Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: infrastructure

  • Sanwo-Olu Sanctions Demolition of Fire-Ravaged GNI Building as Death Toll Hits Eight

    Sanwo-Olu Sanctions Demolition of Fire-Ravaged GNI Building as Death Toll Hits Eight

    Reporting by The Cable indicates that Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the total demolition of the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building following a catastrophic fire. The Governor confirmed that the death toll has risen to eight, with several others still hospitalized with life-threatening injuries.

    The decision to level the structure was made after structural engineers declared the building’s integrity compromised, posing a threat to surrounding properties in the busy Lagos Island district. Emergency services remain on-site to ensure the safe recovery of any remaining remains before the demolition begins.

    BusinessDay reported that the Governor visited the scene for a second time to ‘confirm fatalities and survivors,’ emphasizing the need for stricter safety audits. Premium Times also covered the tragedy, noting that ‘Sanwo-Olu orders demolition as fire death toll rises,’ highlighting the recurring issue of fire safety in Lagos’ high-rise buildings.

    Echotitbits take: This tragedy exposes the ‘death trap’ nature of many old high-rises in Lagos. A forensic audit of all buildings on the Island is overdue; if the state doesn’t enforce the ‘Building Safety Code,’ the skyline of Nigeria’s commercial capital will continue to be a liability.

    Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/again-sanwo-olu-visits-gni-building-fire-scene-confirms-eight-dead/
    The Guardian  January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Tragedy in Lagos as Fire Claims Eight Lives at Great Nigeria Insurance Building

    Tragedy in Lagos as Fire Claims Eight Lives at Great Nigeria Insurance Building

    Reporting by The Cable confirms that eight people lost their lives in a devastating fire that gutted the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) building in Lagos. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who visited the scene, confirmed the fatalities and stated that thirteen survivors are currently receiving medical attention.

    The Governor has ordered the immediate demolition of the burnt-out structure to prevent a secondary collapse. The incident has once again raised questions about fire safety protocols in the high-rise buildings of the Lagos Central Business District, particularly during the dry Harmattan season.

    BusinessDay reported that ‘Sanwo-Olu confirms 8 fatalities, 13 survivors,’ while Premium Times noted that the death toll rose after several victims succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The state government has pledged to conduct a forensic audit of all high-rise buildings in the vicinity.

    Echotitbits take: This is a grim reminder of the infrastructure decay in Lagos Island. Beyond condolences, the state must enforce the 2025 Building Safety Code strictly; otherwise, these ‘preventable’ tragedies will continue to haunt the city’s skyline.

    Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/847230-sanwo-olu-orders-demolition-of-burnt-out-gni-building-as-fire-death-toll-rises-to-eight.html
    Premium Times  January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension

    Rivers State Council Proposes N1.8 Trillion Budget Amidst Continued Political Tension

    Reporting by Daily Post indicates that the Rivers State Executive Council has approved a N1.8 trillion budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. The budget is intended to facilitate the completion of major infrastructure projects and advance social development across the state’s 23 local government areas.

    The announcement comes at a time of heightened political friction between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike. Despite the administrative progress, the political environment remains volatile, with both sides trading accusations regarding the leadership of the state.

    Premium Times reported on the ‘sounds of war’ following recent threats, highlighting that the political divide is affecting governance. Meanwhile, The Cable quoted former Governor Orji Kalu, who stated that ‘Governors, not Tinubu, are responsible for tackling insecurity,’ placing the onus of regional stability back on state leadership.

    Echotitbits take: Rivers State’s massive budget reflects its status as an economic powerhouse, but political instability could deter the very investors the state needs. Watch for whether the House of Assembly, currently split by loyalty, provides a smooth passage for this appropriation bill.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/rivers-executive-council-approves-n1-8tn-2026-budget/
    The Punch January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • ICRC urges Nigerians to stay hopeful as PPP approvals signal infrastructure momentum

    ICRC urges Nigerians to stay hopeful as PPP approvals signal infrastructure momentum

    2026-01-01 07:40:00
    In a statement reported by GazetteNGR, the ICRC director-general urged Nigerians to enter 2026 with renewed hope, stressing infrastructure delivery and PPP momentum.

    The message points to government approvals and structuring work around private-sector-led solutions as evidence of steps to reduce Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit.

    In practice, the real question is whether projects become bankable and deliverable—where contract design, risk allocation and enforcement decide outcomes.

    Punch quoted the ICRC chief pointing to FEC approvals that provide “reassurance” about closing the gap via private-sector-led solutions.

    Trust Radio also reported he urged citizens to remain “hopeful and confident” that progress is steady.

    Echotitbits take:

    PPPs can transform delivery—or become rent channels. Watch for transparent procurement, clear user-fee/tariff logic, and credible dispute resolution to keep projects moving and socially acceptable.

    Source: GazetteNGR — January 1, 2026 (https://gazettengr.com/icrc-boss-urges-nigerians-to-embrace-hope-shared-responsibility-in-2026/)

    GazetteNGR 2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: GazetteNGR

  • Nigeria targets deeper China cooperation in 2026 as officials pitch expanded partnership

    Nigeria targets deeper China cooperation in 2026 as officials pitch expanded partnership

    2026-01-01 06:25:00
    According to Punch, the Federal Government signalled plans to deepen diplomatic and economic relations with China in 2026.

    In an update published by the outlet, officials framed the relationship around cooperation that aligns with Nigeria’s development priorities and investment needs.

    The messaging highlights trade and infrastructure ambitions while keeping attention on debt terms, local content, and technology transfer.

    The Nation also reported the engagement theme and quoted officials emphasizing cooperation that supports Nigeria’s development priorities.

    Blueprint similarly referenced the 2026 outlook and highlighted language about new opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation.

    Echotitbits take:

    The real story is contract quality. Watch which announced projects reach financial close, and whether Nigeria negotiates improved local value capture—jobs, skills, and export competitiveness—not just ribbon-cutting.

    Source: The Punch  — January 1, 2026 (https://punchng.com/fg-china-to-deepen-diplomatic-relations-in-2026/)

    The Punch  2026-01-01

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    Power distributors begin rollout of 700,000 ‘free’ prepaid meters under regulator pressure

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Punch reports that electricity distribution companies have commenced rollout plans for about 700,000 prepaid meters, amid intensified pressure from the regulator to close Nigeria’s metering gap and reduce estimated billing.

    Related coverage flags a major operational wrinkle: STS token migration, with many existing meters still needing upgrades to remain compatible, which could complicate customer experience even as new units are deployed.

    The programme’s credibility will be judged on installations completed, activation speed, and how quickly customer disputes over billing reduce in real terms.

    TheCable quotes NERC’s Musiliu Oseni warning, “If your network is not ready to accept the new meters, don’t bring them,” while ThisDay notes “over 350,000 meters are yet to be migrated to the new Standard Transfer Specification (STS).”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering fight is now about execution—warehouse to wall. Watch who gets first (Band A vs others), how fast meters are activated, and whether dispute resolution is responsive when timelines slip.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regulator-pressure-discos-roll-out-700000-free-meters/)
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Yule travel boost: FG temporarily opens Bodo–Bonny Road to ease movement

    Yule travel boost: FG temporarily opens Bodo–Bonny Road to ease movement

    Photo credit: The Punch

    2025-12-22 09:00:00

    According to *The Punch*, the Federal Government has temporarily opened the Bodo–Bonny Road corridor to ease movement for residents during the yuletide period, offering partial relief on a long-awaited route.

    The opening is being framed as a humanitarian and economic lift for communities whose travel and commerce have been constrained for years by difficult terrain and limited road access.

    Authorities say the temporary access is meant to improve safety and reduce travel bottlenecks, even as construction continues toward full completion.

    For residents and businesses, the real benefit is time-cost: faster transport can lower prices of goods, shorten emergency response times, and improve local trade flow.

    A Ministry of Information/official government release described the road as “temporarily opens, connecting communities and commerce,” while *The Guardian (Nigeria)* also reported the project as a major yuletide milestone and quoted the framing around safer travel on the legacy route.

    **Echotitbits take:** Temporary openings are good headlines—but the public will judge by durability. Watch the restrictions (hours/vehicle types), security presence, and whether the final completion timeline holds in early 2026.

    Source: The Punch — December 22, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-opens-bodo-bonny-road-ahead-of-yuletide/)

  • Nigeria’s gas supply rises in November as regulator cites higher plant utilisation

    Nigeria’s gas supply rises in November as regulator cites higher plant utilisation

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-14 00:10:00

    According to The Punch, Nigeria’s average daily gas supply climbed to 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day in November 2025, up from October levels, based on operational data released by the NMDPRA.

    The regulator attributed the improvement to higher utilisation across major processing hubs and steadier volumes, including export supply from Nigeria LNG in Bonny.

    Rising gas supply can support power generation and industrial activity, but sustained gains will depend on infrastructure reliability and getting gas to priority domestic users.

    MoneyCentral reported the factsheet shows domestic gas supply “hit 4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day (Bscf/day).” The Punch similarly stated the figure was “4.684 billion standard cubic feet per day” for November.

    Echotitbits take:
    The next test is whether higher volumes translate into better electricity and industrial output—not just export stability. Watch monthly NMDPRA data, NLNG feedgas stability, and any pipeline constraint updates.

    Source: The Punch — December 14, 2025 (https://punchng.com/gas-supply-improved-in-nov-says-nmdpra/)
    The Punch 2025-12-14

  • 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

  • Court Orders NDDC to Publish Forensic Audit Within 90 Days, Raising the Bar on Transparency

    Court Orders NDDC to Publish Forensic Audit Within 90 Days, Raising the Bar on Transparency

    Photo Credit: Punch

    2025-12-17

    From court filings cited by *The Punch*, a court has reportedly given the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) a 90‑day window to publish its long-awaited forensic audit report.

    The decision renews public attention on how intervention funds have been spent in the Niger Delta and whether alleged project inflation, abandoned contracts, and procurement lapses will be formally documented.

    If the report is released in full, it could influence prosecutions, contract reviews, and a broader reset of how the NDDC plans and executes projects.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – Channels TV: “Civil society groups say publication is essential for accountability in the Niger Delta.”
    – Premium Times: “Transparency advocates argue the audit should be released without redactions.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Publication is only step one—action is step two. Watch whether the report triggers recoveries, blacklisting, and a credible reform plan, or whether it becomes another document that sparks headlines without consequences.

    Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/court-gives-nddc-90-days-to-publish-forensic-audit-report/)