Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: accountability

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

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

    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

  • Tax reform credibility test: lawmakers demand probe into ‘altered’ bills after passage

    Tax reform credibility test: lawmakers demand probe into ‘altered’ bills after passage

    Photo credit: The Punch
    2025-12-22 09:00:00

    Reporting by *The Punch* indicates Nigeria’s ongoing tax reform drive has hit a credibility storm, with fresh claims that versions of tax bills circulating publicly may differ from what lawmakers passed.

    The dispute is fueling calls for a formal probe to confirm the authentic text, track the legislative handling from committee to final transmission, and determine whether any post-passage changes occurred.

    Stakeholders argue that even the perception of tampering can undermine compliance, investor confidence, and the legitimacy of any reforms meant to widen the tax net and strengthen revenues.

    Pressure is also mounting for certified copies to be made publicly available—so citizens, businesses, and tax professionals can compare what was debated, what was passed, and what was ultimately forwarded for assent.

    Vanguard’s coverage of the controversy described growing calls for lawmakers to “probe” the alleged changes, while *The Guardian (Nigeria)* also framed the episode as a trust issue around “tax reform” that could complicate implementation if not clarified quickly.

    **Echotitbits take:** In tax policy, process legitimacy is policy legitimacy. If government wants compliance, it must publish final gazetted versions fast, show redlines where possible, and make legislative documentation audit-proof—otherwise reform becomes litigation and politics, not revenue.

    Source: The Punch — December 22, 2025 (https://punchng.com/alleged-alterations-in-tax-laws-spark-calls-for-probe/)

  • EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    EFCC refinery investigation drags on as Nigerians press for named suspects and charges

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-21 00:40:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates the EFCC’s probe into alleged mismanagement of billions allocated to state refinery rehabilitation remains unresolved months after invitations and reported recoveries, with no suspects arraigned.

    The report says investigators are looking at how funds for Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries were spent without commensurate improvements in output, as civil society groups warn delays deepen perceptions of selective enforcement.

    In the piece, advocacy groups argue prolonged silence can weaken public confidence and create room for interference, while the economic cost of non-performing refineries remains a recurring policy sore point.

    BusinessDay reported the EFCC opened investigations into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation tied to refinery funds, describing it as “an investigation into alleged abuse of office and misappropriation of funds.” The Punch also quoted an anti-corruption advocate urging action, saying, “It baffles us that nothing has been heard from the EFCC after over six months.”

    Echotitbits take:
    The credibility marker is court action: charges filed, defendants named, and a clear recovery/prosecution track. Watch for any formal arraignments, asset recovery disclosures, and whether NNPCL’s governance reforms alter how such projects are procured and audited.

    Source: The Punch — December 21, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nnpc-refinery-probe-drags-as-efcc-keeps-mum-on-suspects/)
    The Punch 2025-12-21

  • Epstein records begin to surface under new US transparency law, but fury grows over delays

    Epstein records begin to surface under new US transparency law, but fury grows over delays

    Photo credit: Al Jazeera

    2025-12-19 12:00:00

    Al Jazeera reports the US Justice Department has begun releasing records tied to Jeffrey Epstein’s case under a new transparency law, reviving political conflict over what gets disclosed—and how quickly.

    Authorities are expected to release heavily redacted material in phases, citing victim privacy and investigative sensitivities as key constraints.

    Transparency advocates argue the release is overdue accountability, while critics accuse officials of slow-walking compliance and protecting powerful interests.

    The dispute could set up a sharper Congress–DOJ confrontation if lawmakers push for stricter timelines and fuller disclosure.

    Reuters described the release of “thousands of heavily redacted documents,” noting the political blowback around delays and redactions.

    TIME also reported that DOJ indicated it would not meet the deadline to release “all unclassified records” as required by the new Act.

    Echotitbits take: Expect the next wave to be driven by what’s actually in the documents—names, travel logs and exhibits—rather than the politics alone. Also watch litigation threats from lawmakers and any new DOJ timeline announcement; those dates will set the news cycle.

    Source: Al Jazeera — December 19, 2025 https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/11/18/congress-passes-bill-to-release-epstein-files-sending-measure-to-trump

  • “I’m sorry, Nigeria” — TikTok star Peller apologises after crash livestream and arrest

    “I’m sorry, Nigeria” — TikTok star Peller apologises after crash livestream and arrest

    Punch (article image/credit as published)

    2025-12-19 08:00:00
    Punch reports that TikTok creator Peller issued an apology after a viral livestream showed reckless driving that ended in a crash—sparking backlash and a fresh wave of road-safety calls.

    He referenced being on medication and asked people not to attack Jarvis online, while police confirmed an arrest and detention as the matter moved into formal investigation.

    – Lagos State Police Command (X / official): “has arrested and detained… Habeeb Hamzat aka ‘PELLER’, subsequent to the viral video…”
    – TheCable Lifestyle (News outlet): “I am sorry you all… I will never do such thing again…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is bigger than one creator—Nigeria’s attention economy is colliding with public safety and mental-health realities. Watch next for how quickly charges move, and whether platforms and talent managers begin enforcing real duty-of-care rules for creators.

    Source: Punch — 19 Dec 2025 — https://punchng.com/tiktoker-peller-apologises-over-reckless-driving-car-crash/
    Phot Credit: Punch
    2025-12-19

  • Senate Advances Overhaul of Nigeria’s Audit Framework With Updated Federal Audit Bill

    Senate Advances Overhaul of Nigeria’s Audit Framework With Updated Federal Audit Bill

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    The Nation reports that the Senate has concluded work on amendments aimed at replacing the decades-old audit framework, with lawmakers advancing a Federal Audit Service Bill meant to strengthen oversight and public sector accountability.

    The report says the legislation updates Nigeria’s audit architecture and could impact how ministries, departments, and agencies are scrutinised, especially around procurement and project execution.

    Supporters argue the reform is overdue, while critics insist effective enforcement will matter more than new legal text.

    Punch reported that the Senate concluded consideration of the bill, describing it as a move to modernise federal audit structures. (Punch)

    The Guardian similarly covered the development and framed it as a step toward stronger accountability in government spending oversight. (Guardian Nigeria)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Modern audit rules can tighten leakages only if institutions are independent and audit findings lead to consequences. Watch the final bill text, implementation timelines, and whether audit reports become more timely and publicly accessible.

    Source: The Nation — December 18, 2025 (https://pmnewsnigeria.com/2025/12/17/senate-concludes-amendment-to-69-year-old-audit-act/)

    Photo credit: PM News Nigeria

    December 18, 2025
  • Court Orders NDDC to Publish Forensic Audit Within 90 Days, Raising the Bar on Transparency

    Court Orders NDDC to Publish Forensic Audit Within 90 Days, Raising the Bar on Transparency

    Photo Credit: Punch

    2025-12-17

    From court filings cited by *The Punch*, a court has reportedly given the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) a 90‑day window to publish its long-awaited forensic audit report.

    The decision renews public attention on how intervention funds have been spent in the Niger Delta and whether alleged project inflation, abandoned contracts, and procurement lapses will be formally documented.

    If the report is released in full, it could influence prosecutions, contract reviews, and a broader reset of how the NDDC plans and executes projects.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – Channels TV: “Civil society groups say publication is essential for accountability in the Niger Delta.”
    – Premium Times: “Transparency advocates argue the audit should be released without redactions.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Publication is only step one—action is step two. Watch whether the report triggers recoveries, blacklisting, and a credible reform plan, or whether it becomes another document that sparks headlines without consequences.

    Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/court-gives-nddc-90-days-to-publish-forensic-audit-report/)

     

  • Reps committee summons three DisCos over ₦100bn unpaid remittances

    Reps committee summons three DisCos over ₦100bn unpaid remittances

    PunchNG (illustrative image on article page)
    2025-12-16

    According to The Punch, the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee summoned IBEDC, BEDC and PHEDC over alleged failure to remit more than ₦100bn owed to the Federal Government.

    The committee said the move is about protecting public resources and warned that ignoring summons can attract penalties under the law.

    The matter sits within broader debates on market shortfalls and cashflow constraints in the power sector.

    ThisDay: “summoned… over N100bn payment default.”

    BusinessDay: “summons… over N100bn debt to FG.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This could force repayment plans—or fade without enforcement. Watch for sanctions, structured recovery agreements, and whether regulators address the deeper revenue-collection and tariff issues driving remittance gaps.

    Source: The Punch — December 16, 2025 (https://punchng.com/n100bn-unpaid-reps-move-against-three-discos/)

  • ICPC says it recovered ₦37.4bn and $2.35m through forfeitures in 2025

    ICPC says it recovered ₦37.4bn and $2.35m through forfeitures in 2025

    2025-12-15 03:57:00

    According to The Punch, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it recovered about ₦37.44bn and $2.35m in 2025 through seizures and forfeitures.

    The report frames the figure as part of the commission’s asset recovery efforts, reflecting a focus on tracing proceeds and enforcing forfeiture orders.

    Anti-graft recoveries are often followed by questions about how forfeited assets are managed and whether recovered sums are transparently remitted to government accounts.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Beyond headline totals, the public interest is in traceability and impact—where the assets went, how they’re valued, and how proceeds are applied. Watch for detailed breakdowns, court orders, and any inter-agency coordination updates with EFCC/CCB.

    Source: The Punch — December 15, 2025 — https://punchng.com/icpc-recovers-n37-4bn-2-35m-in-2025/

    Photo credit: The Punch

    The Punch https://punchng.com/icpc-recovers-n37-4bn-2-35m-in-2025/ December 15, 2025

  • Amnesty spotlight turns to ‘Tiger Base’ as abuse allegations reignite in Imo

    Amnesty spotlight turns to ‘Tiger Base’ as abuse allegations reignite in Imo

    According to Vanguard, Amnesty International is focusing attention on Imo State Police’s anti‑kidnapping unit known as ‘Tiger Base’ following renewed allegations of torture, unlawful detention and deaths in custody.

    The report said the spotlight has intensified public pressure on security agencies, with calls for independent investigations and stronger oversight of detention practices and interrogation methods.

    Investigative reporting by FIJ described a pattern of alleged abuses linked to the unit, referencing claims of “torture, unlawful detention and deaths” and documenting previous allegations around the facility.

    The Imo Police Command has pushed back in separate coverage by The Guardian, describing reports of abuses at the detention facility as false and insisting the unit operates within the law.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a familiar accountability cycle: allegations surface, police deny, public outrage spikes, and then attention fades without systemic change. The real test is whether there is an independent inquiry with transparent outcomes, and whether detainee access to lawyers/medical care improves. Watch for responses from the Police Service Commission, the National Human Rights Commission, and any court-driven disclosures.

    Source: Vanguard — 14 Dec 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/amnesty-zeroes-in-on-imo-tiger-base-over-alleged-human-rights-abuse/)

     

    File Photo:IGP Kayode Egbetokun