Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Business

  • FirstBank hits ₦500bn recapitalisation mark as market eyes the next wave of bank fundraising

    FirstBank hits ₦500bn recapitalisation mark as market eyes the next wave of bank fundraising

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    According to Punch, FirstBank says it has completed a ₦500 billion capital raise, positioning it to meet the CBN’s new minimum capital thresholds and to compete more aggressively in a tighter regulatory environment.

    The fundraising is being framed as a resilience move—strengthening buffers and supporting growth—while also sending a signalling effect to investors ahead of the broader recapitalisation race across the sector.

    Market watchers say the milestone could influence peers’ timelines and pricing, as more banks line up with rights issues, private placements and other instruments.

    Premium Times reports FirstBank “successfully completes ₦500bn capital raise,” noting the wider recapitalisation push and investor attention. The Sun similarly says the bank has “met the ₦500 billion minimum capital base required by the Central Bank of Nigeria,” highlighting the compliance angle.

    Echotitbits take: Completing early matters—capital raising gets tougher when several banks are in the market at once. Watch whether FirstBank’s move shifts competitive pressure to mid‑tier lenders, and whether pricing dynamics start to favour banks with stronger retail funding and clearer growth narratives.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/firstbank-completes-n500bn-capital-raise/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Ports on edge as shipping lines weigh new charges under Nigeria’s tax reforms

    Ports on edge as shipping lines weigh new charges under Nigeria’s tax reforms

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    In a report by Punch, freight forwarding groups say tension is rising at Nigeria’s ports as shipping lines consider higher freight-related charges following the rollout of new tax reforms from January 1, 2026.

    Industry operators warn that any sudden increase in port-related costs can ripple into inflation, import prices, and cargo diversion to neighbouring countries—especially at a time when businesses are still adapting to currency and cost pressures.

    Stakeholders are calling for clarity on how the new tax implementation applies across shipping, terminal logistics, and associated services, to avoid inconsistent billing and disputes.

    The Guardian reports that “increasing tariffs at this critical time will further escalate the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports” and could encourage cargo diversion. The Sun also reports a tariff-hike angle, noting the Shippers’ Council is set to review certain charges while approving an increase for shipping lines in early 2026.

    Echotitbits take: If port charges jump abruptly, consumers pay twice—at the checkout and through slower supply chains. Watch the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Customs for harmonised guidance, and whether freight forwarders push for phased implementation or explicit exemptions to prevent surprise billing.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/tax-reforms-spark-tension-as-shipping-lines-plan-hikes/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Marketers push for forensic probe into ₦11.35tn refinery rehab spending and funding trail

    Marketers push for forensic probe into ₦11.35tn refinery rehab spending and funding trail

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    Punch reports petroleum marketers are urging the federal government to open a forensic investigation into about ₦11.35 trillion reportedly spent on rehabilitation of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, arguing that the scale of spending demands public accounting.

    The call focuses on transparency: who approved what, which contracts were awarded, how funds were drawn, and what deliverables were actually achieved across Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna facilities.

    Marketers warn that continued opacity undermines public trust and makes future turnaround plans harder to finance credibly—especially as Nigeria still leans on imports and faces pricing volatility.

    Leadership reports marketers “seek investigation into ₦11.36trn spent on refineries,” calling for transparent tracking of borrowed and spent funds. A BusinessDay analysis notes the long-running nature of the claim and says Nigeria’s legislature previously alleged “N11.35 trillion… spent on the rehabilitation of the refineries” with little to show.

    Echotitbits take: This isn’t just a numbers fight—it’s about credibility for Nigeria’s energy transition and downstream pricing. If an audit happens, watch for contract disclosures, recovery actions, and whether future refinery policy leans more decisively toward privatisation or performance-based concessions.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/probe-n11-35tn-spent-on-refineries-marketers-tell-fg/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • ICRC urges Nigerians to stay hopeful as PPP approvals signal infrastructure momentum

    ICRC urges Nigerians to stay hopeful as PPP approvals signal infrastructure momentum

    2026-01-01 07:40:00
    In a statement reported by GazetteNGR, the ICRC director-general urged Nigerians to enter 2026 with renewed hope, stressing infrastructure delivery and PPP momentum.

    The message points to government approvals and structuring work around private-sector-led solutions as evidence of steps to reduce Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.

    In practice, the real question is whether projects become bankable and deliverable—where contract design, risk allocation and enforcement decide outcomes.

    Punch quoted the ICRC chief pointing to FEC approvals that provide “reassurance” about closing the gap via private-sector-led solutions.

    Trust Radio also reported he urged citizens to remain “hopeful and confident” that progress is steady.

    Echotitbits take:

    PPPs can transform delivery—or become rent channels. Watch for transparent procurement, clear user-fee/tariff logic, and credible dispute resolution to keep projects moving and socially acceptable.

    Source: GazetteNGR — January 1, 2026 (https://gazettengr.com/icrc-boss-urges-nigerians-to-embrace-hope-shared-responsibility-in-2026/)

    GazetteNGR 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: GazetteNGR

  • NCDMB launches innovation challenge, promises prizes and incubation for local solutions

    NCDMB launches innovation challenge, promises prizes and incubation for local solutions

    2026-01-01 07:45:00
    In an update published by Premium Times, the NCDMB kicked off the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge (2025/2026), inviting proposals from innovators, academia and suppliers.

    The initiative is positioned as a pipeline into NCDMB’s Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) in Yenagoa, linking innovation to practical industry problems and localisation priorities.

    If implemented well, the programme could deepen local content beyond procurement into prototypes, IP development and scalable industrial solutions.

    Punch also reported NCDMB said it would “award prizes” to Nigerians pursuing content research and technology solutions.

    Energy Focus Report similarly described the programme as an innovation challenge and noted it “promises awards.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The opportunity is real, but scale is the test. Watch for how many winners move from idea to prototype to pilot—and whether funding and offtake contracts follow quickly enough to prevent ‘event-only innovation.’

    Source: Premium Times — December 31, 2025 (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/promoted/846706-ncdmb-kickstarts-nigerian-content-research-innovation-tech-challenge.html)

    Premium Times 2025-12-31

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • NNPC stays in the black as price war pushes pump price under ₦800

    NNPC stays in the black as price war pushes pump price under ₦800

    2026-01-01 06:05:00
    According to Punch, NNPC Ltd reported ₦502bn profit after tax for November 2025, extending its profitability streak amid shifting market conditions.

    Reporting by the outlet indicates gas output and infrastructure availability supported performance, even as upstream volumes remained constrained.

    The same report linked the downstream “price war” to NNPC retail cuts that pushed PMS prices below ₦800/litre in some locations, intensifying competition.

    TheCable also reported the monthly performance, quoting the profit figure and noting output movement in November 2025.

    APA News similarly referenced the update and quoted language attributing results to improved gas production and stronger trading performance.

    Echotitbits take:

    If NNPC keeps pricing aggressively to defend market share, watch for tighter station supply cycles, margin compression across marketers, and renewed debate on how “deregulated” pricing should work when the biggest player also plays stabilizer.

    Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-posts-n502bn-profit-cuts-petrol-below-n800-litre/)

    The Punch 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nigeria targets deeper China cooperation in 2026 as officials pitch expanded partnership

    Nigeria targets deeper China cooperation in 2026 as officials pitch expanded partnership

    2026-01-01 06:25:00
    According to Punch, the Federal Government signalled plans to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with China in 2026.

    In an update published by the outlet, officials framed the relationship around cooperation that aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities and investment needs.

    The messaging highlights trade and infrastructure ambitions while keeping attention on debt terms, local content, and technology transfer.

    The Nation also reported the engagement theme and quoted officials emphasizing cooperation that supports Nigeria’s development priorities.

    Blueprint similarly referenced the 2026 outlook and highlighted language about new opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.

    Echotitbits take:

    The real story is contract quality. Watch which announced projects reach financial close, and whether Nigeria negotiates improved local value capture—jobs, skills, and export competitiveness—not just ribbon-cutting.

    Source: The Punch  — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/fg-china-to-deepen-diplomatic-relations-in-2026/)

    The Punch  2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Kwara passes harmonised taxes bill to curb multiple levies and boost collections

    Kwara passes harmonised taxes bill to curb multiple levies and boost collections

    2025-12-31 09:35:00

    Reporting by The Nation indicates the Kwara State House of Assembly has passed a harmonised taxes and levies bill aimed at streamlining revenue collection and reducing multiple taxation across the state.

    Lawmakers said the legislation is designed to clarify approved charges, cut leakages, and improve compliance for businesses and residents, with next steps focused on transmitting a clean copy for executive assent.

    The move aligns with broader sub‑national efforts to expand internally generated revenue while keeping the tax environment predictable for investors.

    New Telegraph reported the assembly “passes harmonised taxes, levies bill into law,” while Western Post also said lawmakers “pass Harmonised Taxes and Levies Bill into law.”

    Echotitbits take: Harmonisation only works if enforcement is disciplined—no parallel ‘task forces’ or informal collectors. Watch implementation rules, dispute‑resolution mechanisms, and how the state balances revenue goals with SME survival in 2026.

    Source: The Nation — December 31, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/kwara-assembly-passes-harmonised-taxes-levies-bill-into-law/)

    The Nation December 31, 2025

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Meta moves to acquire Manus as it races to build advanced AI agents

    Meta moves to acquire Manus as it races to build advanced AI agents

    2025-12-31 09:49:00

    According to PUNCH, Meta has reached a deal to buy Manus, a Chinese‑founded AI‑agent startup, as the tech giant intensifies its push into advanced autonomous agents and enterprise AI tools.

    The report said the acquisition is part of Meta’s broader strategy to accelerate product delivery in AI assistants, workflow automation and agentic systems that can execute tasks across apps and services.

    Industry watchers expect increased scrutiny around cross‑border tech deals and how Meta integrates Manus’ team and intellectual property into its AI roadmap.

    A Reuters video headline stated “Meta to buy Chinese-founded startup Manus to boost advanced AI,” while TechCrunch wrote “Meta just bought Manus, an AI startup everyone has been talking about.”

    Echotitbits take: The real value is likely talent and agent infrastructure. Watch for how quickly Meta ships ‘agent’ features into WhatsApp/Instagram products, and whether regulators flag data‑sovereignty issues.

    Source: Tribune — December 30, 2025 (https://tribune.com.pk/story/2584667/meta-buys-china-founded-ai-agent-manus?amp=1)

    Tribune December 30, 2025

    Photo Credit: Tribune