Libya’s top military chief dies in Turkey plane crash after Ankara trip

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December 24, 2025

Photo Credit: Vanguard
2025-12-24 08:39:00

According to Vanguard, Libya’s top military leadership suffered a major loss after a jet crash in Turkey killed the country’s army chief of staff following an official visit to Ankara.

The incident triggered investigations by Turkish authorities and mourning in Libya, with security analysts watching for how succession is handled within Libya’s fragile military unification efforts.

The death also highlights the strategic weight of Turkey–Libya defence ties, given Ankara’s role in Libya’s security landscape and ongoing cooperation frameworks.

Reuters reported that Libyan Prime Minister Dbeibah called it “a national tragedy.” AP described the crash as killing “Libya’s top military chief… and seven others.”

Echotitbits take: In conflict environments, leadership shifts can change the balance quickly. Watch who replaces the chief of staff, whether rival factions cooperate, and how Turkey–Libya military coordination evolves after the shock.

Source: Vanguard — December 23, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/libyas-top-military-chief-killed-in-plane-crash-in-turkey/)
Vanguard 2025-12-23

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Super Eagles begin AFCON with gritty 2–1 win over Tanzania

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Nation
2025-12-24 08:28:00

According to The Nation, Nigeria’s Super Eagles opened their AFCON run with a 2–1 victory over Tanzania in Group C, securing early points in the tournament.

Nigeria struck first through Semi Ajayi, then had to respond after Tanzania’s second-half equaliser before Ademola Lookman restored the lead to seal the win.

The result sets a positive tone, but the narrow margin also highlights the need for sharper game management and defensive concentration as tougher fixtures approach.

Al Jazeera described the game as Nigeria “edge past Tanzania to make winning start to AFCON 2025.” ESPN also noted: “Ademola Lookman’s second-half winner helped Nigeria overcome a Tanzania fightback.”

Echotitbits take: Winning early matters, but AFCON rewards consistency. Watch for midfield control and defensive transitions against stronger opponents—and whether chance creation improves beyond moments of individual brilliance.

Source: The Nation — December 23, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/breaking-super-eagles-beat-tanzania-in-first-afcon-game/)
The Nation 2025-12-23

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ICPC scorecard: no federal MDA achieves full ethics compliance in 2025

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-24 08:17:00

As reported by PUNCH, the ICPC says no federal Ministry, Department or Agency achieved full compliance in its 2025 Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard, pointing to widespread weaknesses in internal ethics systems.

The assessment covered 344 MDAs, with only a minority rated substantially compliant while many fell into partial, poor, or non-compliance categories.

The scorecard is intended to strengthen preventive anti-corruption reforms—meaning implementation after publication is as important as the ranking itself.

Premium Times reported the findings, stating: “No MDA achieved full compliance in the 2025 assessment.” Daily Post likewise noted: “The Commission said no MDA achieved full ethical compliance…”

Echotitbits take: Publishing rankings is step one; consequences and remediation are step two. Watch for whether compliance becomes tied to leadership performance reviews, procurement controls, and budget releases for repeat defaulters.

Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/no-federal-mda-achieved-full-ethics-compliance-in-2025-icpc/)
The Punch 2025-12-23

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Abia launches 20 electric buses as Okonjo-Iweala backs green transport push

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-24 08:06:00

In a report published by PUNCH, Abia State has launched the first batch of 20 electric buses for a green shuttle service, with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala joining Governor Alex Otti at the rollout.

Officials say the programme aims to modernise urban mobility while reducing emissions and improving commuter experience, with deployment expected to be phased as systems mature.

The major sustainability test is infrastructure—charging points, maintenance capacity, route discipline, and funding to keep the fleet operational beyond the initial headlines.

Governor Otti said: “We are starting small. Not all 20 buses will be on the road at the same time… As we deploy them, we will learn, adjust and improve.” ARISE TV also quoted Okonjo-Iweala praising the move as “extraordinary.”

Echotitbits take: This can become a credible model only if reliability is maintained. Watch for charging rollout, service frequency, fare policy, and whether the plan scales into Aba and other economic corridors.

Source: The Punch— December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/okonjo-iweala-joins-otti-for-electric-buses-rollout-in-abia/)
The Punch 2025-12-24

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NCTC warns Sahel coups are intensifying security pressure on Nigeria

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Nation
2025-12-24 07:55:00

Reporting by The Nation indicates Nigeria’s counterterror leadership is linking Sahel instability to worsening insecurity at home, citing cross-border extremist networks and spillover effects.

Officials argue that coups and the resulting security gaps in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali have increased militant mobility, deepened recruitment, and complicated joint operations.

The warning reinforces that Nigeria’s security challenge is increasingly transnational—requiring regional diplomacy, intelligence fusion, and stronger border controls.

Major General Garba Laka said: “We have these countries facing these threats and we think we will see peace in Nigeria? No.” He added: “As long as those countries keep on facing this threat, Nigeria will continue facing the brunt.”

Echotitbits take: Nigeria cannot stabilize fully if the Sahel remains a revolving door for armed groups. Watch for concrete steps on border surveillance, regional coordination, and local stabilization in frontline states.

Source: The Nation — December 23, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/nctc-boss-coups-in-mali-niger-burkina-faso-worsen-security-in-nigeria/)
The Nation 2025-12-23

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FG says power supply should rebound within 48 hours after gas pipeline disruptions

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-24 07:44:00

According to PUNCH, the Federal Government says the latest dip in electricity supply is temporary and should improve within 24–48 hours as repairs progress on disrupted gas infrastructure.

The report links the supply drop to an explosion on the Escravos–Lagos Gas Pipeline and additional vandalism affecting gas delivery to thermal plants, reducing generation across the grid.

Officials say the system operator is monitoring repairs by NGPTC (an NNPC subsidiary), and that restoration timelines have been communicated across the value chain.

In the system operator update referenced, NISO said restoration works are “nearing completion and… full operations are expected to resume within 24 to 48 hours.” The minister’s team also said: “The situation is expected to be resolved within the next 24 to 48 hours.”

Echotitbits take: Even if supply returns, the bigger issue is resilience. Watch for stronger pipeline protection, redundancy in gas supply routes, and faster balancing capacity on the grid so single incidents don’t crash supply.

Source: The Punch— December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/power-outage-temporary-supply-to-return-in-48-hours-adelabu/)
The Punch 2025-12-23

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Experts say Lagos could unlock ₦1tn yearly from property tax—if data gets fixed

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch
2025-12-24 07:33:00

Figures cited by PUNCH show that Lagos could generate as much as ₦1 trillion annually from property tax if the state builds credible property registers, accurate valuations, and transparent enforcement systems.

Speakers at a tax reform summit argued that property tax is one of the most stable revenue anchors because it grows with urban development and is harder to evade when the register is accurate.

The policy push is shifting from rhetoric to implementation—enumeration, valuation, harmonisation, and building trust that revenue collected translates into visible public services.

Taiwo Oyedele said: “Property taxation is one of the most underutilised yet stable revenue sources available to states and local governments.” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu added: “Taxation is ultimately a social contract. People comply willingly when they trust that the government is responsible, accountable, and responsive.”

Echotitbits take: The upside is huge, but the politics are delicate. Watch for a transparent register, clear rates, dispute-resolution for valuations, and visible reinvestment in services—otherwise compliance will be resisted.

Source: The Punch— December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/lagos-can-generate-n1tn-yearly-from-property-tax-oyedele/)
The Punch 2025-12-24

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Tin Can Customs surpasses 2025 target, hits ₦1.576tr in collections

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Nation
2025-12-24 07:22:00

In an update published by The Nation, the Tin Can Island Port Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it exceeded its 2025 revenue target, citing stronger enforcement and improved processes.

The command reported collections of about ₦1.576 trillion—roughly ₦51.8 billion above its assigned target—pointing to key import categories as revenue drivers.

Officials say fewer multiple alerts helped speed up turnaround time without weakening controls, while enforcement activities continued alongside revenue collection.

The Guardian backed the same development, quoting the controller: “Let me state unequivocally that the attainment of our annual revenue target does not in any way signify a relaxation of operational standards.” DMarketForces also reported the milestone and quoted him saying: “The command was given a revenue target of N1.524 trillion for 2025 and exceeded it…”

Echotitbits take: Customs revenue growth is positive, but Nigeria also needs predictable, transparent port processes. Watch for whether clearance time improves and whether other commands replicate the efficiency gains without raising trade costs.

Source: The Nation — December 23, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/tin-can-island-port-customs-surpasses-2025-revenue-target-by-n51-8bn/)
The Nation 2025-12-23

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PZ Cussons rebounds into profit as half-year results show a turnaround

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Punch

2025-12-24 07:11:00

Reporting by PUNCH indicates PZ Cussons Nigeria returned to a strong profit position in its half-year results, reversing prior weakness and pointing to better pricing, improved margins, and tighter cost control.

The interim numbers showed a notable lift in profitability, suggesting management is gaining traction on operational efficiency despite Nigeria’s tough consumer environment.

If the trend holds, investors will watch for whether the profit is driven by sustainable volume recovery or largely by pricing and currency-linked effects—especially as purchasing power remains under strain.

MarketScreener’s data summary of the filing notes: “For the six months, sales was NGN 127,902.6 million… Net income was NGN 21,428.3 million.” In the company’s NGX interim highlights, it lists: “Basic and diluted earnings per share (Naira) 5.17.”

Echotitbits take: This is a snapshot of how consumer-goods firms are navigating inflation and FX pressures—reprice, optimize, and protect margins. Watch next for evidence of volume growth, not just margin expansion.

Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/pz-posts-n21-4bn-half-year-profit/)

The Punch 2025-12-24

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Senate advances ₦58.47tr 2026 budget, tees up debate for the new year

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B.O.B Echoload

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December 24, 2025

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Photo Credit: The Nation
2025-12-24 07:00:00

According to The Nation, the Senate has advanced the proposed 2026 federal budget after it scaled second reading, keeping the appropriation process on track ahead of more detailed committee work.

The move signals early legislative buy-in for the headline spending plan, even as lawmakers prepare to drill into the assumptions—revenue projections, borrowing needs, and the spending mix that will shape implementation.

With the second reading done, the next stage shifts to deeper scrutiny, where sector-by-sector allocations and policy trade-offs become the real battleground.

TheCable also reported the development, noting that the Senate “passed the N58.472 trillion 2026 appropriation bill for second reading.” ARISE News similarly described the session as lawmakers “passed the N58.47 trillion 2026 appropriation bill for second reading.”

Echotitbits take: The key watchpoint is not the second reading itself, but the credibility of the financing plan. Nigerians should track what gets trimmed, what gets protected, and whether lawmakers demand stronger performance metrics for MDAs—especially on power, security, and inflation-sensitive social spending.

Source: The Nation — December 23, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/n58-47tr-2026-budget-scales-second-reading-in-senate/)
The Nation 2025-12-23

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