robustness of the cybersecurity measures integrated into the new 2028 framework.

Source: The Nation Newspaper – https://thenationonlineng.net/cbn-to-make-international-money-transfers-cheaper-for-small-businesses/, February 24, 2026

Photo credit: The Nation Newspaper

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Federal Government Expands State Police Implementation Strategy to Curb Insecurity

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Bob Echols’s

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February 24, 2026

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Reporting by Punch Newspapers indicates that President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the establishment of state police forces across the federation. During a high-level briefing, the President emphasized that the transition to a decentralized policing system is no longer a matter of debate but a necessary evolution to tackle localized banditry and kidnapping.

He urged calm in volatile regions, particularly Kano and Plateau, promising that the legislative framework would be fast-tracked to ensure operational readiness within the year.

The development has been mirrored in accounts from other major platforms. Vanguard News noted that the President’s vow comes amid renewed pressure from regional leaders, quoting the President as saying, “We are moving from the era of deliberation to the era of implementation because the security of our citizens cannot wait.”

Furthermore, Channels Television corroborated the federal stance, reporting that the move is aimed at bridging the gap in intelligence gathering at the grassroots level. Channels TV cited an official memo stating, “The decentralized model will prioritize local knowledge and swifter response times to rural threats.”

Echotitbits take:

The shift toward state policing represents the most significant structural change to Nigeria’s internal security architecture since 1999. While the political will appears present, the real challenge lies in the funding models and the prevention of political victimization by state governors. Watch for the National Assembly’s upcoming constitutional amendment debates to see how much autonomy these new units will truly possess.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/insecurity-bickering-over-timing-safeguards-for-state-police/, February 24, 2026

Photo credit: The Guardian

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LeBron James Reflects on the “Heatles” Era as Lakers Unveil Pat Riley Statue

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Bob Echols’s

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February 24, 2026

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According to The Source, NBA icon LeBron James took to social media and interviews today to reflect on his 2010 decision to join the Miami Heat, triggered by the unveiling of a Pat Riley statue outside Crypto.com Arena. James explained that his move to Miami was the “blueprint” for modern player empowerment, a sentiment that still resonates in today’s NBA culture.

The unveiling ceremony brought together various eras of NBA greatness, with James using the moment to highlight how Riley’s mentorship shaped his understanding of “championship DNA.” This reflection comes as LeBron continues to defy age in the 2025-2026 season, maintaining his status as a central figure in both basketball and Hip-Hop culture.

The intersection of the NBA and Hip-Hop was also celebrated today as the culture marked the 27th anniversary of Eminem’s “The Slim Shady LP.” Many players, including LeBron, have often cited the lyrical “disruption” of that era as a parallel to the competitive intensity required on the court.

James’ comments have reignited the “GOAT” debate on sports talk shows, with analysts comparing his longevity and strategic career moves to the legendary status of Pat Riley himself.

* The Source (Sports/Culture): “LeBron James Explains Why He Joined Miami Heat to Win Titles… Lakers Unveil Pat Riley Statue at Star Plaza.”

* Leadership Nigeria (Sports): “Prince William Pays Tribute To Army Medic TikTok Star… [while] Lakers Unveil Pat Riley Statue.” (Contextualizing global tributes).

Echotitbits take:

LeBron is leaning heavily into his legacy-building phase. By aligning himself with Pat Riley’s statue unveiling, he is reminding the world that he is not just a player, but a student of the game’s history. In the US, this reinforces his “elder statesman” role in the NBA, especially as he continues to balance his on-court performance with his massive business empire.

Source: The Source — https://thesource.com/2026/02/23/lebron-james-miami-heat-championship-decision/February 23, 2026

Photo Credit: BBC

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Tems Becomes African Artist with Highest Monthly Listeners on Spotify

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Bob Echols’s

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February 24, 2026

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In a post shared by @chartdata, it was revealed that Tems has officially surpassed all other African artists to claim the spot for the highest number of monthly listeners on Spotify. This milestone follows a massive 12-hour surge in streaming after her latest collaboration and her presence at the 2026 BAFTAs, where Nigerian talent was heavily spotlighted.

Tems’ rise to the top of the “Billboard Kings” list, alongside Burna Boy, marks a shift in the Afrobeats hierarchy. While the “Big Three” (Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy) have long dominated the conversation, Tems’ global appeal—boosted by her unique “Alternative RnB” fusion—has allowed her to capture a wider international demographic.

The achievement coincides with news that fellow Nigerian actress Wunmi Mosaku bagged a “Best Supporting Actress” award at the BAFTAs, highlighting a “Golden Weekend” for Nigerian creatives in the UK and US. Tems continues to lead the charge for African women in a historically male-dominated industry.

Industry experts point to her consistent presence on the Billboard Hot 100 as the primary driver for these numbers. With eight entries on the chart, she and Burna Boy are currently the most successful African artists in Billboard history.

* PM News Nigeria: “Tems becomes African artist with highest monthly listeners. Abimbola Aderinola. 5 hours ago.”

* Legit.ng: “Tems, Burna Boy dethrone South African legends to become Africa’s all-time billboard kings.”

Echotitbits take:

Tems is no longer just an “Afrobeats star”; she is a global pop icon. Her ability to maintain these numbers without the traditional “club banger” indicates a very loyal, high-intent fan base. This data point is crucial for her upcoming world tour, as it proves her “streaming power” translates directly into market dominance.

Source: PM News Nigeria — https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/02/23/tems-becomes-african-artist-with-highest-monthly-listeners/ February 23, 2026 —

Photo Credit: PM News Nigeria

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Eberechi Eze’s Double Fires Arsenal Clear in Premier League Title Race

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Bob Echols’s

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February 24, 2026

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According to The Guardian, Anglo-Nigerian star Eberechi Eze put on a masterclass performance, scoring twice to lead Arsenal to a dominant 4-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the North London Derby. The win restores Arsenal’s five-point lead at the top of the Premier League table, cementing Eze’s status as one of the most clinical creative forces in Europe this season.

Eze’s first goal was a stunning solo effort that saw him weave through three defenders before slotting the ball home, while his second was a perfectly timed volley from a Bukayo Saka cross. The synergy between the two players with Nigerian roots has become the backbone of Arsenal’s title charge in 2026.

In other European soccer news, Nigerian legend John Mikel Obi was celebrated in a Chelsea FC retrospective as one of the club’s top Premier League appearance makers. This comes at a time when Nigerian talent is dominating the English top flight, with players like Alex Iwobi also securing vital wins for their respective clubs this weekend.

The “Eze-mania” has sparked renewed conversations in Nigeria about dual-national players, with fans celebrating his success as a “Naija Boy” dominating the global stage, even as he represents the English national team.

* Times of India (Sports): “Eberechi Eze double fires Arsenal clear as Alexis Mac Allister’s 97th-minute strike rescues Liverpool… Eze starred with a brilliant brace.”

* Chelsea FC (Official Site): “John Mikel Obi – 249 appearances. The Nigerian midfielder spent over a decade with Chelsea and won every major honour available.”

Echotitbits take:

Arsenal is currently the “team of the moment” for the Nigerian diaspora, largely thanks to the Saka-Eze partnership. Eze’s form is world-class right now, and if he remains injury-free, he is a shoe-in for Player of the Season. For Nigerian fans, seeing Mikel Obi’s legacy honored alongside Eze’s current rise bridges the gap between the “Golden Era” and the current “Afro-English” dominance.

Source: The Guardian — https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/feb/23/premier-league-10-talking-points-from-the-weekends-action February 23, 2026

Photo Credit: The Guardian

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