Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Investment

  • Power ministry says 2026 priority is reliable supply as grid fragility persists

    Power ministry says 2026 priority is reliable supply as grid fragility persists

    Reporting by Vanguard indicates Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu says the federal priority for 2026 is to deliver electricity that is reliable, accessible and sustainable, tying the goal to ongoing reforms.

    The pledge lands amid recurring grid fragility driven by generation constraints, transmission bottlenecks and sector liquidity disputes that keep supply volatile for households and manufacturers.

    Officials say achieving stability requires sustained investment and tighter coordination across gas supply, generation, transmission and distribution.

    Echotitbits take: Promises won’t move the needle without measurable milestones. Watch grid stability metrics, DisCo supply-hour transparency, and whether sector cashflow improves enough to fund maintenance and new capacity.

    Source: Vanguard — January 4, 2026 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/minister-adelabu-pledges-reliable-power-supply-in-2026/#google_vignette)

    Vanguard January 4, 2026

    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Federal Government Targets $1 Trillion GDP Through Radical Investment Mobilization

    Federal Government Targets $1 Trillion GDP Through Radical Investment Mobilization

    According to The Guardian Nigeria, the Federal Government has unveiled a strategic roadmap to propel Nigeria toward a $1 trillion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2036. The 2026 phase of this plan focuses on ‘stabilization to expansion,’ prioritizing the removal of regulatory barriers to unlock private capital.

    The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, emphasized that the government is moving away from purely fiscal management to a sector-led growth model. This involves fast-tracking ‘bankable projects’ in agriculture, manufacturing, and tech to attract both domestic and foreign investors.

    Proshare confirmed the policy direction, reporting that ‘the FG outlines key policies to accelerate growth and job creation’ in the coming months. AllAfrica further validated the story, stating that ‘2026 marks a turning point’ where the government will pivot decisively toward attracting long-term capital.

    Echotitbits take: Ambition is good, but the $1 trillion target requires consistent double-digit growth, which Nigeria hasn’t seen in decades. The success of this agenda hinges entirely on whether the government can provide ‘policy clarity’ that actually survives the frequent shifts in political leadership.

    Source: The Guardian — https://guardian.ng/news/fg-targets-1tr-economy-through-investment-local-production/
    The Guardian January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Guardian

  • Otedola Applauds FirstBank’s N500 Billion Capital Milestone

    Otedola Applauds FirstBank’s N500 Billion Capital Milestone

    Figures cited by Premium Times show that FirstBank of Nigeria has successfully completed its N500 billion capital raise, a move lauded by billionaire investor Femi Otedola. Otedola praised both President Tinubu and CBN Governor Yemi Cardoso for creating the regulatory environment that allowed for such a massive capital injection.

    The capital raise is part of the CBN’s mandate for commercial banks to strengthen their balance sheets to support a 1 trillion economy. FirstBank’s success is seen as a bellwether for the rest of the banking sector, many of whom are still in the middle of their own rights issues or public offers.

    The Nation added that the ‘economy will profit from financial sector reforms,’ noting that stronger banks will be better positioned to lend to the real sector. BusinessDay also listed this as one of the ’25 deals that shaped Nigeria’s corporate environment,’ marking it as a defining moment for 100-year-old institution.

    Echotitbits take: FirstBank reaching this goal ahead of schedule is a massive liquidity boost for the Nigerian stock exchange. Expect Otedola to continue pushing for a ‘N1 trillion capital base’ as the new gold standard for Tier-1 banks in Nigeria.

    Source: Premium Times — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/847084-otedola-urges-cbn-to-raise-banks-capital-to-%E2%82%A61-trillion-as-firstbank-meets-%E2%82%A6500bn-requirement.html
    Premium Times January 2, 2026

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Lobito rail concession gets financing boost as AFC helps structure the deal

    Lobito rail concession gets financing boost as AFC helps structure the deal

    Lobito rail concession gets financing boost as AFC helps structure the deal

    Reporting carried via Africa Newsroom says Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) served as co-financial adviser on Angola’s Lobito Atlantic Railway concession, linked to a major financing package to scale corridor capacity.

    The update describes the corridor as a logistics backbone for regional trade—especially for critical minerals moving from inland producers toward global markets, where delays and costs can reshape competitiveness.

    AFC says the plan is expected to raise corridor capacity sharply and reduce freight costs, which could influence where downstream processing and investment ultimately concentrate.

    AFC’s own release repeats the same core projections, including “ten-fold” capacity growth and an “estimated 30 percent” cost reduction. Reuters has also covered the Lobito Corridor push, quoting U.S. officials describing it as a “commitment to advance” strategic infrastructure.

    Echotitbits take:
    Lobito is fast becoming a “strategic corridor brand.” Watch execution: timelines, community impacts, security along the route, and whether lower costs actually translate into better prices and higher volumes for exporters.

    Source: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) — January 2, 2026 — https://www.africafc.org/news-and-insights/news/africa-finance-corporation-acts-as-co-financial-adviser-for-angolas-lobito-atlantic-railway-concession
    Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: Africa Finance Corporation (AFC)

  • 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

  • Kwara passes harmonised taxes bill to curb multiple levies and boost collections

    Kwara passes harmonised taxes bill to curb multiple levies and boost collections

    2025-12-31 09:35:00

    Reporting by The Nation indicates the Kwara State House of Assembly has passed a harmonised taxes and levies bill aimed at streamlining revenue collection and reducing multiple taxation across the state.

    Lawmakers said the legislation is designed to clarify approved charges, cut leakages, and improve compliance for businesses and residents, with next steps focused on transmitting a clean copy for executive assent.

    The move aligns with broader sub‑national efforts to expand internally generated revenue while keeping the tax environment predictable for investors.

    New Telegraph reported the assembly “passes harmonised taxes, levies bill into law,” while Western Post also said lawmakers “pass Harmonised Taxes and Levies Bill into law.”

    Echotitbits take: Harmonisation only works if enforcement is disciplined—no parallel ‘task forces’ or informal collectors. Watch implementation rules, dispute‑resolution mechanisms, and how the state balances revenue goals with SME survival in 2026.

    Source: The Nation — December 31, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/kwara-assembly-passes-harmonised-taxes-levies-bill-into-law/)

    The Nation December 31, 2025

    Photo Credit: The Nation

  • Soludo Commissions Protocol Lounge to Upgrade Anambra Airport Experience

    Governor Chukwuma Soludo commissioned a new protocol lounge at the Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri, describing it as part of an effort to modernise aviation infrastructure. Officials say the upgrade will improve services for dignitaries and business travellers.

    The state believes the investment will support tourism, logistics and investor confidence in Anambra’s growing transport ecosystem.

    2025-12-09

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-09

  • FG Lowers Oil Block Entry Cost

    The Federal Government has reportedly reduced the entry cost for oil blocks in the 2025 bid environment, positioning the move as a way to expand participation and encourage indigenous operators.

    Industry watchers say the policy’s impact will depend on transparent timelines, credible financing frameworks and stable regulation to convert interest into development.

    2025-12-09

    Punch

    2025-12-09

  • FG Tightens 2025 Oil Licensing Financial Thresholds

    Nigeria’s upstream regulator has outlined new financial thresholds for the 2025 licensing round, with higher benchmarks for deep offshore bidders and lower requirements for onshore/shallow water participation. The guidance also allows alternative proofs of financial capacity.

    The government also signalled reduced signature-bonus expectations, a move intended to broaden participation and stimulate investor interest.

    2025-12-08

    The Nation

    2025-12-08

  • Dangote to Nigerians: Stop buying Rolls-Royce, build industries

    Dangote to Nigerians: Stop buying Rolls-Royce, build industries

    After a meeting with President Tinubu, Aliko Dangote urged Nigeria’s wealthy class to channel spending away from luxury cars and private jets toward industrial investment that can drive growth and jobs. Punch reports that Dangote framed the call as a cultural and policy-era comparison, arguing that restrained elite consumption in earlier periods contrasted sharply with today’s conspicuous spending. He warned that capital tied up in prestige assets could be far more transformative if redirected into manufacturing and large-scale productive ventures. Source: Punch, December 7, 2025.