Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: capital projects

  • Nigeria construction output hits ₦13.83tn as activity strengthens on investor confidence

    Nigeria construction output hits ₦13.83tn as activity strengthens on investor confidence

    Figures cited by Punch show Nigeria’s construction sector produced ₦13.83tn in nominal output over the first nine months of 2025, pointing to a rebound in activity.

    Analysts tie the momentum to improved sentiment and project execution, though material costs, FX exposure, and logistics remain major constraints on margins and delivery timelines.

    Construction performance often signals wider economic spillovers—jobs, cement demand, and infrastructure effects that feed into manufacturing and services.

    Echotitbits take: The rebound is real, but durability depends on financing depth and stable input costs. Watch for Q4 prints, whether mortgage/real-estate credit expands, and how quickly major public works translate into verifiable on-ground output.

    Source: The Punch — January 4, 2026 (https://punchng.com/investor-confidence-lifts-construction-output-to-n13-83tn/#google_vignette)

    The Punch January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Budget Crunch: NASS Pushes 2025 Fiscal Year to March 2026

    Budget Crunch: NASS Pushes 2025 Fiscal Year to March 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-25 09:05:00

    Reporting by The Punch indicates Nigeria’s National Assembly has extended the 2025 fiscal year timeline to allow more time for budget implementation, amid delays in budget passage and execution. The move is framed as a pragmatic reset to reduce the usual year-end rush that leaves capital spending under-delivered.

    The extension is tied to the broader issue of late appropriation cycles, where projects start too late in the year and MDAs struggle to complete procurement and releases before the fiscal window closes. Supporters say it improves planning realism; critics worry it normalizes delays.

    In practical terms, the extension gives ministries and agencies more runway to draw down releases and push ongoing capital projects, especially where procurement timelines already spilled beyond the calendar year.

    In related coverage, Vanguard quoted Senate President Godswill Akpabio describing the measure as a “major transformative step,” while Premium Times reported that the extension is aimed at “ensuring the full release and utilisation of budgeted funds for capital projects.”

    Echotitbits take: The real test is whether the extra months translate into measurable capital delivery—not just paperwork. Watch Q1 2026 releases and project milestones, plus whether the executive also reforms procurement bottlenecks that routinely delay project starts.

    Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/budget-crisis-nass-extends-2025-fiscal-year-to-march/)

    The Punch 2025-12-25

  • Private Capital Lines Up to Take Over and Toll Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1

    Private Capital Lines Up to Take Over and Toll Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway Section 1

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    As reported by Punch, Nigeria’s Works Ministry says four investors have indicated interest in taking over Section 1 of the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway under a concession model that would allow tolling to recover costs.

    The report quotes officials as describing the arrangement as a public–private approach meant to reduce the fiscal burden on government while accelerating delivery of critical infrastructure.

    The concession discussion comes as the project faces sustained public debate on cost, transparency, and procurement—issues government insists it is addressing.

    Sahara Reporters quoted the minister saying, “about four different companies… want to pay 100% of what we have spent… and they would take it over and toll it.” (Sahara Reporters)

    Another report circulating the same remarks quoted Umahi: “There are about four companies that have indicated interest… take it over and toll it.” (BrandIconImage)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A toll-backed concession could unlock funding, but it also shifts the debate to affordability, route economics, and contract openness. Watch for the identity of bidders, the tolling framework, and whether an independent value-for-money review is published to calm public skepticism.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/four-investors-push-for-lagos-calabar-highway-concession/)

    Photo credit: Punch

  • Reps Draw Line on 2026 Budget Over Unpaid 2024–2025 Projects

    The House of Representatives summoned the Ministers of Finance and Budget & National Planning and other fiscal heads over weak implementation of the capital components of the 2024 and 2025 budgets. Lawmakers said many contractors executed projects without payment.

    The House warned it may withhold consideration of the 2026 Appropriation Bill until outstanding obligations are addressed, intensifying legislative oversight of fiscal performance.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10

  • FG Defers Bulk of 2025 Capital Projects into 2026

    Reports indicate that a large portion of 2025 capital projects may spill into 2026, intensifying debate over implementation bottlenecks and annual budget realism.

    Stakeholders are likely to call for clearer prioritisation and tighter execution timelines to prevent mounting project backlogs.

    2025-12-09

    Punch

    2025-12-09