FG to MDAs: Submit Annual Accounts or Lose 2026 Releases

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December 25, 2025

Photo Credit: Lagos Television
2025-12-25 10:10:00

As disclosed in a report by Lagos Television, the Federal Government has warned ministries, departments and agencies that failure to submit stand-alone annual financial statements will lead to denial of access to government funds in 2026.

The warning is contained in a circular dated December 22, 2025, signed by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr. Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, tied to year-end financial activity guidelines.

The circular is blunt: “Any MDA that fails to prepare and render its separate annual financial statements will have its release of funds suspended indefinitely,” with queries to be issued to the relevant directors/heads of accounts.

A separate report carried by Njenje Media echoed the same sanction language and added that MDAs are also directed to ensure revenues due to the Federation Account and CRF/TSA channels are fully collected and accounted for, alongside stricter IGR remittance diligence.

Echotitbits take: This is a classic “compliance lever” policy—budget releases as enforcement. If implemented consistently, it can tighten financial discipline and reduce opaque off-book spending. Watch for pushback from under-resourced agencies and whether the Treasury provides technical support to help MDAs meet reporting standards, not just punishment.

Source: Lagos Television — December 24, 2025 (https://lagostelevision.com/2025/12/24/fg-warns-mdas-no-accounts-no-funds-in-2026/)

Lagos Television 2025-12-24

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NSCDC Confirms Attack on Niger Outpost, Says Officers Are Safe

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: GazetteNGR (NAN)
2025-12-25 10:05:00

In an update published by GazetteNGR (via NAN), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps confirmed a terrorist attack on its officers stationed at the Wawa area of Borgu LGA in Niger State.

The report says the incident involved an assault on the NSCDC post, with attackers carting away a rifle and personal items during the raid, triggering immediate security concerns around remote outposts.

Crucially, the NSCDC’s Niger command said the personnel involved were not missing after all, stressing that “officers involved in the attack had been accounted for and were safe.”

Other outlets also reported the same incident, including Daily Post and Daily Trust, as the security services intensify efforts to secure border-adjacent and hard-to-reach communities in Niger’s northern corridors.

Echotitbits take: The “accounted for and safe” clarification is important, but the bigger signal is vulnerability of lightly manned outposts—especially where attackers can seize weapons. Watch for whether NSCDC escalates joint patrols with police/army, and whether Niger’s security architecture shifts toward better early warning and rapid response.

Source: GazetteNGR (NAN) — December 24, 2025 (https://gazettengr.com/terrorists-attack-nscdc-officers-at-niger-lg-cart-away-rifle-belongings/)

GazetteNGR (NAN) 2025-12-24

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House Panel Fast-Tracks Probe Into Alleged “Gazette” Tax-Law Discrepancies

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 10:00:00

Reporting by Punch indicates Nigeria’s House of Representatives panel investigating alleged inconsistencies between tax laws passed by lawmakers and versions later gazetted has promised to finish quickly and submit a report without delay.

The panel, chaired by Muktar Betara, was constituted after lawmakers raised concerns that provisions in the gazetted laws may differ materially from what the National Assembly approved—raising questions about legislative integrity and the reliability of statutes being implemented.

The controversy has also drawn political pressure, with Senator Ali Ndume urging President Bola Tinubu to pause implementation of disputed tax reform measures slated for January until independent verification is completed.

Elsewhere, The Guardian reported that the committee pledged to submit its findings once work is concluded, while quoting Taiwo Oyedele calling for patience: “let’s wait for the investigation to establish what indeed happened.” BusinessDay similarly reported the House set up a seven-member committee to investigate “alleged discrepancies” between gazetted tax laws and the versions passed by the National Assembly.

Echotitbits take: This is becoming a credibility test for Nigeria’s fiscal reform push. If the “gazette vs passed copy” gap isn’t resolved transparently, enforcement will face legitimacy challenges, litigation risk, and compliance pushback. Watch for whether the panel publishes a side-by-side reconciliation of disputed clauses—and whether implementation timelines shift.

Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/house-begins-tax-law-probe-ndume-pushes-for-suspension/?utm_medium=web&utm_source=top-story)

The Punch 2025-12-25

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Politics Meets Pop: Davido Linked to Uncle Adeleke’s Party Move

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 09:45:00

As detailed by The Punch, Davido is said to have aligned with or been linked to his uncle Governor Ademola Adeleke’s political platform (Accord), a development that quickly sparked online chatter about celebrity influence in Nigerian politics. The story sits at the intersection of family power, party branding, and youth-facing celebrity visibility.

While celebrity political endorsements are not new, Davido’s reach makes any perceived “move” instantly consequential—fueling speculation about campaign mobilization, messaging, and the optics of pop-culture figures in partisan structures.

The report also highlights how political narratives now travel: a mix of social posts, informal statements, and media amplification can rapidly become “news,” even before formal party documentation or official statements clarify details.

Other outlets have tracked the broader Adeleke/Davido political storylines over time, and recent political reporting continues to note the growing role of influencers and entertainers in shaping campaign narratives and voter attention spans—especially among first-time and youth voters.

Echotitbits take: If this is more than rumor, watch for formal party documentation, event appearances, and whether Davido’s involvement becomes structured (youth mobilization, rallies) or remains symbolic. Nigerian politics increasingly runs on attention—and celebrity attention is premium fuel.

Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/davido-joins-uncle-adelekes-accord-party/)

The Punch 2025-12-25

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Davido’s AFCON Flex: Singer Reportedly Nets ~$96k From Super Eagles Bet

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 09:40:00

As reported by The Punch, Afrobeats star Davido earned a sizable payout after placing a bet tied to Nigeria’s AFCON opener against Tanzania, reportedly clearing about $96,000+ after his prediction landed. The report says he backed a market that required both teams to score, and Nigeria ultimately won 2–1.

The story spread quickly because Davido reportedly posted his slip online ahead of kickoff—turning a routine sports punt into a viral moment that blended celebrity culture, AFCON fever, and betting culture.

Beyond the banter, it also spotlights how mainstream sports betting has become in Nigeria’s pop culture ecosystem, with celebrity posts amplifying betting narratives—especially during major tournaments.

In separate reports, The Guardian wrote Davido shared the caption “Let’s get this W Nigeria” and claimed his correct call produced a payout of “$96,564,” while another Nigerian outlet also reported the same win narrative around the Super Eagles’ 2–1 result and Davido’s pre-match post.

Echotitbits take: AFCON + celebrity + betting is a viral cocktail. Watch whether the conversation shifts from “cruise” to responsibility—because celebrity betting posts can indirectly normalize high-stakes gambling among young fans.

Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/afcon-2025-davido-wins-96000-after-predicting-super-eagles-victory-over-tanzania/)

The Punch 2025-12-25

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Passenger Wins: NCAA Says Airlines Paid Back Over N1bn in Refunds

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 09:35:00

In an interview carried by The Punch, the NCAA says it has pushed airlines to refund passengers more consistently, disclosing over N1 billion paid back as consumer protection enforcement tightened. The regulator framed the outcome as proof that complaint systems and airline accountability are improving.

The refunds reportedly covered delays, cancellations, and service failures where passengers were entitled to compensation under applicable rules, with the NCAA urging travelers to document complaints and use official channels rather than social-media outrage alone.

For airlines, the development signals rising enforcement costs for poor reliability, potentially encouraging better schedule discipline, passenger communication, and quicker re-accommodation processes during disruptions.

In additional reporting, The Guardian quoted the NCAA saying it recorded the “highest volume of refunds in the agency’s history,” while Daily Trust also reported the same outcome, stating domestic airlines “refunded over N1 billion to passengers” within the stated period.

Echotitbits take: This is a rare win for Nigerian consumers—but sustainability matters. Watch whether NCAA publishes clearer dashboards (refund timelines, penalties, repeat offenders) and whether airlines respond by improving operational reliability rather than just paying refunds after complaints pile up.

Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/airlines-refund-over-n1bn-as-ncaa-enforces-compliance/)

The Punch 2025-12-25

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Maiduguri Mosque Blast: Deaths Reported as Borno Reels Again

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 09:30:00

Police updates referenced by The Punch say an explosion at a mosque in Maiduguri, Borno State, left multiple casualties during prayers, reviving fears over insurgent-linked attacks in Nigeria’s northeast. The incident reportedly caused panic and rushed evacuations as victims were taken for treatment.

The attack fits a long-running pattern in the region, where civilians and places of worship have been targeted amid the Boko Haram/ISWAP-linked insurgency. While responsibility is often unclear in early hours, authorities typically tighten security and launch bomb-disposal and investigation protocols immediately after such incidents.

The broader concern is the timing: festive periods and crowded gatherings can increase vulnerability, making community vigilance and intelligence-led policing especially critical.

Two international reports aligned on the incident details: Reuters quoted Borno Governor Babagana Zulum condemning the bombing as “barbaric and inhumane,” while the Associated Press described it as an “apparent suicide attack” after authorities found fragments consistent with a suicide vest.

Echotitbits take: The key question is whether this marks a tactical resurgence (suicide devices returning) or an isolated breach. Watch for official forensics, arrests, and whether security agencies issue broader threat advisories for the North-East during the holiday window.

Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/four-killed-14-injured-in-borno-mosque-bombing/)

The Punch 2025-12-25

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Japa Update: Nigerian Nurses on UK Register Cross 16,000

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 09:25:00

Figures cited by The Punch show 16,156 Nigerian-trained nurses and midwives have been licensed to practise in the UK between 2017 and September 30, 2025, underlining the sustained health-worker outflow often described as “japa.” The report frames the movement as both opportunity-driven migration and a stress point for Nigeria’s health system.

Beyond the headline number, the broader UK-side data shows shifting recruitment dynamics, including a slowdown in international joiners compared to prior periods—suggesting immigration rules, labour-market conditions, and social climate are affecting inflows.

For Nigeria, the implications are double-edged: remittances and global exposure on one hand, but deepening staffing gaps and training-cost leakage on the other—especially for critical-care and specialist nursing areas.

For validation, the UK Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) reported that “the second and third largest sources of international recruitment are now Nigeria and Ghana,” while The Guardian (UK) cited NMC workforce data noting the number of overseas joiners “is collapsing,” as international inflows slowed in 2025.

Echotitbits take: Nigeria needs a serious retention-and-return strategy—bonding alone won’t work if working conditions remain weak. Watch for policies around pay, safe staffing ratios, housing/transport support, and specialist training pathways that make staying competitive.

Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/japa-nigerian-nurses-practising-in-uk-hit-over-16000/)

The Punch 2025-12-25

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N739/Litre Dangote Petrol Sparks Rush at MRS Stations

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 09:20:00

As detailed by The Punch, the sale of Dangote-refined petrol at about N739 per litre at some MRS outlets triggered long queues, as motorists sought cheaper fuel amid higher prevailing pump prices elsewhere. The rush reflects both price sensitivity and the market’s hunt for stable supply points.

The report suggests queues built quickly in locations where the N739 pricing was visible, with customers traveling between stations to confirm availability—typical behavior in Nigeria’s downstream market when a meaningful price gap opens.

The development also highlights distribution reality: price reductions can create localized demand spikes that supply logistics may struggle to match in the short term, raising the risk of stockouts and opportunistic price deviations.

On validation, Nairametrics reported a monitoring push, quoting a call to “report any MRS station selling above N739 per litre,” while Vanguard captured commuter reactions describing the pricing move as a “laudable intervention” and “timely relief” amid cost pressures.

Echotitbits take: Cheap fuel without stable volume quickly becomes chaos. Watch whether supply scales (more stations, more trucks, steadier replenishment) and whether regulators/marketers enforce price discipline to stop “N739 on paper, N850 at the nozzle.”

Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/n739-litre-dangote-petrol-causes-queues-at-mrs-stations/)

The Punch 2025-12-25

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CBN Pushes Banks: FirstBank ATMs to Accept International Cards

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 25, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-25 09:15:00

In an update published by The Punch, FirstBank says its ATMs will be enabled to accept international cards in line with a Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) directive, a step aimed at improving foreign-card usability for travelers and visitors. The bank said the change is part of broader compliance work across Nigeria’s payment infrastructure.

For customers, the biggest impact is convenience: foreign-issued cards should be able to withdraw cash (where permitted) and complete ATM transactions more smoothly, reducing friction for diaspora visitors and business travelers—especially during peak travel seasons.

For banks and switching/payment processors, the directive implies backend reconfiguration, routing, and compliance checks to ensure international schemes work reliably across channels.

Supporting reports show the regulator set deadlines and scope: Vanguard quoted the directive saying banks must “configure their ATMs to allow foreign cards” by “February 28, 2025,” while The Guardian reported the goal is for ATMs to accept “Visa, MasterCard, and other foreign cards.”

Echotitbits take: This is a pro-diaspora, pro-tourism signal—but reliability is everything. Watch for early hiccups (declines, FX conversion disputes, downtime), and whether fees and FX spreads become the next consumer pain-point.

Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/firstbank-atms-to-now-accept-intl-cards/)

The Punch 2025-12-25

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