Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Government Policy

  • 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

  • NELFUND says student loan disbursements top ₦154bn as beneficiaries near 789,000

    NELFUND says student loan disbursements top ₦154bn as beneficiaries near 789,000

    Photo Credit: Daily Post Nigeria
    2025-12-21 09:30:00

    Figures cited by The Nation show the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) says it has supported 788,947 students with disbursements of over ₦154 billion since the student loan scheme began.

    The update frames the programme as a major access-to-education intervention, pointing to high demand for tertiary education financing.

    The policy impact will be judged not only by approvals, but by how it affects dropout rates, fee defaults, and the financial stability of institutions.

    The Guardian reported NELFUND “has disbursed… ₦154,373,551,374.00” to 788,947 students, while ThisDay wrote the fund “disbursed more than N154 billion” to support the same beneficiary count.

    Echotitbits take:
    The next test is governance: publish clearer dashboards, tighten verification, and communicate repayment terms early. Watch also for how universities adjust fees once loan inflows become predictable.

    Source: The Nation — December 21, 2025 (https://dailypost.ng/2025/11/30/nelfund-records-1-19m-applicants-disburses-loan-to-788000-students/)
    The Nation 2025-12-21

  • Ogun suspends three environmental consultants after Ogijo lead pollution scrutiny

    Ogun suspends three environmental consultants after Ogijo lead pollution scrutiny

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 13:30:00

    From Ogun State’s environmental briefings reported by Punch, the government has suspended three environmental consultancy firms over alleged negligence linked to pollution concerns around closed used lead-acid battery recycling operations in Ogijo.

    Officials said a process audit review identified accountability lapses in how compliance was handled, and the suspension is part of wider efforts to strengthen oversight.

    The case has heightened public health concern because lead exposure is particularly dangerous for children and can cause long-term developmental harm.

    Channels Television reported Ogun “has suspended three environmental consultancy firms,” while The Guardian said the state acted over “professional negligence and culpability.”

    Echotitbits take:
    This is a test of whether Nigeria will enforce environmental accountability beyond factory owners. Watch for remediation steps, community health screening updates, and whether regulators tighten standards across similar industries.

    Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/ogun-suspends-env-consultancy-firms-over-pollution-allegations/)
    Punch 2025-12-20

  • APC fixes late-March 2026 convention date and releases congress timetable nationwide

    APC fixes late-March 2026 convention date and releases congress timetable nationwide

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 16:00:00

    As detailed by Punch, the APC has released a timetable for ward, local government, state and zonal congresses, culminating in its national convention scheduled for March 25–28, 2026.

    The schedule outlines e-registration, form sales, screening, appeals and delegate selection steps, positioning the party for internal elections and leadership refresh.

    With 2027 politics in view, the congress timeline will shape control of party structures and delegate lists, often determining which factions dominate.

    APC’s official channel posted a “TIMETABLE FOR NATIONWIDE CONGRESSES,” while Kemi Filani also reported the party “has published its schedule” ending with the March 2026 convention.

    Echotitbits take:
    Watch for disputes over delegate lists, court cases challenging congress outcomes, and how closely the party follows INEC-facing rules to avoid a legitimacy crisis after convention.

    Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/apc-fixes-march-2026-for-national-convention/)
    Punch 2025-12-20

  • Investigative report tracks Nigeria’s battery recycling crackdown after lead poisoning fears

    Investigative report tracks Nigeria’s battery recycling crackdown after lead poisoning fears

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-18 07:45:00

    Writing in The Examination (in collaboration with The New York Times), reporters say Nigerian authorities have begun documenting environmental and health damage tied to used lead-acid battery recycling amid scrutiny of lead exposure risks.

    The investigation places the issue in a global supply chain context, where recycled lead can reach international markets, raising questions about enforcement, exports and environmental justice.

    It highlights severe health risks—especially for children—and argues that cleanup and remediation often lag behind industrial activity.

    Premium Times reported Ogun ordered shutdowns of several ULAB recycling facilities, while The Examination/NYT collaboration said Nigeria has “begun cataloging the health and environmental damage” tied to such factories.

    Echotitbits take:
    This is bigger than one community: it tests Nigeria’s capacity to regulate high-risk industry inside a global value chain. Watch for independent lab results, traceability demands from buyers, and sustained monitoring.

    Source: The Examination — December 18, 2025 (https://www.theexamination.org/articles/nigeria-closes-battery-recycling-factories-after-lead-poisoning)
    The Examination 2025-12-18

  • FIRS Abuja office fire contained as agency begins investigation

    FIRS Abuja office fire contained as agency begins investigation

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-21 00:05:00

    According to The Punch, a fire incident affected one of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) offices in Wuse, Abuja, with officials saying there were no fatalities and the blaze was contained.

    FIRS said security personnel on duty responded quickly, supported by the FCT Fire Service and other emergency responders, preventing the flames from spreading to other parts of the building.

    The agency added that while some offices on the impacted floor were damaged, work to review safety protocols is underway as investigators determine what caused the outbreak.

    TheCable also reported the fire was contained and quoted FIRS’ statement that “no life was lost in the incident.” In a separate update, Punch quoted the agency saying preliminary findings point to “a possible electrical fault” as the likely cause.

    Echotitbits take:
    Even without casualties, any disruption at a key revenue agency invites scrutiny. Watch for an official incident report, confirmation of what infrastructure or records were affected, and any new safety measures rolled out across other FIRS locations.

    Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/firs-probes-abuja-office-fire/)
    The Punch 2025-12-21

  • Presidency dismisses calls to pause new tax reforms as political backlash grows

    Presidency dismisses calls to pause new tax reforms as political backlash grows

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-18 05:55:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates the Presidency has rejected demands to suspend Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws, insisting implementation will proceed from January 1, 2026.

    Officials argue the reforms are meant to simplify compliance, reduce overlapping taxes, and modernise revenue collection. Critics, however, warn the changes could worsen hardship if rollout is rushed or unclear.

    The debate has intensified amid claims by some lawmakers that the gazetted copies differ from what the National Assembly approved—an allegation that could raise legal questions and slow compliance.

    Premium Times reported Speaker Tajudeen Abbas announced an ad hoc committee, stating, “I’m happy to announce to you that the following members have been appointed to the committee.” Vanguard also quoted a lawmaker complaining, “I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different.”

    Echotitbits take:
    The policy risk is less about headlines and more about trust: investors and taxpayers need certainty on the final text. Watch for certified copies, a clear implementation guide, and whether the legislature confirms (or disputes) the gazetted versions before take-off.

    Source: The Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fresh-storm-brews-over-new-tax-law/)
    The Punch 2025-12-18

  • Reps set up committee to verify alleged changes in Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws

    Reps set up committee to verify alleged changes in Nigeria’s gazetted tax laws

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-18 10:00:00

    In an update published by Vanguard, Nigeria’s House of Representatives has constituted a seven-member ad hoc committee to examine allegations that gazetted tax laws differ from versions passed by lawmakers.

    The House says the issue goes to legislative integrity and public confidence, since agencies and taxpayers rely on gazetted texts for implementation and compliance.

    Committee members are expected to review records including Votes and Proceedings, harmonised versions adopted by both chambers, and the gazetted copies now in circulation.

    Premium Times reported the House was reacting to claims the gazetted laws “did not reflect what the National Assembly debated and approved.” Vanguard quoted the lawmaker who raised the issue saying, “I was here, I gave my vote and it was counted, and I am seeing something completely different.”

    Echotitbits take:
    If the committee confirms discrepancies, expect calls for corrections before full implementation to avoid litigation and compliance confusion. Watch for the committee’s report, any official certified copies, and whether timelines for rollout shift.

    Source: Vanguard — December 18, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/reps-constitute-committee-to-probe-alleged-alterations-in-tax-laws/)
    Vanguard 2025-12-18

  • 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

  • US immigration freeze hits Nigerians as new travel-ban list expands to 19 countries

    US immigration freeze hits Nigerians as new travel-ban list expands to 19 countries

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons — Flag of the United States
    2025-12-20 11:10:00

    In a report published by The Punch, a US official said the Trump administration has directed USCIS to suspend green card and citizenship applications for nationals of newly added countries on an expanded travel-ban list, including Nigeria.

    The development is tied to a security-driven review of screening and vetting, with affected applicants facing uncertainty over processing timelines and eligibility across immigration categories.

    For Nigerian families, students and professionals, the immediate impact is a backlog effect—cases already in the pipeline may slow as adjudications are paused or subjected to heightened scrutiny.

    NPR reported USCIS would pause reviewing pending applications for green cards, citizenship, or asylum for immigrants from the listed countries, noting it “would pause reviewing all pending applications.” Reuters also reported the policy shift as part of a broader tightening, describing it as a “pause” tied to national security screening.

    Echotitbits take:
    Diaspora communities should expect rapidly evolving guidance. Watch for official USCIS notices, legal challenges, and any changes to country lists or categories—plus what US consulates communicate about downstream impacts.

    Source: The Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/full-list-us-stops-nigerians-others-from-applying-for-green-card-citizenship/)
    The Punch 2025-12-20