Echotitbits – Nigeria News

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  • United flight to Tokyo returns to Dulles after reported engine issue

    United flight to Tokyo returns to Dulles after reported engine issue

    Photo Credit : Image of a United Airline Aircraft – Indian Times/AFP
    2025-12-14

    According to The Punch, a United Airlines flight bound for Tokyo returned to Washington Dulles after a technical problem shortly after departure, with the aircraft landing safely and no injuries reported.

    The Punch report said aviation authorities opened an inquiry as crews followed standard procedures to return and secure the plane.

    Reuters also reported the aircraft experienced a power loss in one engine and said the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating.

    The Associated Press similarly reported the plane experienced an engine problem and later landed safely back at Dulles.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Aviation incidents like this often lead to rapid technical review of maintenance history and any component failures—especially if they involve power loss or engine-related warnings. Watch for the FAA’s preliminary findings, any airline maintenance updates, and whether follow-up inspections extend beyond the specific aircraft.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/tokyo-bound-united-plane-returns-to-washington-after-engine-fails/)

  • Polio cases drop sharply in Kano, Katsina as eradication push intensifies

    Polio cases drop sharply in Kano, Katsina as eradication push intensifies

    An illustration depicting a particle of the polio virus – New York Times
    2025-12-14

    According to The Punch, Nigeria’s polio-response managers say reported circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases have fallen, with Kano and Katsina recording the biggest declines, even as officials warn outbreaks can rebound if immunisation gaps persist.

    The update was presented during a National Economic Council (NEC) review, where officials linked the improvement to intensified campaigns, tighter monitoring and stronger coordination in high-risk areas.

    State House reporting on the same NEC meeting referenced a national reduction figure and stressed that progress depends on sustaining high coverage and rapid response where surveillance detects new risks.

    The Whistler also reported the NEC briefing and echoed the warning that gains will only hold if surveillance and response remain consistent across states.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Kano and Katsina are pivotal in Nigeria’s polio history—progress there is meaningful but fragile. Watch for stronger routine immunisation (not only campaigns), improved surveillance quality, and faster close-out of ‘zero-dose’ pockets that can reseed outbreaks.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/govt-warns-as-polio-drops-in-kano-katsina/)

  • Don Jazzy pushes back as online critics target donation beneficiary

    Don Jazzy pushes back as online critics target donation beneficiary

    According to The Punch, music executive Don Jazzy publicly defended a young woman who became a target of online backlash after receiving his donation to support her charitable initiative.

    Punch reported that critics accused the beneficiary of being greedy or fraudulent, but Don Jazzy argued that her request centred on helping others and that she did not “owe anyone anything” for receiving support privately.

    Social media posts circulating the exchange (including reposts on Instagram) echoed the same theme: Don Jazzy insisted that generosity should not be policed by online envy and that helping people is personal choice.

    The incident has reignited debate about public giving, social-media entitlement, and how philanthropy narratives can be weaponised in Nigeria’s online spaces.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is more than celebrity gossip—it’s a window into how Nigeria’s social media culture can punish both givers and receivers. For public figures, the lesson is to expect backlash regardless of intent; for beneficiaries, transparency helps but won’t silence trolls. Watch for whether the beneficiary follows through on the promised project updates, and whether this shapes how celebrities choose to give going forward (quietly vs publicly).

    Source: The Punch — 13 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/don-jazzy-slams-critics-for-dragging-woman-who-received-his-donation/)

  • Amnesty spotlight turns to ‘Tiger Base’ as abuse allegations reignite in Imo

    Amnesty spotlight turns to ‘Tiger Base’ as abuse allegations reignite in Imo

    According to Vanguard, Amnesty International is focusing attention on Imo State Police’s anti‑kidnapping unit known as ‘Tiger Base’ following renewed allegations of torture, unlawful detention and deaths in custody.

    The report said the spotlight has intensified public pressure on security agencies, with calls for independent investigations and stronger oversight of detention practices and interrogation methods.

    Investigative reporting by FIJ described a pattern of alleged abuses linked to the unit, referencing claims of “torture, unlawful detention and deaths” and documenting previous allegations around the facility.

    The Imo Police Command has pushed back in separate coverage by The Guardian, describing reports of abuses at the detention facility as false and insisting the unit operates within the law.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a familiar accountability cycle: allegations surface, police deny, public outrage spikes, and then attention fades without systemic change. The real test is whether there is an independent inquiry with transparent outcomes, and whether detainee access to lawyers/medical care improves. Watch for responses from the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and any court-driven disclosures.

    Source: Vanguard — 14 Dec 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/amnesty-zeroes-in-on-imo-tiger-base-over-alleged-human-rights-abuse/)

     

    File Photo:IGP Kayode Egbetokun

  • ‘Detty December’ rush: Lagos hospitality hits peak as diaspora visitors return

    ‘Detty December’ rush: Lagos hospitality hits peak as diaspora visitors return

    According to Vanguard, Lagos is experiencing peak end‑of‑year demand as ‘Detty December’ draws in visitors, with hotels booked out and major concerts and events driving a visible tourism surge.

    The report described a city-wide cash-and-culture boom: packed venues, higher room rates, and heavy spending around entertainment, food, transport and short‑let apartments.

    A separate AFP story carried by Yahoo similarly captured the build-up, noting that “the hotels are booked” as Lagos prepares for the festival season and returning visitors.

    Other lifestyle reporting has also pointed to the broader economic spillover, including increased informal-sector earnings and a short, intense demand cycle that stresses transport and urban services.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Detty December is now an economic season, not just a party label—good for jobs and revenue, but it also exposes Lagos’ infrastructure gaps (traffic, safety, power, pricing abuses). Watch for whether state agencies publish reliable tourism metrics, and whether the private sector starts building year-round products instead of a one-month cash rush.

    Source: Vanguard — 14 Dec 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/detty-december-lagos-hotels-events-sold-out-as-fun-seekers-scramble-for-space/amp/)

     

    Photo Credit:The Audience during the AfroFuture Festival in 2023 – RollingStone

  • Burkina Faso detention row: Nigeria says detained soldiers safe as talks continue

    Burkina Faso detention row: Nigeria says detained soldiers safe as talks continue

    According to The Punch, Nigerian soldiers detained in Burkina Faso after a Nigerian Air Force C‑130 made a precautionary landing remained in custody days later, with Abuja pursuing diplomatic engagement to resolve the dispute.

    Punch reported that the aircraft was on an overseas mission and landed due to a technical concern, while Burkina Faso’s authorities and the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) framed the incident as an unauthorised entry into their airspace.

    Premium Times quoted the Nigerian Air Force saying the landing was “in accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols,” underscoring Abuja’s argument that the diversion was legitimate and safety-driven.

    The Guardian’s international coverage noted the AES described the episode as an “unfriendly act,” reflecting the heightened regional tensions between ECOWAS states and the Sahel alliance.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is as much about regional politics as it is about aviation procedures. The AES–ECOWAS rift has created a trust deficit where even routine incidents can be interpreted as hostile moves. Watch for: the final terms of release/transfer, any formal diplomatic note exchanged, and whether Nigeria adjusts flight-clearance protocols when transiting AES-controlled airspace.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/nigerian-soldiers-spend-sixth-day-in-burkina-faso-detention/)

     

    Photo Credit: Nigeria Troops — Crisis Group

  • U.S. lawmaker describes Nigeria visit as ‘heartbreaking’ amid violence concerns

    U.S. lawmaker describes Nigeria visit as ‘heartbreaking’ amid violence concerns

    According to The Punch, U.S. Congressman Riley Moore described his recent trip to Nigeria as “heartbreaking,” saying he encountered accounts of killings and insecurity that he believes deserve stronger attention from international partners.

    Punch reported that Moore linked his comments to broader debates about how violence in Nigeria is framed globally, and urged greater focus on protecting civilians and addressing the drivers of attacks.

    Daily Post also reported Moore’s remarks, repeating the “heartbreaking” description and situating it within ongoing discourse in the U.S. about Nigeria’s security challenges and religious/communal violence narratives.

    The comments add to a growing pattern of Nigeria-related security issues surfacing in U.S. political debate, often influencing advocacy, hearings and policy proposals.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: External commentary can amplify pressure—but it can also oversimplify complex conflict dynamics. The key is whether Nigeria’s security agencies and political leaders can show measurable progress that undercuts “genocide” or “state failure” narratives. Watch for diplomatic engagements, any new U.S. legislative moves tied to Nigeria, and local conflict-prevention steps in flashpoint states.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/my-trip-to-nigeria-heartbreaking-us-congressman-moore/)

     

     

    Photo: Riley Moore image — AFP

  • FG projects nearly ₦1.9trn from new 4% Development Levy in 2026 budget year

    FG projects nearly ₦1.9trn from new 4% Development Levy in 2026 budget year

    According to The Punch, the Federal Government is projecting about ₦1.899 trillion from the newly introduced 4% Development Levy in 2026, as the levy begins to feature in budget planning following Nigeria’s 2025 tax reforms.

    Punch reported that the levy is structured as a consolidation mechanism, rolling multiple earmarked levies into one charge on assessable profits, with the aim of simplifying compliance and improving collection efficiency.

    Deloitte’s tax update on the reform package described the measure as an “introduction of 4% development levy to replace the Tertiary Education Tax and various levies,” stressing the compliance and administrative simplification angle.

    EY’s highlights of the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 similarly note that Section 59 replaces several earmarked taxes with a unified 4% development levy on assessable profits (with stated exclusions for certain company categories).

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: The test will be whether “consolidation” actually reduces friction for businesses or simply changes the label on compulsory payments. Watch for implementation guidance, agency handovers (who collects what and when), and whether the levy materially affects investment decisions—especially for sectors that previously paid some of the constituent levies at different effective rates.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-eyes-n1-9tn-from-new-2026-development-levy/)

     

    Photo: Twitter/@atikuabagudu

  • DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    Photo: Disco image – ThisDay

    According to The Punch, electricity distribution companies installed meters for 187,765 customers in September and October 2025, as reported by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The report indicated 80,943 customers were metered in September and 106,822 in October, nudging the national metering rate upward from 55.37% to 56.07% and slightly expanding the total metered customer base.

    The Guardian also cited the NERC metering factsheet and highlighted the month-to-month improvement, while pointing out that the overall metering gap remains substantial despite incremental progress.

    Vanguard similarly reported the figures and reiterated NERC’s framing that the factsheet is meant to track DisCo progress in closing Nigeria’s long-running metering deficit.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering story is now about pace and fairness. The monthly gains are positive, but too slow relative to demand growth and consumer distrust of estimated billing. Watch for: (1) how quickly DisCos meter high-complaint feeders, (2) the availability and financing of meters under MAP/National Mass Metering efforts, and (3) whether dispute resolution improves as metering expands.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/187765-electricity-customers-metered-in-two-months-nerc/)

     

  • CBN gives payment firms 30 days to add dual channels for PoS transactions

    CBN gives payment firms 30 days to add dual channels for PoS transactions

    photo: CBN headquarters — Wikipedia

    According to The Punch, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has directed financial institutions, acquirers and payment service providers to implement mandatory dual connectivity for Point-of-Sale (PoS) transactions within one month to reduce failures and downtime.

    The directive, issued via a circular signed by the CBN’s Payments System Supervision leadership, is designed to ensure PoS transactions can automatically route through an alternative channel when one switch or aggregator fails.

    Daily Post also reported the same policy move, describing it as a 30‑day deadline aimed at stabilising PoS performance and reduce persistent transaction disruptions for merchants and consumers.

    Other industry reporting and commentary (including BusinessDay’s coverage shared on social platforms) echoed the policy intent: improve resilience, enforce reporting, and strengthen reliability testing across the payments ecosystem.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a quality-of-service crackdown, not just another circular. If enforcement is real, the biggest impact will be on downtime-driven “lost sales” for SMEs and on customer trust in cashless payments. Watch for compliance audits, penalties for repeated outages, and whether smaller aggregators can afford the redundancy costs without pushing fees higher for users.

    Source: The Punch — 12 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/cbn-sets-one-month-deadline-for-dual-pos-connectivity/)