Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: macroeconomy

  • 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

  • FX reserves climb by $4.39bn in 12 months, CBN data shows

    FX reserves climb by $4.39bn in 12 months, CBN data shows

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Figures published by Punch indicate Nigeria’s external reserves rose by $4.39bn between December 23, 2024 and December 23, 2025, reaching about $45.24bn over the period, based on data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

    The rise adds to a late-2025 picture of stronger buffers, with other market trackers also placing Nigeria’s gross reserves above $45bn in December and describing it as a multi-year high.

    Beyond the headline number, the key question for businesses and households is whether the reserve build-up translates to steadier FX supply and narrower spreads across official and parallel channels.

    MoneyCentral reports that “Gross dollar reserves stood at $45.04 billion as at December 4, 2025,” citing CBN data, while TELL notes reserves “hit $45bn” in early December 2025.

    Echotitbits take: Reserves are a confidence barometer—but they can rise and still feel “tight” if FX demand stays hot. Watch whether the trend holds into Q1 2026 and whether gaps between rates meaningfully narrow.

    Source: The Punch — December 29, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fx-reserves-add-4-39bn-in-one-year/)
    The Punch 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • FAAC windfall helps states cut bank exposure by over ₦547bn in one year

    FAAC windfall helps states cut bank exposure by over ₦547bn in one year

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-27 06:00:00

    In a review published by Punch, Nigerian states and local governments reportedly reduced bank borrowing by about ₦547.5bn over the past year as federation revenue inflows improved.

    The story suggests higher allocations gave some subnational governments room to refinance or repay costly short‑term facilities, easing pressure on monthly deductions and debt‑service burdens.

    However, analysts note that debt reduction is only durable if states also strengthen internally generated revenue and curb recurrent leakages, especially as oil‑linked inflows remain volatile.

    Echotitbits take:
    This is a rare “good-news” fiscal signal, but it can reverse fast if FAAC cools or spending balloons. Watch the next quarter’s allocations, states’ IGR trends, and whether repayment coincides with better capital spending rather than fresh borrowing.

    Source: The Punch — December 27, 2025 (https://punchng.com/states-lgs-repay-n547-5bn-bank-debts/)
    The Punch December 27, 2025

  • Debt Service and Salaries Outstrip Federal Revenue in 2025 Budget Data

    Debt Service and Salaries Outstrip Federal Revenue in 2025 Budget Data

    2025-12-18 00:00:00

    According to Punch, official budget documents show that debt service and personnel costs consumed more than the Federal Government’s total revenue in the first seven months of 2025, underscoring the pressure on fiscal space.

    The report says earnings came in well below pro-rata targets, forcing deep cuts to capital spending and tightening the room for new projects without additional borrowing or revenue reforms.

    The figures add weight to growing concerns about budget credibility, cash-backing of appropriations, and the need for stronger domestic revenue mobilisation.

    BusinessDay reported that “debt servicing and personnel costs consumed more than the Federal Government’s entire revenue” for the period, citing official budget documents. (BusinessDay)

    Another report on the same figures said Nigeria earned far below targets between January and July and that the gap hit capital releases hard. (Legit.ng)

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: When “fixed” obligations swallow revenue, the real economy suffers via delayed infrastructure and weak service delivery. Watch for 2026 revenue measures, credible subsidy/accounting reforms, and how government aligns spending plans with cash realities.

    Source: Punch — December 18, 2025 (https://punchng.com/salaries-debt-service-gulp-105-of-govt-revenue/)

    Photo credit: Punch

  • Nigeria’s 2025 Revenue Gap Hits ₦30tn, Finance Ministry Signals Tougher Budget Choices

    Nigeria’s 2025 Revenue Gap Hits ₦30tn, Finance Ministry Signals Tougher Budget Choices

    Photo Credit: Punch

    2025-12-17

    According to *The Punch*, Nigeria’s Finance Minister Wale Edun says the Federal Government recorded about ₦30 trillion in revenue shortfall in 2025, underscoring how weaker-than-expected inflows are tightening fiscal space.

    The report points to the knock-on effect on budget execution: with revenue underperforming, the government may face sharper trade-offs between debt servicing, capital spending, and core social obligations.

    It also raises questions around the pace of non-oil revenue reforms and the reliability of projected collections as Nigeria navigates inflation, exchange-rate pressures, and a still-fragile recovery.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – Reuters: “Nigeria’s fiscal pressures are intensifying as revenue performance lags spending needs.”
    – Bloomberg: “Officials are weighing additional measures to close the gap as financing costs remain elevated.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: A ₦30tn gap is a warning flare for 2026 planning—expect tougher scrutiny of waivers, leakages, and under-remittance. Watch the next FEC/Finance briefings for concrete revenue-side actions and whether spending is reprioritised toward high-multiplier projects.

    Source: The Punch — December 17, 2025 (https://punchng.com/fg-recorded-n30tn-revenue-shortfall-in-2025-edun/)