Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Author: B.O.B Echoload

  • Yeni Kuti Calls for Calm in Wizkid–Seun Kuti Legacy Feud

    Yeni Kuti Calls for Calm in Wizkid–Seun Kuti Legacy Feud

    Vanguard News reports that Yeni Kuti, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s eldest daughter, has intervened in the online clash between her brother Seun Kuti and Wizkid over Fela’s musical legacy. The feud has sparked days of heated commentary across Nigeria’s celebrity ecosystem.

    The Nation is cited for Yeni’s call for calm and mutual respect across eras, while Daily Post Nigeria notes other celebrities have weighed in with conflicting views.

    **Echotitbits take:** Yeni is protecting the Kuti brand. By publicly framing Wizkid as a friend, she is trying to prevent an “old guard vs new school” culture war that could make the Kuti estate appear hostile to modern Afrobeats. It is prudent crisis‑containment.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/video-felas-daughter-calls-for-calm-in-wizkid-seun-kuti-feud/(January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: The Punch 2026-01-23

  • Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” Nears N1 Billion Mark

    Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” Nears N1 Billion Mark

    BusinessDay reports that Toyin Abraham’s comedy‑drama *Oversabi Aunty* took second place at the Nigerian box office over the weekend, adding ₦53.3 million and bringing total gross to about ₦951.1 million—placing it within striking distance of the “Billion Naira Club.”

    The Nation is cited as highlighting producer rankings, while Naija News is cited as pointing to strong admissions and a sustained marketing push.

    **Echotitbits take:** The box‑office “World Cup” between Toyin Abraham and Funke Akindele continues. Akindele leads the season’s headline numbers, but Abraham’s consistency near the billion‑naira threshold confirms the audience appetite can sustain multiple megastars.

    Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/olorisupergalmedia/posts/toyin-abraham-hits-new-milestone-with-oversabi-auntytoyin-abraham-ajeyemis-lates/122274181874197731/?_rdc=1&_rdr# (January 23, 2026)

    Photo Credit: Facebook 2026-01-23

  • Tinubu Approves Strategic Postings for Top Nigerian Envoys to U.S. and UK

    Tinubu Approves Strategic Postings for Top Nigerian Envoys to U.S. and UK

    Tinubu Approves Strategic Postings for Top Nigerian Envoys to U.S. and UK

    According to Premium Times reporting, President Bola Tinubu has officially cleared the deployment of four high-level ambassadors-designate to represent Nigeria’s interests in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Turkey. This move is aimed at filling critical vacancies in Nigeria’s primary diplomatic missions, which have been managed by lower-level officials for several months. The appointments follow a rigorous Senate confirmation process that concluded late last year.

    The strategic reorganization is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s bilateral ties with these global powerhouses. Among the notable postings, Colonel Lateef Are has been assigned to the United States, while Ambassador Amin Dalhatu, a seasoned diplomat formerly stationed in South Korea, will lead the Nigerian High Commission in the United Kingdom. Ambassador Ayodele Oke has been designated for the mission in France, completing the trio of major Western postings.

    In a simultaneous development, the Daily Post confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been instructed to notify the host countries immediately to facilitate the formal assumption of duties. Furthermore, The Nation reported that these postings are part of a broader “reinvigoration of Nigeria’s foreign policy machinery.” A government spokesperson noted that the President is committed to ensuring that Nigeria’s voice is heard clearly in the world’s most influential capitals.

    Echotitbits take: These appointments are long overdue and signal a shift toward active economic diplomacy. By placing experienced hands in D.C. and London, the administration is likely looking to secure more favorable trade terms and attract foreign direct investment. Watch for a flurry of bilateral meetings in the coming months as these envoys settle in.

    Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/851383-tinubu-posts-four-ambassadors-designate-to-us-uk-france-turkey.html(2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: Premium Times 2026-01-23

  • Presidential Incentives Target Multibillion-Dollar Shell Bonga Southwest Project

    Presidential Incentives Target Multibillion-Dollar Shell Bonga Southwest Project

    Presidential Incentives Target Multibillion-Dollar Shell Bonga Southwest Project

    Reporting by The Nation indicates that President Bola Tinubu has approved a suite of targeted fiscal incentives to catalyze investment in major deep offshore oil projects, specifically focusing on Shell’s Bonga Southwest development. The move is intended to unlock thousands of jobs and ensure a steady inflow of foreign exchange. The President emphasized that these are “disciplined and globally competitive” measures rather than blanket tax holidays.

    The incentives are structured to make Nigeria’s energy sector more attractive to international oil companies (IOCs) who have recently pivoted toward other African frontiers. During a meeting with Shell’s Global CEO, Wael Sawan, the Presidency highlighted that Shell and its partners have already committed nearly $7 billion to various Nigerian projects over the past 13 months. This new policy framework is expected to accelerate the Final Investment Decision (FID) for Bonga Southwest.

    Validation from Vanguard shows that industry analysts see this as a turning point for the petroleum sector, with one expert stating that policy stability is critical for restoring long-term upstream confidence. Additionally, Channels TV reported that the government expects the project to generate sustained revenue over the life of the asset. Shell’s CEO remarked that Nigeria’s investment climate has improved, giving the company confidence to evaluate longer-term horizons.

    Echotitbits take: After years of divestment talk, this is a major signal to Nigeria’s upstream sector. The focus on targeted rather than blanket incentives suggests a more sophisticated approach to balancing investor needs with national revenue. The immediate impact will be on FX stability if these projects move from paper to production.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/shells-5bn-bonga-swest-project-gets-presidential-support/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: The Punch 2026-01-23

  • Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid

    Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid

    Nigerian Troops Neutralize Terror Commanders in Sambisa Forest Raid

    In an update published by Daily Post, the Nigerian military’s Operation Hadin Kai recorded a significant victory against Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in the Sambisa Forest and Mandara Mountains. During Operation Desert Sanity V, ground troops reportedly repelled an ambush, resulting in the death of 10 terrorists. Two high-ranking commanders, identified as Basulhu and Ubaida, were among those neutralized.

    The operation also led to the recovery of weapons, communication gadgets, and logistics supplies. Military sources said the encounter at Malkube was particularly intense, but that the troops suffered no casualties. The offensive is part of a renewed dry-season push to eliminate the remnants of terror cells attempting to regroup along the border with Cameroon.

    Further reporting from The Punch confirmed the military’s success, quoting a spokesperson who said forces are maintaining a high tempo to ensure no safe haven remains for insurgent elements. Leadership newspaper also validated the report, adding that civilian intelligence played a key role in tracking the movements of the neutralized commanders.

    Echotitbits take: Eliminating top-tier commanders is a major blow to insurgents’ command-and-control structures. Beyond battlefield wins, the next challenge is holding territory long enough for displaced residents to return safely. Expect increased border patrols to prevent fighters from slipping into neighboring countries.

    Source: Zagozola — https://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/troops-neutralise-two-terrorists-recover-arms-in-sambisa-forest (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: Zagozola 2026-01-23

  • Local Currency Firms Up Against Dollar in Early 2026 Trading

    Local Currency Firms Up Against Dollar in Early 2026 Trading

    Local Currency Firms Up Against Dollar in Early 2026 Trading

    Figures cited by Vanguard show that the Nigerian Naira began the third week of January on a strong note, appreciating to approximately 1,418 per dollar in the official market. The move has been attributed to increased liquidity in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and a drop in speculative demand. Analysts say the Central Bank’s efforts to clear outstanding obligations have restored some confidence among corporate buyers.

    In the parallel market, the currency also showed resilience, trading between 1,470 and 1,485 per dollar. Market watchers point out that the gap between official and street rates is narrowing—an objective of current monetary policy. Bureau De Change operators say typical New Year volatility has been tempered by a steady flow of diaspora remittances and improved oversight.

    The Guardian also reported that rate convergence is a positive signal for international investors. ThisDay quoted a financial analyst saying that improved transparency is contributing to market stability. The market remains optimistic that the Naira can hold its trajectory through the first quarter.

    Echotitbits take: Stability is the keyword. While 1,400+ remains a high level, reduced daily swings help businesses plan. The true stress-test will be sustaining liquidity without undue pressure on external reserves.

    Source: Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/south-african-rand-firmer-ahead-local-inflation-data-2026-01-21/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: Reuters 2026-01-23

  • Eleven Nigerians Apprehended in Thailand Over Multi-Million Baht Romance Scam

    Eleven Nigerians Apprehended in Thailand Over Multi-Million Baht Romance Scam

    Eleven Nigerians Apprehended in Thailand Over Multi-Million Baht Romance Scam

    In an update published by Vanguard, Thai police arrested 11 Nigerian nationals following a coordinated raid on a suspected international romance-scam syndicate. The group was reportedly operating out of the Muang Thong Thani area and is alleged to have defrauded local citizens of millions of baht. Investigators said a complaint from a Thai woman—who reportedly lost more than two million baht to a suspect posing as a foreign engineer—helped trigger the operation.

    Authorities allege the syndicate used fake social media profiles to build trust with victims before soliciting funds for fictitious construction projects or emergencies. During the arrests, Thai immigration officials seized laptops, mobile phones, and bank books allegedly used in the operation. The suspects are being held pending formal charges and potential extradition-related processes.

    Channels TV verified the arrests, quoting a Thai police official who described the group as highly organized and adept at social engineering. The Nation also covered the incident, noting it highlights ongoing cybercrime challenges involving Nigerians abroad.

    Echotitbits take: This development is a setback for Nigeria’s international image—especially as policymakers push for improved mobility and visa outcomes. It underscores the case for deeper EFCC collaboration with foreign law enforcement to disrupt syndicates at their operational roots.

    Source: Vanguard — https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/thai-police-arrest-11-nigerians-over-alleged-international-romance-scam/amp/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: Vanguard 2026-01-23

  • Niger State Seeks Global Recognition for Historic Nupe Cultural Festival

    Niger State Seeks Global Recognition for Historic Nupe Cultural Festival

    Niger State Seeks Global Recognition for Historic Nupe Cultural Festival

    Reporting by TVC News indicates that the Niger State Government is engaging the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy on plans to transform the Bida Bariki Festival into an international tourist attraction. The proposal aims to modernize the colonial-era festival—known for showcasing Nupe heritage—and integrate it more firmly into Nigeria’s national cultural calendar.

    Officials and lawmakers argue that a modernized festival could attract global tourists, create local jobs, and provide market access for Nupe craftspeople known for glass and brass work. The plan also includes developing infrastructure around Gurara Falls to complement the cultural experience and expand visitor stay-time.

    Leadership newspaper validated the story, quoting Minister Hannatu Musawa on a strategy to turn local festivals into global assets that drive the creative economy. Daily Trust also reported community-level support, with local leaders describing the move as long-overdue recognition.

    Echotitbits take: This is a credible pathway to diversifying Nigeria’s soft power and non-oil revenues. Cultural tourism is a major global market, and Nupe heritage has distinctiveness. Infrastructure delivery—roads, safety, hospitality capacity—will determine whether this becomes a true international draw.

    Source: TVC News — https://www.tvcnews.tv/niger-seeks-fgs-partnership-to-transform-bida-bariki-festival-into-global-cultural-attraction/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: TVC News 2026-01-23

  • Nigeria Can Achieve 2026 Economic Targets Through Targeted Tax Reforms

    Nigeria Can Achieve 2026 Economic Targets Through Targeted Tax Reforms

    Nigeria Can Achieve 2026 Economic Targets Through Targeted Tax Reforms

    In an update published by The Nigerian Observer, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) said Nigeria can meet its 2026 growth targets if the government sustains its reform trajectory. The Chamber emphasized that tax harmonization and the removal of multiple levies on manufacturers are critical for boosting industrial output, competitiveness, and job creation.

    LCCI’s assessment comes amid a broader push for fiscal discipline. The group said recent reforms have been painful but are beginning to attract investor interest. It warned, however, that high costs of doing business—especially energy and logistics—must be addressed so that reform gains are not eroded.

    The Guardian validated the position, quoting an LCCI executive who argued for a tax system that encourages production rather than consumption. ThisDay also reported that business leaders are cautiously optimistic, particularly about the second half of 2026 if policy consistency holds.

    Echotitbits take: LCCI is acting as a constructive critic. Tax harmonization is pivotal because nuisance levies across state and local levels remain a deterrent for SMEs. Reform credibility will be judged by implementation—not press conferences.

    Source: StateHouse— https://statehouse.gov.ng/2026-marks-the-beginning-of-a-more-robust-phase-of-economic-growth/ (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: StateHouse

  • Stalled Uranium Shipments in Niamey Highlight Regional Trade Tensions

    Stalled Uranium Shipments in Niamey Highlight Regional Trade Tensions

    Stalled Uranium Shipments in Niamey Highlight Regional Trade Tensions

    According to Channels TV reporting, a shipment of more than 1,000 tonnes of uranium is reportedly stranded at the Niamey airport in Niger, underscoring the logistical and diplomatic constraints facing the ruling junta. The cargo—intended for sale as the country pivots away from its traditional partner France—cannot easily move through usual routes due to closed borders with Benin and elevated security risks in Burkina Faso.

    The situation highlights how political instability and regional tensions can choke trade corridors. Niger’s relations with neighbors, including Nigeria, remain strained, complicating land-based export options for “yellowcake” concentrate. Reports indicate the junta is cautious about alternative routes, including via Togo, amid concerns about jihadist attacks along transit corridors.

    Premium Times validated the report, noting the deadlock is costing Niger millions in potential revenue. The Punch cited analysts describing the episode as an example of how instability constrains economic sovereignty.

    Echotitbits take: This is consequential for regional energy geopolitics. If Niger cannot export via conventional channels, it may pursue unconventional buyers and deepen reliance on external security/logistics partners—potentially shifting balances across West Africa.

    Source: Enca — https://www.enca.com/business/niger-faces-dilemma-over-uranium-shipment-stuck-airport (2026-01-23)

    Photo Credit: Enca 2026-01-23