Lawmakers warn Lake Chad–Niger border insecurity needs deeper Nigeria–Niger military coordination

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January 2, 2026

2026-01-02 06:00:00
According to Vanguard, concerns are rising about security threats around the Lake Chad basin and the Nigeria–Niger border corridor, with calls for stronger military coordination and intelligence-sharing between both countries.

The argument is that cross-border insurgency and organised crime networks exploit weak surveillance gaps, making unilateral action costly and less effective.

Advocates of deeper cooperation say joint patrols and harmonised border management can reduce safe havens and disrupt logistics routes used by armed groups.

A Reuters briefing on regional security pressures has repeatedly described the Lake Chad basin as a hotspot where militants exploit porous borders, while humanitarian monitors warn instability in the wider Sahel continues to spill across frontiers. Regional security watchers also note coordination among neighbouring states remains a key determinant of whether insurgent movements can be contained.

Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s border security challenge is regional by default. Expect renewed focus on joint task forces, surveillance tech, and the political trust needed for intelligence cooperation. Watch for concrete steps—shared command protocols, joint operations schedules, and measurable outcomes in affected communities.

Source: ZAgazola — January 1, 2026 (http://zagazola.org/index.php/breaking-news/diplomatic-ties-between-nigeria-niger-safer-stronger-together)
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Marketers push for forensic probe into ₦11.35tn refinery rehab spending and funding trail

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 06:00:00
Punch reports petroleum marketers are urging the federal government to open a forensic investigation into about ₦11.35 trillion reportedly spent on rehabilitation of Nigeria’s state-owned refineries, arguing that the scale of spending demands public accounting.

The call focuses on transparency: who approved what, which contracts were awarded, how funds were drawn, and what deliverables were actually achieved across Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna facilities.

Marketers warn that continued opacity undermines public trust and makes future turnaround plans harder to finance credibly—especially as Nigeria still leans on imports and faces pricing volatility.

Leadership reports marketers “seek investigation into ₦11.36trn spent on refineries,” calling for transparent tracking of borrowed and spent funds. A BusinessDay analysis notes the long-running nature of the claim and says Nigeria’s legislature previously alleged “N11.35 trillion… spent on the rehabilitation of the refineries” with little to show.

Echotitbits take: This isn’t just a numbers fight—it’s about credibility for Nigeria’s energy transition and downstream pricing. If an audit happens, watch for contract disclosures, recovery actions, and whether future refinery policy leans more decisively toward privatisation or performance-based concessions.

Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/probe-n11-35tn-spent-on-refineries-marketers-tell-fg/)
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Ports on edge as shipping lines weigh new charges under Nigeria’s tax reforms

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 06:00:00
In a report by Punch, freight forwarding groups say tension is rising at Nigeria’s ports as shipping lines consider higher freight-related charges following the rollout of new tax reforms from January 1, 2026.

Industry operators warn that any sudden increase in port-related costs can ripple into inflation, import prices, and cargo diversion to neighbouring countries—especially at a time when businesses are still adapting to currency and cost pressures.

Stakeholders are calling for clarity on how the new tax implementation applies across shipping, terminal logistics, and associated services, to avoid inconsistent billing and disputes.

The Guardian reports that “increasing tariffs at this critical time will further escalate the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports” and could encourage cargo diversion. The Sun also reports a tariff-hike angle, noting the Shippers’ Council is set to review certain charges while approving an increase for shipping lines in early 2026.

Echotitbits take: If port charges jump abruptly, consumers pay twice—at the checkout and through slower supply chains. Watch the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Customs for harmonised guidance, and whether freight forwarders push for phased implementation or explicit exemptions to prevent surprise billing.

Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/tax-reforms-spark-tension-as-shipping-lines-plan-hikes/)
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FirstBank hits ₦500bn recapitalisation mark as market eyes the next wave of bank fundraising

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 06:00:00
According to Punch, FirstBank says it has completed a ₦500 billion capital raise, positioning it to meet the CBN’s new minimum capital thresholds and to compete more aggressively in a tighter regulatory environment.

The fundraising is being framed as a resilience move—strengthening buffers and supporting growth—while also sending a signalling effect to investors ahead of the broader recapitalisation race across the sector.

Market watchers say the milestone could influence peers’ timelines and pricing, as more banks line up with rights issues, private placements and other instruments.

Premium Times reports FirstBank “successfully completes ₦500bn capital raise,” noting the wider recapitalisation push and investor attention. The Sun similarly says the bank has “met the ₦500 billion minimum capital base required by the Central Bank of Nigeria,” highlighting the compliance angle.

Echotitbits take: Completing early matters—capital raising gets tougher when several banks are in the market at once. Watch whether FirstBank’s move shifts competitive pressure to mid‑tier lenders, and whether pricing dynamics start to favour banks with stronger retail funding and clearer growth narratives.

Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/firstbank-completes-n500bn-capital-raise/)
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Nigeria bank NPLs jump to about 7% after CBN rolls back COVID-era forbearance

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 06:00:00
Figures cited by Punch show Nigeria’s banking sector recorded a rise in non‑performing loans (NPLs) in 2025 after the CBN ended key regulatory forbearance measures introduced during the COVID‑19 period.

The CBN’s macroeconomic outlook puts the NPL ratio at an estimated 7%, above the 5% prudential limit, raising concerns about asset quality and how quickly lenders can rebalance risk without choking credit.

Analysts say the shift forces more realistic loss recognition and provisioning, but also increases pressure on earnings and capital—especially for lenders with heavy exposures in vulnerable sectors.

BusinessDay reports NPLs rose to “an estimated seven percent,” breaching the prudential threshold, following the withdrawal of forbearance. The CBN’s published outlook states the “Non‑performing Loans (NPLs) ratio stood at an estimated 7.00 per cent” relative to the 5% limit.

Echotitbits take: This is where recapitalisation and risk management collide. If banks tighten too aggressively, SMEs and consumer credit will feel it; if they don’t, provisioning will eat profits. Watch quarterly disclosures for sector-by-sector stress, and whether the CBN introduces targeted transitional guidance.

Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/banks-bad-loans-spike-after-cbn-withdraws-forbearance/)
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CBN outlook: bank recapitalisation may keep markets bullish—but concentration risks loom

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 06:00:00
In an update published by Punch, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) projects that Nigeria’s capital market could remain upbeat in 2026, helped by banking-sector recapitalisation, improved investor sentiment and pro‑growth policies.

The CBN’s broader outlook links market sentiment to macro stability—exchange-rate management, inflation expectations and the credibility of policy signals—suggesting that a cleaner macro picture could support risk appetite.

But the outlook also flags potential downsides, including investor fatigue if bank capital raises crowd out other issuers.

The Guardian, referencing the CBN outlook, notes the market is expected to stay “bullish, supported by bank recapitalisation” and rising confidence. In an analysis of recapitalisation dynamics, a separate market brief warns that “despite the bullish momentum, the capital market could face higher concentration risk” as bank issuance dominates.

Echotitbits take: Recapitalisation can be a turbo‑charge for bank resilience—but it can also soak up liquidity and attention. Watch how quickly banks stagger rights issues/placements, whether pension funds rebalance, and if non‑bank corporates still find room to raise long‑term capital without being priced out.

Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/bank-recapitalisation-to-drive-bullish-capital-market-says-cbn/)
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Nigeria moves to modernise trade data and policy coordination to deepen AfCFTA gains

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 06:00:00
Reporting by Punch indicates the federal government is planning a policy and data overhaul aimed at improving Nigeria’s execution under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including tighter coordination and clearer trade metrics.

Officials say the push is designed to make Nigeria’s participation more measurable—capturing trade flows and ensuring the country can track performance in both goods and services under AfCFTA rules.

The reforms also aim to improve policy clarity and reduce fragmentation across agencies involved in trade facilitation, border processes, and export promotion.

In Nigeria’s AfCFTA Achievements Report 2025 published via the trade ministry, the plan states the AfCFTA coordination structure will “update the relevant trade data systems to include disaggregated metrics” for AfCFTA goods and services. In a public update, the minister’s office notes Nigeria is working to “reinvigorate AfCFTA implementation” and widen effective market access for Nigerian businesses through preferential terms.

Echotitbits take: Data is the quiet engine of trade competitiveness. If this overhaul actually standardises how Nigeria counts AfCFTA trade (including informal and services flows), it will sharpen policy choices—from export incentives to port reforms. Watch for new dashboards, upgraded customs/trade reporting, and whether SMEs can access the practical “how-to-export” guidance that makes the numbers real.

Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/fg-plans-policy-data-overhaul-to-deepen-afcfta/)
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N’Assembly opens tax-acts paperwork to the public as “gazette mismatch” row grows

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 2, 2026

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2026-01-02 06:00:00
According to Punch, Nigeria’s National Assembly says it will publish the Votes and Proceedings from both chambers alongside the gazetted versions of the new Tax Acts, after allegations that the text in circulation differs from what lawmakers passed.

The House leadership says the clerk will also make available the transmitted tax bills signed by the president, including the certificate pages, as part of an effort to calm the controversy and restore confidence in the documentation trail.

Lawmakers have already constituted an ad hoc committee to review the alleged inconsistencies and report back, with officials framing the move as a transparency step rather than a reversal of the reforms.

Premium Times reports the legislature is “promising to make available certified copies of the bills signed” to address public concerns, noting the Assembly’s directive to release those documents. Reuters, meanwhile, says the dispute centres on “discrepancies between the gazetted text and the version passed by lawmakers,” as the reforms move into implementation.

Echotitbits take: This is a rare “open-the-files” moment for Nigeria’s legislature. If the certified versions don’t match what businesses are already pricing into contracts and tax planning, expect urgent circulars, re-gazetting, and possible legal challenges. Watch the ad hoc committee’s report and any guidance from FIRS/Nigeria Revenue Service on transitional enforcement.

Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nassembly-invites-public-to-scrutinise-tax-laws/)
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Pink shares she spent New Year’s Eve in hospital after neck procedure

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 11:00:00

In a post shared by @pink, she revealed she was in hospital on New Year’s Eve after surgery, joking about getting “two new shiny discs” in her neck.

The update prompted supportive reactions as she framed recovery with gratitude and humor.

PEOPLE: “New Year’s Eve in the hospital”
InStyle: “two new shiny discs”

Echotitbits take: Artists increasingly normalize recovery updates directly to fans—good for transparency, but it also fuels speculation. Watch for any scheduling impacts; this may have been planned and managed with minimal disruption.

Source: Yahoo — January 1, 2026 — https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/music/articles/pink-spends-eve-hospital-myself-165512132.html

Yahoo
January 1, 2026
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G Herbo proposes to Taina Williams on New Year’s Eve in Miami

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 31: (L-R) Gherbo proposed to his girlfriend Taina Williams during New Year's Eve Hosted By NeYo & Terrence J at Brooklyn Chop House on December 31, 2025 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Thaddaeus McAdams/Getty Images)(Photo by Thaddaeus McAdams/Getty Images)

2026-01-01 10:40:00

According to Hot 97, G Herbo proposed to Taina Williams during a New Year’s Eve celebration in Miami, with video of the moment spreading quickly online.

He reportedly delivered an emotional speech as friends and family looked on, turning the night into a viral milestone.

TMZ: “leveling up for 2026 … they got engaged over New Year’s Eve!”
The Shade Room: “New Year, New Ring!”

Echotitbits take: Hip-hop proposals now double as brand moments—expect coordinated captions, photo rights, and a longer content arc. Watch for a formal announcement post and whether the couple shares official engagement photos.

Source: Hot 97 — January 1, 2026 — https://www.hot97.com/news/she-said-yes-g-herbo-proposes-to-taina-williams-in-miami-on-nye/

Hot 97
January 1, 2026
Photo Credit: Hot 97

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