Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Tinubu

  • President Tinubu Unveils 2026 Sports Reform and Funding Reset

    President Tinubu Unveils 2026 Sports Reform and Funding Reset

    Reporting by The Nation indicates that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s sports sector, introducing the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE). The President has mandated a complete “funding reset” starting in 2026, aimed at moving the industry away from total government dependence and toward a commercially viable model that promotes job creation and tourism.

    The President expressed his dissatisfaction with bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically hindered athlete development. Under the new framework, the National Sports Commission (NSC) will oversee a unified funding pool designed to provide early support for elite athletes and revitalize grassroots participation across all 36 states.

    Validating the move, Channels TV reported that the reform is a response to Nigeria’s record-breaking performance in 2025, noting that “the administration wants to capitalize on recent international successes to drive foreign direct investment into sports infrastructure.” The Guardian also quoted a sports analyst saying, “This is the first time we are seeing a deliberate shift from sports as ‘social service’ to sports as ‘big business’ in Nigeria.”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria has long been a sporting giant with “clay feet” due to poor funding. By treating sports as an economic sector rather than just a hobby for the youth, the government is looking to tap into a multi-billion dollar global industry. Success will depend on whether private investors trust the new NSC structure enough to put their money into Nigerian stadia and academies.

    Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-unveils-major-sports-sector-reform-orders-funding-reset-from-2026-2/, February 7, 2026

    Photo credit: The Nation

  • South-East APC leaders signal early backing for Tinubu’s second-term bid

    South-East APC leaders signal early backing for Tinubu’s second-term bid

    According to The Nation, South-East leaders within the APC have publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term, framing it as a political strategy to consolidate the party’s position ahead of 2027.

    The report says the endorsement is tied to promises of mobilisation and vote delivery, signalling early alliance-building and intra-party positioning.

    Political analysts note endorsements this early can be as much about negotiating access and policy priorities as about the final electoral map, which will depend on security, economy and coalition dynamics.

    The development also raises questions about regional bargaining: representation in appointments, infrastructure commitments and inclusion in national decision-making.

    Echotitbits take: Early endorsements are leverage plays. Watch what specific policy asks follow—projects, appointments, or legislative priorities—and whether other blocs counter with alternative coalitions.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/uzodimma-others-back-tinubus-re-election/ 11 January 2026

    The Punch 2026-01-11

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  • Tinubu Insists New Tax Laws Stay on Track Despite Discrepancy Dispute, Reuters Reports

    Tinubu Insists New Tax Laws Stay on Track Despite Discrepancy Dispute, Reuters Reports

    Reporting by Reuters indicates President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria would implement new tax laws from January 1 despite calls for delay, describing the reforms as a major reset even as critics raised concerns about discrepancies and administrative powers.

    The dispute centers on trust in the legislative process, enforcement safeguards, and the practical impact on households and businesses facing inflation pressure.

    Government posture suggests implementation will proceed while flagged issues are addressed through engagement and clarifying measures.

    KPMG’s note said certified versions were meant to address discrepancy allegations but still contain “errors, inconsistencies, gaps, and omissions,” while Taiwo Oyedele’s public messaging insisted there is “No Going Back” on implementation.

    Echotitbits take: Watch for clarifying circulars and early enforcement restraint. The first quarter will reveal whether compliance rises—or resistance spreads.

    Source: Reuters — https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-implement-new-tax-laws-january-1-despite-calls-delay-tinubu-says-2025-12-30/ January 10, 2026

    Reuters 2026-01-10

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  • State House Travel Vote Sparks Debate as 2026 Estimate Hits N12.2bn

    State House Travel Vote Sparks Debate as 2026 Estimate Hits N12.2bn

    In an update published by Vanguard, the 2026 State House estimates indicate President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and aides could spend N12.2bn on foreign and local travel in 2026.

    The report has revived questions about austerity optics amid inflation and cost-of-living pressures, as lawmakers review spending lines.

    Supporters argue official travel can yield diplomatic and investment gains, while critics demand clearer justification and outcome reporting.

    SaharaReporters also highlighted foreign travel plans, noting “plan to spend N7.4 billion on foreign trips,” while GazetteNGR summarized the same theme with “about N9 billion” in its highlight.

    Echotitbits take: Watch for outcome-based accountability—investment commitments and measurable diplomacy gains that justify the travel vote.

    Source: Vanguard – https://www.vanguardngr.com/2026/01/2026-budget-tinubu-shettima-aides-to-spend-n12-2bn-on-trips/ January 10, 2026

    Vanguard 2026-01-10

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  • Tinubu insists new national tax laws start January 1 despite calls for delay over “gazette” dispute

    Tinubu insists new national tax laws start January 1 despite calls for delay over “gazette” dispute

    2026-01-02 09:00:00
    In a report filed by Reuters, President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria will proceed with implementing new tax laws from January 1, 2026, despite criticism and calls for delay tied to disputes over the gazetted text versus what lawmakers passed.

    The dispatch notes that opponents have alleged unauthorized insertions and warned about expanded enforcement powers, while the presidency argued there was no substantial issue that should pause the reforms and described the change as a major fiscal reset.

    The controversy is unfolding alongside broader reforms, with the government leaning on a tax overhaul as a revenue and efficiency lever.

    Validation: TheCable reported legislative voices urging suspension until allegations are resolved, noting the rollout is “scheduled to begin in January.” Reuters quoted Tinubu’s framing of the reform as a “once-in-a-generation” fiscal reset.

    Echotitbits take: The reform will be judged by whether it reduces friction (harmonisation, clarity, lower compliance pain) or becomes an enforcement brawl. Watch the implementation guidelines, dispute-resolution mechanics and whether businesses see predictable rules rather than surprise powers.

    Source: Reuters — 2025-12-30 (https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-implement-new-tax-laws-january-1-despite-calls-delay-tinubu-says-2025-12-30/)
    Reuters 2025-12-30

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  • N’Assembly opens tax-acts paperwork to the public as “gazette mismatch” row grows

    N’Assembly opens tax-acts paperwork to the public as “gazette mismatch” row grows

    2026-01-02 06:00:00
    According to Punch, Nigeria’s National Assembly says it will publish the Votes and Proceedings from both chambers alongside the gazetted versions of the new Tax Acts, after allegations that the text in circulation differs from what lawmakers passed.

    The House leadership says the clerk will also make available the transmitted tax bills signed by the president, including the certificate pages, as part of an effort to calm the controversy and restore confidence in the documentation trail.

    Lawmakers have already constituted an ad hoc committee to review the alleged inconsistencies and report back, with officials framing the move as a transparency step rather than a reversal of the reforms.

    Premium Times reports the legislature is “promising to make available certified copies of the bills signed” to address public concerns, noting the Assembly’s directive to release those documents. Reuters, meanwhile, says the dispute centres on “discrepancies between the gazetted text and the version passed by lawmakers,” as the reforms move into implementation.

    Echotitbits take: This is a rare “open-the-files” moment for Nigeria’s legislature. If the certified versions don’t match what businesses are already pricing into contracts and tax planning, expect urgent circulars, re-gazetting, and possible legal challenges. Watch the ad hoc committee’s report and any guidance from FIRS/Nigeria Revenue Service on transitional enforcement.

    Source: The Punch — January 2, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nassembly-invites-public-to-scrutinise-tax-laws/)
    The Punch 2026-01-02

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  • Tinubu says 2026 begins a “more robust phase” for Nigeria’s economic growth

    Tinubu says 2026 begins a “more robust phase” for Nigeria’s economic growth

    2026-01-01 07:35:00
    According to Vanguard, President Bola Tinubu said 2026 would mark the beginning of a more robust phase of economic growth as reforms mature.

    The messaging positions recent macro decisions—subsidy removal, FX changes, and fiscal tightening—as a bridge from instability toward higher growth and investor confidence.

    Household pressure points—prices, jobs and purchasing power—remain the practical scorecard for whether the optimism resonates.

    Punch also framed the outlook as Tinubu pledging a “strong economic rebound.”

    The Guardian Nigeria similarly carried the “more robust phase of economic growth” line in its reporting of the New Year message.

    Echotitbits take:

    The market will judge by outcomes: inflation direction, FX stability, real wages, and whether power/transport constraints ease. Watch Q1 indicators and whether policy consistency holds under social pressure.

    Source: Guardian — January 1, 2026 (https://guardian.ng/politics/full-text-2026-marks-start-of-more-robust-economic-growth-says-tinubu-in-new-year-message/)

    Guardian 2026-01-01

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  • Tinubu doubles down: Nigeria’s new tax laws kick off January 1

    Tinubu doubles down: Nigeria’s new tax laws kick off January 1

    2025-12-31 08:00:00

    According to PUNCH, President Bola Tinubu said the new tax laws will begin on January 1, 2026, insisting the government is moving ahead despite lingering debate around implementation and potential pushback from some quarters.

    The presidency’s line is that the reforms are designed to modernise the tax system, widen the base, and improve collection efficiency—while reducing leakages and uncertainty that have long weakened fiscal planning.

    Officials also framed the rollout as part of a broader reform bundle meant to stabilise the economy and strengthen public finances, with the administration urging stakeholders to focus on execution rather than delay.

    Premium Times also reported Tinubu calling the reforms a “once-in-a-generation opportunity,” while Reuters quoted him saying “No substantial issue should cause us to renege on a programme that will benefit our economy.”

    Validation: Premium Times said “once-in-a-generation opportunity” and Reuters reported “No substantial issue should cause us to renege on a programme that will benefit our economy.”

    Echotitbits take: This is the kind of policy moment where the headline is easy, but the real story is implementation. Watch for the early guidance notes, compliance timelines, and how disputes (if any) are resolved without undermining confidence.

    Source: Lindaikejisblog — 31 December 2025 (https://www.lindaikejisblog.com/2025/12/president-tinubu-insists-new-tax-law-to-commence-january-1-2026.html)

    Lindaikejisblog 31 December 2025

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  • Tinubu heads to Europe ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week trip

    Tinubu heads to Europe ahead of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week trip

    2025-12-28 09:00:00
    In an update published by Channels Television, the Presidency said President Bola Tinubu departed Lagos for Europe to continue his end-of-year break, ahead of an official trip to Abu Dhabi for ADSW 2026 in early January.

    The trip is being framed as part of Nigeria’s engagement with global sustainability, innovation and finance conversations, with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week positioned as a convening point for government, business and civil society.

    A State House statement echoed the itinerary and purpose, saying the President left for Europe ahead of the Abu Dhabi engagement and noting the summit theme and timing.

    The messaging emphasises schedule and participation rather than announcing any immediate domestic policy actions tied to the travel.

    Channels quoted a Presidency statement that Tinubu would continue “his end-of-year break… ahead of his official trip to Abu Dhabi,” while the State House said he “departed Lagos… for Europe” ahead of the summit.

    Echotitbits take: If Abuja wants value from ADSW, outcomes should be measurable—climate-finance pipelines, project partnerships or investment commitments. Watch for what Nigeria returns with, beyond summit optics.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025
    The Punch 2025-12-28

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