Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Business

  • Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

    Air Peace CEO says 49 bird strikes hit operations as airline pushes back on regulators

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Figures cited by Punch show Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema says the airline recorded 49 bird strikes in 2025, describing the incidents as a costly operational hazard that can ground aircraft and disrupt schedules.

    In related appearances, Onyema also complained about what he sees as disproportionate pressure on local carriers, citing taxes, compliance costs and agency actions as compounding the burden.

    ARISE News reported the comments, stressing that bird strikes can trigger maintenance downtime and cascading delays, especially when spare parts and replacement aircraft are limited.

    The disagreement adds to public debate over airfares, consumer protection scrutiny and the balance between safety enforcement and airline viability.

    ARISE quoted Onyema: “Air Peace has had 49 bird strikes…,” while Punch reported he said the strikes caused “serious operational setbacks.”

    Echotitbits take: Bird strikes are real, but passengers will ask what mitigation looks like—airport wildlife control, runway management and transparent incident reporting. Watch for FAAN/NCAA data disclosures and joint industry safety steps.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/air-peace-recorded-49-bird-strikes-in-2025-allen-onyema/#google_vignette – December 29, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • FirstBank rolls out 500-seat premium viewing stand for Carnival Calabar

    FirstBank rolls out 500-seat premium viewing stand for Carnival Calabar

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    According to Punch, FirstBank says it built a 500-capacity premium bleacher to improve spectator comfort and safety at Carnival Calabar 2025, framing it as part of its long-running support for arts and culture.

    The project blends branding with tourism economics: a better viewing experience can help the festival attract higher-value visitors, sponsors and media coverage.

    The Guardian also reported the development, describing the facility as a first-of-its-kind private premium bleacher introduced for the carnival.

    Organisers and sponsors are pitching the stand as private-sector infrastructure support for one of Nigeria’s most visible cultural tourism events.

    The Guardian quoted FirstBank: “We are introducing the first-ever private 500-seater premium bleacher…,” while Punch said the stand was designed to offer “comfort, safety” and a better viewing experience.

    Echotitbits take: Sponsorship is good, but the long-term win is tourism receipts—hotel occupancy, small business sales and repeat visits. Watch for post-event economic impact numbers and whether other corporates replicate infrastructure-style sponsorships.

    Source: Independent — https://independent.ng/firstbank-introduces-exclusive-500-seater-bleacher-at-carnival-calabar-festival-2025/ – December 29, 2025
    Independent 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: Independent

  • NIRSAL highlights wider 2013–2025 impact: ₦290bn+ finance facilitated and jobs claims

    NIRSAL highlights wider 2013–2025 impact: ₦290bn+ finance facilitated and jobs claims

    2025-12-28 09:00:00
    Figures cited by The Nation show NIRSAL says it facilitated over ₦290bn in finance between 2013 and 2025 across production, processing, logistics, market development and exports, alongside job and beneficiary impact claims.

    NIRSAL positions its role as facilitation rather than direct lending—using risk-sharing, guarantees and technical assistance to help banks and partners extend credit to agribusiness segments seen as too risky.

    The narrative is reinforced in NIRSAL’s communications, where it frames credit guarantees as a mechanism that expands partner financial institutions’ appetite for agriculture lending.

    Set against Nigeria’s food-security pressures, the big question is whether the cumulative numbers translate to measurable productivity gains or mainly reflect credit intermediation and programme counting.

    The Nation reported NIRSAL “has facilitated more than N290 billion” in finance, while NIRSAL communications said it was “closing 2025… with… credit guarantees for over N100 billion” in agriculture and agribusiness.

    Echotitbits take: Impact claims need independent verification. Watch for audited portfolio outcomes, borrower performance data and state-by-state breakdowns—especially default rates and whether credit reached smallholders or stayed concentrated in large firms.

    Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/nirsal-facilitates-over-n100bn-in-2025-drives-159-jobs/ — December 28, 2025
    The Nation 2025-12-28

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Punch reports that electricity distribution companies have commenced rollout plans for about 700,000 prepaid meters, amid intensified pressure from the regulator to close Nigeria’s metering gap and reduce estimated billing.

    Related coverage flags a major operational wrinkle: STS token migration, with many existing meters still needing upgrades to remain compatible, which could complicate customer experience even as new units are deployed.

    The programme’s credibility will be judged on installations completed, activation speed, and how quickly customer disputes over billing reduce in real terms.

    TheCable quotes NERC’s Musiliu Oseni warning, “If your network is not ready to accept the new meters, don’t bring them,” while ThisDay notes “over 350,000 meters are yet to be migrated to the new Standard Transfer Specification (STS).”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering fight is now about execution—warehouse to wall. Watch who gets first (Band A vs others), how fast meters are activated, and whether dispute resolution is responsive when timelines slip.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regulator-pressure-discos-roll-out-700000-free-meters/)
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • MWUN warns ports employers: casualisation is ‘industrial manipulation’ hurting workers

    MWUN warns ports employers: casualisation is ‘industrial manipulation’ hurting workers

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN) renewed its opposition to casualisation in ports and related maritime operations, warning that the practice erodes permanent employment and basic worker protections.

    Union officials argue that short-term contracting and non-standard employment reduce welfare, depress wages, and weaken safety compliance across high-risk port environments.

    MWUN urged regulators and employers to align labour practices with local and international decent-work standards.

    PUNCH quoted MWUN’s leadership saying, “The union must act fast to stop this ugly trend.”

    Echotitbits take: Ports productivity and labour stability go together. Watch for whether regulators push enforceable standards—especially around contract duration, safety training, and union access.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/maritime-workers-kick-against-casualisation/)

    The Punch December 28, 2025
    https://punchng.com/maritime-workers-kick-against-casualisation/

  • Port Harcourt refinery stays offline, but diesel evacuation continues — regulator

    Port Harcourt refinery stays offline, but diesel evacuation continues — regulator

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    In an update published by Punch, Nigeria’s downstream regulator said the Port Harcourt refinery remains shut but diesel (automotive gas oil) has continued entering the market via evacuations.

    The report attributes the ongoing diesel movement to regulator data, even as the facility remains under maintenance following a shutdown announced earlier in 2025.

    A DailyReport.ng write‑up stated “NMDPRA confirms 349,000 litres of AGO supplied daily,” while TheCable previously reported NNPC would shut the Port Harcourt Refining Company “for maintenance,” underscoring the continued stop‑start nature of domestic refining.

    Echotitbits take: This is a trust and transparency problem. If product evacuation is from existing stock, the public needs clear reporting on inventory, throughput, and maintenance milestones. Watch for NMDPRA’s daily/weekly supply dashboards and NNPC’s turnaround timelines.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/port-harcourt-refinery-supplies-diesel-while-shut-nmdpra/)

    The Punch 2025-12-28

  • Ground-handling mishap dents new Air Peace aircraft, sparking delays and calls for accountability

    Ground-handling mishap dents new Air Peace aircraft, sparking delays and calls for accountability

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-27 07:01:00

    Reporting by The Nation indicates a ground-handling incident at the Lagos airport damaged a newly inducted Air Peace aircraft, forcing operational disruptions and knock-on delays for passengers.

    The incident involved ground equipment contacting the aircraft while passengers were already boarded, with the airline stressing that modern engine-area repairs can be extremely costly and time-consuming.

    Air Peace’s position is that such disruptions are not only a service failure to customers, but also a financial burden—especially when damage affects sensitive aircraft components and schedules across multiple routes.

    The episode adds to recurring tension in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem: airlines want stricter accountability for handlers, while regulators face pressure to enforce safety and compensation standards.

    Punch corroborated the development, reporting that a “ground handling vehicle damaged a new Air Peace aircraft,” while Air Peace spokesman Mike Achimugu said, “a ground handler’s conveyor belt hit the aircraft, causing damage.”

    Echotitbits take:
    Expect sharper scrutiny of handler competence, equipment condition, and ramp safety rules at major airports. What to watch next: whether the responsible handler faces penalties, and whether Air Peace pursues claims that set a stronger precedent for industry liability.

    Source: The Nation — December 26, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/ground-handling-equipment-damages-air-peaces-new-aircraft/)
    The Nation December 26, 2025

  • Lagos APC launches January e‑registration drive as digital membership battles begin

    Lagos APC launches January e‑registration drive as digital membership battles begin

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-27 07:02:00

    In an update published by Punch, the Lagos State chapter of the APC announced it will begin electronic registration and revalidation of members in early January 2026 as part of its organisational tightening ahead of upcoming political cycles.

    Party officials say the exercise will run across all wards to capture both existing members and new entrants, with the aim of creating a cleaner, more credible membership database.

    The Lagos chapter also framed the move as a governance-and-election readiness step—strengthening internal mobilisation, membership auditing, and on-ground structures.

    With Lagos often serving as a national political barometer, the process could influence how other states roll out digital membership systems and internal party reforms.

    Nigerian Tribune separately reported the plan, stating the party would commence e-registration “beginning January 5, 2026,” while an APC Southwest training update said it “launched its Southwest e-registration train the trainers program.”

    Echotitbits take:
    This is less about tech and more about power: whoever controls verified membership often controls primaries and delegate structures. Watch whether the process becomes transparent (audit trails, appeals, independent verification) or turns into factional contest.

    Source: The Punch — December 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/lagos-apc-begins-e-registration-january-2026/?utm_medium=web&utm_source=auto-read-also)
    The Punch December 26, 2025

  • Sanwo‑Olu unveils Eyo Monument in Onikan as Lagos pushes heritage tourism

    Sanwo‑Olu unveils Eyo Monument in Onikan as Lagos pushes heritage tourism

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-27 07:04:00

    As reported by Punch, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu commissioned a new Eyo Monument at the John Randle Centre in Onikan, positioning it as a cultural landmark meant to strengthen Lagos’ tourism appeal and heritage branding.

    The unveiling comes alongside renewed festival momentum on Lagos Island, with the state signalling that heritage assets can drive visitor traffic, local commerce, and destination marketing.

    Officials describe the monument as both educational and economic—showcasing Yoruba history while also functioning as a photo-magnet attraction for residents and tourists.

    The move fits Lagos’ broader strategy of converting culture into structured tourism revenue, especially through festivals, museums, and curated public art.

    In a post documenting the unveiling, Sanwo‑Olu described the statue as the “tallest Eyo statue ever created,” while Travel and Tour World reported Lagos unveiled a “towering Eyo Monument” to elevate cultural tourism.

    Echotitbits take:
    Lagos is building a heritage-corridor playbook—art, festivals, traffic control, and media packaging. Watch next for crowd management, year-round programming, safety, and whether tourism monetisation becomes systematic rather than seasonal.

    Source: The Punch — December 26, 2025 (https://punchng.com/sanwo-olu-unveils-eyo-monument-to-boost-lagos-tourism/)
    The Punch December 26, 2025