Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: investor confidence

  • CBN projects faster growth and stronger reserves in 2026 as inflation eases

    CBN projects faster growth and stronger reserves in 2026 as inflation eases

    According to Premium Times, the CBN’s 2026 macro outlook projects faster economic expansion alongside further inflation moderation and stronger external buffers.

    The baseline assumes reform momentum continues—supporting business confidence, improving FX market credibility, and lifting investment planning if volatility stays contained.

    On prices, the outlook points to headline inflation easing further in 2026 as food and energy pressures cool and supply conditions improve, though risks remain from oil-output shocks and fiscal slippages.

    CBN also sketches a fiscal picture that still requires revenue reforms and expenditure discipline to avoid renewed macro stress.

    Vanguard reported the central bank forecast includes “a 4.49 per cent growth in GDP” and external reserves rising to “$51.04 billion.” Leadership similarly highlighted that CBN “forecasts $51bn external reserves in 2026.”

    Echotitbits take: This is cautious optimism, not a victory lap. Watch oil output, FX liquidity, and whether fiscal discipline holds—those will decide if the forecast becomes reality.

    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/846528-nigerian-economy-expected-to-grow-4-49-in-2026-inflation-to-ease-cbn.html December 30, 2025
    Premium Times December 30, 2025

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • 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

  • CBN outlook: bank recapitalisation may keep markets bullish—but concentration risks loom

    CBN outlook: bank recapitalisation may keep markets bullish—but concentration risks loom

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    In an update published by Punch, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) projects that Nigeria’s capital market could remain upbeat in 2026, helped by banking-sector recapitalisation, improved investor sentiment and pro‑growth policies.

    The CBN’s broader outlook links market sentiment to macro stability—exchange-rate management, inflation expectations and the credibility of policy signals—suggesting that a cleaner macro picture could support risk appetite.

    But the outlook also flags potential downsides, including investor fatigue if bank capital raises crowd out other issuers.

    The Guardian, referencing the CBN outlook, notes the market is expected to stay “bullish, supported by bank recapitalisation” and rising confidence. In an analysis of recapitalisation dynamics, a separate market brief warns that “despite the bullish momentum, the capital market could face higher concentration risk” as bank issuance dominates.

    Echotitbits take: Recapitalisation can be a turbo‑charge for bank resilience—but it can also soak up liquidity and attention. Watch how quickly banks stagger rights issues/placements, whether pension funds rebalance, and if non‑bank corporates still find room to raise long‑term capital without being priced out.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/bank-recapitalisation-to-drive-bullish-capital-market-says-cbn/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nigeria’s FDI jumps to $720m in Q3 as investor appetite rebounds

    Nigeria’s FDI jumps to $720m in Q3 as investor appetite rebounds

    2025-12-31 08:14:00

    In an update published by PUNCH, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s balance-of-payments data shows foreign direct investment rose to about $720 million in Q3 2025—well above the prior quarter—signalling stronger long-term capital flows.

    The report links the uptick to improved long-term equity participation and reinvested earnings, with broader macro indicators providing a friendlier backdrop for foreign investors.

    While portfolio flows can swing fast, FDI is the stickier vote of confidence—typically tied to longer-horizon commitments and real-economy decisions.

    Validation: Radio Now said “Foreign direct investment into Nigeria jumped sharply to $720 million in the third quarter of 2025, up from $90 million in the second quarter.” and The Will reported “jumped to $720m in Q3 2025… marking the highest level this year.”

    Echotitbits take: The headline is strong, but sustainability matters more than a one-quarter spike. Watch Q4/Q1 continuity, sector breakdowns, and whether FX-market stability remains credible enough for long-term investors.

    Source: The Punch — 31 December 2025 (https://punchng.com/nigeria-attracts-720m-fdi-as-foreign-investment-rebounds/)

    The Punch 31 December 2025

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • SEC flags ₦753bn commercial-paper surge as firms tap short-term funding

    SEC flags ₦753bn commercial-paper surge as firms tap short-term funding

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Reporting by The Nation indicates Nigeria’s capital-market regulator says companies raised over ₦753bn through commercial paper issuance within months, pointing to renewed appetite for short-term, non-bank funding as businesses cover working-capital needs.

    Commercial paper has increasingly become a bridge instrument for corporates facing tight credit conditions, higher borrowing costs and volatile cashflows, especially in manufacturing and supply chains.

    SEC leadership has tied the momentum to broader market-structure reforms, arguing that faster settlement and deeper participation can improve liquidity and reduce risk for investors.

    In effect, the regulator is projecting the surge as evidence of confidence in market plumbing and regulation, even as macro pressures remain.

    The Whistler quoted the SEC DG saying, “Commercial paper issuance remained vibrant, with over N753bn raised…,” while The Guardian quoted him on settlement reforms: “By shortening the settlement period, we have enhanced liquidity….”

    Echotitbits take: The key watch item is pricing and rollover risk. If firms keep issuing at very high yields, the market may be masking stress rather than solving it. Watch for defaults, delayed redemptions, and whether issuers shift to longer-dated bonds.

    Source: BusinessDay — https://businessday.ng/markets/article/nigeria-records-over-n753bn-commercial-paper-issuances-in-6-months/?amp – December 29, 2025
    BusinessDay 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • NBA and Atiku demand a halt to new tax laws over alleged ‘gazette’ alterations

    NBA and Atiku demand a halt to new tax laws over alleged ‘gazette’ alterations

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 06:24:00

    In an update published by Punch, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar are calling for an immediate suspension of Nigeria’s newly signed tax reform laws, citing allegations that the gazetted text differs from what lawmakers passed.

    The NBA’s concern is procedural legitimacy: if a law’s final text was altered after legislative passage, then implementation becomes legally risky—especially for businesses planning compliance, pricing, and payroll systems around the new regime.

    Atiku’s position is more politically charged, urging investigation and framing the controversy as a major governance breach that could undermine democratic lawmaking.

    The dispute has also opened a second front: whether the executive should proceed with the planned January 1, 2026 implementation date while lawmakers investigate.

    Vanguard reported Atiku asked EFCC to probe the “illegal and unauthorised alterations,” while also quoting the NBA’s call that “all plans for implementation… should be immediately suspended.”

    Echotitbits take: If this isn’t resolved fast, you risk a compliance freeze—companies won’t know which text to obey, and investors hate legal ambiguity. The smart move is a rapid, transparent harmonisation process (and publication of the verified final text) before January 1.

    Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/nba-atiku-demand-new-tax-law-suspension/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • SEC Sets January Window for Market Operators’ Registration Renewals Ahead of e-Processing Shift

    SEC Sets January Window for Market Operators’ Registration Renewals Ahead of e-Processing Shift

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay
    2025-12-22

    In an update published by BusinessDay the SEC directed capital market operators to renew their registrations between January 1 and January 31, 2026.

    The move is part of a wider compliance push as regulators tighten oversight of intermediaries and try to reduce manual-heavy bottlenecks.

    The timeline also signals that late renewals could trigger operational disruptions once the regulator begins shifting core processes online.

    TheCable reported the SEC will commence “electronic receipt and processing of applications” in Q1 2026. The Nation also reported the deadline, stating operators must renew “between January 1 and January 31, 2026.”

    Echotitbits take: Digitising registration can reduce discretionary friction—if the portal is reliable. Watch for published checklists, transparent fees, and clear service-level timelines so smaller operators aren’t squeezed out.

    Source: BusinessDay — December 22, 2025 (https://businessday.ng/news/article/capital-market-operators-to-renew-registration-before-january-31-sec/)
    BusinessDay 2025-12-22

  • 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

  • Regulators Exit as Dangote–NMDPRA Dispute Rattles Nigeria’s Fuel Market

    Regulators Exit as Dangote–NMDPRA Dispute Rattles Nigeria’s Fuel Market

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    According to Punch, Nigeria’s petroleum sector was jolted by the resignation of the heads of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), amid an escalating dispute tied to Dangote Refinery’s allegations and petition.

    The report says the resignations followed weeks of public tension over fuel import licensing, pricing dynamics, and regulatory oversight, with marketers warning that uncertainty could deepen the squeeze on downstream operators.

    Punch notes that Dangote’s petition to the ICPC alleging questionable wealth and conduct by the NMDPRA chief added pressure to an already heated standoff, even as government moved to nominate replacements for both agencies.

    ICPC, in a public notice, confirmed it had received “a formal petition” against the NMDPRA CEO and said “the petition will be duly investigated.” (ICPC)

    Reuters also reported the shake-up as a major signal to investors watching the refining and downstream market, quoting an energy lawyer who said the developments were not expected to “adversely affect investor confidence.” (Reuters)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A regulator shake-up in the middle of a pricing war raises fresh questions about policy consistency under the Petroleum Industry Act. Watch for what the Senate confirmation hearings reveal—especially on import licensing, market competition rules, and how government balances energy security with private refining ambitions.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/petrol-war-fallout-nmdpra-nuprc-bosses-resign-as-dangotes-petition-rocks-sector/)

    Photo credit: Punch