Geregu Power Plc Names Sean Manley as Interim Chief Executive Officer

By

-

January 30, 2026

Leadership reports that Geregu Power Plc appointed Sean Manley as Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective February 2, 2026.

The appointment is reportedly subject to approval by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Manley is described as having more than three decades of experience in the power sector, including work at Siemens on thermal power projects.

The Punch and ThisDay also covered the development, noting positive investor sentiment and expectations that his international experience could support technical partnerships and operational upgrades.

Echotitbits take: Interim CEO appointments usually signal a board prioritizing continuity and operational discipline while it searches for a permanent successor. For Geregu, the near-term market signal will be measurable improvements in availability, heat-rate performance, and maintenance execution—especially as power-sector reform pressures increase.

Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/companies/article/geregu-taps-siemens-energys-sean-manley-as-interim-ceo-to-spearhead-new-growth-strategy/ 2026-01-30

Photo Credit: BusinessDay

Inline1

Controversy Swirls Around Federal Government’s New Tax Reform Law

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 30, 2026

0

Vanguard reports that controversy is growing over the exact version of a tax reform law signed by President Bola Tinubu, with claims that the enacted document contains “differentials” from the version debated and passed by the National Assembly.

The reforms aim to simplify the tax code and improve collection efficiency, but some lawmakers and critics argue alleged discrepancies could impose undue burdens on small businesses and the middle class.

The Nation and Daily Trust also reported on the dispute, including claims of administrative discrepancies in the final draft and legislative concerns about possible alterations before presidential assent.

Echotitbits take: If the alleged differentials are material, implementation will face legal and political headwinds—potentially including injunctions and corporate challenges. The fastest de‑risking move is immediate publication of the clean legislative text trail (passed version vs assented version) and an agreed correction mechanism to preserve reform credibility.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/tax-laws-that-split-abuja-how-tinubus-reforms-sparked-governance-storm/ 2026-01-30

Photo Credit: The Punch

Inline1

Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in Plot Against Government

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 30, 2026

0

Premium Times reports that Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi was arrested over alleged involvement in a propaganda scheme linked to the foiled coup plot.

Investigators reportedly allege he was recruited to help manage public messaging after a planned assassination of top government officials, as part of a wider sweep of civilian collaborators.

Daily Post and Leadership also reported reactions, including calls for due process and concerns about the use of cultural influencers in political subversion.

Echotitbits take: This is a rare instance where a creative-industry figure is publicly tied to a treason-related investigation. It underscores how governments increasingly treat narrative control as a national-security vector. Expect heightened scrutiny of politically themed productions, funding flows, and influencer networks.

Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/ 2026-01-30

Photo Credit: BusinessDay

Inline1

NUPRC Opens Bidding for 50 New Oil Blocks to Boost Production

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 30, 2026

0

Channels TV reports that the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) opened the 2026 bidding round for 50 oil blocks as part of efforts to lift crude oil output and revenues.

The commission says it has lowered entry barriers to attract local and international independent players and has pledged transparency under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).

The Punch and Vanguard also highlighted the economic implications, including a focus on blocks with proven reserves and the investment rationale behind lowering barriers for capable operators.

Echotitbits take: After years of output pressure from divestments and operational disruptions, this bid round will be a credibility test. The decisive variable is security—oil theft and pipeline sabotage still distort project economics. Expect strong interest from indigenous operators and smaller international independents if the fiscal and security signals hold.

Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/nuprc-opens-50-oil-blocks-for-bidding-bars-weak-firms/ 2026-01-30

Photo Credit: The Punch

Inline1

Nigeria and United States Reinforce Strategic Trade and Investment Ties

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 30, 2026

0

The Guardian reports that Nigeria and the United States reaffirmed plans to deepen bilateral economic relations after a high-level Commercial and Investment Partnership meeting in Lagos.

Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, said the engagement is intended to streamline trade processes and attract sustainable U.S. capital into emerging sectors.

Discussions reportedly centered on agriculture, the digital economy, and manufacturing, with both sides looking to reduce trade barriers and improve investor confidence through policy consistency.

Channels TV and BusinessDay also covered the meeting, noting expectations of a more predictable operating environment for U.S. firms and potential FX benefits tied to stronger commercial flows.

Echotitbits take: The timing is strategic as Nigeria tries to diversify away from crude oil. The reported involvement of U.S. agriculture-linked stakeholders hints at food-security collaboration via technology transfer. Watch for follow-on instruments such as export incentives for non‑oil products and targeted investor protections.

Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/business-services/nigeria-u-s-remain-committed-to-economic-ties-says-oduwole/ 2026-01-30

Photo Credit: The Guardian

Inline1

Plot to Assassinate President Tinubu and Top Officials Uncovered

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 30, 2026

0

Premium Times reports (January 30, 2026) that a joint intelligence operation involving the Nigerian Army and the State Security Service (SSS) uncovered and disrupted an alleged plot aimed at overthrowing the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The alleged conspiracy, said to have taken shape in late 2025, reportedly targeted President Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker Tajudeen Abbas for assassination.

Investigations reportedly advanced after a military whistleblower raised an alarm about a planned strike during a major presidential outing, prompting the cancellation of some high-profile national events and a wave of arrests of alleged military and civilian collaborators.

ThisDay and The Nation also reported additional details, including claims of coordinated suspect activity and ongoing efforts to trace alleged financial sponsors.

Echotitbits take: This development highlights persistent friction within parts of the security architecture and political class. While disrupting the plot is a major security win, the administration will need to manage public perception of instability. Expect tighter surveillance in Abuja and possible reshuffling of mid-level military commands in the weeks ahead.

Source: Daily Trust – https://dailytrust.com/how-coup-to-topple-tinubu-was-uncovered-foiled/ 2026-01-30

Photo Credit: Daily Trust

Inline1

Buchi Criticizes Lagos Celebrities for ‘Embarrassing’ iShowSpeed Interactions

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 29, 2026

0

Comedian and social media critic Buchi has criticized several Lagos-based creators for their behavior during iShowSpeed’s recent Nigeria visit, calling it embarrassing.

He singled out viral moments involving Egungun and streamer Peller, arguing the public pursuit of attention reflects a lack of substance.

The backlash has triggered wider debate about clout-chasing, dignity, and the incentives of Nigeria’s fast-growing creator economy.

Echotitbits take: Buchi is playing the ‘grumpy uncle,’ but the critique lands for anyone tired of cringe optics. Still, in the attention economy, the viral creators got the outcome they wanted: global visibility. The argument is really about values, not views.

Source: Leadership News – https://leadership.ng/buchi-blasts-lagos-celebrities-for-seeking-us-streamer-ishowspeeds-attention-2/ 2026-01-23
Photo Credit: Leadership News

Inline1

Rihanna Celebrates 10-Year Anniversary of ‘Anti’ Album

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 29, 2026

0

Rihanna is marking a decade since the release of Anti, with the 2016 album reportedly hitting fresh RIAA milestones this week.

Fans have revived Anti-era favorites on TikTok and Instagram, while renewed anniversary attention has reignited speculation about her long-awaited next album.

The moment also highlights Rihanna’s evolution from pop star to cultural mogul, with Anti serving as the last full studio project before her major Fenty era expansion.

Echotitbits take: Anti aging this well is the definition of a classic. Rihanna has mastered scarcity as strategy: the music keeps streaming, the brand keeps growing, and fans keep begging—an ecosystem that still centers her even without new albums.

Source: People – https://people.com/rihanna-celebrates-10-year-anniversary-of-anti-11895086 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: People

Inline1

João Palhinha Dismisses Champions League Title Hype

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 29, 2026

0

Tottenham midfielder João Palhinha urged supporters to temper Champions League title talk after a 2-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt.

He emphasized that Spurs must focus on incremental progress and quickly translate European momentum into improved Premier League results.

Manager Thomas Frank has used tactical flexibility during an injury crisis, including deploying Palhinha in an improvised defensive role.

Echotitbits take: Tottenham’s season feels like a split-screen: shaky domestically, sharp in Europe. Palhinha’s realism matters—cups can’t mask league trouble forever. If Spurs don’t climb soon, the European glow won’t protect anyone when end-of-season decisions hit.

Source: Goal – https://www.goal.com/en-ng/lists/video-joao-palhinha-tottenham-overhead-kick-goal-bournemouth/bltd8cae055b0d4142b 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Goal

Inline1

Max Healthcare Liquidates Nigerian Subsidiary

By

B.O.B Echoload

-

January 29, 2026

0

Max Healthcare Institute Limited has initiated voluntary liquidation of its wholly-owned Nigerian subsidiary, MHC Global Healthcare (Nigeria) Limited.

Reports indicate the unit had zero revenue and a negative net worth as of March 2025, representing an immaterial portion of the group’s consolidated financials.

Analysts describe the move as a cleanup of non-performing assets, while also highlighting persistent challenges for foreign healthcare operators in Nigeria.

Echotitbits take: This reads like routine corporate housekeeping, but it’s also a signal: Nigeria’s market size doesn’t automatically translate to viable foreign operations. Regulatory friction, FX risk, and operating costs can neutralize demand—watch if more international firms quietly de-risk.

Source: Investy Wise – https://www.investywise.com/max-healthcare-voluntary-liquidation-of-subsidiary/ 2026-01-29
Photo Credit: Investy Wise

Inline1