Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigeria economy

  • Nigeria’s Tax Agencies Can’t Just Debit Your Account — Oyedele Warns

    Nigeria’s Tax Agencies Can’t Just Debit Your Account — Oyedele Warns

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-25 09:00:00

    According to The Punch, Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee chair Taiwo Oyedele says tax authorities cannot simply “dip hands” into bank accounts without going through due legal process. He explained that while a “power of substitution” process exists, it is not a shortcut to bypass the courts.

    Oyedele said the typical pathway requires an assessment, notice, and (where disputed) a legal determination before any enforcement action against a taxpayer’s funds. He framed the issue as a rule-of-law matter that protects both citizens and businesses from arbitrary action.

    The comment comes amid recurring complaints from individuals and SMEs about sudden debits and bank restrictions linked to tax compliance disputes, with Oyedele urging taxpayers to understand their rights and challenge improper actions through lawful channels.

    Separately, BusinessDay quoted Oyedele saying, “Nobody will debit your bank accounts without a court order,” while TheCable reported him stressing, “Even if you have N1 billion in your account… nobody can debit your bank account without a court order.”

    Echotitbits take: This is an important signal to calm public anxiety around tax enforcement. Watch what FIRS and state IRS agencies do next—policy clarity is one thing; operational compliance across banks and tax offices is another. Expect more taxpayer education, and possibly stronger complaint-resolution channels, if the reforms team wants legitimacy.

    Source: The Punch — December 25, 2025 (https://punchng.com/tax-agency-cant-debit-accounts-without-court-order-oyedele/)

    The Punch 2025-12-25

  • Experts say Lagos could unlock ₦1tn yearly from property tax—if data gets fixed

    Experts say Lagos could unlock ₦1tn yearly from property tax—if data gets fixed

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 07:33:00

    Figures cited by PUNCH show that Lagos could generate as much as ₦1 trillion annually from property tax if the state builds credible property registers, accurate valuations, and transparent enforcement systems.

    Speakers at a tax reform summit argued that property tax is one of the most stable revenue anchors because it grows with urban development and is harder to evade when the register is accurate.

    The policy push is shifting from rhetoric to implementation—enumeration, valuation, harmonisation, and building trust that revenue collected translates into visible public services.

    Taiwo Oyedele said: “Property taxation is one of the most underutilised yet stable revenue sources available to states and local governments.” Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu added: “Taxation is ultimately a social contract. People comply willingly when they trust that the government is responsible, accountable, and responsive.”

    Echotitbits take: The upside is huge, but the politics are delicate. Watch for a transparent register, clear rates, dispute-resolution for valuations, and visible reinvestment in services—otherwise compliance will be resisted.

    Source: The Punch— December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/lagos-can-generate-n1tn-yearly-from-property-tax-oyedele/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • Senate advances ₦58.47tr 2026 budget, tees up debate for the new year

    Senate advances ₦58.47tr 2026 budget, tees up debate for the new year

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-24 07:00:00

    According to The Nation, the Senate has advanced the proposed 2026 federal budget after it scaled second reading, keeping the appropriation process on track ahead of more detailed committee work.

    The move signals early legislative buy-in for the headline spending plan, even as lawmakers prepare to drill into the assumptions—revenue projections, borrowing needs, and the spending mix that will shape implementation.

    With the second reading done, the next stage shifts to deeper scrutiny, where sector-by-sector allocations and policy trade-offs become the real battleground.

    TheCable also reported the development, noting that the Senate “passed the N58.472 trillion 2026 appropriation bill for second reading.” ARISE News similarly described the session as lawmakers “passed the N58.47 trillion 2026 appropriation bill for second reading.”

    Echotitbits take: The key watchpoint is not the second reading itself, but the credibility of the financing plan. Nigerians should track what gets trimmed, what gets protected, and whether lawmakers demand stronger performance metrics for MDAs—especially on power, security, and inflation-sensitive social spending.

    Source: The Nation — December 23, 2025 (https://thenationonlineng.net/n58-47tr-2026-budget-scales-second-reading-in-senate/)
    The Nation 2025-12-23

  • Marketers say fuel imports still needed as Dangote refinery output rises

    Marketers say fuel imports still needed as Dangote refinery output rises

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-24 07:00:00

    According to Punch, petroleum marketers argue that even with rising local refining capacity, Nigeria’s fuel supply needs cannot be met by one refinery alone—making imports and multiple supply channels necessary to prevent shortages and price shocks.

    The argument is partly about volume and partly about resilience: a single-point supply system increases vulnerability to maintenance downtime, feedstock disruptions, logistics bottlenecks, or regulatory disputes.

    Marketers also warn that policy choices that squeeze out importers too aggressively could reduce competition and create a supply monopoly—potentially weakening price discipline over time.

    The story lands amid a broader debate: how quickly Nigeria can transition from import dependence to domestic refining dominance without destabilising the downstream market.

    Premium Times cited regulators arguing the refinery “cannot meet… daily consumption demand,” while Reuters has reported Dangote’s ramp-up alongside policy shifts aimed at discouraging imports—fueling warnings about monopoly risk if competition collapses.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s endgame should be diversified domestic supply—not “one refinery, one market.” Watch for transparent supply statistics (daily volumes), open access to storage/jetty infrastructure, and fair competition rules that prevent cartel behaviour on either side (importers vs refiners).

    Source: The Punch — December 24, 2025 (https://punchng.com/dangote-alone-cant-meet-nigerias-fuel-demands-marketers-insist/)
    The Punch 2025-12-24

  • Nigeria’s Capital Importation Drops to $1.13bn in August as Portfolio Inflows Cool

    Nigeria’s Capital Importation Drops to $1.13bn in August as Portfolio Inflows Cool

    Photo Credit: Vanguard
    2025-12-23

    A new update from Vanguard says Nigeria’s capital importation fell 62% month-on-month to $1.13 billion in August 2025 from $2.98 billion in July.

    The update indicated foreign direct investment improved from the prior month, while portfolio flows softened, suggesting more cautious foreign appetite.

    For policymakers, the signal is mixed: better FDI optics, but shrinking total inflows that can pressure FX liquidity and sentiment.

    New Telegraph reported: “Consequently, overall capital importation decreased to $1.13 billion, from $2.98 billion in the preceding month.” Vanguard similarly stated: “Nigeria’s capital importation… fell… to $1.13 billion…”.

    Echotitbits take: This is where FX stability meets credibility. Watch Q4 data for whether longer-term inflows start replacing hot money—and whether policy consistency improves investor comfort.

    Source: Vanguard — December 23, 2025 (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/capital-importation-declines-62-to-1-13-bn/)
    Vanguard 2025-12-23

  • Regent MFB Says It Has Crossed ₦10bn in MSME Loan Disbursements

    Regent MFB Says It Has Crossed ₦10bn in MSME Loan Disbursements

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-23 09:00:00

    From a brief by The Punch, Regent Microfinance Bank says it has passed the ₦10 billion mark in cumulative MSME loan disbursements, positioning the milestone as part of its push to close Nigeria’s credit gap for small businesses.

    The bank frames the milestone as evidence that structured micro-lending—paired with advisory support—can help small enterprises scale beyond survival mode, especially amid inflation and weak consumer demand.

    For MSME operators, the bigger story is access: whether such disbursements translate to broader geographic reach, fair pricing, and sustainable repayment terms that don’t trap businesses in rollover cycles.

    It also reflects a sector-wide narrative: microfinance banks competing for relevance by tying credit to digital onboarding, supply-chain partnerships, and specialised products for traders and light manufacturers.

    Validation: The Nation reports, “Regent Microfinance Bank (MfB) has disbursed over N10 billion in cumulative loans disbursements to… MSMEs.” In Regent MFB’s own messaging, the milestone is presented as impact-driven: “By reaching the N10bn mark in disbursements, the bank reinforces its role as a catalyst for productivity…”

    Echotitbits take: The next thing to watch is asset quality. If repayment performance stays strong, MSME credit can scale responsibly; if not, we’ll see tighter lending and higher effective borrowing costs.

    Source: The Punch — December 23, 2025 (https://punchng.com/regent-mfb-crosses-n10bn-msme-lending-milestone/)
    The Punch 2025-12-23

  • FCMB targets a ₦400bn capital raise as Nigerian banks brace for tougher buffers

    FCMB targets a ₦400bn capital raise as Nigerian banks brace for tougher buffers

    Photo credit: THISDAYLIVE — FCMB logo

    2025-12-20 12:20:00

    According to Punch, FCMB Group is preparing a major capital-raising programme reportedly up to ₦400 billion as the sector responds to recapitalisation pressures and risk-buffer expectations.

    The move reflects a wider banking reality: growth ambitions now require bigger cushions amid FX volatility, higher compliance costs and tougher risk management demands.

    Investors will be watching the structure—rights issue, public offer, private placement or a mix—because dilution and pricing will shape sentiment.

    In the broader market, large raises can act as a confidence test: strong subscription signals trust in earnings outlook, while weak uptake raises questions about macro risks and sector fundamentals.

    An NGX filing referenced shareholder authority to “raise up to N400,000,000,000,” aligning with the reported target.

    Leadership also reported FCMB’s recapitalisation-driven raise plan as part of a broader sector-wide capital push.

    Echotitbits take: Timing and pricing will matter. If offers are priced aggressively, investors may demand clearer earnings visibility. Also watch for consolidation pressure among mid-tier banks—recapitalisation cycles often trigger mergers and strategic exits.

    Source: THISDAYLIVE — December 20, 2025 http://thisdaylive.com/2025/12/19/fcmb-group-secures-shareholders-approval-to-raise-n400bn-fresh-capital/

  • Global surplus leaves Nigerian crude cargoes searching for buyers

    Global surplus leaves Nigerian crude cargoes searching for buyers

    Photo Credit: Punch / Reuters
    2025-12-19 15:00:00

    Reuters, via a report carried by The Punch, says Nigerian crude sellers are facing weak demand for multiple December-loading cargoes due to a wider global surplus and cheaper alternative supplies.

    The overhang highlights how Nigeria’s fiscal stability remains exposed to global oil-cycle swings—especially when barrels clear only at discounts.

    Verification: Reuters-based reporting republished by Channels TV and TRT Afrika also described unsold Nigerian crude cargoes and a supply glut context.

    Quotes: Channels TV: “Nigerian oil struggles to find buyers…” TRT Afrika: “struggling to find buyers… due to… cheaper alternative supplies…”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a revenue-and-FX warning sign. Watch for price differentials, production stability, contract competitiveness, and whether non-oil export reforms accelerate as a hedge.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-19 — https://punchng.com/global-oversupply-leaves-nigerian-crude-unsold/

    The Punch 2025-12-19

  • PenCom: ₦577bn Now Credited to Retirees and Contributors After FG Clears Pension Liabilities

    PenCom: ₦577bn Now Credited to Retirees and Contributors After FG Clears Pension Liabilities

    Photo Credit : THE NATION

    2025-12-17

    Speaking at a pension reform scorecard event, PenCom’s DG Omolola Oloworaran says about ₦577 billion has been credited to retirees and contributors after the Federal Government released funds to address legacy pension liabilities, *The Nation* reports.

    The breakdown includes payouts tied to pension increases, accrued rights, and contribution shortfalls—an intervention designed to reduce long-standing backlogs and improve confidence in the contributory pension framework.

    For retirees, the practical impact is immediate: arrears paid, monthly payments boosted, and fewer delays—though questions remain about sustainability and future funding discipline.

    Other reporting on the same development includes:
    – TheCable: “In total, ₦577.5bn has already hit the RSAs of retirees and contributors, impacting over 1.05 million accounts.”
    – BusinessDay: “Stakeholders say clearing liabilities is key to restoring trust in the pension system.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: This is a rare “delivery” moment in public finance, but it also sets a standard. Watch whether contribution remittances stay current (especially MDAs), and whether PenCom’s enforcement tools meaningfully reduce future pension arrears.

     

     

  • Tinubu says 2026 tax changes will ease burdens for low‑income Nigerians and SMEs

    Tinubu says 2026 tax changes will ease burdens for low‑income Nigerians and SMEs

    Photo Credit: Nigeria News
    2025-12-16

    Speaking through the Federal Inland Revenue Service chairman at an Ibadan roundtable, President Bola Tinubu says new tax laws slated for 2026 will bring relief for households and small businesses.

    According to the president’s remarks, the reforms are designed to reduce multiple taxation and exempt essential items and sectors such as food, medication, education, agriculture and shared transportation from what he called burdensome taxes.

    The messaging suggests government is trying to build public confidence ahead of implementation, amid concerns about compliance costs and how quickly relief will show up in prices and pay‑packets.

    Beyond the rhetoric, the key test will be the details: which goods and services qualify for exemptions, how VAT and PAYE changes are applied, and whether sub‑national taxes are harmonised to prevent ‘stacked’ levies on SMEs.

    The Nation: “The laws come with good news to the poor, the low-income earners as well as small businesses.”

    THISDAY: “The laws come with good news to the poor, the low-income earners as well as small businesses,” he said, explaining that food and medication would be exempt from burdensome taxes.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: If the exemptions are cleanly implemented, they could ease cost‑of‑living pressure and improve SME cashflow. Watch for the final implementing rules, VAT treatment of essentials, and how states align their own revenue drives with the federal posture.

    Source: Punch — December 17, 2025 — https://punchng.com/new-tax-law-coming-with-good-news-tinubu-assures-nigerians/