Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Bola Tinubu

  • Over 860,000 Students Benefit as NELFUND Disbursed Loans Reach ₦161 Billion

    Over 860,000 Students Benefit as NELFUND Disbursed Loans Reach ₦161 Billion

    Reporting by The Punch indicates that the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has surpassed a major milestone, with total disbursements reaching ₦161.97 billion. This funding has directly benefited 864,798 students across various public tertiary institutions in the country. The program, a flagship initiative of the Tinubu administration, aims to reduce the dropout rate by providing interest-free loans for tuition and monthly upkeep.

    NELFUND officials stated that the application process has been further streamlined to ensure that students from underserved backgrounds are prioritized. The fund is currently working with the National Universities Commission (NUC) to integrate more vocational and technical colleges into the scheme, recognizing the need for skilled labor in the non-oil sector.

    Further reporting from Channels TV and Leadership validates the expansion of the scheme. Channels TV noted that ‘the fund has become a lifeline for families struggling with inflation,’ while Leadership quoted a student union leader who said, ‘NELFUND is the only reason many of us are still in school this semester.’

    Echotitbits take: NELFUND is perhaps the administration’s most successful ‘social contract’ project. However, the long-term sustainability depends on the repayment model, which is tied to post-graduation employment. If the economy doesn’t produce jobs for these 860,000 students, the government may eventually face a massive ‘student debt’ crisis of its own.
    Source: ChannelsTv – https://www.channelstv.com/2025/08/15/%E2%82%A686bn-disbursed-449000-students-beneficiaries-recorded-nelfund/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: ChannelsTv

  • New Tax Regime Exempts Nigerians Earning Below ₦800,000 Annually

    New Tax Regime Exempts Nigerians Earning Below ₦800,000 Annually

    According to Cowrywise Financial Blog, the new Nigerian Tax Act has officially come into full effect as of January 1, 2026, introducing a 0% tax rate for individuals earning ₦800,000 or less per year. This reform is part of a broader strategy to provide ‘social cushioning’ for low-income earners while progressively increasing the tax burden on high-net-worth individuals and large corporations. The new brackets peak at 25% for those earning over ₦150 million.

    The act also introduces significant relief for small businesses, with the ‘Development Levy’ now only applying to companies with a turnover exceeding ₦100 million. Additionally, the threshold for tax-exempt redundancy pay has been increased from ₦10 million to ₦50 million, providing a larger safety net for workers facing job losses in a fluctuating economy.

    Validating reports from Moniepoint and The Punch emphasize the focus on compliance. Moniepoint warned that ‘unregistered businesses will struggle to operate on digital platforms under the new code,’ while The Punch quoted the FIRS Chairman: ‘Our goal is a broader base, not necessarily higher rates for the common man.’

    Echotitbits take: This is the most significant overhaul of personal income tax in decades. While the ₦800k exemption is a win for the poor, the real challenge is the ‘informal sector’ capture. Watch for a massive push by the FIRS to link Bank Verification Numbers (BVN) and National Identity Numbers (NIN) to new ‘Tax IDs’ for petty traders this quarter.
    Source: TheCable – https://www.thecable.ng/key-concerns-and-benefits-as-the-new-tax-laws-take-effect/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: TheCable

  • Nigerian Lawmakers Move to Recover Trillions in Withheld Local Government Funds

    Nigerian Lawmakers Move to Recover Trillions in Withheld Local Government Funds

    Reporting by The Authority indicates that Senator Sunday Steve Karimi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, has announced plans for new legislation to assist President Bola Tinubu in recovering trillions of Naira in local government allocations. These funds, allegedly diverted or withheld by various state governors over several years, are at the center of a renewed push for grassroots fiscal autonomy. The move is designed to ensure that the 774 local government areas receive their constitutional dues directly, bypassing state interference.

    The legislative push follows a landmark Supreme Court ruling from 2024 that declared the control of local government resources by governors as unconstitutional. Despite this legal victory, several states have reportedly continued to disregard the apex court’s directive, prompting the National Assembly to consider stricter enforcement mechanisms. The recovered trillions are expected to be funneled into primary healthcare, local infrastructure, and basic education projects at the community level.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and The Punch confirm that the Senate is prioritizing this fiscal cleanup. Vanguard noted that ‘this legislative backing is the final nail in the coffin for the controversial joint-account system,’ while The Punch quoted a constitutional lawyer who argued, ‘Without criminal consequences for governors who divert these funds, the Supreme Court ruling remains a paper tiger.’

    Echotitbits take: This is a high-stakes power struggle between the federal center and the state executives. Recovering ‘trillions’ is an ambitious claim that will likely face fierce legal and political resistance from the Governors’ Forum. If successful, it could fundamentally shift the balance of power in Nigeria, making local government chairmen more powerful—and more accountable—than ever before.
    Source: Thisdaylive – https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/01/04/karimi-national-assembly-will-back-tinubu-on-recovery-of-trillions-of-naira-stolen-lg-funds/ January 5, 2026

    Photo Credit: Thisdaylive

  • Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions

    Tinubu appoints Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions

    2025-12-31 09:42:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, as Director of Public Prosecutions in the Federal Ministry of Justice.

    Oyedepo is widely known for high‑profile prosecution work, including corruption and financial‑crime cases, and the appointment is seen as a signal about prosecutorial priorities heading into 2026.

    The move comes amid renewed debates about justice-sector reforms, case backlogs and the credibility of anti‑corruption enforcement.

    A State House statement said the president “approves appointment of Rotimi Oyedepo as Director of Public Prosecutions,” while Premium Times reported Tinubu “gives top EFCC lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo new appointment.”

    Echotitbits take: The DPP role is pivotal for consistency across sensitive cases. Watch the first 100 days: guidelines for plea bargains, asset-recovery priorities, and how prosecution teams coordinate with EFCC/ICPC/Police without politicising decisions.

    Source: PUNCH — December 31, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tinubu-appoints-oyedepo-director-of-public-prosecution/)

    PUNCH December 31, 2025

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

  • Tinubu Reaches Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash, Extends Condolences

    Tinubu Reaches Anthony Joshua After Ogun Crash, Extends Condolences

    2025-12-30 06:30:00

    In a report by The Nation, President Bola Tinubu said he phoned Anthony Joshua after the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway crash that killed two members of the boxer’s team and left him injured, offering condolences and prayers.

    The paper said Joshua assured the President he was receiving medical care, while Tinubu also called Joshua’s mother to console her and pray with her.

    The incident has again put the spotlight on safety risks along the Lagos–Ibadan corridor during peak holiday travel, with renewed calls for stricter enforcement and faster emergency response.

    Premium Times also reported the State House release, quoting that Tinubu “has spoken by telephone” with Joshua and his mother. The Nation’s own report quoted Tinubu saying, “I spoke with AJ on the phone…” as it described the calls and condolences.

    Echotitbits take: Beyond the celebrity angle, the tragedy underlines persistent highway safety gaps. Watch for targeted FRSC enforcement on the Lagos–Ibadan axis and any new state-backed emergency-response upgrades in 2026.

    Source: The Nation — December 29, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-speaks-with-anthony-joshua-mother-after-tragic-ogun-crash/)

    The Nation 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Tinubu arrives Lagos for holidays as end-of-year engagements begin

    Tinubu arrives Lagos for holidays as end-of-year engagements begin

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 18:00:00

    According to Punch, President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Lagos to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays after official visits to Borno and Bauchi.

    The report says the President was received at the Murtala Muhammed Airport by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other state officials, marking the start of his end-of-year engagements in the state.

    Beyond the holiday optics, the visit doubles as a political homecoming for a former Lagos governor and a chance to hold quiet consultations as 2025 wraps up.

    The Punch account also notes that Tinubu is expected to attend select social and cultural events during the period, including the Eyo Festival later in the week.

    Channels Television wrote, “President Bola Tinubu is in Lagos for the Yuletide,” while TheCable noted the President would “begin a three-state visit to Borno, Bauchi and Lagos.”

    Echotitbits take:
    Lagos trips at year-end are rarely “just holidays.” Watch for who gets seen, who gets meetings, and whether any policy or political signals drop quietly—especially as blocs position for 2026.

    Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tinubu-arrives-lagos-for-end-of-year-holidays/?amp=)
    Punch 2025-12-20

  • Tinubu Says Nigeria’s Real Wealth Is Citizens’ Creativity, Not Oil

    Tinubu Says Nigeria’s Real Wealth Is Citizens’ Creativity, Not Oil

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria’s future prosperity depends more on the creativity and innovation of its citizens than on crude oil revenues. Speaking at a public event, he argued that human capital, entrepreneurship and digital skills are the true drivers of a $1‑trillion economy, while natural resources should be treated as enablers rather than the core of national wealth.

    Tinubu urged policymakers, investors and young people to embrace productivity, technology and value‑addition across sectors, pledging continued reforms to remove obstacles facing businesses and innovators. The remarks reinforce the administration’s push for economic diversification and investments in education, tech talent and creative industries.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • Tinubu Okays 94,000 New Security Recruits to Tackle Insecurity

    Tinubu Okays 94,000 New Security Recruits to Tackle Insecurity

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    President Bola Tinubu has approved the enlistment of 94,000 new personnel into the armed forces and other security agencies as part of fresh measures to confront worsening insecurity across the country. The recruits will be spread across the Army, Air Force, Navy and paramilitary outfits to reinforce operations in insurgency‑hit and vulnerable areas.

    Top security officials disclosed that the recruitment drive targets improved presence in rural communities, better border control and faster response to attacks. The government insists the expansion will be accompanied by new equipment, training and welfare packages, as it seeks to restore public confidence and protect economic activities disrupted by banditry and terrorism.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • Tinubu Sends 2026–2028 MTEF/FSP to Senate for Approval

    Tinubu Sends 2026–2028 MTEF/FSP to Senate for Approval

    Photo Credit:The Nation

    President Bola Tinubu has transmitted the 2026–2028 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper to the Senate, seeking expeditious approval ahead of the 2026 budget presentation. The document, already cleared by the Federal Executive Council, proposes a crude benchmark of $64.85 per barrel and an exchange rate of ₦1,512 to the dollar for the 2026 cycle.

    Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau referred the framework to the Finance Committee with a deadline for its report. Under Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act, the MTEF/FSP provides the foundation for annual budgets, guiding revenue targets, borrowing limits and expenditure priorities across sectors.

    Source: The Nation – 12 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 The Nation – 12 Dec 2025 2025-12-12

  • Edo PDP “Reveals” Why Tinubu Made a Broadcast, Alleges Lagos LGA Chairs Paid ₦300M

    Edo PDP “Reveals” Why Tinubu Made a Broadcast, Alleges Lagos LGA Chairs Paid ₦300M

    Reactions to a television broadcast by the National leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) have not ceased as the Edo State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) alleges there is a transaction between Bola Tinubu and APC candidate in the Saturday guber poll, Osagie Eze-Iyamu.

    In a statement by PDP chieftain, Chris Nehikhare, it was alleged that the transaction led to the television broadcast by former Lagos governor, Bola Tinubu.

    READ ALSO:

    PDP Endorses US, UK’s Global Bid to Stop Unbridled Electoral Fraud in Nigeria

    The PDP accused APC of offering its leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu slots for key political offices in exchange for a viral broadcast in which he asked voters to reject Governor Godwin Obaseki.

    According to Nehikhare, Tinubu contributed a whooping $10m to the campaign of APC candidate, Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

    in his statement, the PDP stalwart lambasted the APC for having “descended to the abyss by dragging one of their national leaders to their dying campaign in Edo State”.

    “The uncommon broadcast on Tuesday by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu shows the level of desperation on the side of the APC. Bereft of ideas about how to market their candidate and breathe life into their dying campaign, Edo APC leaders switched on the panic mode and ran cap in hand to Tinubu for oxygen and salvation.

    “What many, however, do not know is the satanic pact the APC governorship candidate, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, made with Tinubu before he agreed to make the ill-fated broadcast on his behalf.

    “Multiple sources privy to the agreement have since informed us how Ize-Iyamu agreed to Tinubu’s demand to nominate three commissioners, seven council chairmen and 12 board chairmen into his cabinet and government after becoming governor in exchange for the broadcast. Of course, Ize-Iyamu promised an open treasury in pursuance of Tinubu’s presidential ambition.

    READ ALSO:

    Nigeria is World’s Most Prosperous Black Nation – President Buhari Declares

    “To emphasise his seriousness, further support from Tinubu came the way of Ize-Iyamu after Lagos State local governments’ chairmen were compelled to contribute the sum of N300 million to Ize-Iyamu’s election.

    “Tinubu topped this up with a further $10m cash which is the cash they are using to con Edo people that it is from the Federal Government, euphemism for Buhari’s support that has been denied them in appearance, security arrangements and INEC instructions.

    “It was also revealed that part of the sum has been set aside for vote buying and mobilisation of their lions and tigers.
    Edo APC leaders have shifted their attention to vote buying after realising that they cannot defeat Governor Obaseki in a free and fair contest” the Edo PDP chieftain stated.

    Nehikhare however encouraged all Edo people to collect the money being shared, considering it as “reparation for stolen funds of our republic”.