Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Echotitbits

  • Lawmakers Move to Place CBN Operations Under Tighter Oversight

    Lawmakers Move to Place CBN Operations Under Tighter Oversight

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The House of Representatives is considering a bill that would subject key operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria to stronger legislative oversight and transparency requirements. Sponsors of the proposal say recent controversies over foreign‑exchange management, Ways and Means financing and intervention funds justify clearer rules and reporting obligations.

    While acknowledging the need for central‑bank independence, proponents argue that accountability to the Nigerian people through parliament cannot be compromised. The bill could reshape the balance between monetary authorities and elected officials, with implications for banking regulation, inflation management and investor confidence.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

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

  • FG Rolls Out 40 Electric Buses in Clean-Energy Push

    FG Rolls Out 40 Electric Buses in Clean-Energy Push

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The Federal Government has unveiled 40 electric buses as part of efforts to reduce carbon emissions, cut fuel costs and modernise Nigeria’s public transport system. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the buses will operate on pilot routes while a broader ecosystem of charging infrastructure and maintenance support is developed.

    Officials say the initiative underscores Nigeria’s commitment to cleaner mobility and gas‑based power, while also easing transport costs for commuters in the long term. The project is expected to attract private partners and demonstrate the viability of electric vehicles in Nigerian cities.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11

  • Nigeria Helped Prevent Bloodshed in Benin Coup Attempt – Minister

    Nigeria Helped Prevent Bloodshed in Benin Coup Attempt – Minister

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs has revealed that Abuja played a key role in averting large‑scale bloodshed during an attempted coup in neighbouring Benin Republic. He said discreet diplomatic engagement, coordination with regional leaders and support for Benin’s legitimate authorities helped defuse the crisis before it escalated into open conflict.

    The minister noted that instability in Benin would have had spill‑over effects on Nigeria’s border communities, trade routes and security operations against cross‑border crime. Nigeria’s intervention is being presented as part of its longstanding commitment to democratic governance and stability in West Africa.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11

  • EFCC Arraigns Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige Over N2.2bn Fraud Allegation

    EFCC Arraigns Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige Over N2.2bn Fraud Allegation

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has arraigned former Minister of Labour and ex‑Anambra Governor, Chris Ngige, over alleged diversion of N2.2 billion public funds. He was brought before a Federal High Court on multiple counts bordering on abuse of office, money‑laundering and misappropriation.

    Ngige pleaded not guilty as his lawyers argued that the charges are politically motivated. The case adds to a string of high‑profile prosecutions targeting former officials, with anti‑corruption activists insisting that successful convictions and asset recoveries are crucial to restoring public trust and plugging revenue leakages.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 12 Dec 2025

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

  • Reps Target Casual Labour Practices in Nigeria’s Banks

    Reps Target Casual Labour Practices in Nigeria’s Banks

    Photo Credit:Vanguard

    The House of Representatives has advanced a bill sponsored by Fuad Laguda seeking to curb the widespread use of casual workers in Nigeria’s banking sector. The proposed law aims to compel banks to regularise thousands of contract staff who perform core functions but lack job security, benefits and union representation.

    Labour groups have long criticised the practice as exploitative, arguing that it depresses wages and encourages unethical sales pressures. Supporters of the bill say fair employment in banks is critical to financial‑sector stability and consumer trust, though industry players warn of higher operating costs.

    Source: Vanguard – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Vanguard – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11

  • 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

  • Reps Demand Lower Airfares Ahead of Christmas Travel Rush

    Reps Demand Lower Airfares Ahead of Christmas Travel Rush

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The House of Representatives has urged domestic airlines and aviation regulators to reduce airfares ahead of the Yuletide season, warning that current prices are pushing many Nigerians off air travel. Lawmakers argued that high ticket costs, often justified by foreign‑exchange volatility and fuel prices, are undermining mobility and hurting economic activities.

    The House called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and other agencies to engage airlines on price moderation and transparency, while exploring incentives that could lower operating costs. The intervention comes as millions prepare for festive travel, with concerns over safety, congestion and affordability.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11

  • Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Envoys

    Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Tinubu’s Envoys

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The Senate has refuted claims that it received formal petitions against President Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees, insisting that no written objections were submitted through official channels. Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee clarified that while public conversations and media debates exist, the upper chamber can only rely on properly documented complaints.

    The clarification follows controversy around some nominees and questions over their previous political roles. Lawmakers say background checks and security screening will continue, but stressed that due process and fairness will guide final confirmations.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11

  • Senate Panel Screens Omokri, Yakubu and Others as Ambassadors

    Senate Panel Screens Omokri, Yakubu and Others as Ambassadors

    Photo Credit:Punch Newspapers

    The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has screened a batch of non‑career ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, including social commentator Reno Omokri and academic Professor Yakubu. Lawmakers questioned the nominees on their foreign‑policy priorities, diaspora‑engagement strategies and plans to promote Nigerian trade interests abroad.

    Committee members stressed the need for envoys who can defend Nigeria’s image, attract investments and support citizens in host countries. The nominees are expected to be formally confirmed after the committee submits its report to the full Senate.

    Source: Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025

    2025-12-12 10:00:00 Punch Newspapers – 11 Dec 2025 2025-12-11

  • Shettima Launches N1tr Dangote Education Fund, Hails Private Sector

    Shettima Launches N1tr Dangote Education Fund, Hails Private Sector

    Photo Credit:The Nation

    Vice‑President Kashim Shettima has formally inaugurated the N1‑trillion Dangote Education Fund in Lagos, describing it as the largest private education support programme in Nigeria. The initiative will provide scholarships and support to 1.3 million students over 10 years, complementing government schemes such as NELFUND, UBEC and TETFUND.

    Shettima said the fund shows how private capital can accelerate national development and warned that an uneducated population is a liability to the country’s future. Education officials and state governors pledged full cooperation, while experts lauded the long‑term impact of the programme on social mobility and productivity.

    Source: The Nation – 12 Dec 2025

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