Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: abuja

  • Court orders INEC to grant Labour Party access code for FCT area council candidates

    Court orders INEC to grant Labour Party access code for FCT area council candidates

    2026-01-01 07:15:00
    In an update published by Punch, an FCT High Court ordered INEC to provide the Labour Party an access code to upload candidate details for the February 2026 FCT area council elections.

    The interim orders also directed INEC to upload and publish the party’s candidates’ particulars across the six area councils within a short window, pending the hearing of the substantive motion.

    The dispute reflects wider tensions around party factions, candidate recognition and administrative access to INEC’s nomination portal.

    The Nation similarly reported INEC was ordered to “grant access code” for uploading candidates’ particulars.

    TheCable also reported the Abure-led Labour Party faction requested INEC portal access to upload candidates for the council polls.

    Echotitbits take:

    This is a reminder that election credibility can be undermined by back-end administrative fights. Watch for INEC’s compliance response and whether other parties pursue similar court pathways to compel portal access.

    Source: The Punch — December 19, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fct-council-poll-court-orders-inec-to-recognise-lp-candidates/)

    The Punch 2025-12-19

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Oluremi Tinubu’s @65 Education Fund closes at ₦25.52bn for National Library project

    Oluremi Tinubu’s @65 Education Fund closes at ₦25.52bn for National Library project

    2026-01-01 07:50:00
    According to The Nation, the Oluremi @65 Education Fund—set up around Nigeria’s First Lady’s 65th birthday—closed after raising ₦25.52bn, tied to education support and the National Library project.

    The disclosure puts a hard figure to a fundraising drive that drew attention for both its scale and the stated goal of moving a long-delayed national institution toward completion.

    Execution is now the key issue: procurement transparency, governance structure, and clear milestones that show the money translates into measurable progress.

    The Guardian Nigeria also reported the fund “has closed after raising” ₦25,520,708,074.35.

    BusinessDay similarly stated the appeal “had reached a total of ₦25,520,708,074.35” as of December 31, 2025.

    Echotitbits take:

    Nigerians will support public-good projects when trust is high. Watch for an auditable dashboard, published milestones, and transparent contracting—otherwise the story risks ending as a headline without delivery.

    Source: The Nation — January 1, 2026 (https://thenationonlineng.net/oluremi-65-education-fund-raises-n25-52bn-for-national-library-project/)

    The Nation 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Nigeria targets deeper China cooperation in 2026 as officials pitch expanded partnership

    Nigeria targets deeper China cooperation in 2026 as officials pitch expanded partnership

    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

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Tinubu doubles down: Nigeria’s new tax laws kick off January 1

    Tinubu doubles down: Nigeria’s new tax laws kick off January 1

    2025-12-31 08:00:00

    According to PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu said the new tax laws will begin on January 1, 2026, insisting the government is moving ahead despite lingering debate around implementation and potential pushback from some quarters.

    The presidency’s line is that the reforms are designed to modernise the tax system, widen the base, and improve collection efficiency—while reducing leakages and uncertainty that have long weakened fiscal planning.

    Officials also framed the rollout as part of a broader reform bundle meant to stabilise the economy and strengthen public finances, with the administration urging stakeholders to focus on execution rather than delay.

    Premium Times also reported Tinubu calling the reforms a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” while Reuters quoted him saying “No substantial issue should cause us to renege on a programme that will benefit our economy.”

    Validation: Premium Times said “once-in-a-generation opportunity” and Reuters reported “No substantial issue should cause us to renege on a programme that will benefit our economy.”

    Echotitbits take: This is the kind of policy moment where the headline is easy, but the real story is implementation. Watch for the early guidance notes, compliance timelines, and how disputes (if any) are resolved without undermining confidence.

    Source: Lindaikejisblog — 31 December 2025 (https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/12/president-tinubu-insists-new-tax-law-to-commence-january-1-2026.html)

    Lindaikejisblog 31 December 2025

    Photo Credit: Lindaikejisblog

  • Abuja Confirms U.S. Strikes on Terror Cells in Northwest Nigeria

    Abuja Confirms U.S. Strikes on Terror Cells in Northwest Nigeria

    Photo Credit: Worldstagenews
    2025-12-26 06:00:00

    According to *PUNCH*, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has formally acknowledged U.S. military strikes that targeted suspected terrorist enclaves in the country’s northwest, describing the action as part of a wider counter-terror push.

    The ministry’s statement framed the episode as a security partnership step, while also emphasising Nigeria’s sovereignty and the need for coordinated action against armed groups operating across hard-to-police terrain.

    The development comes amid heightened regional security concerns, with officials stressing that insurgent and terror-linked violence is no longer a “local” problem but one with spillover risks for trade routes, border communities, and internal displacement.

    In Abuja, the confirmation is likely to renew debate about the rules, scope, and accountability of foreign military assistance—especially as public pressure grows for visible gains against violent networks.

    Reuters also described the action as “a joint operation” to “target terrorists,” while The Associated Press quoted the U.S. president describing a “powerful and deadly strike.”

    Echotitbits take: This is a security milestone and a political risk at once—helpful if it degrades networks, controversial if civilians are harmed or if sovereignty questions resurface. Watch for operational details, casualty clarifications, and whether Nigeria formalises a clearer framework for foreign kinetic support.

    Source: Worldstagenews — Dec 26, 2025 (https://www.worldstagenews.com/nigeria-tinubu-confirms-approval-of-successful-precision-strikes-on-foreign-isis-elements/)

    Photo credit/source: Worldstagenews
    Worldstagenews 2025-12-26

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

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

    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

  • Nigeria steps up push to remove terror-linked social media accounts

    Nigeria steps up push to remove terror-linked social media accounts

    Photo Credit: The  Punch
    2025-12-24 06:36:00

    Speaking in an end-of-year security briefing cited by Punch, Nigeria’s counter-terror coordination officials say they are working with major social media platforms to identify and take down accounts tied to terrorist recruitment, propaganda, and coordination.

    Authorities argue that extremist networks have shifted tactics—from purely physical coordination to digital messaging, financing cues, and disinformation aimed at confusing communities and pressuring authorities.

    The government’s focus is on disruption: removing visibility, breaking distribution networks, and reducing the “viral” spread of extremist content while investigations continue offline.

    Officials also signalled the effort requires speed: platform cooperation and rapid verification are key, because terror-linked accounts can reappear under new names within hours.

    TVC News reported Nigeria is “collaborating with major social media companies” to remove terror-linked accounts, while The Point similarly referenced the push to “identify and remove accounts linked to terrorist activities.”

    Echotitbits take: Content takedowns are useful but not sufficient—terror networks will migrate. Watch for whether Nigeria pairs takedowns with digital evidence preservation (for prosecutions) and community-based counter-messaging to reduce recruitment pull.

    Source: The  Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-orders-takedown-of-terrorists-social-media-accounts/)
    The  Punch 2025-12-24

  • NBA and Atiku demand a halt to new tax laws over alleged ‘gazette’ alterations

    NBA and Atiku demand a halt to new tax laws over alleged ‘gazette’ alterations

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

    In an update published by Punch, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are calling for an immediate suspension of Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws, citing allegations that the gazetted text differs from what lawmakers passed.

    The NBA’s concern is procedural legitimacy: if a law’s final text was altered after legislative passage, then implementation becomes legally risky—especially for businesses planning compliance, pricing, and payroll systems around the new regime.

    Atiku’s position is more politically charged, urging investigation and framing the controversy as a major governance breach that could undermine democratic lawmaking.

    The dispute has also opened a second front: whether the executive should proceed with the planned January 1, 2026 implementation date while lawmakers investigate.

    Vanguard reported Atiku asked EFCC to probe the “illegal and unauthorised alterations,” while also quoting the NBA’s call that “all plans for implementation… should be immediately suspended.”

    Echotitbits take: If this isn’t resolved fast, you risk a compliance freeze—companies won’t know which text to obey, and investors hate legal ambiguity. The smart move is a rapid, transparent harmonisation process (and publication of the verified final text) before January 1.

    Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nba-atiku-demand-new-tax-law-suspension/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • Local Councils Press Tinubu for Direct Allocations as States Hold Trillions

    Local Councils Press Tinubu for Direct Allocations as States Hold Trillions

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates local government stakeholders are intensifying calls for direct disbursement of council allocations, arguing that state-level handling of the funds weakens grassroots service delivery.

    The push is framed as a continuation of the post–Supreme Court autonomy debate—demanding that councils receive money straight from the federation account rather than through state intermediaries.

    Supporters say direct access will improve accountability and ensure funds go to primary healthcare, rural roads, sanitation, and local economic activity instead of being diluted by state politics.

    State governments, however, have historically resisted reforms that reduce their control over local funding structures, meaning enforcement mechanisms—not just court rulings—remain the key battleground.

    Validation: Daily Times recalls the Supreme Court position, stating it is “unconstitutional for state governments to retain or manage funds meant for local councils.” Meanwhile, ABN TV repeats the core claim: “state governments received control over at least N7.43tn meant for local government councils…”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s local governance problem isn’t only “how much money,” but “who controls it.” Watch for enforcement: executive orders, FAAC remittance redesign, and whether states respond with political workarounds.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/autonomy-battle-lgs-demand-direct-funds-as-states-receive-n7-43tn/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23

  • Presidency, Lawmakers Trade Claims Over “Different” Gazetted Tax Text

    Presidency, Lawmakers Trade Claims Over “Different” Gazetted Tax Text

    Photo Credit: Vanguard
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    According to Vanguard, the Federal Government says it did not tamper with Nigeria’s newly passed tax reform laws, even as lawmakers raise questions about what was eventually gazetted for public consumption.

    Officials argue that the executive transmitted a single set of harmonised documents to the National Assembly, and that what came out of the legislative process should be treated as the authoritative reference pending any verified comparison.

    On the other side, legislators pushing the controversy say the version in circulation needs scrutiny to confirm it matches what both chambers passed and forwarded for presidential assent.

    The dispute has now shifted toward formal verification, with expectations that the legislature’s internal certification process and “final harmonised copy” will settle the matter.

    Validation: TheCable quoted Information Minister Mohammed Idris saying, “there is only one version of that tax document.” Separately, TheCable also quoted Taiwo Oyedele urging caution: “Let’s wait for the findings of the lawmakers. If, indeed, there were alterations,” he said.

    Echotitbits take: This is less about politics and more about process integrity. Watch the committee’s findings, but also watch for how Nigeria upgrades legislative “quality assurance” so gazetted laws can’t be disputed after passage.

    Source: Vanguard — December 23, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/gazette-furore-we-didnt-alter-tax-laws-fg/)
    Vanguard 2025-12-23