NNPCL Says Escravos–Lagos Gas Line Restored After December Explosion

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December 30, 2025

2025-12-30 11:00:00

In an update published by Punch, NNPCL announced the restoration of the Escravos–Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) after the December 10 explosion that disrupted a major gas corridor feeding Lagos and parts of the South-West.

The company said repairs included containment, pressure testing and safe recommissioning of the affected section, with operations returned to service.

ELPS is crucial for power generation and industrial gas supply, and downtime often amplifies electricity instability when the grid is already fragile.

Vanguard quoted NNPCL saying, “Today, the pipeline is fully operational, reaffirming our resilience and commitment to energy security.” Punch also quoted NNPCL stating, “Today, the pipeline is fully operational,” in its confirmation of ELPS restoration.

Echotitbits take: The headline is restoration; the real test is sustained reliability. Watch for follow-on reporting on pipeline security, surveillance and whether gas delivery volumes normalise for power plants and big industrial users.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-restores-escravos-lagos-gas-pipeline-after-explosion/)

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Aviation Regulator Pushes Back as Airlines Blame Taxes for Rising Airfares

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 09:30:00

Reporting by Punch indicates the NCAA challenged claims that multiple taxes are the main driver of high airfares, as public debate grew around new tax laws and ticket pricing.

The row followed warnings by Air Peace chairman Allen Onyema that aviation costs could worsen and fares could rise sharply if tax burdens persist.

Regulators and tax-reform officials argue the reforms are meant to simplify and reduce certain burdens, while operators insist the broader levy-and-charge ecosystem remains heavy.

Vanguard quoted Onyema saying, “The Nigerian airlines are heavily overburdened by taxes, levies and all manner of charges.” P.M. News quoted Taiwo Oyedele saying, “Eliminating this burden is a major structural relief for the sector,” as he explained tax changes affecting aviation.

Echotitbits take: This will turn into a data contest—operators will cite cashflow strain, regulators will cite reform details. Watch for NCAA’s consumer-protection actions and a clear aviation-specific implementation note on VAT/WHT and leasing-related taxes.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/airfares-hike-ncaa-tackles-air-peace-boss-rejects-tax-claim/)

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Seven Journalists Killed in Gombe Road Crash After Wedding Trip

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 08:00:00

According to Punch, seven journalists died in a lone vehicle crash in Gombe State, while four others were injured after returning from a wedding trip.

The report cited preliminary indications pointing to a possible tyre burst, with emergency responders evacuating the injured for treatment.

The deaths have renewed concerns about roadworthiness checks, night travel risks, and the safety of pooled transport often used for group movements during the festive season.

Channels Television reported the bus’s tyre “burst on the return journey,” leading the vehicle to lose control. Punch quoted FRSC sector commander Samson Kaura saying, “It is a lone accident, and from the information we have so far, it is very fatal.”

Echotitbits take: Recurring ‘tyre burst’ tragedies point to weak enforcement of tyre standards and vehicle inspection culture. Watch for whether NUJ/FRSC push mandatory safety audits for union buses and tougher festive-season road checks.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/seven-journalists-killed-in-gombe-road-crash/)

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Tinubu Reaches Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash, Extends Condolences

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 06:30:00

In a report by The Nation, President Bola Tinubu said he phoned Anthony Joshua after the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway crash that killed two members of the boxer’s team and left him injured, offering condolences and prayers.

The paper said Joshua assured the President he was receiving medical care, while Tinubu also called Joshua’s mother to console her and pray with her.

The incident has again put the spotlight on safety risks along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor during peak holiday travel, with renewed calls for stricter enforcement and faster emergency response.

Premium Times also reported the State House release, quoting that Tinubu “has spoken by telephone” with Joshua and his mother. The Nation’s own report quoted Tinubu saying, “I spoke with AJ on the phone…” as it described the calls and condolences.

Echotitbits take: Beyond the celebrity angle, the tragedy underlines persistent highway safety gaps. Watch for targeted FRSC enforcement on the Lagos–Ibadan axis and any new state-backed emergency-response upgrades in 2026.

Source: The Nation — December 29, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-speaks-with-anthony-joshua-mother-after-tragic-ogun-crash/)

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AFRIMA Taps Falz and Liliane Maroune to Front Lagos Awards Week

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 19:00:00

In a statement obtained by Punch, AFRIMA named Nigerian rapper‑actor Falz and Moroccan‑Senegalese media personality Liliane Maroune as hosts for the 9th edition of the awards scheduled for Lagos.

The report said organisers framed the pairing as a blend of youth appeal and pan‑African identity, positioning the event as a multi‑day celebration of African music and creative enterprise.

The Lagos edition is expected to draw artists, industry executives and media, reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a central hub for Afrobeats and African pop culture.

AFRIMA’s official announcement praised the hosts’ fit for the ceremony, describing Maroune as adding “elegance, global appeal, and a strong African identity.” National Daily also reported the announcement and confirmed the Lagos schedule window, describing the edition as taking place in Lagos from “January 7 to 11, 2026.”

Echotitbits take: AFRIMA is both entertainment and cultural diplomacy for Lagos. Watch the sponsor lineup, logistics/security execution, and which categories and artists dominate as Afrobeats keeps building global momentum.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/falz-moroccan-senegalese-actress-to-host-afrima-awards/)

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Fresh Bandit Attacks Kill Residents, Spark New Abductions Across the North

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 18:00:00

According to Punch, fresh bandit attacks left multiple casualties in Kebbi and triggered abductions in Zamfara, underscoring the expanding footprint of violent groups across northern corridors.

The report said eight people were killed in attacks on communities in Kebbi, while gunmen abducted women in Zamfara in a separate incident, intensifying pressure on rural communities.

Security analysts say the speed and spread of attacks suggest persistent operational freedom for armed groups and weak inter‑state coordination.

Channels Television reported on the Kebbi assault, saying gunmen struck villages and left “eight persons” dead. Premium Times also reported a related kidnapping case in Kwara, noting abductors demanded “N500 million ransom” for five road construction workers.

Echotitbits take: These attacks show armed groups still exploit porous boundaries and local intelligence gaps. Watch for coordinated inter‑state operations, stronger rural intelligence networks, and tougher disruption of ransom logistics and cash‑out channels.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/banditry-eight-killed-in-kebbi-attack-16-abducted-in-zamfara/)

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NiDCOM Appeals for Nigerian’s Release From Saudi Detention After Settlement Steps

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 17:00:00

According to The Nation, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) is pressing Saudi authorities to release Suleiman Olufemi, saying key settlement steps have been concluded and urging final action.

The report framed the case as a diaspora‑protection issue and suggested the commission believes conditions for release are now in place following interventions and engagements.

NiDCOM says accurate public communication is critical in sensitive consular matters, particularly when legal and compensation processes are involved.

NiDCOM’s official statement said it is “setting the records straight” and added that “the blood money has been paid.” TVC News also reported the commission’s push, quoting NiDCOM’s stance and noting the paid settlement as part of the pathway to release.

Echotitbits take: The story shows how diaspora cases can drag without sustained diplomacy and clear communication. Watch for confirmation of release timing, clearer consular protocols, and whether NiDCOM uses the case to strengthen rapid‑response support for Nigerians abroad.

Source: The Nation — December 30, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/nidcom-appeals-for-release-of-suleiman-olufemi-from-saudi-prison/)

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Former AGF Malami Arraigned as EFCC Intensifies High-Profile Probes

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 16:00:00

In a report by Vanguard, the EFCC arraigned former Attorney‑General Abubakar Malami on money‑laundering allegations tied to claims of asset acquisitions and concealment of funds.

The report said prosecutors outlined an alleged scheme involving co‑defendants and corporate structures used to disguise the origin of money and acquire properties indirectly.

The case is part of a broader anti‑corruption drive targeting former senior officials and testing the strength of Nigeria’s asset‑tracing and prosecution process.

Premium Times reported that the EFCC alleges Malami and others conspired to “disguise the origin of funds” and acquire properties indirectly. TVC News highlighted a specific allegation that the defendants used a company “to conceal the unlawful source of over N1.014 billion.”

Echotitbits take: High‑profile cases rise or fall on evidence discipline and process integrity. Watch the court’s posture on compliance, the asset‑tracing trail, and whether prosecutors keep the case tight enough to survive procedural challenges.

Source: Vanguard — December 30, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/efcc-arraigns-malami-today-for-money-laundering/)

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Geregu Power Control Shifts as MA’AM Energy Takes Majority Stake

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 14:30:00

According to Punch, MA’AM Energy has taken control of 77% of Geregu Power Plc following a restructuring that ends billionaire Femi Otedola’s indirect controlling interest.

The report said the shift followed changes around the majority shareholder structure and noted the transaction was not presented as a direct share sale on the NGX.

Geregu’s update cited in Punch said the transfer changes the controlling interest and sets up a new governance posture for one of Nigeria’s key listed generation assets.

Premium Times reported the ownership shift and cited a source saying the deal “was valued at $750 million.” In the corporate update referenced by Punch, Geregu Power stated: “As a result of this transaction, the indirect controlling interest… has been transferred to MA’AM Energy Limited.”

Echotitbits take: This is a strong signal that investors see real value in listed power assets. Watch for (1) capex commitments by the new controller, (2) governance changes, and (3) whether the move reshapes market expectations for other energy listings.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/otedola-cedes-geregu-power-control-to-maam-energy/)

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FCMB–TLG Private Debt Fund Cleared to Raise ₦20bn in New Series

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 30, 2025

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2025-12-30 13:30:00

According to Punch, FCMB Asset Management has received regulatory approval to issue up to ₦20bn under the FCMB‑TLG Private Debt Fund Series II, opening the door for a new fundraising cycle.

The report said the approval moves the manager from documentation into rollout, targeting investors seeking structured private‑debt exposure in Nigeria’s tightening credit environment.

Market participants see private debt funds gaining traction as investors balance yield goals with a preference for managed credit structures over direct lending.

Nairametrics reported the same approval, describing the Series II clearance as “a significant milestone” for the fund’s strategy. TheCable also carried a company‑style update stating the manager “has received regulatory approval,” referencing the execution of transaction documents following the approval.

Echotitbits take: Private debt is becoming a key middle lane between bank loans and public bonds. Watch the pricing terms, sector allocation, and whether the fund leans into ESG‑style screening or purely yield‑driven credit.

Source: The Punch — December 30, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fcmb-tlg-private-debt-fund-gets-approval-for-series-ii-issuance/)

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