By Constance Athekame

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has signed grant agreements with nine renewable energy companies to provide electricity access to 17.5 million Nigerians.

The companies are: Privida Power Limited, Baobab Plus, Salpha Energy, Asolar, NTA-StarTimes, A4&T Power Solutions, Sunking Greenlight Planet, Bboxx, and D.Light.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this marks the first signing under the World Bank-funded Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-Up (DARES) project, following its official launch in 2024.

“This initiative also contributes to the broader Mission 300, a global effort to deliver energy access to 300 million people in Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, as Nigeria advances toward achieving universal electricity access,” REA said.

Speaking at the signing ceremony in Abuja, the Managing Director of REA, Abba Aliyu, said the project aimed to electrify 17.5 million Nigerians by deploying 1,350 mini-grids.

He explained that the interconnected mini-grids being deployed were intended to enhance the reliability of electricity supply to Band D and E customers, while also expanding access to underserved communities.

Aliyu said the project’s implementation was divided into two components:

“Deployment of mini-grids (both isolated and interconnected), and deployment of solar home systems.

He stated that 198 sites had already been submitted under the project, projecting an estimated 340,000 new connections and the addition of 47 megawatts of clean, reliable electricity to the national grid.

“The 11 sites we are signing with Privida Power Limited alone will add over 2.5 megawatts of reliable energy, resulting in an additional 11,000 connections,” he said.

“Meanwhile, eight companies will deploy 1.6 million solar home systems across rural areas.”

According to him, this effort demonstrates REA’s commitment to scaling up access to electricity and tackling the challenges in Nigeria’s power sector.

He noted that the government, under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was aggressively addressing the nation’s electricity challenges.

“The issue of 18 million Nigerians without access to electricity will soon be a thing of the past, thanks to interventions like DARES and other REA projects,” Aliyu added.

“Today’s signing is not just a contract; it is a commitment to communities long underserved by conventional infrastructure.”

Also speaking, Mr Olufemi Akinyelure, Head of the Nigeria Electrification Programme (NEP), emphasised the broader impact of the initiative.

“Every connection made under DARES represents a doorway to education, healthcare, commerce, and inclusion,” he said.

“The over 11,027 new connections to be delivered under this project symbolise lives transformed, futures energised, and a Nigeria that leaves no one behind.”

He noted that partnerships like these served as a blueprint for achieving Nigeria’s national energy access goals.

Akinyelure explained that DARES, a key initiative under NEP, was structured to catalyse the off-grid energy market through targeted grant support for mini-grid and standalone solar projects.

“These renewable energy solutions are crucial for providing reliable and affordable electricity to off-grid communities, unlocking their potential for social and economic advancement,” he said.

Under the Performance-Based Grant sub-component for isolated mini-grids, Privida Power Limited secured a grant to deploy solar mini-grids across 11 communities in Kogi, providing over 11,027 new connections.

In addition, the eight other companies under the Standalone Solar Systems (SAS) component signed agreements to roll out Tier 1 and Tier 2 plug-and-play solar solutions for households and MSMEs to expand energy access across rural Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the companies, Mr William Akalume, Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Privida Power Limited, expressed commitment to the project.

“We are committed to the success of this project and appreciate the REA for the impactful work they are doing to improve the lives of Nigerians,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Candide-Johnson Law Practice has announced the appointment of its Senior Partner, Mr Adeyemi Candide-Johnson, as a Trustee of Ikoyi Club 1938.

Ikoyi Club is an assembly of leaders across business and public sectors.

Mrs Blessing Brownson, Public Affairs Officer of the club, said that the appointment recognised Candide-Johnson’s longstanding leadership in the legal profession and his sustained commitment to corporate governance and institutional excellence.

“A distinguished figure in the law, he has pioneered impactful reforms and served with distinction, earning a reputation as a forward-thinking and principled advocate for justice.

“Candide-Johnson currently chairs several prominent boards, where his strategic insight and depth of experience continue to shape governance at the highest level.

“Within our firm, he has led with integrity and discernment for over three decades, guiding our practice through evolving legal landscapes with clarity and conviction,” she stated.

Brownson said Candide-Johnson’s new role as Trustee was both a fitting continuation of his dedication to public service and an affirmation of his stature among the country’s most respected legal and civic minds. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

By Dorathy Aninge

Benue Commissioner for Finance, Mr Michael Oglegba, says the Alia Cares Scheme has so far given ₦150,000 grants to more than 4,000 small business owners to expand their businesses.

Oglegba made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Makurdi.

The commissioner said that some big business owners were also given N500,000 grants each to grow their businesses.

He said that the scheme was funded by the state government with the support of the World Bank to boost the state economy.

“So far, we have given more than 4,000 people a grant of N150,000 to inject into their small businesses and make a profit to expand.

“This is done across the state, and we are still getting more requests.

“Not only small businesses; we also gave out grants of N500,000 to big businesses like saloons to also inject and build bigger businesses.

“Farmers are also not left out in the scheme; we have Fadama, which is a direct intervention for farmers where they are given inputs like fertiliser. Those interested in piggery can get a female and male piglet to breed.

“If you are a poultry farmer, the scheme gives you day-old chicks. It also gives out cassava stems to farmers to plant, while those who do cassava processing were given hundreds of cassava processing machines.

“So, all these projects are funded through contributions from the state government and support from the World Bank, and the scheme has been successful,” he explained.

Oglegba said that the scheme was also providing immediate support to the poorest of the poor in the society.

According to him, beneficiaries are supported through direct cash transfers on a monthly basis.

He said that the direct cash transfers were done in batches so that all vulnerable persons could benefit from the scheme.

“We have a scheme for the elderly where we pay them 10,000 monthly but use different parameters in the state and try to determine who is poor and most vulnerable.

“This programme runs for nine months to a year, then we start with another set of beneficiaries so that this can go round to the most vulnerable in the state,” he said.

He said another ongoing intervention was for the strong who were unemployed and were given a stipend and a task to do to justify the pay.

“The beneficiaries of this intervention are drawn from the social register across the state, and they do some menial jobs within the state and then get paid.

“We also have a scheme under Alia Cares that supports communities in need of direct intervention. There is a list of services which they choose from while the government gives out the funds for the project.

“We ask what the basic needs of the community are, be it schools, boreholes or even primary healthcare; the community chooses its contractors and team while the government funds the project to completion.

“Presently, from January to date, 54 of these community projects have been done to completion across the state through the intervention and are one hundred per cent successful,” Oglegba said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Peter Amine

By Okon Okon

The Federal Government has charged newly appointed Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General of the Federation to demonstrate unwavering commitment to integrity, professionalism and service excellence.

The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, made the call during the induction ceremony for the officials in Abuja.

She congratulated the inductees, describing their appointments as recognition of their years of dedication and notable contributions to the Nigerian Civil Service.

“This gathering represents the renewal of our collective commitment to service, responsibility, and national development.

“You now occupy strategic positions at the apex of the federal bureaucracy. As such, your actions must reflect the highest standards of diligence and ethical conduct, “she said.

The head of service emphasised the pivotal role Permanent Secretaries and the Accountant-General play in policy implementation, service delivery, and administrative stewardship.

Highlighting the 2025 theme of the Civil Service, ‘FCSSIP 25: Final Sprint – Delivering Results’, she urged the inductees to align their efforts with the goals of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (2021–2025).

“2025 is our ‘Year of Accomplishment.’ It is imperative that we implement the strategy fully and deliver tangible, transformative results,” she added.

Walson-Jack said that the three-day induction programme was carefully curated to equip the appointees for excellence in their roles.

She urged the inductees to take full advantage of the lectures and engage actively with resource persons.

Beyond technical knowledge, she advised the new officials to foster open communication, teamwork, and mutual respect within their ministries, departments, and agencies.

“Let this induction be an opportunity to build strong working relationships and recommit yourselves to innovation, ethical governance and service excellence,” she said.

Walson-Jack reaffirmed the government’s confidence in the inductees’ capacity to deliver on their mandates, urging them to lead with integrity and purpose.

Also, Mrs Fatima Mahmood, Permanent Secretary, Career Management, Office of the HCSF, said the programme marked a significant milestone for the inductees especially as they assumed offices during a critical phase of reforms anchored on the FCSSIP 25.

“It is a platform for reflection, engagement, and alignment with the tools and values needed to drive effective governance in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reminded land owners of its two-year ultimatum to develop allocated land or lose it.

Mr Obinna Nkwocha, overseeing Director, Department of Monitoring and Inspection, FCTA, gave the reminder in Abuja, during inspection of abandoned buildings within the capital city.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FCT had recently announced a land reform that gave land owners two years to develop allocated land or face revocation.

Nkwocha, during a routine monitoring exercise in Maitama, Central Area and Jabi, pointed out the security threats posed by abandoned buildings.

He reminded developers of the two-year ultimatum to build allocated land as contained in their Building Plan Approval.

According to him, abandoned buildings not only litter Abuja city, but serve as sanctuary for criminals.

“These abandoned buildings serve as hideouts for hoodlums and can also collapse due to years of decay.

“I, therefore, advise developers with relevant approvals, to on their own interest, move back to site,” he said.

He attributed the development partly to lack of proper costing and due diligence to prevent litigation.

The director advised residents to be their brother’s keeper by reporting any abandoned buildings that pose security threats in their area for prompt action.

He said that the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration was doing a lot in terms of infrastructure development in the FCT, adding that such efforts should be supported by residents and developers. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Joseph Edeh

By Hamza Suleiman

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Tuesday launched the construction of a N16-billion express road and flyover project in Maiduguri, as part of his administration’s ongoing urban renewal programme.

The project comprises a 7.1-kilometre dual carriageway linking the Borno Express Terminus to Molai along Tashan Kano, a six-span bridge over the Ngada-Bul River and a new flyover, the fourth to be constructed in the state.

Zulum, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony at the project site, said 50 per cent of the contract sum, amounting to N8 billion, had already been paid to the contractor.

He explained that “10 months is 10 months. The total contract sum is N16 billion and we have paid 50 per cent of this amount. So, the contractor has no excuse for delaying the project.”

The governor added that the remaining N8 billion has been earmarked and will be disbursed upon reaching agreed project milestones.

Zulum said the new road and flyover would decongest traffic in Maiduguri, improve connectivity to key economic zones, and accommodate the city’s growing population.

He added that “this is not just for beautification. It is to accommodate the increasing population growth in Maiduguri. We must expand the city.”

The Commissioner for Works and Housing, Mustapha Gubio, said the six-span bridge would provide critical linkage between the new dual carriageway and surrounding communities across the Ngada-Bul River.

He assured that the ministry would closely monitor the project to ensure strict compliance with specifications and timely delivery.

In a related development, the governor announced plans to execute five additional capital projects, including a new market, an orthopaedic hospital, a general hospital, an international hotel and a western bypass.

Zulum said the projects would be completed before the end of his tenure, alongside all ongoing capital works.

He also addressed the acute water shortage in Maiduguri, attributing it to damage caused by the 2024 flooding, and pledged speedy repairs to the affected water infrastructure. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

By Ronke Ojediran/Chiazo Ogbolu

The Lagos State Government says more than two million passengers have been transported on the Blue Line Rail since its launch, while state-run buses move an average of 42,000 commuters daily.

The Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, disclosed this during the Year 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, on Tuesday.

The event marked the second anniversary of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s second term, showcasing major strides in the transport sector under the THEMES+ agenda.

Osiyemi said that the Lagos State Transport Policy, launched in May 2024, was now in its implementation phase, focusing on inclusivity, safety, affordability, and sustainability.

“On rail development, Phase One of the Blue Line (Marina to Mile 2) has served over two million passengers, with Phase Two (Mile 2 to Okokomaiko) in progress.

“Phase One of the Red Line (Agbado to Oyingbo) is now operational with eight stations and additional rolling stocks procured, while Phase two (Oyingbo to link Blue Line at National Theatre) is underway,” he said.

Osiyemi said that in the state-owned bus operations, over 60 million commuters had been served since 2019, with daily ridership exceeding 40,000.

He said that plans were on to deploy new buses with Quality Bus Corridors under construction, adding that the Abule-Egba Bus Terminal had also been commissioned.

“For water transport, 15 locally-built Omibus Ferries have been launched and are in operation, with the Ijegun Egba Terminal now open.

“The OMI EKO project, in partnership with the French Development Agency (AFD), will deliver 25 terminals and 78 electric ferries.

“Over 280,000 passengers have used ferry services in the past year, and 12 boats have been upgraded to meet safety standards,” he said.

On road infrastructure and traffic management, the commissioner said 49 junction improvement projects had been completed, including ongoing ones at Ikorodu, Iju, as well as Allen-Opebi-Toyin axis.

He added that solar-powered Traffic Signal Lights, road markings covering 67.9km, new medians, laybys, and 3,941 parking lots had also been provided.

Additionally, Osiyemi announced that the deployed Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras had detected over 470,000 traffic violations and that the Vehicle Inspection Service issued over one million roadworthiness certificates.

He said that the Lagos State Drivers’ Institute trained more than 32,000 drivers in the past 13 months.

He also said that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority trained over 800 personnel, evacuated over 100 broken-down vehicles, and revived its school safety advocacy programme in 59 schools. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ifeyinwa Omowole