Echotitbits – Nigeria News

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  • Petrol pricing dispute deepens as Dangote pushes for probe of NMDPRA chief

    Petrol pricing dispute deepens as Dangote pushes for probe of NMDPRA chief

    2025-12-15 01:06:00

    According to The Punch, the petrol market dispute between Dangote and the downstream regulator escalated as Dangote called for a probe of the NMDPRA boss, alleging sabotage and impropriety in the ongoing pricing and supply tensions.

    The story outlines claims and counter-claims around access, pricing, and oversight in Nigeria’s post-subsidy downstream landscape, with stakeholders watching for regulatory response.

    The development comes as consumers and marketers track pump prices amid volatility, while policymakers weigh competition and transparency in the sector.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a credibility test for downstream regulation. The next signals to watch are any official inquiry, clarifications from NMDPRA, and whether the dispute affects depot-to-retail supply or triggers fresh price adjustments.

    Source: THISDAYLIVE — December 15, 2025 — https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/12/15/dangote-nmdpra-ceo-must-be-probed-prosecuted-for-graft-economic-sabotage/

    Photo credit: THISDAYLIVE

    THISDAYLIVE https://www.thisdaylive.com/2025/12/15/dangote-nmdpra-ceo-must-be-probed-prosecuted-for-graft-economic-sabotage/ December 15, 2025

  • Car imports climb back above ₦1tn as FX stability returns

    Car imports climb back above ₦1tn as FX stability returns

    2025-12-15 00:30:00

    According to The Punch, Nigeria’s passenger vehicle imports rose to about ₦1.01 trillion in the first nine months of 2025, with the strongest rebound coming in Q3 as FX conditions steadied.

    The report, citing National Bureau of Statistics foreign trade data, notes that the first half of the year was softer, but the July–September quarter more than offset earlier declines.

    Analysts quoted linked the swing to improved FX liquidity and a narrower trading band for the naira, which helped importers plan and price inventory more predictably.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Vehicle import volumes are a useful “thermometer” for FX confidence and consumer demand. Watch Q4 numbers for whether FX stability holds, and whether duty/valuation changes keep landing costs from spiking again.

    Source: The Punch — December 15, 2025 — https://punchng.com/car-imports-rebound-hit-n1tn-in-nine-months/

    Photo credit: The Punch

    The Punch https://punchng.com/car-imports-rebound-hit-n1tn-in-nine-months/ December 15, 2025

  • Streamer Peller’s crash during live session sparks renewed calls for road and content safety

    Streamer Peller’s crash during live session sparks renewed calls for road and content safety

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, popular online personality Peller was involved in a vehicle crash during a livestream, triggering widespread concern and debate about risky content and road behaviour.

    Punch reports the incident drew reactions across social media, with many users urging responsible driving and calling for stronger safety messaging among influencers and their followers.

    The report underscores a recurring problem where high-engagement content overlaps with unsafe stunts, particularly on major urban roads.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Incidents like this often trigger short-lived outrage but limited change. Watch for any police/FRSC action, platform enforcement on dangerous stunts, and whether influencers adopt clearer safety standards in live content.

    Source: The Punch — December 14, 2025

    The Punch https://punchng.com/video-peller-crashes-car-during-livestream-sparks-public-concern/ December 14, 2025

  • PenCom flags low funding for personal pension plans, urges stronger contributions

    PenCom flags low funding for personal pension plans, urges stronger contributions

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, the National Pension Commission (PenCom) expressed concern that personal pension plan (PPP) accounts are poorly funded, citing low contribution levels relative to account openings.

    Punch reports the commission said the funding gap could weaken retirement outcomes and called for improved contributor discipline and broader pension awareness, especially for informal-sector participants.

    The report adds that stronger compliance and product design could help scale voluntary pension savings and reduce old-age financial vulnerability.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Voluntary pension uptake is a key lever for Nigeria’s informal economy, but sustainability depends on regular contributions and trust. Watch for PenCom’s enforcement stance, incentives for contributors, and partnerships that make micro-savings easier.

    Source: The Punch — December 9, 2025

    The Punch https://punchng.com/unfunded-personal-pension-plans-worry-pencom/ December 9, 2025

  • Tinubu urges tougher ECOWAS collective action as coups and insecurity spread

    Tinubu urges tougher ECOWAS collective action as coups and insecurity spread

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, President Bola Tinubu called on ECOWAS leaders to strengthen unity and collective responses to military coups and regional instability at the bloc’s 68th ordinary session in Abuja.

    Punch reports discussions referenced recent attempted and successful power grabs and the need to operationalise stronger preventive measures, including coordination on intelligence and border management.

    The report situates the push within wider debates about how ECOWAS balances sanctions, diplomacy and security deployments.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: ECOWAS credibility now hinges on consistent enforcement and funding for its security architecture. Watch for concrete decisions on standby-force financing, timelines for deployments, and how the bloc handles Guinea‑Bissau and other flashpoints.

    Source: The Punch — December 14, 2025

    The Punch https://punchng.com/tinubu-urges-ecowas-unity-to-resist-coups-ensure-regional-stability/ December 14, 2025

  • NDLEA uncovers Abia codeine operation as agencies intercept major opioid consignments

    NDLEA uncovers Abia codeine operation as agencies intercept major opioid consignments

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, NDLEA operatives uncovered a clandestine codeine syrup manufacturing operation in Abia State and reported large seizures linked to wider nationwide interdictions.

    Punch says the crackdown forms part of broader pre‑holiday operations targeting illicit opioid supply chains, including containers and large consignments intercepted at ports and along transit routes.

    The report highlights continued pressure on drug networks feeding domestic abuse and cross-border trafficking.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Beyond seizures, disruption depends on prosecutions, asset forfeiture, and sustained port/land-border controls. Watch for follow-up arrests, forensic tracing of supply chains, and joint actions with Customs and international counterparts.

    Source: Blueprint — December 15, 2025

    Blueprint https://blueprint.ng/ndlea-seizes-1187kg-skunk-uncovers-codeine-factory/ December 15, 2025

  • Nigeria to bar SS3 admissions and late transfers from 2026/27 to curb exam malpractice

    Nigeria to bar SS3 admissions and late transfers from 2026/27 to curb exam malpractice

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, the Federal Government announced a nationwide ban on admission and transfer of students into SS3 in both public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/2027 academic session.

    Punch reports the ministry said the move targets growing examination malpractice—especially last-minute movement of candidates to so-called ‘special centres’—and aims to improve academic monitoring and continuity.

    The report adds that schools have been directed to comply, with sanctions promised for violations under existing education regulations.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Implementation will be the real test: states and private schools must align admission processes and enforcement. Watch for detailed guidelines, exceptions (if any), and how WAEC/NECO exam bodies and state ministries coordinate compliance.

    Source: Nigeria Education News — December 14, 2025

    Nigeria Education News https://thenigeriaeducationnews.com/2025/12/14/fg-bans-admission-transfer-into-ss3-to-curb-exam-malpractice/ December 14, 2025

  • 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