Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Business

  • Tinubu taps Muliyat Oseni to lead NERC as power-sector regulation resets

    Tinubu taps Muliyat Oseni to lead NERC as power-sector regulation resets

    Photo Credit: Punch / State House
    2025-12-19 10:00:00

    In a report by The Punch, President Tinubu has appointed Dr. Muliyat Omolola Oseni as chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The change matters because NERC shapes tariffs, market rules, consumer protection and investor confidence—areas under pressure from service shortfalls and reform disputes.

    Verification: Premium Times and Vanguard also reported the appointment and the leadership change at the regulator.

    Quotes: Premium Times: “President Tinubu appoints new NERC chairman…” Vanguard: “Tinubu appoints Dr. Muliyat Oseni as NERC Chairman…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Appointments don’t fix electricity—execution does. Watch the first 90 days: metering acceleration, estimated billing controls, Disco performance enforcement, and transparent dispute resolution across the value chain.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/tinubu-appoints-oseni-nerc-chairman/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • FG grants two-year cushion as 149 pioneer-status firms transition to new tax regime

    FG grants two-year cushion as 149 pioneer-status firms transition to new tax regime

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
    2025-12-19 13:00:00

    As reported by The Punch, the Federal Government says 149 companies currently enjoying pioneer-status incentives will retain their tax holidays for at least two more years as Nigeria transitions to a new tax regime from January 2026.

    The decision is framed as a stability measure so firms approved under the old regime don’t face a sudden cliff-edge while a redesigned incentive framework takes effect.

    Verification: MSME Africa also reported the two-year cushion for existing beneficiaries, while KPMG’s tax note discusses the transition to the Economic Development Tax Incentive (EDTI) scheme effective January 1, 2026.

    Quotes: MSME Africa: “retain their tax holidays for at least two more years…” KPMG: “transition… takes effect January 1, 2026.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Incentives must be disciplined and outcome-based. Watch for transparency on beneficiaries/sectors, measurable investment and jobs delivered, and whether the new scheme reduces rent-seeking.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/149-firms-retain-tax-holidays-under-new-law-fg/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • PenCom extends pension-operator recapitalisation deadline to June 2027

    PenCom extends pension-operator recapitalisation deadline to June 2027

    Photo Credit: Punch / File
    2025-12-19 14:00:00

    The Punch reports that PenCom has extended the timeline for pension operators (PFAs and PFCs) to meet revised minimum capital requirements, moving the compliance deadline further out.

    The extension is positioned as giving operators time to align with stricter capital rules intended to strengthen stability and protect contributors’ assets.

    Verification: Nairametrics reported the revised deadline is 30 June 2027, and PenCom’s circular sets out the revised regulatory capital requirement framework.

    Quotes: Nairametrics: “deadline is now set for 30 June 2027…” PenCom circular: “minimum capital requirement…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Recapitalisation will likely trigger consolidation. Watch for M&A activity, enforcement consistency, and whether PenCom balances market discipline with systemic stability.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/pencom-shifts-pension-recapitalisation-deadline-to-june-2027/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • Heineken Powers Davido’s Abuja Show as Brands Battle for Detty December Dominance

    Heineken Powers Davido’s Abuja Show as Brands Battle for Detty December Dominance

    2025-12-18 08:00:00

    Pulse Nigeria reports that Heineken-powered branding took centre stage at Davido’s 5ive Alive Abuja stop at Eagle Square, drawing a large festive crowd.

    The report frames the night as a premium concert experience and part of a larger brand push during Detty December.

    Beyond the music, the event highlights how big brands are turning concerts into experiential marketing plays.

    Verification
    TheCable (news outlet): “Heineken powered Davido’s 5ive Alive Tour… held on December 14.”
    Zikoko (culture outlet): “a celebration of music, creativity, and the vibrant spirit of Christmas.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Detty December has become a structured business season where brands compete for cultural mindshare. Watch for more sponsor-led ‘tour experiences’ and Abuja’s growing role as a premium December destination.

    Source: Pulse Nigeria — 2025-12-18 — https://www.pulse.ng/story/a-night-to-remember-heineken-ignites-eagle-square-with-davidos-5ive-alive-tour-2025121812272306222

    Photo Credit: Pulse Nigeria
    2025-12-18

  • Netflix Signs Barstool Video-Podcast Deal, Signaling Bigger Play for Sports Talk Content

    Netflix Signs Barstool Video-Podcast Deal, Signaling Bigger Play for Sports Talk Content

    2025-12-17 08:00:00

    In Netflix Tudum’s announcement, the streamer says it will exclusively carry video versions of three major Barstool Sports podcasts starting in early 2026.

    Audio versions will remain available on regular podcast platforms, while Netflix becomes the premium home for the video experience.

    The move signals a deeper bet on sports conversation content alongside Netflix’s broader entertainment slate.

    Verification
    Dave Portnoy (statement via Tudum): “bring new audiences to each platform.”
    Netflix (Tudum): “unfiltered commentary… sharp takes… undeniable humor.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Sports talk is sticky community media; Netflix is chasing that retention. Watch for more creator-led sports partnerships and how this impacts the broader video-podcast business model.

    Source: Netflix Tudum — 2025-12-17 — https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/netflix-barstool-sports-video-podcast-partnership

    Photo Credit: Netflix Tudum
    2025-12-17

  • Regulators Exit as Dangote–NMDPRA Dispute Rattles Nigeria’s Fuel Market

    Regulators Exit as Dangote–NMDPRA Dispute Rattles Nigeria’s Fuel Market

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    According to Punch, Nigeria’s petroleum sector was jolted by the resignation of the heads of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), amid an escalating dispute tied to Dangote Refinery’s allegations and petition.

    The report says the resignations followed weeks of public tension over fuel import licensing, pricing dynamics, and regulatory oversight, with marketers warning that uncertainty could deepen the squeeze on downstream operators.

    Punch notes that Dangote’s petition to the ICPC alleging questionable wealth and conduct by the NMDPRA chief added pressure to an already heated standoff, even as government moved to nominate replacements for both agencies.

    ICPC, in a public notice, confirmed it had received “a formal petition” against the NMDPRA CEO and said “the petition will be duly investigated.” (ICPC)

    Reuters also reported the shake-up as a major signal to investors watching the refining and downstream market, quoting an energy lawyer who said the developments were not expected to “adversely affect investor confidence.” (Reuters)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A regulator shake-up in the middle of a pricing war raises fresh questions about policy consistency under the Petroleum Industry Act. Watch for what the Senate confirmation hearings reveal—especially on import licensing, market competition rules, and how government balances energy security with private refining ambitions.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/petrol-war-fallout-nmdpra-nuprc-bosses-resign-as-dangotes-petition-rocks-sector/)

    Photo credit: Punch

  • Private Capital Lines Up to Take Over and Toll Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1

    Private Capital Lines Up to Take Over and Toll Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    As reported by Punch, Nigeria’s Works Ministry says four investors have indicated interest in taking over Section 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway under a concession model that would allow tolling to recover costs.

    The report quotes officials as describing the arrangement as a public–private approach meant to reduce the fiscal burden on government while accelerating delivery of critical infrastructure.

    The concession discussion comes as the project faces sustained public debate on cost, transparency, and procurement—issues government insists it is addressing.

    Sahara Reporters quoted the minister saying, “about four different companies… want to pay 100% of what we have spent… and they would take it over and toll it.” (Sahara Reporters)

    Another report circulating the same remarks quoted Umahi: “There are about four companies that have indicated interest… take it over and toll it.” (BrandIconImage)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A toll-backed concession could unlock funding, but it also shifts the debate to affordability, route economics, and contract openness. Watch for the identity of bidders, the tolling framework, and whether an independent value-for-money review is published to calm public skepticism.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/four-investors-push-for-lagos-calabar-highway-concession/)

    Photo credit: Punch

  • NDIC and NIBSS Team Up to Speed Up Depositor Payments After Bank Failures

    NDIC and NIBSS Team Up to Speed Up Depositor Payments After Bank Failures

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    Punch reports that the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) have entered a partnership aimed at improving how depositors of failed banks are identified and paid.

    The report says the collaboration targets faster verification and cleaner payment processes, reducing delays that often frustrate depositors after bank liquidations.

    Officials are positioning the move as part of wider financial-system stability efforts, especially as digital identity and payment rails deepen across Nigeria.

    The Guardian reported that the NDIC–NIBSS collaboration is designed to make liquidation payouts more efficient and transparent. (Guardian Nigeria)

    NAN also reported the partnership and said it would strengthen processes for paying insured depositors of failed institutions. (NAN)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Faster payouts improve trust in the banking system and reduce panic during stress events. Watch whether NDIC publishes clearer payout timelines, integrates BVN/NIN-linked verification more deeply, and expands outreach so rural depositors can access claims easily.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/ndic-nibss-to-strengthen-failed-banks-depositor-payouts/)

    Photo credit: Daily Post Nigeria

  • Lekki Deep Sea Port Says It Has Reached 50% Operating Capacity as Cargo Volumes Rise

    Lekki Deep Sea Port Says It Has Reached 50% Operating Capacity as Cargo Volumes Rise

    Photo Credit: Punch

    2025-12-17

    In a report carried by *The Punch*, operators of the Lekki Deep Sea Port say the facility has hit about 50% operational capacity, citing improving cargo throughput and expanding shipping activity.

    The update suggests the port is steadily moving from ramp-up to maturity, a key milestone given expectations that Lekki will reduce congestion pressure on older Lagos ports and support Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

    Industry watchers also see the capacity marker as a signal for faster connectivity upgrades—road/rail evacuation, truck call-up efficiency, and customs processing speed will determine whether the port translates into lower logistics costs.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – S&P Global: “Port utilisation is improving as West Africa trade routes adjust and operators expand calls.”
    – Lloyd’s List: “Terminal productivity gains are beginning to show in cargo-handling metrics.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: 50% capacity is progress, not victory. The real test is evacuation and cost-to-clear. Watch for rail-link milestones, customs digitisation improvements, and whether shipping lines increase direct calls that reduce transshipment delays.

    Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/lekki-deep-seaport-hits-50-operational-capacity/)

  • UBA Rolls Out ₦100m Vehicle Financing Scheme to Support Lagos Ride-Hailing and Commercial Drivers

    UBA Rolls Out ₦100m Vehicle Financing Scheme to Support Lagos Ride-Hailing and Commercial Drivers

    Photo Credit: Punch

    2025-12-17

    As reported by *The Punch*, UBA has unveiled a ₦100 million vehicle support/financing scheme in Lagos aimed at helping qualifying drivers access vehicles under structured repayment terms.

    The programme is positioned as a mobility and financial inclusion play—lowering entry barriers for commercial drivers while giving the bank a scalable consumer-credit product tied to income-generating assets.

    For participants, the big variables are affordability (interest, fees, insurance), vehicle quality, and the clarity of default rules—issues that have derailed similar schemes in the past.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – BusinessDay: “Banks are expanding asset-backed lending as consumer credit demand grows.”
    – Nairametrics: “Driver-focused vehicle financing is returning as platforms seek more stable fleets.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: If the underwriting is data-driven (earnings history, telematics, repayments automation), this could be a model for MSME credit. Watch adoption rates, default performance, and whether other banks replicate it across other states.

    Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/drivers-benefit-from-ubas-100m-lagos-vehicle-scheme/)