Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • Presidential State Visit to Türkiye Focuses on Bilateral Trade and Security

    Presidential State Visit to Türkiye Focuses on Bilateral Trade and Security

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is departing Abuja on January 26, 2026, for a state visit to the Republic of Türkiye aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and signing new Memoranda of Understanding across security, aviation, and scientific research.

    The delegation includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Defence, and the Attorney General, with talks expected to focus on increasing trade volume and deepening cooperation in defense technology and infrastructure. Officials say the discussions will target practical outcomes that improve Nigeria’s security capacity and economic performance.

    Despite the strategic importance of the trip, the presidency has faced criticism over the level of detail released about the itinerary. Government officials maintain that the engagement is designed to deliver measurable economic and security benefits, and that both countries will also hold strategic political and diplomatic discussions around shared priorities.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria is looking to Türkiye as a key partner for defense procurement and agricultural technology. The success of this trip will be measured by the concrete investment figures in the defense and manufacturing sectors by year-end.
    Source: State House – https://statehouse.gov.ng/president-tinubu-to-undertake-state-visit-to-turkiye/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: State House Media

  • Amosun Rallies Mammoth Crowd in Abeokuta, Endorses Tinubu for 2027

    Amosun Rallies Mammoth Crowd in Abeokuta, Endorses Tinubu for 2027

    Former Ogun State Governor and Senator Ibikunle Amosun turned his 68th birthday celebration into a large-scale political rally at the Ake Palace Pavilion in Abeokuta on January 25, 2026. Addressing supporters, Amosun publicly endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second-term bid ahead of 2027, arguing that the South should complete an eight-year tenure for stability and equity.

    Amosun described rotational presidency as a practical framework for national cohesion. He maintained that after eight years of Northern leadership, fairness requires that the presidency remain in the South until 2031, positioning Tinubu as the region’s consensus candidate. Despite reports of internal party friction and alleged boycott directives, the rally drew prominent APC figures and filled the pavilion to capacity.

    Beyond politics, the event reportedly included a humanitarian visit to the Ibara Correctional Centre, where Amosun’s team donated relief items. Additional reporting characterized the rally as a demonstration of enduring political influence, with Amosun urging Nigerians to exercise patience with ongoing reforms and to respect zoning in the interest of national stability.

    Echotitbits take: Amosun is effectively reminding everyone that he remains the “issue” in Ogun politics. By backing Tinubu so early and so publicly, he is carving out a strategic position for himself in the 2027 power map, likely to the chagrin of the current state administration.
    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/2027-presidency-respect-rotational-agreement-amosun-tells-north/ 2026-01-26

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Fiscal Responsibility: Experts Warn Against ‘Frivolous’ Insertions in 2026 Budget

    Fiscal Responsibility: Experts Warn Against ‘Frivolous’ Insertions in 2026 Budget

    Fiscal Responsibility: Experts Warn Against ‘Frivolous’ Insertions in 2026 Budget

    Nigeria’s proposed N58.18 trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill is facing scrutiny over reports of N3.5 trillion in new projects, amid warnings that fresh insertions could worsen debt dynamics and undermine priority sectors.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: This tension between the Executive and the National Assembly over project padding is a recurring theme. The real test will be whether the Senate resists these insertions or if they are passed in exchange for political concessions.

    Source: Arise – https://www.arise.tv/adc-blasts-2026-budget-as-quicksand-debts-fantasy/ (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: Arise

    2026-01-22 10:00:00

     

  • Governance and Corruption: NAHCON Board Petitions Tinubu Over Chairman

    Governance and Corruption: NAHCON Board Petitions Tinubu Over Chairman

    Governance and Corruption: NAHCON Board Petitions Tinubu Over Chairman

    NAHCON board members have petitioned President Bola Tinubu seeking the removal of Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, citing alleged financial indiscipline and contract-award concerns amid a vote of no confidence.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: Hajj operations are politically and religiously sensitive. A swift response is likely, as any disruption to 2026 pilgrimage planning could trigger backlash and reputational damage.

    Source: SaharaReporters – https://saharareporters.com/2026/01/22/nigerias-hajj-commission-board-petitions-tinubu-seeks-removal-chairman-over-corruption (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: SaharaReporters

    2026-01-22 15:00:00

     

  • Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    Judicial Accountability: Cyberstalking Trial Commences for Omoyele Sowore

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has commenced trial proceedings for Omoyele Sowore over alleged criminal defamation and cyberstalking-related counts tied to social media posts about President Bola Tinubu.

    Additional coverage across Nigerian media and stakeholder reactions indicate that the implications of the development will be closely watched in the coming days as policy, security, and market signals evolve.

    Echotitbits take: This case will serve as a litmus test for the 2024 Cybercrimes Amendment Act, clarifying where the line is drawn between political criticism and criminal defamation in Nigeria’s digital public sphere.

    Source: ThisDay – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/19/sowores-trial-for-alleged-cyberstalking-begins-january-22/ (2026-01-22)

    Photo credit: ThisDay

    2026-01-22 11:00:00

     

  • Peter Obi Slams ₦8 Trillion NNPCL Debt Write-Off as ‘Fiscal Recklessness’

    Peter Obi Slams ₦8 Trillion NNPCL Debt Write-Off as ‘Fiscal Recklessness’

    Reporting by The Nation indicates Labour Party leader Peter Obi criticized the federal government’s reported write-off of roughly ₦8 trillion in debts linked to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), calling it fiscally reckless.

    The write-off reportedly includes a mix of naira and dollar liabilities, which the presidency framed as a balance-sheet cleanup ahead of a potential public listing. Obi argued that such a large cancellation should be backed by transparent audits and accountability.

    He called for full disclosure on how the liabilities accumulated and suggested recovered sums should be reinvested into critical sectors like infrastructure and education.

    Daily Post and Tribune Online also reported responses, including claims by government spokesmen that the step is standard corporate restructuring rather than impropriety.

    Echotitbits take: This could become an early flashpoint in Nigeria’s next economic-political cycle. Balance-sheet cleanup is normal, but scale demands transparency—watch for legislative hearings or audit calls.

    Source: The Guardian – https://guardian.ng/news/obi-condemns-%E2%82%A68tr-nnpc-debt-write-off-warns-of-fiscal-recklessness/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • First Female Director-General Appointed to Lead Nigerian Law School

    First Female Director-General Appointed to Lead Nigerian Law School

    According to The Guardian, President Bola Tinubu approved the appointment of Dr. Olugbemisola Titilayo Odusote as Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, making her the first woman to lead the institution since its founding in 1962.

    Dr. Odusote, who is reported to take office on January 10, 2026, previously headed the Lagos Campus and succeeds Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma. Her four-year term begins amid calls to modernize legal training for evolving areas such as digital law, arbitration, and international trade.

    She is described as an alumna of Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Surrey, with research interests in public law and justice administration. The Nigerian Bar Association has welcomed the appointment as a milestone for gender representation.

    The Punch and ThisDay also reported expectations that she will address infrastructure and capacity gaps across the Law School’s campuses.

    Echotitbits take: Beyond symbolism, this is a reform mandate. Watch for curriculum modernization and stronger digital-first standards in training and assessment over the 2026 cycle.

    Source: StateHouse – https://statehouse.gov.ng/president-tinubu-appoints-first-female-director-general-of-nigerian-law-school/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: StateHouse

  • NGX Market Cap Nears ₦100 Trillion Milestone Amid Investor Optimism

    NGX Market Cap Nears ₦100 Trillion Milestone Amid Investor Optimism

    In a report by BusinessDay, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) All-Share Index was said to be nearing 160,000 points, with market capitalization approaching the ₦100 trillion threshold. President Bola Tinubu reportedly welcomed the milestone and urged greater local investment.

    The rally has been linked to strong banking, industrial, and oil and gas performances, with investors using equities as a hedge amid inflation. Analysts also cited improved FX stability as a factor supporting sentiment and potential foreign inflows.

    Officials believe deeper markets could help the private sector raise long-term capital for infrastructure, though some observers warn market gains need to align with real-sector productivity to be sustainable.

    The Nation and Tribune Online also reported on rising activity, including increased retail participation through mobile trading apps.

    Echotitbits take: ₦100 trillion is a major psychological level. If sustained, it could accelerate IPO plans and broaden capital formation—provided earnings and governance keep pace.

    Source: NgxGroup – https://ngxgroup.com/ngx-market-cap-tops-%E2%82%A6100trn-on-strong-early-year-buying/ 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: NGX Group

  • Presidency Rebutts Critics Over Tinubu’s Paris Lunch Photographs

    Presidency Rebutts Critics Over Tinubu’s Paris Lunch Photographs

    According to Vanguard reporting on January 7, 2026, the Presidency defended President Bola Tinubu after opposition leader Atiku Abubakar criticized photographs of the President dining in Paris, framing the images as a symbol of misplaced priorities.

    Presidential aides described the criticism as tone‑deaf and said the President remains engaged with national issues, adding that online claims alleging the photos were AI‑generated or manipulated are unconvincing.

    Premium Times and Channels TV also covered the dispute, reporting on the Presidency’s explanation of the photo quality and continued opposition claims that the images were selectively edited amid insecurity concerns.

    Echotitbits take: In a high‑inflation environment, luxury imagery carries political costs. The administration may be better served shifting from image defense to clearer, measurable messaging on how policies are improving everyday living conditions.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/nigeria-burns-while-presidency-defends-lunch-photos-in-paris-atiku/ 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • SDP National Chairman Warns Tinubu Over Extravagant Lifestyle Amid Poverty

    SDP National Chairman Warns Tinubu Over Extravagant Lifestyle Amid Poverty

    According to The Authority, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Dr. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, has issued a scathing assessment of the Tinubu administration. Gombe warned that the ‘extravagant lifestyle’ of those in power, contrasted with the rising poverty and ‘policy somersaults’ affecting ordinary Nigerians, poses a significant threat to the country’s democratic stability.

    The SDP leader criticized the removal of fuel subsidies without what he called ‘adequate social cushioning,’ arguing that the current tax reforms are being introduced at a time when most citizens are struggling to afford basic meals. He positioned the SDP as the ‘rescue mission’ for 2027, promising a return to people-centered governance and fiscal accountability.

    Validation of this political critique came from Tribune Online and Daily Post. Tribune Online reported that ‘SDP is mobilizing a third-force coalition for 2027,’ while Daily Post quoted Gombe: ‘A hungry population cannot be patriotic; the government must lead by example in cutting costs.’

    Echotitbits take: This is the beginning of the ‘2027 Campaign’ narrative. By attacking the government’s ‘extravagance,’ the SDP is tapping into widespread public frustration over the high cost of governance. While the SDP is currently small, watch for whether disaffected members of the APC or PDP begin to coalesce around this ‘rescue mission’ banner.
    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/new-year-sdp-chair-tasks-tinubu-on-security-economy/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch