Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: Government Policy

  • FG Announces National AI Centre of Excellence to Drive Homegrown Innovation

    FG Announces National AI Centre of Excellence to Drive Homegrown Innovation

    In a dispatch by Premium Times, the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy announced plans to establish Nigeria’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre of Excellence.

    The centre is expected to support research and practical AI applications in areas such as agriculture, healthcare and education, with a collaborative model involving academia and the private sector.

    Officials also spoke about funding support for startups building solutions tailored to Nigeria’s local needs, including language and productivity tools.

    **Echotitbits take:** This could be transformative—but only if the basics (power, connectivity, and stable funding) are handled. Watch for where the centre will be hosted, how grants are administered, and whether talent pipelines are built beyond Abuja and Lagos.
    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/fg-to-establish-ai-centre-at-unijos/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • EFCC Alleges Coordinated Media Campaign to Undermine Ongoing Investigations

    EFCC Alleges Coordinated Media Campaign to Undermine Ongoing Investigations

    Evidence compiled by Vanguard suggests the EFCC has raised an alarm over what it called a coordinated ‘campaign of calumny’ allegedly sponsored by suspects and other actors to discredit the agency and its leadership.

    The commission said the narratives are designed to frame investigations as politically motivated and to pressure the agency away from prosecutions and asset recovery efforts.

    EFCC officials urged the public to be cautious about unverified claims circulating online.

    **Echotitbits take:** Public smear campaigns often spike when investigations get close to sensitive targets. Watch for whether EFCC releases supporting details, and how institutions manage the balance between transparency and ongoing case integrity.
    Source: PmNews – https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2026/01/08/efcc-alleges-coordinated-smear-campaign-ahead-of-2027-elections/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: PmNews

  • FG Targets Solid Minerals Boom as Dele Alake Pushes New Mining Roadmap

    FG Targets Solid Minerals Boom as Dele Alake Pushes New Mining Roadmap

    A review by Leadership highlights Federal Government plans to reposition solid minerals as a major revenue driver, with Minister Dele Alake outlining reforms aimed at modernising mining governance and attracting large-scale investment.

    The roadmap prioritises boosting the sector’s GDP contribution, tightening regulation, and clamping down on illegal mining through stronger enforcement mechanisms.

    Officials have also discussed value-chain capture to ensure Nigeria benefits beyond raw extraction.

    **Echotitbits take:** The opportunity is huge, but enforcement and community relations will determine success. Watch for credible licensing transparency, environmental safeguards, and whether the proposed enforcement units are properly funded and accountable.
    Source: fmino – https://fmino.gov.ng/fg-plots-new-roadmap-for-solid-minerals-development/ 2026-01-08

    Photo Credit: fmino

  • Army chief vows to contain terrorism as calls grow for state policing and forest guards

    Army chief vows to contain terrorism as calls grow for state policing and forest guards

    In an update published by The Guardian Nigeria, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Army is committed to containing the terror threat while reviewing doctrine and training for 2026 operations.

    The remarks were delivered around the Army’s doctrine and training conference, framed as an annual reset to adapt to a more complex security environment.

    Alongside the military messaging, a public-policy think tank urged deeper reforms, arguing lasting results require reclaiming ungoverned spaces through state policing and institutional forest guards.

    The broader signal is that Abuja’s security conversation is moving beyond deployments to governance design—who polices what, how forests are secured, and how accountability is shared.

    Vanguard separately reported the COAS “promises enhanced security” during engagements in Niger State. ThisDay also carried the operational push, reporting the Army would “deploy more troops… to crush terrorist attacks.”

    Echotitbits take: The test is coordination—intelligence fusion, forest control, and prosecution pipelines. Watch whether state-level security structures gain clear legal backing or remain ad-hoc.

    Source: Punch – https://punchng.com/army-will-curb-terrorists-attacks-in-niger-nationwide-coas/ January 7, 2026
    Punch Nigeria January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Punch

  • Sokoto begins strict enforcement of monthly tax filing with penalties for defaulters

    Sokoto begins strict enforcement of monthly tax filing with penalties for defaulters

    Figures cited by Punch show Sokoto State’s revenue service is pushing full compliance on monthly tax filings for taxable persons starting January 2026, warning that penalties will apply for non-compliance.

    The policy is positioned as a compliance reset—bringing more individuals and businesses into regular filing, tightening documentation, and strengthening the state’s ability to plan and enforce revenue rules.

    The enforcement angle extends to public contracting, where tax registration is expected to become a more visible compliance gate for suppliers.

    For SMEs and informal operators, the practical issue is capacity: monthly filing needs simple processes and predictable treatment to avoid turning compliance into harassment.

    Punch also highlighted an enforcement detail that statutory bodies or companies awarding contracts to unregistered persons risk a “₦5 million” penalty. Another Punch recap echoed the state IRS announced “full enforcement of compulsory monthly tax filings.”

    Echotitbits take: This succeeds only if enforcement is paired with ease—online filing, helpdesks, clear templates, and dispute resolution. Watch whether the net broadens or the pressure just shifts to already-compliant taxpayers.

    Source: Punch – https://punchng.com/sokoto-irs-begins-enforcement-of-compulsory-monthly-tax-filings/  January 7, 2026
    Punch January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

  • Enugu sets N870bn IGR target for 2026 as agencies are told to ramp up collections

    Enugu sets N870bn IGR target for 2026 as agencies are told to ramp up collections

    In a report by ThisDay, Enugu Governor Peter Mbah set an N870 billion internally generated revenue target for 2026, urging MDAs to intensify revenue mobilisation amid global uncertainty.

    The target is positioned as a core funding pillar for the state’s programme, implying stronger compliance drives, more automation, and broader clarity on what qualifies as collectible revenue.

    The funding mix also points to the continuing role of FAAC allocations and capital receipts, but with IGR expected to carry a heavier share of budget ambition.

    If pursued aggressively, the tension will be balancing expansion of the tax net with maintaining a business-friendly environment that doesn’t choke SMEs and investment.

    The Guardian noted the governor’s funding mix includes “N870 billion IGR” alongside other streams, while The Sun also reported the same direction around the N870bn target tied to the 2026 budget framework.

    Echotitbits take: Enugu’s ambition is plausible only with digitised collections, fewer leakages, and clearer taxpayer services. Watch reforms in land administration, transport levies, and business licensing—the fastest IGR accelerators and the most abused if not controlled.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/mbah-urges-agencies-to-boost-revenue-meet-budget-target/ January 7, 2026
    The Punch  January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Federal Government Unveils Enhanced Measures to Combat Exam Fraud

    Federal Government Unveils Enhanced Measures to Combat Exam Fraud

    In an update published by The Nation, the Federal Government has introduced a suite of new measures designed to curb examination malpractices across the country. These include the rollout of unique identification numbers for all candidates sitting for WAEC and NECO examinations, as well as the integration of advanced biometric verification systems at all testing centers.

    The initiative aims to protect the integrity of the Nigerian education system, which has been under scrutiny due to the rise of ‘miracle centers’ and digital cheating methods. Education officials emphasized that these reforms are part of a broader digital transformation strategy intended to modernize the academic assessment process.

    The development was also validated by Daily Post and Tribune Online. Daily Post reported that ‘FG to roll out unique ID for WAEC, NECO candidates,’ while Tribune Online noted that ‘JAMB maintains no fee hike for 2026 UTME’ as part of the government’s effort to keep education accessible while tightening security.

    Echotitbits take: Curbing exam fraud is essential for the international credibility of Nigerian degrees. The unique ID system is a smart move toward a centralized education database. However, the real test will be whether the government can effectively monitor the rural centers where the most egregious malpractices usually occur.
    Source: TheWhistler – https://thewhistler.ng/fg-to-end-cheating-in-waec-neco-exams/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: TheWhistler

  • Peter Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Membership Surge and Political Realignment

    Peter Obi’s Move to ADC Sparks Membership Surge and Political Realignment

    According to Legit NG, the formal defection of former presidential candidate Peter Obi to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has triggered a massive wave of new memberships and a reshuffling of political alliances ahead of the 2027 cycle. The ADC National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, confirmed that the party has seen an influx of lawmakers and grassroots supporters since the announcement.

    The ‘Obi factor’ is expected to significantly alter the landscape of the opposition, as the ADC positions itself as a credible alternative to the PDP and APC. Political analysts suggest that this move could lead to a broader coalition of ‘third-force’ parties seeking to challenge the current administration’s grip on power.

    The story was also covered by Premium Times and The Punch. Premium Times reported on the ‘ADC ticket battle’ as other prominent figures begin to eye the party’s platform, while The Punch noted that ‘Obi’s formal defection boosted the party’s membership,’ quoting senior party officials on the strategic importance of the move.

    Echotitbits take: Peter Obi remains the most disruptive force in Nigerian politics. His move to the ADC suggests he is building a new structure early to avoid the last-minute logistics issues that hampered his 2023 run. The influx of lawmakers indicates that ‘Obidients’ are now focused on building legislative power alongside the presidency.
    Source: ThePunch – https://punchng.com/adc-membership-swells-after-obis-defection/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: ThePunch

  • Strategic Appointments Target Stability in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

    Strategic Appointments Target Stability in Nigeria’s Energy Sector

    According to The Punch, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated 21 individuals to the boards of the nation’s primary energy regulators, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). Leading the nominations is Senator Magnus Abe, who has been tapped as the NUPRC chairman, a move intended to bring political experience and technical oversight to the oil and gas sector.

    The President’s request for Senate confirmation emphasizes the need for a professional and transparent regulatory environment. By appointing seasoned figures like Adegbite Ebiowei Adeniji to lead the NMDPRA, the administration hopes to accelerate the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and attract significant foreign direct investment to the energy sector.

    Validation for these appointments was found in Leadership and ThisDay. Leadership confirmed that ‘Tinubu names Magnus Abe, 20 others to NUPRC, NMDPRA boards,’ while ThisDay highlighted that the President ‘seeks Senate’s swift confirmation’ to ensure there is no vacuum in the oversight of Nigeria’s most critical revenue-generating sector.

    Echotitbits take: These appointments are a clear signal that the government wants to move beyond the transition phase of the PIA. Magnus Abe’s appointment is particularly strategic, combining his previous experience on the NNPC board with his political clout. The immediate priority for these boards will be resolving the lingering bottlenecks in local refining and increasing crude output.
    Source: Guardian – https://guardian.ng/energy/macroeconomic-stability-will-increase-energy-sector-investment/ January 6 2026

    Photo Credit: Guardian