News
FG to Invest $800 Million in Power Infrastructure, Targets 6,000 MW Capacity by Year-End
The Federal Government has announced plans to invest $800 million in the development of substations and distribution networks as part of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI).
This information was shared in a statement released by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Media and Strategic Communication to the Minister of Power, in Abuja on Sunday.
Tunji highlighted that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed the investment plans during his visit to the TBEA Southern Power Transmission and Distribution Industry in Beijing, China.
The minister is currently in Beijing attending the China-Africa Cooperation Summit, a platform focused on fostering collaboration between African nations and China.
According to Adelabu, the $800 million investment will be split into two equal parts: $400 million will go toward Lot 2, which encompasses the franchise areas of the Benin, Port Harcourt, and Enugu Distribution Companies (DISCOs), while the remaining $400 million will be allocated to Lot 3, covering the franchise regions of the Abuja, Kaduna, Jos, and Kano DISCOs.
Adelabu expressed concern over the frequent rejection of power by DISCOs, a situation that recently caused a significant decrease in Nigeria’s power generation capacity.
The peak generation of 5,170 megawatts fell by 1,400 megawatts due to the inability of distribution companies to efficiently manage the power supply.
Despite this challenge, the minister assured that the government is determined to boost electricity generation and aims to increase capacity to 6,000 megawatts by the end of the year.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with international organizations like TBEA to fulfil President Bola Tinubu’s vision for improving the power sector, particularly in transmission, distribution, and the renewable energy segment.
Adelabu reflected on Nigeria’s past struggles with power generation, pointing out that the country was only able to increase its capacity from 2,000 megawatts in 1984 to 4,000 megawatts after more than three decades.
However, under the current administration, there has been notable progress, with power generation rising from 4,000 megawatts to 5,170 megawatts within just a year.
Addressing the long-standing challenges in the sector, the minister emphasized that the fragile and outdated transmission and distribution infrastructure has been a major obstacle to industrial growth.
This outdated system has contributed to the country’s unreliable power supply, affecting households, businesses, and industries alike.
Adelabu noted that more than 59% of industries in Nigeria have opted to remain off the national grid due to its unreliability.
Many of these industries have resorted to self-generation, relying on captive power sources to meet their energy needs.
This situation has further underscored the urgency of improving the country’s power infrastructure to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply across the board.
News
LeBron James Steps Away from Social Media, Cites Negativity in Sports Coverage
LeBron James, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and Los Angeles Lakers star, has announced a temporary break from social media.
The 39-year-old made the announcement on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram after sharing a post by Rich Kleiman, agent to NBA star Kevin Durant, criticizing the media’s focus on negativity.
Kleiman wrote, “With so much hate and negativity in the world today, it confuses me why some of the national sports media still think that the best way to cover sports is through negative takes… I, for one, find it all a waste of breath.” James shared the post, adding a simple comment: “AMEN!!”
In a follow-up post, James confirmed his social media hiatus, writing, “And with that said, I’ll holla at y’all! Getting off social media for the time being. Y’all take care.”
James, known for his strong presence on and off the court, is taking this break amidst ongoing discussions about the role of media in shaping public perceptions of athletes.
News
Lagos State Governor Sanwo-Olu Presents 3 Trillion Naira As Budget For 2025
Lagos State Governor, Sanwo-Olu presents 3 Trillion Naira as the budget for the proposed Appropriation Bill for 2025 to the house of assembly. The assembly meeting was led by Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa. The budget is themed Budget of Sustainability and will be a blue print for the commitment to Lagosians.
The ceremony was held in the state house, Alausa, Lagos. With this proposed bill the state government is focusing on environment, education, technology, security and public safety.
News
Diezani Alison-Madueke Seeks Court Approval to Amend Lawsuit Against EFCC Asset Forfeiture
Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke has filed a motion to amend her lawsuit challenging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) order for the final forfeiture of her seized assets.
At a Federal High Court hearing in Abuja presided over by Justice Inyang Ekwo, Alison-Madueke’s counsel confirmed filing the amendment motion and serving the EFCC. Notably, no EFCC representatives appeared in court.
The embattled ex-minister also sought an extension of time to contest the EFCC’s public notice regarding the sale of her confiscated properties, claiming she was denied a fair hearing during the forfeiture proceedings.
The EFCC, however, rejected Alison-Madueke’s allegations, maintaining that the forfeiture cases were lawfully adjudicated over time.
Justice Ekwo adjourned the case to February 17, 2025, to consider the motion to amend the originating process.
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