By Ruth Oketunde

Stakeholders have called for increased investment in renewable energy as well as energy efficiency in the country, in other to promote the development of the sector.

They made the call at the 2023 International Conference of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations-Alliance (REEEA-A), in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised in collaboration with the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP), European Union, the German Government, among other stakeholders.

Dr Segun Adaju, Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, said the conference was aimed at creating awareness about the alliance and also investment opportunities that lies in the sector.

He said it was important for Nigerians to key into alternative sources of energy for mobility, cooking, power among others.

According to him, the growth of the sector is deeply rooted in the private sector, as such the government is expected to develop appropriate policies for private sector investment.

“Every year Nigeria spends between 15 billion to 20 billion dollars to buy fuel for generators, that is an investment that is waiting to catalysed for the sector already,” he said.

Dr Imamudeen Talba, Chairman, Steering Committee, REEEA-A, said it was important to seek public-private partnership to foster collaboration to renewable energy in Nigeria.

He added that the Electricity Act recently signed by President Tinubu, had created a compelling need for restructuring of the power and energy sector in the country.

“To unleash this potential, we must create enabling environment that encourages private sector participation, to reduce investment risk and increases sustainable business forum.

“It is an an opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and explore new avenues of cooperation to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency in Nigeria,” he said.

For her part, Ms Annett Gunther, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, said that it was necessary for the government and the private sector to find the right way to implement the energy transition plan.

She said that the German government would continue to support the country as it works towards its energy transition plan.

Also speaking, Prof. Abubakar Sambo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of REEEA-A said with appropriate political will, renewable energy would solve the electricity problems in the country.

He said that the conference would provide a platform for policymakers and regulators to engage with the private sector and identify policy barriers, potential solutions that would accelerate private sector investments.

NAN reports that the event with the theme “Accelerating Private Sector Investment in the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Sector”, had various panel discussions by experts in the field.

NAN also reports that with massive energy deficit, the highest in the world according to statistics, the Federal Government said it is contemplating a Renewable Energy plan (REmap) that would generate 178,000MW in its bid to overhaul Nigeria’s energy architecture.

To achieve the ambitious energy plan, the FG is scouting for investors to raise 1.22 trillion dollars to shift its energy sources to renewable, with a projected 178,000mws of electricity over the next 27 years.

Former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Adeleke Mamora dropped the hint while launching the ambitious plan at the 13th International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly holding in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

While renewable energy generation in the country is currently around 1,000MW, the federal government and its partners, especially International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) said they are pitching to global investors the ambitious plan aimed at ending energy poverty, addressing climate change and aiding Nigeria in achieving Paris Agreement projections as well as the Sustainable Development Goals.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

By Deborah Coker

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested 12 suspects for conveying solid minerals from Kaduna State and Plateau to Port Harcourt in Rivers without relevant permits.

The Commandant of NSCDC in Edo, Mr Samuel Dan, disclosed this on Sunday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Abuja.

“My command has arrested 12 suspects in connection with conveying solid minerals (conza stones, iron ore and coal), without relevant permits,@ he said.

Dan added that his command impounded four trucks.

He said that when the vehicles were stopped, it was discovered that they neither had their waybills nor licences permitting them to deal on mining.

“So, we saw them as people who were illegally conveying solid minerals or illegally dealing with them for some one.

“For you to deal on solid minerals, you need a permit, the approval of government and permission from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals before you are even given a mining site,” commandant said.

According to him, mining is a source of revenue to the Nigerian Government and if those engaging in illegal mining and solid minerals are left to continue, they will be defrauding the government.

” So, it is based on this that we impound the vehicles.

“Investigation is ongoing now, and we have given them rooms to make available their permits and licences, and if any of them does, then we free them.

“We are taking every necessary step to forestall any planned acts of terrorism, particularly criminal activities aimed at depriving citizens of their property and lives.”

Dan, who called on the Federal Government to regulate the activities of miners, said government should not fold its arms without controlling the activities of miners.

According to him, it has been established that about 22, 000 weapons of mass destruction are related to mining, construction and medical.

“So, if we are talking of security in the country, those things have to be controlled.

“Governments have to regulate the activities of people that are in possession of these things.

“The same thing is applicable to this mining, the government expects anybody who deals with solid mineral to possess licence before dealing on it.

“t is good for government to regulate the activities of miners who involve in explosives, explosive device, especially now that most of these activities are carried out by foreigners,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has dismissed a NAF recruitment advert being circulated on social media platforms as fake and an attempt to defraud applicants.

A statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, on Monday in Abuja said “NAF is not recruiting”, and warned applicants not to fall prey to fraudsters.

Gabkwet said the advertisement did not emanate from the NAF, and reminded Nigerians that the service recently graduated recruits of Basic Military Training Course 43/2022, on July 8.

According to him, members of the public would be adequately informed whenever NAF is recruiting.

“The public is please once again reminded that recruitment and selection process into the NAF is free and without any form of gratification. Anyone who pays money under any guise does so at his or her own risk.

“Furthermore, NAF recruitment process is devoid of recruitment agents, hence anyone who claims to be operating in such capacity on behalf of the NAF is a fraudster.

“The NAF wishes to advise prospective applicants to promptly report anyone who solicit for payments to the nearest NAF Unit or the Nigeria Police Force,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Commander, Training and Doctrine Command of the Nigerian Army (TRADOC), Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe, has called for constant training of  officers and soldiers to ensure optimum performance and professionalism.

Aligbe made the call at the closing of the 2023 Combined Mid-Year Courses Appraisal Curriculum Harmonisation  Workshop, Research and  Development Conference, held in Minna.

This is contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for TRADOC, Lt.-Col. Uba Sani, on Saturday.

He said the event was aimed at building capacity for optimum performance and professionalism in the Nigerian army, in tandem with international best practices.

Aligbe said the conference created an enabling environment for interaction and brainstorming on new ideas that would promote the core mandate of the Army.

He urged the participants to take lessons learnt to their various schools to aid the Nigerian army in its operations.

The commander commended the facilitators, moderators and discussants for bringing their expertise to bear during the event.

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja for approving logistics for the smooth conduct of the event. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

By Isaac Aregbesola

The Acting Chairman of EFCC, Mr Abdulkarim Chukkol, says the commission will continue to put up a fierce battle against corruption and all forms of economic and financial crimes in the country.

Chukkol said this on Friday at the passing-out ceremony for 318 Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) Detective Superintendent Course 9 cadets held at the EFCC Academy in Karu, Abuja.

He said that the anti-graft agency was not only championing the fight against corruption and all forms of economic and financial crimes, but also consolidating its efforts in battling these unwholesome acts.

“The EFCC as you know is championing the fight against these unwholesome acts being perpetrated by unscrupulous persons, whose aim is gaining illicit wealth at the expense of the safety and security of the generality of the public and the image of our dear nation.

“Trends in economic and financial crimes keep evolving and the EFCC must continue to put up a fierce battle against them by prevention through sensitisation and enforcement to serve as deterrence.

“The EFCC presently is re-organising and re-strategising as a way of self-appraisal and re-positioning.

“Let me reiterate that the commission has zero tolerance for corruption, indiscipline and unprofessional conduct,” he warned.

Chukkol said that the passing out of the cadets and joining the ranks of the commission was coming at a time when the agency was consolidating the efforts of several years of battling corruption and all forms of economic and financial crimes.

He, therefore, warned them against any act of corruption, disloyalty, or disobedience to constituted authority, which he declared would earn them expulsion.

“Any act of corruption, disloyalty, disobedience to constituted authority, and insubordination will be decisively dealt with, and the defaulters shown the exit,” he warned.

The Secretary of the commission, Dr George Ekpungu, also cautioned the new cadets to be above board in their duty.

Ekpungu said that many had put in their best, sacrificed their energies, their lives, marriages and careers to ensure standards in the commission.

“And, as we are graduating you today to the cadet, we expect nothing less than that level of integrity, you must be above board.

“I said this to you because I am the Chairman of Appointments, Promotions and Disciplinary Committee (APDC), and when it comes to discipline; the directors are here they will not laugh with you.

“If you misbehave, if you compromise your office, we will send you back to your parents and that is why we are saying it to the hearing of your parents.

“So that even if it is within this period of internship you are found wanting below the standard that is expected of you, you will be sent back to your parents.

“So, you stay away from drugs, alcohol, corruption and keep your integrity intact,” he warned.

He also advised the parents against mounting pressure on them to compromise the standards.

He noted that children would begin to faulter when parents began to mount pressure on them against the standard and ethics of the profession.

“But if you go and begin to send the village chiefs to call and influence your children, we will send them back to you,” he said.

Earlier, the Commandant of the EFCC Academy, Tayo Olowonihi, commended those who had contributed in one way or the other to ensure the successful training of the cadets.

He said that the 318 graduands were taken through basic law enforcement training in a period of 12 months, spanning between July 31, 2022, and July 21, 2023.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the graduands were trained in legal studies, operations, finance, general studies, forensic, field studies and ICT.

The graduation also featured awards in three different categories, including the Commandant Award, Best Max Rifles and Pistols Awards,  and the Merit Award.

The Best Graduating cadet is Oluwasola Ikotun, while the second is  Marry Babalola and the third is Abiodun Olalere.

Fawal Yusuf-Mohammed clinched the Best Riffles Award as Female Best Max Riffles Award went to Mary Atele.

Best Women Pistol Award went to Hauwa Mohammed and Best Man Pistol Award was clinched by Abdullahi Abubakar.

The Commandant Award, tagged “IT Creative Award of the Year”, went to two cadets who developed an App for the EFCC Academy:  Zakariyya Salim and Samuel Afa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

By Ismail Abdulaziz