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

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January 1, 2026

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)

Premium Times 2026-01-01

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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/)

The Punch 2026-01-01

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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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Gunmen torch police station in Ondo’s Ipele as residents flee New Year’s Eve violence

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:20:00
According to Punch, suspected bandits attacked Ipele in Ondo State and set a police station ablaze, sparking panic in the community.

Reporting by the outlet indicates the attack involved heavy gunfire, with residents fleeing for safety as security personnel were overwhelmed.

The incident adds to broader concerns about violence targeting law enforcement infrastructure and rural communities.

Premium Times also reported the attack and quoted residents describing how people hid in nearby bushes during the assault.

TheCable similarly covered the incident and quoted eyewitness accounts describing the fear triggered by sustained gunfire.

Echotitbits take:

The follow-up matters: response time, reinforcements, and whether there is credible pursuit. Watch for a formal incident report (casualties, recovered exhibits, and arrests) rather than only reassurances.

Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/panic-as-bandits-attack-police-station-in-ondo/)

The Punch 2026-01-01

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Yobe authorities say suspect linked to Maiduguri mosque blast has been arrested

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:15:00
According to Vanguard, authorities in Yobe confirmed the arrest of a suspect allegedly linked to the December 24 Maiduguri mosque bombing.

In an update published by the outlet, officials said the arrest followed local vigilance and security screening, with investigators expanding the net around possible support networks.

The development comes as the region continues to grapple with attacks targeting civilians and worship centres.

TheCable also reported the arrest and said the suspect was transferred for questioning as investigations continued.

BusinessDay similarly reported that the suspect allegedly confessed to being paid to carry out the attack, as authorities probed the wider network.

Echotitbits take:

Arrests are only step one. The credible test is independent corroboration—financing trails, logistics, handlers, and whether security agencies can prevent retaliatory or copycat strikes around high-traffic public spaces.

Source: Vanguard — January 1, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/yobe-confirms-arrest-of-suspect-linked-to-maiduguri-bomb-blast/)

Vanguard 2026-01-01

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NGX closes 2025 on a rally, adding ₦533bn in a single session

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:10:00
Reporting by Punch indicates Nigerian equities ended 2025 with a strong finish, adding about ₦533bn to market value in the session.

The report described broad participation on the gainers’ list as investors positioned into year-end and ahead of early-2026 earnings expectations.

If momentum sustains into January, attention will likely shift to guidance, dividend narratives, and how rates/liquidity evolve.

A NAN-linked market recap also reported the same session gain and highlighted continued positive breadth into year-end.

MarketForces Africa likewise carried the update, describing the session as a notable wealth add for equity investors.

Echotitbits take:

The key question is whether this is a January continuation or a last-mile year-end squeeze. Watch institutional flows, money-market rates, and whether earnings surprises justify the valuations in the most crowded large-cap names.

Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/stock-market-closes-year-with-n533bn-gain/)

The Punch 2026-01-01

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NNPC stays in the black as price war pushes pump price under ₦800

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B.O.B Echoload

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January 1, 2026

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2026-01-01 06:05:00
According to Punch, NNPC Ltd reported ₦502bn profit after tax for November 2025, extending its profitability streak amid shifting market conditions.

Reporting by the outlet indicates gas output and infrastructure availability supported performance, even as upstream volumes remained constrained.

The same report linked the downstream “price war” to NNPC retail cuts that pushed PMS prices below ₦800/litre in some locations, intensifying competition.

TheCable also reported the monthly performance, quoting the profit figure and noting output movement in November 2025.

APA News similarly referenced the update and quoted language attributing results to improved gas production and stronger trading performance.

Echotitbits take:

If NNPC keeps pricing aggressively to defend market share, watch for tighter station supply cycles, margin compression across marketers, and renewed debate on how “deregulated” pricing should work when the biggest player also plays stabilizer.

Source: The Punch — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-posts-n502bn-profit-cuts-petrol-below-n800-litre/)

The Punch 2026-01-01

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Kate Beckinsale addresses weight-loss comments, linking her body changes to grief

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 31, 2025

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2025-12-31 14:57:00

According to E! Online, Kate Beckinsale addressed comments about being “too thin,” explaining that grief has affected her appetite after the deaths of her mother and stepfather.

Other reporting notes she described her thinness as a visible expression of grief in a video posted online.

E! Online (EOnline.com): “Not hungry.”
The Independent (Independent.co.uk): “physical manifestation of grief.”

Echotitbits take: This is a reminder that celebrity ‘body discourse’ often ignores context. Watch for whether Beckinsale steps back from social media, or uses the moment to push for more responsible commentary norms around grief and health.

Source: E! News— 2025-12-31 — https://www.eonline.com/news/1426762/kate-beckinsale-on-weight-loss-after-moms-death

E! News
2025-12-31
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