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  • FIRS pushes back on sovereignty fears over France tax cooperation MoU

    FIRS pushes back on sovereignty fears over France tax cooperation MoU

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) said a tax-cooperation MoU with France does not compromise Nigeria’s tax sovereignty amid public debate and calls from some groups to terminate the arrangement.

    The report says FIRS framed the agreement as technical cooperation and capacity support, rather than any transfer of authority over Nigeria’s tax administration.

    Punch notes the controversy underscores rising sensitivity around external partnerships as Nigeria pursues broader revenue and tax reforms.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Cross-border tax cooperation can improve enforcement against profit shifting and illicit flows, but trust and transparency are essential. Watch for publication of key MoU terms, parliamentary oversight, and how FIRS explains safeguards on taxpayer data and jurisdiction.

    Source: Business Insider Africa — December 2025

    Business Insider Africa https://africa.businessinsider.com/local/lifestyle/nigeria-signs-tax-data-mou-with-france-raising-sovereignty-concerns/db2qdg7 December 2025

  • NEPZA asks for 10-year transition window as Nigeria tightens tax incentives for SEZs

    NEPZA asks for 10-year transition window as Nigeria tightens tax incentives for SEZs

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) urged the Federal Government to grant a 10‑year tax relief/transition period for operators in Special Economic Zones to protect investor confidence as a new tax act approaches implementation.

    Punch reports NEPZA warned that abrupt changes to incentives could disrupt long-term business plans for manufacturers, logistics hubs and exporters that invested under existing free-zone frameworks.

    The agency’s position, the report adds, is that predictable incentives remain central to global free-zone models and help Nigeria compete for investment.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: The policy trade-off is between widening the tax base and keeping Nigeria’s SEZ proposition competitive. Watch how the new tax act treats legacy incentives, whether a phased approach is adopted, and the response from manufacturers and export-oriented investors.

    Source: The Punch — December 6, 2025

    Photo credit/source: The Punch

    The Punch https://punchng.com/tax-reform-nepza-seeks-10-year-tax-relief-for-investors/ December 6, 2025

  • Champion Breweries opens ₦15.91bn rights issue to fund Bullet brand expansion push

    Champion Breweries opens ₦15.91bn rights issue to fund Bullet brand expansion push

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, Champion Breweries opened a ₦15.91bn rights issue to eligible shareholders as part of a wider capital-raising programme tied to acquisition and expansion plans.

    Punch reports the offer involves 994,221,766 ordinary shares priced at ₦16 per share, with proceeds expected to support the strategic acquisition of the Bullet brand and strengthen its growth agenda.

    The company’s fundraising plan, the report notes, also envisages a public offer to follow after the rights issue.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Rights issues can dilute or strengthen depending on execution and use of proceeds. Watch subscription levels, timelines for the Bullet acquisition close, and whether the subsequent public offer improves liquidity and free-float on NGX.

    Source: THISDAYLIVE — November 26, 2025

    THISDAYLIVE https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/11/26/champion-breweries-commences-n15-91bn-rights-issue-to-strengthen-expansion-strategy/ November 26, 2025

  • Nigeria posts ₦6.69tr Q3 trade surplus as exports stay ahead of imports

    Nigeria posts ₦6.69tr Q3 trade surplus as exports stay ahead of imports

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, Nigeria recorded a ₦6.69 trillion trade surplus in Q3 2025, with exports of about ₦22.81tn outweighing imports of about ₦16.12tn, continuing a run of positive trade balances.

    Punch quotes analysts attributing the performance to FX-market reforms, liberalisation and currency adjustments that improved export competitiveness while making some imports more costly.

    The report notes crude oil remained the dominant export, while stakeholders called for policy consistency and deeper non-oil export expansion to sustain gains.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A sustained surplus can ease external financing pressure, but it matters what’s driving it—higher export value-add or simply weaker import demand. Watch non-oil export momentum, crude output stability, and how FX policy affects manufacturers’ input costs.

    Source: The Guardian Nigeria News — December 12, 2025

    Photo credit/source: The Guardian Nigeria News

    The Guardian Nigeria News https://guardian.ng/business-services/nigeria-records-trade-surplus-of-n6-9tr-in-q2-2024-nbs/ December 12, 2025

  • Dangote partners move to N739/litre petrol as price-cut campaign widens

    Dangote partners move to N739/litre petrol as price-cut campaign widens

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, partners of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery including MRS are set to begin retailing petrol around ₦739 per litre, following a reduction in the refinery’s ex-depot price and renewed pressure to reflect lower costs at the pump.

    The report says Aliko Dangote argued that some outlets keep prices elevated even after gantry cuts, and that the refinery will push supply and enforcement—starting with partner stations—to make the new pricing regime visible to consumers.

    Punch also reports Dangote raised concerns about the issuance of import licences and warned that continued large-scale imports could undercut local refining investments, especially as refineries scale output into 2026.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: If the pump price resets stick, it will test how quickly pricing transmits from depot to retail and how regulators manage imports versus local supply. Watch for independent marketers’ adoption rate, regional pricing gaps, and any policy moves on import licences or crude allocation.

    Source: The Punch — December 15, 2025

    The Punch https://punchng.com/dangote-names-n739-as-new-petrol-pump-price/ December 15, 2025

  • Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson Go Viral Again as New TikTok Clip Drowns Out Breakup Talk

    Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson Go Viral Again as New TikTok Clip Drowns Out Breakup Talk

    Getty / TikTok (composite, via TMZ)
    2025-12-13 09:00:00

    According to TMZ, Megan Thee Stallion and Klay Thompson posted a playful TikTok-style clip that quickly spread across socials, with fans treating it as a direct response to circulating breakup chatter.

    The video itself is light, flirty and very “internet couple” coded—exactly the kind of content that can reset a narrative in real time when rumors start trending.

    The Shade Room described the moment, writing: “Fans went UP after Megan Thee Stallion dropped a video from their fun styling session.”

    Times of India added that in the clip, Megan refers to Klay as “the love of my life,” as speculation cooled.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a reminder that in the social era, couples can “address” rumors without statements—one viral post can do the job. Still, treat breakup claims cautiously unless confirmed by the people involved or a credible on-record source.

    Source: TMZ — Dec 13, 2025 — https://www.tmz.com/2025/12/13/megan-thee-stallion-twerks-klay-thompson-video/

  • TikTok Crowns KATSEYE Its Global Artist of 2025 as Year-End Music Rankings Drop

    TikTok Crowns KATSEYE Its Global Artist of 2025 as Year-End Music Rankings Drop

    Photo credit: TikTok Newsroom (recap page)
    2025-12-09 09:00:00

    According to Billboard, KATSEYE has been named TikTok’s Global Artist of the Year for 2025, putting the group at the center of the platform’s year-end music conversation.

    The recognition comes as TikTok’s recap highlighted how viral moments increasingly correlate with broader chart and streaming performance, especially for emerging acts.

    TikTok’s Newsroom recap stated: “KATSEYE is TikTok’s Global Artist of the Year.”

    Forbes also reported the headline, noting: “Katseye is TikTok’s Top Artist of 2025…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: TikTok’s year-end lists are becoming a marketing instrument—almost like an award slate. Watch for how KATSEYE capitalizes next (tour dates, brand partnerships, major collaborations) and which artists try to replicate that TikTok-to-mainstream pipeline in 2026.

    Source: Billboard — Dec 09, 2025 — https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/tiktok-katseye-global-artist-2025-1236132159/

  • TikTok’s ‘Singing Barber’ Shares How a DM Led to a Randy Travis Collab and Viral Buzz

    TikTok’s ‘Singing Barber’ Shares How a DM Led to a Randy Travis Collab and Viral Buzz

    Noah Peters/TikTok (via PEOPLE)
    2025-12-12 09:00:00

    According to PEOPLE, creator Noah Peters—popularly known as “The Singing Barber”—said a direct message to country legend Randy Travis helped spark one of his most memorable, shareable moments online.

    Peters explained how his haircuts-plus-harmonies format grew into a large following, with celebrity interactions acting as accelerators for reach and community impact.

    Randy Travis’ official page posted: “Thanks again to Noah Peters for making this a moment to remember…”

    A CountrySongs.org clip noted: “Peter said he sent a direct message to Randy Travis which led to a barbershop singing moment shared on social media.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is the new celebrity-collab pipeline: DM, create a quick clip, let the algorithm carry it. Watch for more artists leaning into short, authentic collabs that feel “earned” rather than heavily produced.

    Source: PEOPLE — Dec 12, 2025 — https://people.com/tiktok-star-the-singing-barber-reveals-most-exciting-celeb-collab-exclusive-11863216

  • Brooke Monk Opens Up After TikTok Awards Nomination Puts Her in Creator-of-the-Year Conversation

    Brooke Monk Opens Up After TikTok Awards Nomination Puts Her in Creator-of-the-Year Conversation

    Courtesy of Brooke Monk (via PEOPLE)
    2025-12-10 09:00:00

    According to PEOPLE, TikTok star Brooke Monk is processing a new level of mainstream attention after landing a Creator of the Year nomination at the inaugural U.S. TikTok Awards.

    In the interview, she traced her rise from strict early phone rules to rapid growth online, framing the nomination as a milestone for creators who built careers through short-form content.

    TikTok’s nominees post announced: “Here are your nominees for the Creator of the Year… at the 2025 #TikTokAwards!”

    The Hollywood Reporter’s nominee list included: “Creator of the Year… Brooke Monk (brookemonk_).”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Creator awards signal how influencer culture is formalizing into “industry” status. Watch next for sponsorship rollouts, red-carpet moments and how nominees convert attention into long-term business—beyond views.

    Source: PEOPLE — Dec 10, 2025 — https://people.com/brooke-monk-wasnt-allowed-a-phone-until-age-16-before-internet-stardom-exclusive-11852125

     

  • A 1962 Throwback Becomes TikTok’s 2025 ‘Track of the Year’ in a Surprise Global Revival

    A 1962 Throwback Becomes TikTok’s 2025 ‘Track of the Year’ in a Surprise Global Revival

    TikTok Newsroom (year-end music recap)
    2025-12-09 09:00:00

    According to TikTok’s Newsroom recap, Connie Francis’ “Pretty Little Baby” was crowned the platform’s 2025 ‘Track of the Year,’ showing how old catalog music can surge back into the mainstream through short-form video.

    The report highlighted how creators used the audio across wholesome family, pet and everyday-life clips—turning a vintage record into a modern soundtrack at massive scale.

    Rolling Stone wrote: “TikTok names Connie Francis’ 1962 hit ‘Pretty Little Baby’ the Top Global Song of 2025.”

    Forbes noted: “ ‘Pretty Little Baby’… garnered 68.6 billion views across 28.4 million TikTok videos this year.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Expect labels to keep mining catalogs for “TikTokable” hooks. Watch next for sync deals, re-releases and playlist pushes that follow viral moments—and for which legacy songs become the next global audio trend.

    Source: TikTok Newsroom — Dec 09, 2025 — https://newsroom.tiktok.com/tiktok-reveals-the-top-artists-and-songs-of-2025?lang=en