FG To Offset N4trn Debt Owed GenCos – Power Ministry

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April 16, 2025

…launches 30MW Shagamu power project

…begins nationwide energy access in 774 LGAs

By Charles Ebi

Federal Government has disclosed ongoing plans to settle over N4 trillion owed to Power Generation Companies ,GenCos, for electricity generated and supplied to the national grid.

Mr. Bola Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, made this known in Abuja.

Tunji was responding to a recent public appeal by the GenCos under the Association of Power Generation Companies ,APGC, calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene and clear the debt backlog, which they say is crippling the sector.

“We expect a response from the Ministry of Finance very soon. We are not unaware of this debt arising from the Federal Government’s commitment on subsidy. Part of the debts are legacy debts, which were on the ground before the minister of power assumed office”, he added.

According to Tunji, the debt is a major obstacle to the smooth functioning of the power sector, and resolving it is a top priority for the ministry.

“The minister has repeatedly harped on this, knowing the implication of such debts to the operations of the various power sector stakeholders, especially the GenCos”, he said.

Earlier, the Association of Power Generation Companies ,APGC, had raised the alarm over the deepening liquidity crisis in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry ,NESI, warning that the continued accumulation of debt threatens the viability of the power plants.

In a statement signed by retired Col. Sani Bello, Chairman of APGC’s Board of Trustees, the GenCos disclosed they are owed N2 trillion for power supplied in 2024 alone, in addition to N1.9 trillion in legacy debt.

He added that, aside from being owed significant sums, the GenCos also face a tough operating environment marked by volatile exchange rates, high inflation, and poor access to finance.

“Besides being owed huge debts, the GenCos were also operating under very harsh monetary and fiscal conditions. It is no more news that the GenCos have continued to bear the brunt of the liquidity crisis in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry ,NESI” he stated.

Stakeholders in the power sector have repeatedly called on the Federal Government to implement financial stabilization measures to prevent further collapse of electricity generation and distribution in the country.

In March 2025, the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company ,NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije called for urgent presidential intervention to secure funding for ongoing power projects and settle outstanding payments owed to Generation Companies ,GenCos, as part of efforts to improve electricity supply across Nigeria.

Adighije highlighted the severe liquidity challenges facing the power sector, with over N4 trillion owed to GenCos, which has hindered their ability to operate efficiently.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has officially launched the Sustainable Energy Access Projects ,SEAP, with the commissioning of a 30-megawatt power facility in Shagamu Local Government Area, Ogun State, marking a significant step towards attaining universal energy access and a clean energy transition.

The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, via a post on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle.

According to the Minister, the SEAP initiative aims to deliver a minimum of 5 megawatts of clean, decentralized energy to each of Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas, with a strong focus on improving livelihoods in rural and peri-urban communities.

The decentralized energy systems will support agro-processing, healthcare delivery, transportation, and small and medium-scale enterprises ,SMEs, which are critical to inclusive economic growth.

During the launch event, the minister said a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ,MoU, was signed between the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria ,ALGON, Data Analytics & Solutions International Ltd, and CCK Electric Power Technology Company.

“The project aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda and supports the national clean energy transition”, he noted.

The Sustainable Energy Access Projects comprise three key interventions targeted at improving access to affordable and reliable energy in underserved communities:

Deployment of Solar and Gas-Powered Mini-Grids: To bridge the electricity gap in remote and rural LGAs, mini-grid systems will be installed to provide off-grid power solutions.

The project includes the conversion of 1,000 petrol-powered tricycles per LGA to electric versions, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions in urban transport.

SEAP aims to replace firewood and charcoal with affordable and safer LPG/CNG cylinders for over 20,000 households per LGA, addressing deforestation, indoor air pollution, and improving health outcomes, particularly for women and children.

Describing SEAP as a “transformative solution to Nigeria’s energy challenge”, Minister Nnaji highlighted the project’s potential to drive grassroots development through a combination of innovation, inclusion, and impact at scale.

The Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology has called on development partners, particularly the United Nations Development Programme ,UNDP, to support the implementation of SEAP and help ensure its benefits reach women, youths, and underserved communities across Nigeria.

The nationwide rollout of SEAP is expected to create thousands of jobs, enhance productivity in rural Nigeria, reduce emissions, and support the country’s drive towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals ,SDGs, particularly in energy, health, environment, and gender equity.

Nigeria Set to Host 68th Meeting of UN Tourism Commission for Africa

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April 16, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed its readiness to host the 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Abuja.

Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister, Barr Hannatu Musa Musawa, gave the assurance when a two-man team from the United Nations Tourism Commission for Africa, (CAF) paid her a courtesy visit in Abuja on Tuesday.

The Minister said during her preliminary meeting with the team that the mission is a unique opportunity to strengthen collaboration and drive the shared vision of tourism for sustainable development across the African continent.

Musawa added that Nigeria will showcase its rich cultural heritage and also highlight the resilience of the tourism sector.

“We are excited to host this important event and showcase Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and tourism potential. We look forward to working closely with the UN Tourism and other stakeholders to make this event a resounding success”.

She also spoke on the benefits of the Tourism sector and government’s readiness to host the conference which is expected to bring together stakeholders from across the continent to discuss the future of tourism in Africa.

”The tourism sector creates both direct and indirect economic benefits by generating income from tourist activities, including accommodation, transportation, food services and entertainment. Beyond the immediate economic impact, tourism stimulates ancillary industries such as construction, retail and agriculture, leading to job creation and fostering a more diverse and resilient economy. As more people travel to Nigeria for business, leisure, and cultural exploration, the sector’s contribution to national revenue continues to grow.

“I wish to reaffirm Nigeria’s strong partnership with the UN Tourism, recognizing the critical role collaboration plays in achieving sustainable growth for Africa’s tourism industry. Through its continued engagement with the UN Tourism, Nigeria actively contributes to shaping policies, promoting best practices, and supporting initiatives that foster responsible tourism development across the continent. This partnership is essential not only for strengthening Nigeria’s tourism sector but also for advancing Africa’s position as a leading global tourism destination, ensuring that the continent’s rich natural and cultural heritage is preserved for future generations”.

Earlier in her address, the leader of the UN Tourism team, Elicia Grandcourt expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to host a successful event, citing the country’s experience in hosting previous meetings. She highlighted the potential benefits of the meeting, particularly for Nigerian youth, who can leverage AI for empowerment opportunities. This event, she said, aims to boost social impact and education in tourism through innovation, AI, and creative industries.

“It’s not just about the meeting but also what you, as a country will gain out of this meeting. We will be coming here in June with all the Tourism Ministers in the region. We have seen how the tourism sector in general has shifted on the continent, whereby countries who earlier depended on oil are now moving to the tourism sector because of the economic value, environmental and social impact.

“We will make this valuable, especially for local participants. We will run a technical workshop that focuses on innovation and artificial intelligence, so, we will be capacitating the local team on how they can maximize this sector through the use of the new technologies”.

In her welcome address, the Director of International Tourism Relations and Cooperation of the Ministry, Dorothy Duruaku, thanked the UN team for their visit, recalling that Nigeria has hosted the event four times.

“Our ability to host CAF 2025 is not in doubt as members of the organizing committee have been working assiduously to ensure a successful meeting. We will commence inspection of the meeting halls, hotels and other facilities immediately and ensure that everything needed is in perfect order ahead of the meeting”.

CAF 2025, themed ‘Boosting the Social Impact and Education in Tourism through Innovation, AI, and the Creative Industries’, holds in Abuja from June 11-13, 2025.

The 68th meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa aims to promote sustainable tourism development and cultural exchange across the African continent.

Caption: L–R: Programme Officer, UN Tourism, Zineb Zimmal; Honourable Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism the and the Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musa Musawa; and Director, UN Tourism Regional Department for Africa, Ms. Elcia Grandcourt, during a courtesy visit to the Ministry ahead of Nigeria’s preparations to host the 68th UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) Meeting in Abuja.

BREAKING: Again, Many Feared Killed As Gunmen Attack Benue Community

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April 15, 2025

By Uche Onyeali

Many persons have been reportedly killed as gunmen suspected to be Fulani herdsmen on Tuesday evening attacked the Otobi community in Akpa district of Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State.

According to the lawmaker representing Otukpo-Akpa Constituency in the Benue State House of Assembly, Kennedy Angbo, the attack started around 5:30pm on Tuesday.

Angbo, who hails from Akpa district, said an unconfirmed number of persons have been killed while hundreds have fled the community.

A resident of Otobi community, Edwin Emma said many persons were feared killed as he called for help from the government and security forces.

“We are being attacked by herdsmen at Otobi community, my wife and children are fleeing from the community as I speak, please call for help,” Emma cried.

Otobi, the community hosting the Federal Ministry of Water Resources Multipurpose Water Dam, has come under attack twice in April as a security guard at the facility was killed days ago.

The police are yet to comment on the development as of press time.

Really that over 100 people have been killed in neighbouring Plateau State in the last two weeks, following attacks by herdsmen on communities in the Bokkos and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau.

The Game of New Thinking: How Federation Secretaries Are Powering a New Era for Nigerian Sports

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April 15, 2025

The Game of New Thinking: How Federation Secretaries Are Powering a New Era for Nigerian Sports

There is a quiet revolution happening in Nigerian sports. At the heart of it is a bold new strategy by the National Sports Commission (NSC), and it’s beginning to yield tangible dividends. This new thinking has found expression in one of the most critical layers of the sports ecosystem—the secretaries of national sports federations.

In a move that industry observers have hailed as both strategic and timely, the NSC recently executed a major shakeup—reassigning secretaries to federations where their expertise, passion, and vision align more closely with the goals of each sport. The results are already turning heads.

One shining example is the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), where a newly launched initiative, Raising Athletics Champions Everywhere (RACE), is making waves. The project led by AFN Secretary Isreal Inwang, RACE has been approved for grant funding by World Athletics—a significant endorsement of Nigeria’s reimagined approach to grassroots sports development.

The project aims to increase grassroots participation in athletics among children aged 6 to 14 by integrating the Kids’ Athletics program into schools nationwide.

It will train 1,000 Physical Education (PE) teachers, establish sustainable athletics clubs in primary and secondary schools to engage 4,000 children, and implement a nationwide tracking system to monitor young athletes’ progression from beginner to elite level.

By reaching 774 schools per year, the project promotes inclusive access to athletics, develops young talent, and aligns with the World Plan for Athletics by expanding participation and embedding athletics into the education system.

With the right leadership and support as offered by the NSC and sports federations themselves , secretaries can drive innovation, foster talent development, and position their sports for local and international success.

These moves will see improved outcomes at respective federations.

In cricket, the Nigerian U-19 team delivered a historic performance at the World Cup, finishing 5th globally—an unprecedented feat for a country previously considered a minor player in the sport. That success didn’t just happen overnight. It was the result of meticulous planning and renewed vigor at the Nigeria Cricket Federation, where the new secretary has been instrumental in laying a foundation for global competitiveness.

Basketball, too, has seen a resurgence. After a sluggish start to the AfroBasket qualifiers, D’Tigers mounted a remarkable comeback to secure their qualification. The turnaround was not merely athletic—it was administrative. Behind the scenes, strategic planning and robust support from the federation’s secretariat played a pivotal role in ensuring Nigeria remained on course.

In para-badminton, Nigeria’s athletes soared in international circuits, clinching medals in Spain’s Toledo and Victoria tournaments, and shining again at the African Championships in Cameroon. Table tennis has followed suit, with Nigeria impressing at the ITTF circuit, securing qualification and further cementing its place as a continental powerhouse.

Meanwhile, the nation’s Paralympic athletes are proving their mettle as well—three gold medals have already been secured in Jordan at the time of reporting. These successes point to a consistent theme: sports federations are becoming better organized, more visionary, and increasingly result-driven.

Much of this transformation can be traced back to the leadership at the NSC. Under Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, the Commission has embraced “positive disruption” as a guiding principle. Their mandate to restructure, refocus, and reset the Nigerian sports sector is paying off—not just in medals and rankings, but in restored confidence.

And indeed, they are delivering. Last month, a national age-grade swimming tournament was organized to spotlight and nurture young talent. It is part of a broader commitment to long-term planning—a shift from reactive sports administration to a sustainable model built around discovery, development, and discipline.

In this unfolding story of renewal, the federation secretaries are not just placeholders —they are visionaries, architects of a better future for Nigerian sports. Thanks to their passion, initiative, and unwavering commitment, the game of new thinking is no longer just a slogan. It is a movement—one that is powering Nigerian sports to new heights.

NSC Applauds Team Nigeria on Success at ITTF Word Para Future Tourney in Jordan

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April 15, 2025

Joel Ajayi

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has lauded the outstanding performance of Team Nigeria at the recently concluded ITTF World Para Future tournament in Amman, Jordan, where the nation displayed its dominance in para table tennis by finishing among the top three teams globally.

Over the three-day championship, Nigeria amassed a remarkable haul of five gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals. Competing against powerhouses such as Germany, Iran, and host nation Jordan, Nigeria stood tall as one of only three African nations in attendance, alongside Egypt and South Africa.

NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko described the achievement as a “testament to what is possible when vision meets preparation and belief.” He added: “Our para-athletes have continued to inspire the entire nation. Their performance in Jordan shows that with the right support, Nigerian sports can soar on any global stage.”

NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the resilience and brilliance of the athletes, as well as the technical team and leadership of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN). “This is a proud moment for Nigeria,” Olopade said.

“I must commend the dedication of the team, especially the leadership of PCN President Sunday Odebode, who has remained committed to excellence and inclusion in Nigerian sports.”

The medals came in fast for Nigeria:

• Olufemi Alabi won the country’s first gold in the Men’s Class 10 singles, beating Iraq’s Shafeeq Hikmat.

• Faith Obazuaye clinched gold in the Women’s Class 9-10.

• Bolawa Akingbemisilu earned gold in the Men’s Class 4-5, defeating compatriot Kehinde Lawal.

• Abiola Adesope and Tajudeen Agunbiade captured gold in the Men’s Doubles Classes 14-18.

• Alabi and Obazuaye closed Nigeria’s campaign in style by taking gold in the Mixed Doubles Classes 17-18.

Woman Caught With Hidden Cache Of Guns, Ammunition In Edo

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April 15, 2025

FROM IKHILI EBALU, BENIN CITY

Operatives of Edo State Police Command’s X-Squad have arrested a 32-year-old woman, Janet Dominic with firearms and ammunition.

The command’s spokesman, CSP Moses Yamu, who disclosed this in a statement Tuesday, said the suspect was arrested on April 10 at Iguezemwahu community, along Benin-Auchi Road in Uhunmwonde Local Government Area, during a raid for arms mop-up in the state.

He described the achievement as part of the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika’s unwavering resolve to rid the state of crimes.

Yamu disclosed that while the woman was arrested, one Dominic (surname unknown) escaped from the scene on sighting the police.

Arms and ammunition recovered from the suspect include two single-barrel guns, three pistols, seven live cartridges, one dagger, one trigger part and one Beretta magazine, all concealed inside the seat of a motorcycle.

Yamu said investigation is ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspect.

AljazirahNigeria recalls that a few days ago, four persons were intercepted with an arsenal that included three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses and two daggers.

The four suspects, Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris and Jamilu Habibu, were intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network.

Rugby Rejoins the Line-up for the 2024 National Sports Festival Tagged “Gateway Games”

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April 15, 2025

Joel Ajayi

In a significant development for the sporting community in Nigeria, rugby has officially been readmitted into the 2024 National Sports Festival, themed “Gateway Games”, scheduled to take place in Ogun State from May 16th to 30th, 2025.

This decision comes following the approval of the Joint Technical Committee for the 22nd edition of the National Sports Festival, who unanimously agreed on the inclusion of rugby after thorough evaluation. The committee cited the game’s rising popularity, increased grassroots participation, and growing national followership as key factors behind this reinstatement.

Speaking on this exciting milestone, the President of the Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF), Dr. Ademola Are, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Director General of the National Sports Commission and Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Chief Bukola Olopade, as well as the Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development in Ogun State, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, and the entire Joint Technical Committee. He commended their vision, commitment, and readiness to support the evolution and diversification of sports in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Are, the return of rugby to the festival is not just a win for the sport, but a golden opportunity for talent discovery and national team development. “With this development, Nigerians can once again experience the thrill of top-level rugby at the festival. More importantly, national team selectors will be present at the games to scout for promising talents as we prepare for the prestigious Africa Cup Sevens, scheduled to hold in Mauritius from June 18th to 23rd, 2025,” he stated.

The readmittance of rugby into the festival’s roster is expected to bring renewed excitement to rugby fans and stakeholders across the country. It marks a promising step forward in the sport’s growth trajectory and underscores the National Sports Festival’s role as a catalyst for talent discovery and sports development in Nigeria.

With Ogun State set to host the festival, all eyes are now on the Gateway State as preparations intensify for what promises to be a thrilling, inclusive, and talent-packed edition of Nigeria’s foremost multi-sport event.

Sanwo-Olu Tasks Stakeholders On Sustainable Energy

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April 15, 2025

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged stakeholders in the energy sector to focus more on the sustainability and generation of 24 hours uninterrupted power supply for economic development.

The governor said this at the maiden edition of the Lagos Energy Summit, Tuesday.

He stressed the need for collaboration to ensure clean energy to drive the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.

“As professionals, as sector leaders, we need to roll up our sleeves and be committed to it, we have to do it to also understand what role we need to play.

“We need to build industrial growth. We need to enable all of our small businesses thrive. So, the amount of time and energy they have inputted to drive growth and investment in our GDP,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said it is necessary to set the ball rolling to build a better society for the younger generation.

In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Biodun Ogunleye noted that quality research and analysis would be done to assess the needs of residents and deliver energy requirements that would benefit them.

Ogunleye pledged to ensure a sustainable future for the resolution of all energy challenges to make the state a choice destination for investments.

The guest speaker, Professor Barth Nnaji, a former Minister of Power and Natural Gas, commended the Lagos State government for its steps on electricity sustainability from the Bola Tinubu administration, adding that 80 million Nigerians lack electricity supply.

Nnaji urged government at all levels to take decisive action to address the gap.

“In the next 20 years, national gas will be the fuel to power electricity with about 210 trillion cubic feet of gas, any country that its GDP is growing, energy support should also increase,” he said.

Gombe Trains 67 Livestock Farmers On Pasture Devt

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April 15, 2025

Gombe State government, through its Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support, L-PRES, Project, has trained 67 livestock farmers on pasture development.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Gombe Tuesday, the Coordinator, Gombe L-PRES Project, Professor Usman Abubakar said the training is to enhance the livestock value chain.

He said the participants were exposed to modern ways of pasture development for businesses, stressing that harnessing fodder value chain remains key to empowering youths, as well as tackle unemployment.

He said with the training, there would be a culture of growing quality pasture for livestock along the fodder value chain as one of the solutions to the clashes between crop and livestock farmers.

“The training will also update farmers on the importance of the business models on livestock development in view of the importance of feeds to livestock productivity and profitability.

“There are two commodities that are crucial in farmer/herder clashes, which are the feeds and water.

“We are making efforts to boost the availability of these two commodities in the state as a way of minimising farmer/herder contacts, which could lead to clashes.

“We are using the L-PRES project to avert farmer/herder clashes by providing training on how to boost fodder development for business.

“With the water we are providing across the state and pasture development, farmer/herder clashes will reduce.

“This is because with water supply and pasture availability, there will be no need for herders to seek these commodities in farmers farmlands,” he said.

Abubakar said through the L-Pres project, earth dams along the corridors of grazing reserves have been rehabilitated across the state.

He said over 63 solar-powered boreholes have also been constructed within the clusters of livestock value chain in the state.

Also, the facilitator of the training, Mahmud Bello said pasture development is a good avenue for youths to venture into, to earn some income.

Bello, who lauded the federal government for establishing the Ministry of Livestock Development, urged youths to leverage opportunities in the sector to improve their lives and livelihoods.

He also commended the Gombe State government and L-PRES for organising the training towards improving the livestock sector. (NAN)

UNICEF Secures C$15m Grant For Kaduna, Kebbi, Bauchi

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April 15, 2025