Enugu sets N870bn IGR target for 2026 as agencies are told to ramp up collections

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January 7, 2026

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

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

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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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

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Sokoto begins strict enforcement of monthly tax filing with penalties for defaulters

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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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

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Army chief vows to contain terrorism as calls grow for state policing and forest guards

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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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

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

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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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

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

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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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

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Nigeria to Face Algeria in High‑Stakes AFCON 2025 Quarter‑Final

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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In an update published by BusinessDay, Nigeria’s Super Eagles learned their next opponent in AFCON 2025, with Algeria set to face Nigeria in the quarter‑finals after edging DR Congo.

Nigeria’s camp has been buoyed by a recent 4–0 win over Mozambique, but analysts say Algeria’s tactical discipline could present a more difficult test, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman expected to play key roles.

The Punch and Vanguard also confirmed the pairing and the pathway that set up the showdown, which is being billed as one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures.

Echotitbits take: Nigeria–Algeria is a heavyweight matchup with little margin for error. If Nigeria’s forwards can break through Algeria’s tight marking, the Super Eagles have the depth to progress—but the game will likely be decided by small tactical details.

Source: Vanguard — https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/nigeria-to-face-algeria-in-afcon-quarter-finals/amp/ 2026-01-07

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Sahara Group Targets 7,000MW Capacity in Massive Power Sector Push

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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Reporting by The Punch indicates Sahara Group is targeting a 7,000MW power generation capacity in 2026 as it expands investments across Nigeria’s electricity value chain, including upgrades to existing assets and new renewable projects.

The company said progress will depend on a stable regulatory environment and ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Power as reforms continue under the government’s broader energy agenda.

Leadership and Tribune Online also reported the plans, noting Sahara Group’s stated commitment to renewable integration and infrastructure modernization as part of its 2026 roadmap.

Echotitbits take: 7,000MW is ambitious relative to typical grid output. Even partial delivery could materially help industry, but the gas supply chain and transmission constraints will determine whether this target becomes real megawatts or just a headline.

Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/sahara-group-eyes-7000mw-in-major-power-sector-push/ 2026-01-07

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Israel to Partner with Nigeria on Intelligence Sharing for Christian Protection

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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According to BusinessDay, Israel announced a new partnership with Nigeria focused on intelligence sharing and security support aimed at preventing extremist attacks, including the provision of advanced surveillance support and tactical training.

Israeli officials framed the initiative as part of broader cooperation on religious freedom and counter‑insurgency expertise, while Nigeria seeks improved threat detection in vulnerable regions.

The Punch and The Guardian also reported the announcement, noting Israel’s emphasis on intelligence‑led prevention and the diplomatic context around expanding security partnerships.

Echotitbits take: Intelligence support is useful, but the “Christian protection” framing could be politically sensitive in a multi‑religious state. Nigeria may need to present the partnership as broader counter‑terrorism cooperation to avoid inflaming sectarian narratives.

Source: BusinessDay — https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/world/article/israel-says-christian-protection-plan-for-nigeria-will-focus-on-intelligence-sharing/ 2026-01-07

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan Pledges Active Role in PDP Rebirth

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 7, 2026

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Figures cited by Leadership show former President Goodluck Jonathan met with the Tanimu Turaki‑led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP and pledged a more active role in the party’s reorganization ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Jonathan urged party members to avoid divisive tendencies and focus on rebuilding unity and a platform that resonates with Nigerians, as the PDP battles internal crises and defections.

The Nation and Daily Post also tracked the development, reporting on Jonathan’s engagement with party leadership and his call for unity and discipline as a pathway to a stronger opposition.

Echotitbits take: Jonathan’s entry could help stabilize the PDP and slow defections, but his effectiveness will depend on balancing governors’ interests with emerging power blocs. Expect internal negotiations to intensify as 2027 draws closer.

Source: BusinessDay— https://www.google.com/amp/s/businessday.ng/politics/article/jonathan-pledges-active-role-in-pdp-meets-turaki-led-nwc/ 2026-01-07

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