Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Business

  • SEC Plans Q1 2026 Shift to Digital Processing as January Renewal Deadline Approaches

    SEC Plans Q1 2026 Shift to Digital Processing as January Renewal Deadline Approaches

    Photo Credit: TheCable
    2025-12-22

    Documents reviewed by TheCable indicate the SEC will begin electronic receipt and processing of applications in Q1 2026 as it enforces a January renewal deadline for market operators.

    The shift is expected to reduce manual bottlenecks, shorten processing timelines, and improve transparency for regulated firms.

    If successful, the change could improve investor confidence by making compliance more predictable and less relationship-driven.

    TheCable reported SEC will commence “electronic receipt and processing of applications” in Q1 2026. BusinessDay reinforced the renewal timeline, stating operators should renew “from January 1 to 31, 2026.”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s capital market needs both speed and trust. Watch for portal launch dates, clear fees, and published service-level timelines that reduce discretionary delays.

    Source: TheCable — December 22, 2025 (https://www.thecable.ng/sec-issues-deadline-for-capital-market-operators-to-renew-registration/)
    TheCable 2025-12-22

  • Nigeria’s Petrol Supply Jumps to 71.5m Litres Daily as Imports Rise

    Nigeria’s Petrol Supply Jumps to 71.5m Litres Daily as Imports Rise

    Photo Credit: Vanguard
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    Figures cited by Vanguard show Nigeria’s petrol supply rose sharply in November 2025, climbing to 71.5 million litres per day from 46 million litres per day in October.

    The report attributes the spike largely to import volumes—especially shipments linked to NNPC—aimed at rebuilding inventory and preventing scarcity during end-of-year peak demand.

    At the same time, regulators’ data suggest consumption also rose, reinforcing the view that the market remains supply-sensitive despite “price war” headlines and the gradual scaling of local refining.

    The broader implication is that import dependence is still doing the heavy lifting whenever domestic production or distribution falls below demand thresholds.

    Validation: The Punch notes, “The sharp increase… in November helped push total national PMS supply to a record 71.5 million litres per day.” Daily Post similarly reports that “total petrol supply in Nigeria rose to 71.5 million litres per day in November…”

    Echotitbits take: Watch December/January inventory and whether supply stability translates into sustained pump-price discipline nationwide. Also watch refinery utilisation—because a supply surge powered by imports is not the same as energy security.

    Source: Vanguard — December 23, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/petrol-supply-rises-55-to-71-5m-litres-daily/)
    Vanguard 2025-12-23

  • SEC Sets January Window for Market Operators to Renew Registration

    SEC Sets January Window for Market Operators to Renew Registration

    Photo Credit: Vanguard
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    In a statement relayed by Vanguard, Nigeria’s Securities and Exchange Commission has directed capital market operators to renew their registration within January 2026, while also pushing digital upgrades to licensing and filings.

    The regulator says it wants the renewal process to be clearer, faster and less dependent on physical visits, as part of broader reforms to market oversight and investor confidence.

    SEC leadership is also signalling a bigger “automation” roadmap, including electronic receipt/processing and structured returns templates to strengthen risk-based supervision.

    For operators, the key practical impact is compliance readiness: documentation, timelines, and how quickly the new portal workflows become mandatory.

    Validation: The Nation reports that SEC “directed all capital market operators to renew their registration between January 1 and January 31, 2026.” Legit.ng reiterates that “The SEC has requested that capital market operators renew their registration between January 1 and January 31, 2026.”

    Echotitbits take: If SEC’s digitisation actually reduces approval delays, this could quietly improve market depth. Watch for enforcement consistency: the real test is whether non-compliance triggers penalties equally across big and small operators.

    Source: Vanguard — December 23, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/sec-directs-market-operators-to-renew-registration-from-jan-1st/)
    Vanguard 2025-12-23

  • Regent MFB Says It Has Crossed ₦10bn in MSME Loan Disbursements

    Regent MFB Says It Has Crossed ₦10bn in MSME Loan Disbursements

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    From a brief by The Punch, Regent Microfinance Bank says it has passed the ₦10 billion mark in cumulative MSME loan disbursements, positioning the milestone as part of its push to close Nigeria’s credit gap for small businesses.

    The bank frames the milestone as evidence that structured micro-lending—paired with advisory support—can help small enterprises scale beyond survival mode, especially amid inflation and weak consumer demand.

    For MSME operators, the bigger story is access: whether such disbursements translate to broader geographic reach, fair pricing, and sustainable repayment terms that don’t trap businesses in rollover cycles.

    It also reflects a sector-wide narrative: microfinance banks competing for relevance by tying credit to digital onboarding, supply-chain partnerships, and specialised products for traders and light manufacturers.

    Validation: The Nation reports, “Regent Microfinance Bank (MfB) has disbursed over N10 billion in cumulative loans disbursements to… MSMEs.” In Regent MFB’s own messaging, the milestone is presented as impact-driven: “By reaching the N10bn mark in disbursements, the bank reinforces its role as a catalyst for productivity…”

    Echotitbits take: The next thing to watch is asset quality. If repayment performance stays strong, MSME credit can scale responsibly; if not, we’ll see tighter lending and higher effective borrowing costs.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regent-mfb-crosses-n10bn-msme-lending-milestone/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23

  • Dangote Refinery Urges Nigerians to Reject Petrol Prices Above ₦739/Litre

    Dangote Refinery Urges Nigerians to Reject Petrol Prices Above ₦739/Litre

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    In a consumer advisory cited by The Punch, Dangote Petroleum Refinery is urging Nigerians to stop buying petrol above ₦739 per litre, arguing that locally refined PMS should reach end-users at a lower price through its retail channels.

    The refinery says the goal is to prevent “middlemen pricing” from swallowing announced reductions, especially in high-demand corridors where price spikes often persist even after depot adjustments.

    It also introduced a reporting mechanism aimed at naming and shaming stations that sell above the advised ceiling, presenting the effort as consumer protection and market discipline.

    If the call gains traction, it could intensify downstream competition—pushing marketers to either match the price band or clearly justify premiums linked to logistics and location.

    Validation: Vanguard quoted the refinery saying, “We encourage Nigerians to avoid buying PMS… at ₦739 per litre… Report any MRS station selling above ₦739.” Legit.ng similarly quoted: “We encourage Nigerians to avoid buying PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.”

    Echotitbits take: This is a stress test of Nigeria’s retail transparency. Watch whether enforcement is consumer-led (hotlines + publicity) or regulator-led (monitoring + penalties), and whether rural/remote pricing remains a loophole.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/stop-buying-petrol-above-n739-litre-dangote-tells-nigerians/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23

  • ICPC summons Dangote as petition over alleged $7m school-fees spending enters probe phase

    ICPC summons Dangote as petition over alleged $7m school-fees spending enters probe phase

    Photo Credit: The Nations
    2025-12-21 08:30:00

    In an update published by The Nation, the ICPC has invited Aliko Dangote in connection with his petition against the immediate past NMDPRA boss over allegations tied to public funds and overseas school fees.

    The report says the invitation is linked to preparations for a formal investigation panel, as the matter fuels debate about accountability in high-value regulatory offices.

    At the center is an allegation that more than $7 million was spent on children’s education abroad, prompting calls for a lifestyle and governance audit around the regulator.

    Premium Times confirmed Dangote “formally submitted a petition,” while ThisDay reported the petition “alleged that Ahmed spent over $7 million” on education-related expenses.

    Echotitbits take:
    High-profile petitions only matter if evidence is traceable. Watch for payment trails, asset declarations, and whether the probe expands into institutional controls that enabled the alleged spending.

    Source: The Nation — December 21, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/icpc-invites-dangote-over-7m-school-fees-claim-against-ex-nmdpra-boss/)
    The Nation 2025-12-21

  • Nigeria’s gas supply rises in November as regulator cites higher plant utilisation

    Nigeria’s gas supply rises in November as regulator cites higher plant utilisation

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-14 00:10:00

    According to The Punch, Nigeria’s average daily gas supply climbed to 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day in November 2025, up from October levels, based on operational data released by the NMDPRA.

    The regulator attributed the improvement to higher utilisation across major processing hubs and steadier volumes, including export supply from Nigeria LNG in Bonny.

    Rising gas supply can support power generation and industrial activity, but sustained gains will depend on infrastructure reliability and getting gas to priority domestic users.

    MoneyCentral reported the factsheet shows domestic gas supply “hit 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscf/day).” The Punch similarly stated the figure was “4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day” for November.

    Echotitbits take:
    The next test is whether higher volumes translate into better electricity and industrial output—not just export stability. Watch monthly NMDPRA data, NLNG feedgas stability, and any pipeline constraint updates.

    Source: The Punch — December 14, 2025 (https://punchng.com/gas-supply-improved-in-nov-says-nmdpra/)
    The Punch 2025-12-14

  • EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-21 00:40:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates the EFCC’s probe into alleged mismanagement of billions allocated to state refinery rehabilitation remains unresolved months after invitations and reported recoveries, with no suspects arraigned.

    The report says investigators are looking at how funds for Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries were spent without commensurate improvements in output, as civil society groups warn delays deepen perceptions of selective enforcement.

    In the piece, advocacy groups argue prolonged silence can weaken public confidence and create room for interference, while the economic cost of non-performing refineries remains a recurring policy sore point.

    BusinessDay reported the EFCC opened investigations into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation tied to refinery funds, describing it as “an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.” The Punch also quoted an anti-corruption advocate urging action, saying, “It baffles us that nothing has been heard from the EFCC after over six months.”

    Echotitbits take:
    The credibility marker is court action: charges filed, defendants named, and a clear recovery/prosecution track. Watch for any formal arraignments, asset recovery disclosures, and whether NNPCL’s governance reforms alter how such projects are procured and audited.

    Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-refinery-probe-drags-as-efcc-keeps-mum-on-suspects/)
    The Punch 2025-12-21

  • World Bank moves to unlock $500m credit boost for Nigeria’s MSMEs

    World Bank moves to unlock $500m credit boost for Nigeria’s MSMEs

    Photo Credit: Punch / World Bank
    2025-12-18 09:00:00

    According to The Punch, the World Bank is moving to support Nigeria’s micro, small and medium businesses with a $500 million financing package aimed at widening access to credit and strengthening inclusive finance.

    The facility is framed around improving lending channels that actually reach MSMEs, especially where high interest rates and collateral hurdles keep firms outside formal credit.

    Verification: The World Bank’s project documentation describes objectives to “increase access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises.” Business Insider Africa also reports an approved/advancing $500m package for MSMEs.

    Quotes: World Bank: “increase access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises…” (documents.worldbank.org). Business Insider Africa: “approved a $500 million loan to Nigeria…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: MSMEs don’t just need money—they need cheaper, reachable money with clear pipelines. Watch the implementing institutions, eligibility rules, pricing, and whether funds reach real producers rather than being trapped in intermediaries.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-18 — https://punchng.com/world-bank-set-to-approve-500m-loan-to-support-nigerian-msmes/

    The Punch 2025-12-18

  • FG pauses sachet-alcohol enforcement after political pushback

    FG pauses sachet-alcohol enforcement after political pushback

    Photo Credit: Punch / File
    2025-12-19 09:00:00

    Punch Newspapers reports that the Federal Government has directed a temporary pause on enforcement tied to the planned clampdown on sachet alcohol, pending a policy review.

    The suspension follows concerns around implementation timing, stakeholder impact and the need to align public-health objectives with market realities in the informal retail chain.

    Verification: Premium Times reports the OSGF intervened and suspended the proposed ban, while earlier Premium Times reporting notes NAFDAC had signalled full enforcement by December 2025.

    Quotes: Premium Times: “The Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has intervened…” Premium Times (earlier): “enforce a total ban… by December 2025.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s policy risk often shows up as hard announcements followed by soft landings. Watch for a clear phased roadmap (compliance + consumer protection) versus an indefinite pause that deepens uncertainty.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/fg-suspends-sachet-alcohol-ban-pending-review/

    The Punch 2025-12-19