Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: industrial policy

  • Manufacturers forecast stronger 2026 output but say policy execution will decide the results

    Manufacturers forecast stronger 2026 output but say policy execution will decide the results

    2026-01-02 09:00:00
    According to Punch, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) projects improved output in 2026, with estimates pointing to stronger real growth and a higher contribution to GDP if enabling policies are implemented effectively.

    The report links the optimism to reforms that could stabilise key macro variables, but notes manufacturers remain exposed to structural constraints—energy costs, logistics bottlenecks, and expensive financing.

    Industry voices continue to push for a predictable policy environment and practical support that reduces operating costs, warning that growth projections can be missed if business conditions tighten.

    Validation: Vanguard reported MAN’s forecast and quoted: “Real growth is projected to reach 3.1 percent… contribution… rise to 10.2 percent.” AllAfrica carried CPPE-linked commentary warning that “Nigeria’s manufacturing revival hinges on managing structural risks…”

    Echotitbits take: Manufacturing is one of the fastest routes from ‘GDP growth’ to jobs. Watch Q1 indicators—grid stability vs. self-generation costs, FX predictability for imported inputs, and whether tax reforms reduce friction rather than add new compliance pain.

    Source: The Punch — 2026-01-02 (https://punchng.com/manufacturing-tipped-for-3-1-growth-10-2-gdp-contribution/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • CPPE: 2026 stability hinges on sustaining reforms, but manufacturing remains fragile without cost relief

    CPPE: 2026 stability hinges on sustaining reforms, but manufacturing remains fragile without cost relief

    2026-01-02 09:00:00
    In an analysis published by The Guardian, the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) projects Nigeria could see greater stability and growth in 2026 if reforms are sustained, but cautions that manufacturing remains fragile under persistent structural constraints.

    The analysis highlights how energy, logistics and financing costs continue to weigh on factories, arguing that macro stability alone won’t lift the real sector without targeted execution that reduces operating costs.

    CPPE’s framing is that reform continuity must translate into measurable improvements in business conditions, otherwise growth remains narrow and disconnected from jobs and purchasing power.

    Validation: Vanguard echoed the execution theme, reporting that gains hinge on “effective execution” of incentives and enabling measures. AllAfrica reinforced CPPE’s structural-risk warning and quoted: “Nigeria’s manufacturing revival hinges on managing structural risks…”

    Echotitbits take: Reforms must translate into lower production costs. Watch early-2026 signals—grid stability versus self-generation expense, FX predictability for inputs and whether tax changes simplify compliance rather than create new leak points.

    Source: The Guardian — 2025-12-29 (https://guardian.ng/business-services/cppe-projects-stability-growth-in-2026-with-sustained-reforms/)
    The Guardian 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Nigeria moves to modernise trade data and policy coordination to deepen AfCFTA gains

    Nigeria moves to modernise trade data and policy coordination to deepen AfCFTA gains

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    Reporting by Punch indicates the federal government is planning a policy and data overhaul aimed at improving Nigeria’s execution under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), including tighter coordination and clearer trade metrics.

    Officials say the push is designed to make Nigeria’s participation more measurable—capturing trade flows and ensuring the country can track performance in both goods and services under AfCFTA rules.

    The reforms also aim to improve policy clarity and reduce fragmentation across agencies involved in trade facilitation, border processes, and export promotion.

    In Nigeria’s AfCFTA Achievements Report 2025 published via the trade ministry, the plan states the AfCFTA coordination structure will “update the relevant trade data systems to include disaggregated metrics” for AfCFTA goods and services. In a public update, the minister’s office notes Nigeria is working to “reinvigorate AfCFTA implementation” and widen effective market access for Nigerian businesses through preferential terms.

    Echotitbits take: Data is the quiet engine of trade competitiveness. If this overhaul actually standardises how Nigeria counts AfCFTA trade (including informal and services flows), it will sharpen policy choices—from export incentives to port reforms. Watch for new dashboards, upgraded customs/trade reporting, and whether SMEs can access the practical “how-to-export” guidance that makes the numbers real.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/fg-plans-policy-data-overhaul-to-deepen-afcfta/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • NCDMB launches innovation challenge, promises prizes and incubation for local solutions

    NCDMB launches innovation challenge, promises prizes and incubation for local solutions

    2026-01-01 07:45:00
    In an update published by Premium Times, the NCDMB kicked off the Nigerian Content Research, Innovation and Technology Challenge (2025/2026), inviting proposals from innovators, academia and suppliers.

    The initiative is positioned as a pipeline into NCDMB’s Technology Innovation and Incubation Centre (TIIC) in Yenagoa, linking innovation to practical industry problems and localisation priorities.

    If implemented well, the programme could deepen local content beyond procurement into prototypes, IP development and scalable industrial solutions.

    Punch also reported NCDMB said it would “award prizes” to Nigerians pursuing content research and technology solutions.

    Energy Focus Report similarly described the programme as an innovation challenge and noted it “promises awards.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The opportunity is real, but scale is the test. Watch for how many winners move from idea to prototype to pilot—and whether funding and offtake contracts follow quickly enough to prevent ‘event-only innovation.’

    Source: Premium Times — December 31, 2025 (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/promoted/846706-ncdmb-kickstarts-nigerian-content-research-innovation-tech-challenge.html)

    Premium Times 2025-12-31

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • FG grants two-year cushion as 149 pioneer-status firms transition to new tax regime

    FG grants two-year cushion as 149 pioneer-status firms transition to new tax regime

    Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
    2025-12-19 13:00:00

    As reported by The Punch, the Federal Government says 149 companies currently enjoying pioneer-status incentives will retain their tax holidays for at least two more years as Nigeria transitions to a new tax regime from January 2026.

    The decision is framed as a stability measure so firms approved under the old regime don’t face a sudden cliff-edge while a redesigned incentive framework takes effect.

    Verification: MSME Africa also reported the two-year cushion for existing beneficiaries, while KPMG’s tax note discusses the transition to the Economic Development Tax Incentive (EDTI) scheme effective January 1, 2026.

    Quotes: MSME Africa: “retain their tax holidays for at least two more years…” KPMG: “transition… takes effect January 1, 2026.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Incentives must be disciplined and outcome-based. Watch for transparency on beneficiaries/sectors, measurable investment and jobs delivered, and whether the new scheme reduces rent-seeking.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/149-firms-retain-tax-holidays-under-new-law-fg/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • NEPZA asks for 10-year transition window as Nigeria tightens tax incentives for SEZs

    NEPZA asks for 10-year transition window as Nigeria tightens tax incentives for SEZs

    2025-12-15 08:00:00

    According to The Punch, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) urged the Federal Government to grant a 10‑year tax relief/transition period for operators in Special Economic Zones to protect investor confidence as a new tax act approaches implementation.

    Punch reports NEPZA warned that abrupt changes to incentives could disrupt long-term business plans for manufacturers, logistics hubs and exporters that invested under existing free-zone frameworks.

    The agency’s position, the report adds, is that predictable incentives remain central to global free-zone models and help Nigeria compete for investment.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: The policy trade-off is between widening the tax base and keeping Nigeria’s SEZ proposition competitive. Watch how the new tax act treats legacy incentives, whether a phased approach is adopted, and the response from manufacturers and export-oriented investors.

    Source: The Punch — December 6, 2025

    Photo credit/source: The Punch

    The Punch https://punchng.com/tax-reform-nepza-seeks-10-year-tax-relief-for-investors/ December 6, 2025