Court warns INEC chair against ignoring Labour Party-related FCT poll orders

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January 1, 2026

2026-01-01 07:20:00
A report carried by The Nation says an FCT High Court warned INEC leadership against disregarding its earlier directives tied to Labour Party candidate processing for the FCT area council elections.

The warning follows interim orders on portal access and candidate publication timelines, signalling possible contempt consequences if compliance is not met.

At the core is a procedural dispute over whether INEC must grant the party digital credentials to submit candidates and publish their details as ordered.

The Nigerian Observer also reported the court warned INEC against disregard of the order on Labour Party candidates.

Punch earlier reported the underlying directive, stating the court ordered INEC to “grant the Labour Party an access code.”

Echotitbits take:

Candidate-list disputes can trigger legitimacy problems long before voting day. Watch for INEC’s documented compliance steps, and whether the matter escalates into contempt proceedings or further interim orders.

Source: The Nation — January 1, 2026 (https://thenationonlineng.net/court-warns-inec-chair-against-disobeying-order-to-recognise-lps-candidates-for-fct-polls/amp/)

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Court orders INEC to grant Labour Party access code for FCT area council candidates

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 07:15:00
In an update published by Punch, an FCT High Court ordered INEC to provide the Labour Party an access code to upload candidate details for the February 2026 FCT area council elections.

The interim orders also directed INEC to upload and publish the party’s candidates’ particulars across the six area councils within a short window, pending the hearing of the substantive motion.

The dispute reflects wider tensions around party factions, candidate recognition and administrative access to INEC’s nomination portal.

The Nation similarly reported INEC was ordered to “grant access code” for uploading candidates’ particulars.

TheCable also reported the Abure-led Labour Party faction requested INEC portal access to upload candidates for the council polls.

Echotitbits take:

This is a reminder that election credibility can be undermined by back-end administrative fights. Watch for INEC’s compliance response and whether other parties pursue similar court pathways to compel portal access.

Source: The Punch — December 19, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fct-council-poll-court-orders-inec-to-recognise-lp-candidates/)

The Punch 2025-12-19

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Court declines bid to halt Nigeria’s new tax laws, keeps January 1 rollout intact

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 07:10:00
Reporting by Vanguard indicates an FCT High Court refused to restrain the Federal Government from proceeding with the January 1 implementation timeline for Nigeria’s new tax laws.

The suit sought an urgent stop order via an ex-parte request, but the court declined, allowing implementation to proceed while substantive issues remain pending.

The decision lands amid public controversy over the reforms, including claims of discrepancies between passed and gazetted versions.

Reuters separately quoted President Tinubu calling the reforms a “once-in-a-generation” reset and stating “No substantial issue has been established” to justify halting implementation.

Daily Post Nigeria also reported the presidency has “dismissed claims of discrepancies” in the new laws.

Echotitbits take:

For businesses, the immediate risk is compliance uncertainty while litigation continues. Watch for official FAQs, enforcement timelines, and any rapid ‘clean-up’ amendments that resolve document-version disputes.

Source: Vanguard — January 1, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/court-declines-to-stop-implementation-of-new-tax-laws-adjourns-case-to-jan-9/)

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Nigeria’s revenue agency rebrands as Nigeria Revenue Service, unveils new logo

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 07:05:00
According to Punch, Nigeria’s former Federal Inland Revenue Service has formally transitioned to the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS) and unveiled a new corporate identity as part of a wider revenue-administration overhaul.

The agency’s leadership framed the change as more than a cosmetic update—positioning it as a unified, service-focused revenue authority aligned with Nigeria’s economic transformation agenda.

The rollout is linked to the legal framework establishing the NRS, with expectations of improved efficiency, transparency and taxpayer-facing service upgrades.

The Guardian Nigeria also described the rebrand as “an important milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s revenue administration framework.”

Leadership similarly reported the agency “unveils official logo” as it transmutes into the NRS.

Echotitbits take:

The real test isn’t branding—it’s delivery. Watch for clearer taxpayer guidance, faster dispute resolution, smarter digital enforcement, and proof that reforms expand the tax net without punishing already-compliant businesses.

Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nigeria-revenue-service-replaces-firs-unveils-new-logo/)

The Punch 2026-01-01

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Lagos boat capsizes near Nigerdock with fatalities as agencies launch rescue response

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:50:00
Reporting by Vanguard indicates at least six passengers died and others were rescued after a passenger boat mishap near the Nigerdock axis of Lagos waterways.

In an update published by the outlet, agencies including LASWA and NIWA were described as part of the search-and-rescue response alongside marine police.

The incident renews attention on enforcement of safety protocols—lifejacket compliance, passenger manifests, and operator licensing.

Punch also reported the incident and cited Lagos waterways authorities on the casualty count and rescue operations.

The Guardian Nigeria likewise carried the update, reporting fatalities and describing a multi-agency response on the waterways.

Echotitbits take:

Water transport is growing, but safety enforcement is lagging. Watch for sustained inspections, penalties for non-compliance, and standardized manifest/lifejacket rules that are actually enforced beyond the news cycle.

Source: Vanguard — January 1, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/6-dead-4-rescued-in-lagos-boat-mishap/)

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National Assembly responds to outrage over alleged discrepancies in gazetted fiscal laws

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:45:00
According to The Guardian (Nigeria), the National Assembly issued clarifications on the passage-to-gazette process for major tax and revenue laws after public outrage over alleged discrepancies.

In an update published by the outlet, lawmakers positioned the process as orderly while acknowledging rising concerns about transparency and chain-of-custody from passage to publication.

The controversy has amplified calls for clean, verifiable “as passed” texts to support compliance and public trust.

ARISE TV also framed the dispute as a demand for suspension and review over alleged discrepancies between versions passed and versions published.

Other civic and media summaries similarly described the issue as scrutiny over differences between gazetted laws and the texts lawmakers said were approved.

Echotitbits take:

This is a trust test. The clean fix is document transparency: publish side-by-side versions, harmonisation notes, and an audit trail of edits—otherwise compliance could suffer and investment risk perception could rise.

Source: The Guardian Nigeria — December 26, 2025 (https://guardian.ng/news/nass-clarifies-process-on-tax-revenue-acts-amid-outrage/)

The Guardian — 2026-01-01 06:45:00

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Nigeria posts a Q3 balance-of-payments surplus as oil exports and remittances lift inflows

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:40:00
According to Premium Times, Nigeria recorded a balance-of-payments surplus in Q3 2025, with oil export receipts and remittances supporting external inflows.

Reporting by the outlet indicates the surplus reflects improved inflow timing and export dynamics, even as wider FX pressures remain a key macro concern.

The update suggests policymakers will still need to pair improved inflows with reforms that stabilise pricing and reduce market fragmentation.

APA News also referenced the CBN-linked update and highlighted the external-account improvement during the quarter.

Other macro reporting on Nigeria’s trade and export dynamics likewise pointed to oil-linked inflow support around the same period.

Echotitbits take:

Sustainability is the headline risk. Watch whether oil volumes and diaspora remittances hold into 2026, and whether FX reforms translate surplus figures into narrower spreads and stronger reserve buffers.

Source: Premium Times — January 1, 2026 (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/846686-oil-exports-remittances-drive-nigerias-4-6-billion-bop-surplus-in-q3.html)

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Anthony Joshua discharged after crash as focus turns to road safety and investigation

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:35:00
According to Punch, boxer Anthony Joshua was discharged from hospital after treatment following a crash in Ogun State that drew major public attention.

In an update published by the outlet, the report said he was deemed clinically fit to recover at home while tributes continued for those who died in the incident.

The tragedy has renewed scrutiny of road safety enforcement and risk factors on major intercity corridors.

Reuters also reported he was discharged from hospital after the crash, noting he sustained only minor injuries.

Associated Press similarly reported that he was deemed fit to recover at home following observation, while summarising the incident context.

Echotitbits take:

Beyond celebrity shock, this is a policy window: publish the crash investigation outcome, strengthen enforcement against hazardous trucking practices, and improve emergency-response readiness on high-risk routes.

Source: The Punch — December 31, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fatal-crash-anthony-joshua-discharged-from-hospital/)

The Punch 2025-12-31

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Edo migration agency says 30 trafficking cases are in court or under investigation

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:30:00
According to Punch, the Edo State Migration Agency said over 30 human-trafficking cases are at different stages of trial or investigation.

Reporting by the outlet indicates the agency is tightening collaboration with security services while supporting victims and pushing prevention messaging in high-risk communities.

The update reflects Edo’s long-running battle with irregular migration pipelines and trafficking syndicates.

Leadership also carried related reporting on Edo’s anti-trafficking messaging and enforcement posture, including remarks on drivers of trafficking.

The Sun likewise reported the same core claim that more than 30 cases were under investigation or trial in Edo.

Echotitbits take:

Convictions and asset forfeiture matter more than raw case counts. Watch for outcomes: sentencing, witness protection, survivor reintegration funding, and community-level livelihood programs that reduce recruitment pressure.

Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/agency-prosecutes-30-human-trafficking-cases-in-edo/)

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Nigeria targets deeper China cooperation in 2026 as officials pitch expanded partnership

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:25:00
According to Punch, the Federal Government signalled plans to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with China in 2026.

In an update published by the outlet, officials framed the relationship around cooperation that aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities and investment needs.

The messaging highlights trade and infrastructure ambitions while keeping attention on debt terms, local content, and technology transfer.

The Nation also reported the engagement theme and quoted officials emphasizing cooperation that supports Nigeria’s development priorities.

Blueprint similarly referenced the 2026 outlook and highlighted language about new opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Echotitbits take:

The real story is contract quality. Watch which announced projects reach financial close, and whether Nigeria negotiates improved local value capture—jobs, skills, and export competitiveness—not just ribbon-cutting.

Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/fg-china-to-deepen-diplomatic-relations-in-2026/)

The Punch 2026-01-01

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