Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: tariffs

  • UN outlook sees global growth easing to about 2.7% in 2026 amid uncertainty

    UN outlook sees global growth easing to about 2.7% in 2026 amid uncertainty

    Figures cited by The Guardian Nigeria from the UN’s World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026 suggest global economic output could grow about 2.7% in 2026, slightly below the prior year estimate and under the pre‑pandemic average.

    The report highlights headwinds from higher tariffs, geopolitical uncertainty and uneven recoveries across regions, with growth forecasts varying across the US, EU, Asia and Africa.

    For Nigeria, a softer global environment can affect oil prices, capital flows, remittances and borrowing costs—making domestic reforms and stability even more important.

    Investors and policymakers will be watching inflation trends and central-bank easing cycles globally, which can influence risk appetite for emerging markets.

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s external environment may be less supportive this year. Watch for how fiscal and FX reforms cushion shocks, and whether trade diversification reduces oil dependence.

    Source: Reuters – https://www.reuters.com/business/un-predicts-world-economic-growth-slip-27-2026-2026-01-08/ 9 January 2026

    Reuters Nigeria 2026-01-09

    Photo Credit: Reuters

  • DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    DisCos added 187,765 meters in two months as national metering rate inches up

    Photo: Disco image – ThisDay

    According to The Punch, electricity distribution companies installed meters for 187,765 customers in September and October 2025, as reported by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

    The report indicated 80,943 customers were metered in September and 106,822 in October, nudging the national metering rate upward from 55.37% to 56.07% and slightly expanding the total metered customer base.

    The Guardian also cited the NERC metering factsheet and highlighted the month-to-month improvement, while pointing out that the overall metering gap remains substantial despite incremental progress.

    Vanguard similarly reported the figures and reiterated NERC’s framing that the factsheet is meant to track DisCo progress in closing Nigeria’s long-running metering deficit.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s metering story is now about pace and fairness. The monthly gains are positive, but too slow relative to demand growth and consumer distrust of estimated billing. Watch for: (1) how quickly DisCos meter high-complaint feeders, (2) the availability and financing of meters under MAP/National Mass Metering efforts, and (3) whether dispute resolution improves as metering expands.

    Source: The Punch — 14 Dec 2025 (https://punchng.com/187765-electricity-customers-metered-in-two-months-nerc/)