Trump and Zelensky hold talks as Ukraine war endgame takes shape

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December 29, 2025

2025-12-29 09:00:00
Punch says Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky met as diplomacy intensifies around ending the war, with competing frameworks and red lines shaping what a deal could look like.

Reuters coverage captures urgency from Kyiv’s side about timing and leverage as the New Year approaches, suggesting decisions could accelerate as war fatigue influences negotiation dynamics.

Unresolved fundamentals—security guarantees, territory, enforcement mechanisms and sequencing—remain the toughest obstacles to any lasting settlement.

Reuters quotes Zelensky saying, “I think a lot can be decided before the New Year,” while Investing.com reports Zelensky said after the meeting they were “a lot closer” to ending the war.

Echotitbits take: The risk now is a rushed deal that freezes conflict without credible guarantees. Watch for concrete enforcement language and whether Europe is formally inside the guarantee structure—or merely supporting from the sidelines.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/trump-zelensky-meet-in-push-to-end-ukraine-war/)
The Punch 2025-12-29

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UK imposes visa restrictions on DR Congo over migrant returns cooperation

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-28 09:00:00
In a dispatch carried by Punch, the UK government says it has imposed visa restrictions on nationals of the Democratic Republic of Congo, citing the country’s poor cooperation in returning people the UK deems to be in the country illegally.

The move fits a wider UK approach that pairs tougher entry rules with bilateral return arrangements, pressuring origin countries to accept deportees while rewarding more cooperative states with easier mobility.

Visa sanctions can also strain broader diplomatic ties, raising the prospect of retaliation and knock-on effects for trade and security cooperation.

Reuters reports the UK cited “poor cooperation” on returns, while Al Jazeera describes the restriction as linked to an alleged failure “to cooperate with UK’s new asylum seeker return policy.”

Echotitbits take: This sets a precedent: visa policy is increasingly used as a migration-enforcement tool. Watch which countries are targeted next—and whether diplomatic deals soften the practical impact over time.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/uk-slaps-visa-sanctions-on-dr-congo-over-migrant-returns/)
The Punch 2025-12-28

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Nigeria to unveil ‘Nigeria House’ at WEF 2026 as an investment-facing pavilion

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
Reporting by Punch indicates Nigeria plans to debut “Nigeria House” at the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, positioning it as a structured venue for showcasing reforms and engaging investors beyond symbolic attendance.

BusinessDay describes it as a dedicated hub intended to convene senior officials, global CEOs and institutional capital, with an emphasis on deal-making and post-forum commitments.

The concept mirrors what many countries already do in Davos—create a controlled space for targeted meetings, pitching and narrative management, where success is measured by pipeline conversion, not footfall.

Nigeria House Davos describes itself as “an official national platform at the World Economic Forum 2026,” while BusinessDay frames it as translating global interest into “real economic outcomes.”

Echotitbits take: A Davos pavilion is useful only if it has follow-through. Watch for a published investment pipeline, sector-specific pitches, and a post-WEF tracker showing what converted into signed deals or funded projects.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nigeria-house-debuts-at-wef-2026/)
The Punch 2025-12-29

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NDLEA intercepts UK-bound cocaine concealed in factory-sealed starch sachets

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
According to Punch, NDLEA operatives uncovered 1.5kg of cocaine concealed inside factory-sealed cold-water starch sachets at the export shed of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, and arrested an ex-convict alongside cargo agents linked to the attempted shipment to the UK.

The concealment method underscores how traffickers exploit everyday export items to reduce suspicion, while enforcement agencies tighten checks on logistics chains and facilitation networks around airports.

Beyond seizures, successful prosecution and disruption of supply networks remain the deterrence test for interdiction efforts.

Channels TV reports “the seizure of 75 parcels of cocaine, weighing a total of 1.50 kilograms,” while The Guardian also states the drugs were “concealed in factory-sealed sachets of cold-water starch and destined for the United Kingdom.”

Echotitbits take: Traffickers innovate faster than paperwork. The winning move is sustained profiling, tighter cargo-agent oversight, and faster court timelines that turn arrests into convictions.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/ndlea-uncovers-uk-bound-cocaine-hidden-in-starch-at-lagos-airport/)
The Punch 2025-12-29

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FAAC review flags weak responses from firms in road tax credit scrutiny

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
In an update published by Punch, FAAC’s post-mortem sub-committee reviewing the Road Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme reportedly received responses from only three of seven companies contacted, raising fresh questions around transparency and project accountability.

The scheme allows companies to build eligible roads and offset costs against future tax liabilities, making it a large fiscal lever that directly affects distributable revenue.

The central issue now is governance: whether project valuation, scope, and delivery milestones align with tax credits claimed across participating firms.

ThisDay reports that “a combined $577.6 million and N822.3 billion were utilised under the scheme,” while ARISE News says the panel is probing “the scale of deductions, transparency of project execution and accountability.”

Echotitbits take: Tax-credit infrastructure can be smart—if procurement and monitoring are airtight. If not, it becomes a quiet drain on FAAC. Watch for the committee’s recommendations and whether disclosure rules get tougher.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/faac-flags-poor-responses-in-road-tax-scheme/)
The Punch 2025-12-29

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Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
Punch reports that electricity distribution companies have commenced rollout plans for about 700,000 prepaid meters, amid intensified pressure from the regulator to close Nigeria’s metering gap and reduce estimated billing.

Related coverage flags a major operational wrinkle: STS token migration, with many existing meters still needing upgrades to remain compatible, which could complicate customer experience even as new units are deployed.

The programme’s credibility will be judged on installations completed, activation speed, and how quickly customer disputes over billing reduce in real terms.

TheCable quotes NERC’s Musiliu Oseni warning, “If your network is not ready to accept the new meters, don’t bring them,” while ThisDay notes “over 350,000 meters are yet to be migrated to the new Standard Transfer Specification (STS).”

Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering fight is now about execution—warehouse to wall. Watch who gets first (Band A vs others), how fast meters are activated, and whether dispute resolution is responsive when timelines slip.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regulator-pressure-discos-roll-out-700000-free-meters/)
The Punch 2025-12-29

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FG clears bulk of NNPCL legacy obligations after FAAC reconciliation

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
In a report by Punch, a regulatory document presented at FAAC says the Federal Government approved a reconciliation that “wrote off” a large portion of NNPCL’s outstanding legacy obligations to the Federation Account—about $1.42bn and N5.57tn—relating to balances up to end-2024.

BusinessDay frames the move as a balance-sheet reset: disputed debts tied to crude liftings, production-sharing arrangements and JV royalties were removed from the books after reconciliation, while obligations incurred in 2025 were not covered.

The development shifts attention to what happens next—whether remittance, accounting clarity, and timely reconciliation prevent new obligations from piling up.

BusinessDay quotes the document saying, “a Presidential Approval [was received] to nil off the outstanding obligations of NNPC Ltd as at 31st December 2024,” while Nairametrics similarly reports Tinubu approved cancellation of “about $1.42 billion and ₦5.57 trillion” in legacy debts.

Echotitbits take: Clearing contested legacy balances can reduce inter-government tension, but it doesn’t solve forward-looking transparency. The watch item is whether fresh 2025/2026 obligations shrink—month after month.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-writes-off-1-42bn-n5-57tn-nnpc-debt/)
The Punch 2025-12-29

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FX reserves climb by $4.39bn in 12 months, CBN data shows

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 29, 2025

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2025-12-29 09:00:00
Figures published by Punch indicate Nigeria’s external reserves rose by $4.39bn between December 23, 2024 and December 23, 2025, reaching about $45.24bn over the period, based on data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

The rise adds to a late-2025 picture of stronger buffers, with other market trackers also placing Nigeria’s gross reserves above $45bn in December and describing it as a multi-year high.

Beyond the headline number, the key question for businesses and households is whether the reserve build-up translates to steadier FX supply and narrower spreads across official and parallel channels.

MoneyCentral reports that “Gross dollar reserves stood at $45.04 billion as at December 4, 2025,” citing CBN data, while TELL notes reserves “hit $45bn” in early December 2025.

Echotitbits take: Reserves are a confidence barometer—but they can rise and still feel “tight” if FX demand stays hot. Watch whether the trend holds into Q1 2026 and whether gaps between rates meaningfully narrow.

Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fx-reserves-add-4-39bn-in-one-year/)
The Punch 2025-12-29

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Brandi Cyrus announces engagement to Matt Southcombe after a flight-delay meet-cute

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: People
2025-12-28 07:45:00

In coverage published by People, Brandi Cyrus shared that she’s engaged to Matt Southcombe, describing how a flight cancellation led to a coffee-shop meeting that turned into a relationship.

The announcement triggered congratulatory reactions online, with engagement photos and the ring reveal driving holiday-season lifestyle buzz.

Also noted by E! News (Website): “Miley Cyrus’ Sister Brandi Cyrus Reveals Engagement…” (https://www.eonline.com/)

Separately, Hola! USA (Website) reported: “Brandi Cyrus is engaged to boyfriend Matt Southcombe.” (https://www.hola.com/us/)

Echotitbits take: Holiday engagements are built for social sharing—and for brand tie-ins. Watch next for wedding planning updates, fashion moments, and whether the couple’s story becomes part of podcast and lifestyle content in the Cyrus orbit.

Source: People — December 26, 2025 — https://people.com/brandi-cyrus-announces-engagement-to-dream-man-matt-southcombe-11876454

People December 26, 2025

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From Twin-X to tech: Taiwo Akintoye’s quiet pivot sparks fresh conversation

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 28, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-28 07:35:00

In a profile published by Punch Newspapers, Taiwo Akintoye—formerly part of early-2000s duo Twin-X—has been positioned as a tech entrepreneur and product strategist after stepping away from music.

The story taps into a growing trend: entertainers leveraging visibility and networks to build careers in business and technology.

Also noted by Flexademic (Website): “Learn about Taiwo Akintoye… and his transition into… tech entrepreneur and product strategist…” (https://flexademic.com/)

Separately, Punch Newspapers (Website) reported: “…has quietly transitioned from music to technology…” (https://punchng.com/)

Echotitbits take: The credibility test for “celebrity-to-tech” isn’t vibes—it’s verifiable roles and shipped products. Watch for concrete portfolio details, public-facing projects, and whether he becomes a bridge for more music-to-tech partnerships in Nigeria.

Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 — https://punchng.com/afrobeats-star-reemerges-as-tech-entrepreneur/

The Punch December 28, 2025

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