Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Category: National

  • Ice Spice and NBA’s Michael Porter Jr spark dating talk after NYC sighting

    Ice Spice and NBA’s Michael Porter Jr spark dating talk after NYC sighting

    According to Page Six, Ice Spice and Brooklyn Nets player Michael Porter Jr were spotted together in NYC, fueling fresh dating rumors.

    Neither party has confirmed anything publicly, so the story remains in rumor territory for now.

    Independent checks:

    • Yahoo Entertainment: “fuel dating rumors…” — https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/
    • New York Post Entertainment: “obviously together” — https://nypost.com/entertainment/

    Sports-celebrity crossovers move fast from “night out” to “official couple” narratives. Until either camp confirms, treat this as gossip—and watch for repeat sightings, courtside appearances, or lyric references that turn rumor into pattern.

    Source: Page Six — 2026-01-06 — https://pagesix.com/2026/01/06/celebrity-news/ice-spice-and-brooklyn-nets-star-michael-porter-jr-fuel-dating-rumors-with-nyc-night-out/

    Source: Page Six 2026-01-06

    Photo Credit: Page Six

  • Lagos Police Officers Refund ₦2.2m After Alleged $2,000 USDT Extortion, Say Balance Was ‘Shared’

    Lagos Police Officers Refund ₦2.2m After Alleged $2,000 USDT Extortion, Say Balance Was ‘Shared’

    FIJ reports that officers attached to the Area H Police Command in Ogudu, Lagos State, allegedly stopped a couple travelling out of Lagos before 6am on December 18, 2025, seized the man’s phones, and took both husband and wife to the Ogudu Police Station.

    The report says the woman was made to sit outside while the man was taken in to write a statement without his lawyer present. FIJ further states the officers initially demanded $5,000 in USDT, but the couple—under duress—eventually paid $2,000 (about ₦3.33m) to a wallet address provided by the policemen, after which traces of the transfer were allegedly deleted.

    According to FIJ, a complaint was escalated to the Police Complaints Response Unit (CRU), leading the victims and a friend to return to the station on December 23 to identify the officers involved. FIJ says the officers later began refunding the money in parts after the case gained traction online, returning ₦2m first, then an additional ₦200,000—while reportedly asking to keep about ₦1m and return only ₦100,000 more because the funds had been shared among multiple officers.

    FIJ added that the officer contacted for comment, Olumide Jegede, said he could not speak on the matter at press time and asked the reporter to visit his office on Monday for follow-up.

    FIJ Photo Credit:
  • CBN warns bank recapitalisation could crowd out other capital-market fundraising

    CBN warns bank recapitalisation could crowd out other capital-market fundraising

    Reporting by Punch indicates the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is warning that the ongoing bank recapitalisation drive could tilt capital-market funding even more heavily toward banks, leaving other issuers struggling to attract investor attention.

    The concern is not that recapitalisation is unnecessary, but that liquidity could become concentrated in bank equity and related offers if multiple large fundraises hit the market around the same time.

    CBN’s outlook describes a generally bullish capital-market tone, but stresses that momentum can become fragile when one sector dominates deal flow, raising concentration risk.

    For corporates outside banking, the implication is tougher pricing and slower book-building if banks keep taking the front seat through 2026.

    Elsewhere, ThisDay quoted the apex bank warning the market could face “higher concentration risk” and that recapitalisation may “crowd-out other issuers.” Premium Times also noted the central bank’s caution that rising non-performing loans and concentration risks could weigh on growth outcomes.

    Echotitbits take: The sequencing of bank offers will matter. If multiple tier-1s fundraise in the same quarter, expect wider discounts and weaker demand for non-bank IPOs and bonds. Timing discipline and a deeper investor base are the pressure valves.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/companies/article/cbn-sees-capital-market-extending-bullish-streak-on-bank-recapitalisation/ January 7, 2026
    BusinessDay  January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • CBN projects faster growth and stronger reserves in 2026 as inflation eases

    CBN projects faster growth and stronger reserves in 2026 as inflation eases

    According to Premium Times, the CBN’s 2026 macro outlook projects faster economic expansion alongside further inflation moderation and stronger external buffers.

    The baseline assumes reform momentum continues—supporting business confidence, improving FX market credibility, and lifting investment planning if volatility stays contained.

    On prices, the outlook points to headline inflation easing further in 2026 as food and energy pressures cool and supply conditions improve, though risks remain from oil-output shocks and fiscal slippages.

    CBN also sketches a fiscal picture that still requires revenue reforms and expenditure discipline to avoid renewed macro stress.

    Vanguard reported the central bank forecast includes “a 4.49 per cent growth in GDP” and external reserves rising to “$51.04 billion.” Leadership similarly highlighted that CBN “forecasts $51bn external reserves in 2026.”

    Echotitbits take: This is cautious optimism, not a victory lap. Watch oil output, FX liquidity, and whether fiscal discipline holds—those will decide if the forecast becomes reality.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/846528-nigerian-economy-expected-to-grow-4-49-in-2026-inflation-to-ease-cbn.html December 30, 2025
    Premium Times December 30, 2025

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • 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

  • Troops arrest eight suspects tied to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing network

    Troops arrest eight suspects tied to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing network

    According to ThisDay, troops of Operation Hadin Kai arrested eight suspected terrorists linked to the suicide bombing at the Gamboru market mosque, describing the suspects as part of the network behind the attack.

    The report says two of those held are described as key facilitators, with the arrests following weeks of intelligence work and surveillance that led to targeted operations.

    Recovered items listed include cash, phones, IDs, ATM cards, and jewelry, with forensic examination expected to support ongoing investigations.

    The military says the suspects remain in custody for interrogation and intelligence extraction, with eventual handover for further investigation.

    BusinessDay also reported the Army “dismantled [a] suicide bombing network” tied to the Gamboru incident. Leadership echoed the same development, reporting troops “arrest 8 terrorists linked to Gamboru market mosque suicide bombing.”

    Echotitbits take: The key is prosecution quality. Track whether suspects are arraigned publicly and whether evidence handling and inter-agency coordination hold up in court.

    Source: ThisDayLive – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/07/troops-arrest-eight-terrorists-linked-to-gamboru-market-mosque-suicide-bombing/  January 7, 2026
    ThisDayLive January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: ThisDayLive

  • 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

  • AFRIMA names Falz and Liliane Maroune as hosts for 9th edition in Lagos

    AFRIMA names Falz and Liliane Maroune as hosts for 9th edition in Lagos

    As reported by The Guardian Nigeria, AFRIMA has unveiled Nigerian rapper/actor Falz and French-Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune as hosts of the 9th edition of the awards in Lagos.

    Organisers’ choice signals a deliberate blend of pop-culture reach and pan-African appeal—pairing a Nigerian headline act with a francophone media figure to widen audience reach.

    The announcement reinforces Lagos’ positioning as an African entertainment hub, with awards week typically driving tourism, creative-economy spending, and media visibility.

    Beyond hosting, expectations now shift to nominee lists, performance lineups, and sponsor activation as the event window approaches.

    Punch also confirmed the hosts were “officially unveiled” for the ninth edition. AFRIMA’s official handle likewise announced it had “unveiled its hosts for the 9th Edition.”

    Echotitbits take: Hosting is a branding decision. Watch for lineup reveals, sponsor activation, and whether production quality matches the “global broadcast” promise—AFRIMA’s credibility rises when staging, sound, and timing are world-class.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/art/afrima-unveils-falz-liliane-maroune-as-hosts-of-9th-edition/ January 7, 2026
    The Guardian Nigeria January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian Nigeria

  • Nigerian Books of Record inducts five diaspora Nigerians into its Hall of Fame

    Nigerian Books of Record inducts five diaspora Nigerians into its Hall of Fame

    In an update published by The Nation, the Nigerian Books of Record (NBR) inducted five eminent Nigerians in the diaspora into its Hall of Fame, citing long-standing leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s image abroad.

    The recognition is framed as documentation of national impact beyond borders—spotlighting philanthropy, professional excellence, and sustained ties to home despite residence overseas.

    The ceremony’s message is also aspirational: build a public archive that celebrates diaspora impact and nudges newer generations toward structured giving, mentoring, and institutional partnerships back home.

    Beyond the event, the value depends on evidence—clear impact records, published profiles, and transparency around selection criteria.

    Vanguard named the inductees and described their impact pillars, while Leadership also reported the honourees as “5 diaspora legends” welcomed into the Hall of Fame.

    Echotitbits take: This works best when it becomes a pipeline—connect honourees to youth mentorship, investment in institutions, and measurable community projects. Watch whether NBR publishes robust public dossiers beyond ceremony-day publicity.

    Source: Leadership – https://leadership.ng/nigerian-books-of-record-celebrates-5-diaspora-legends-with-hall-of-fame-entry/  January 7, 2026
    Leadership January 7, 2026

    Photo Credit: Leadership