NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
FG pledges support to Kwara in local production of medicines, vaccines
Health

FG pledges support to Kwara in local production of medicines, vaccines

251 total views today

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Federal Government says it will support the Kwara Government’s drive in local production of medicines and vaccines to address gaps in the healthcare sector.

The National Coordinator, Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), Dr Abdu Mukhtar, stated this while speaking at the opening of the National and Regional Harmonisation Conferences 2025, in Ilorin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that PVAC, launched as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda in October 2023, is under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The conference had as its theme: “Contextualising the Presidential Initiative to Achieve Local Production of Medicines and Vaccines in Nigeria”.

Mukhtar, who was represented by Dr Olajide Adebola, National Conference Facilitator, emphasised that the FG was passionate about the access to essential medicines and vaccines.

He said that the government would support the Kwara Government in its efforts to localise the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

According to him, Kwara is strategically positioned in the North Central, while noting that the expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing companies will ensure expansion of Clinical Trial Centres.

Mukhtar said that such industry would create over 500,000 jobs.

He advised the Kwara Government to resuscitate its once vibrant cassava production industry in order for it to be utilised as agent in pharmaceutical drugs colouring.

In her welcome address, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, stated that Kwara has immense opportunities to become a hub for pharmaceutical industries.

She added that the state has a vibrant academic community, and a resilient healthcare workforce.

“There is a growing interest from private sector stakeholders eager to invest in local pharmaceutical production,” she said.

El-Imam, however, observed that the journey towards self-sufficiency in production of medicines and vaccines required concerted effort, and aligning national visions with regional realities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bayo Sekoni

Media leaders harp on responsible AI use
Foreign

Media leaders harp on responsible AI use

303 total views today

 

By Busayo Onijala

Global media leaders have called for responsible use of Artificial Intelligence to ensure mutual progress.

They stated this during the 4th China Media Group (CMG) Forum held in Qufu, Shandong Province of China.

The forum, jointly hosted by CMG and the Shandong Provincial People’s Government had the theme “Exchange, Mutual Learning, Technology Empowerment: The Power of Civilisation in Transformation and Development”.

With an aim to strengthen communication and inject new momentum into building an open and inclusive international communication, about 300 guests were in attendance.

They included international officials, heads of global organisations, scholars, media professionals and leaders from Euronews, CNBC, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, and others.

Melissa Fleming, UN Under-Secretary General for Global Communications, urged global media organisations to stand up for information integrity through collaboration.

She said that while generative artificial intelligence brings new productivity and social benefits, it also poses significant risks that fuel a crisis of trust.

While identifying the benefits of AI, Paul Bascobert, President, Reuters, said it is not merely an efficiency tool but also represents a foundational shift in how news can be gathered, verified, contextualised and delivered.

Bascobert said the current AI revolution was a reminder that technological innovation is always transforming media, but the coordination of journalism remains possible.

He, however, said what changes is the capacity of journalists to fill void positions more effectively.

The media leader called on colleagues to embrace AI’s capabilities while maintaining human oversight.

“We must recognise that technological advancements should serve our core journalistic values not close them. We must use AI to expand access to quality journalism.

“AI offers unprecedented opportunities to deliver news.

“The true power of innovation in journalism’t isn’t just efficiency, it is expanding our capacity to reform, connect and foster understanding across our local community,” he said.

In his speech, Andrew Braddel, Vice President and Managing Director of Global Media Services, Associated Press, said AP has been a leader in generative AI, having been the first news publisher to work with open AI , the company behind Chatgpt.

Braddel, however, said AP does not see AI as a replacement for journalists in any way.

“Human oversight is essential so AI cannot replace the journalists in the field, giving invaluable eyewitness reporting as news unfolds.

“We can’t deny that AI has improved speed and efficiency but we face significant concerns regarding intellectual property.

“We must push for a legal framework to protect intellectual property and ensure content creators are adequately compensated.”

He also said AI has the potential to challenge and enhance the media industry, adding that if not embraced, the media risks being left behind.

Earlier, Shen Haixiong, CMG President, emphasised the group’s commitment to building bridges of dialogue through media communication.

CMG, he said, was ready to collaborate with global partners to continuously inject the power of civilisation into global peace and development.

Shen said the flourishing of civilisations require communication and mutual construction, recalling that Chinese civilisation has always favoured consensus, tolerance and openness in the face of conflicts.

“Only through communication and mutual construction can civilisation flourish and prosper forever, ” he noted.

Also, Lin Wu, Secretary, Communist Party of China Shandong Provincial Committee, said that President Xi Jinping attaches great importance to media development as it serves as a bridge and link to enhance mutual trust.

He said that the province has implemented Xi’s important instructions on strengthening international communication capacity and deepening exchanges among civilisations.

“We have leveraged technologies such as AI, 5G, and VR to drive media innovation, actively telling China and Shandong stories to the world.

“We hope to take this forum as an opportunity to work side by side with media friends, jointly advancing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilisation Initiative, accelerating the building of an all-media communication network.”

Some highlights of the forum were the launch of projects aimed at promoting mutual learning such as “The CMG AI technology innovation application intelligent platform”.

“China Up Close: Shandong Tour” was also launched to bring international journalists together to learn about China’s historical heritage and innovative progress from a global perspective. (NAN)

Edites by Ismail Abdulaziz

NITDA inaugurates startup consultative forum, assures implementation of NSA
Science & Tech

NITDA inaugurates startup consultative forum, assures implementation of NSA

284 total views today

By Ijeoma Olorunfemi

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has inaugurated the Startup Consultative Forum (SCF), reaffirming its commitment to the inclusive implementation of the Nigerian Startup Act (NSA) enacted in 2022.

The SCF is designed to shape the future of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem by bringing together labelled startups, verified Entrepreneurship Support Organisations, angel investors, and venture capitalists.

Participants are expected to engage in strategic dialogue and drive innovation within the sector, in line with the provisions of the NSA.

NITDA’s Director-General, Malam Kashifu Inuwa, said the establishment of the forum signified the government’s dedication to placing innovation at the centre of national development.

Inuwa was represented by Mr Emmanuel Edet, Acting Director of the Regulation and Compliance Department.

He said, “The NSA of 2022 was never meant to be just another law on paper. It represents a new social compact, where startups are not merely participants but core architects of our economic future.

“This forum will ensure that policy does not merely catch up with innovation but evolves alongside it, progressively enhancing the digital economic future of our country.”

Inuwa noted that over the past eight months, NITDA had carried out a series of awareness campaigns across the country to lay the groundwork for the forum.

He stressed that NITDA was committed to a model of governance built on dialogue, data, and inclusion, rather than mere consultations after decisions had been made.

According to him, the digital economy has evolved from a supporting role to a strategic driver of job creation, global competitiveness, and youth empowerment.

“The forum will play a critical role in identifying regulatory roadblocks, shaping better investment pathways, mapping infrastructure gaps, and pinpointing real opportunities for partnerships across sectors.

“It will also serve as a radar to detect changes within the ecosystem and a compass to guide us through complexities with clarity and honesty,” he added.

Inuwa reiterated NITDA’s readiness to engage, listen, and respond with real-time outcomes to foster the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem.

Mr Oladejo Olawunmi, Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions Department, who represented the D-G, said the forum would serve as a vital platform for collaboration, information exchange, policy dialogue, and strategic action among stakeholders.

“We remain committed to creating an environment where innovation can flourish,” Olawunmi said.

He urged participants to embrace their responsibility to translate ideas into tangible policies and impactful outcomes.

Ms Victoria Fabunmi, National Coordinator of the Office for Nigerian Digital Innovation (ONDI), a NITDA subsidiary, highlighted the critical role startups play as drivers of employment, innovation, and solutions in any economy.

She pointed out that the SCF’s pillars of collaboration included funding and investment, policy regulation, innovation, and support for global competitiveness.

“The forum serves as a platform where these pillars can be strengthened, ensuring that the ecosystem functions cohesively.

“It is set up to solve challenges within the ecosystem by leveraging the NSA, with a feedback mechanism to ensure that discussions lead to implementation,” Fabunmi explained.

She pledged ONDI’s full support to SCF members and encouraged them to partner with the government in building a strong and resilient technology ecosystem.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NITDA serves as the secretariat for the implementation of the NSA, with the establishment of the SCF mandated under Section 12 of the Act.

The SCF provides a platform for sharing information about startups eligible for labelling, updates on available incentives, highlighting local capabilities, and nominating representatives to the National Startup Council, among other objectives.

Forum membership comprises labelled startups, venture capitalists, angel investors, incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, and two civil society organisations focused on advancing technology and innovation.

The Nigerian Startup Act, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari on Oct. 19, 2022, aims to create a legal framework for startups in Nigeria.

It establishes the National Startup Council, fosters an enabling environment for tech-enabled businesses, and introduces mechanisms for the labelling and certification of eligible startups.

Certified startups are granted access to incentives, seed funding, regulatory support, and other benefits under the Act. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Army to enhance capacity of troops to neutralise extant threats – COAS
Defence/Security

Army to enhance capacity of troops to neutralise extant threats – COAS

349 total views today

By Olaide Ayinde

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.- Gen. Olufemi Oluyede says the priorities of the Nigerian Army are to enhance the capacity of troops so as to neutralise extant threats to national security.

He stated this in Bauchi at the opening ceremony of the 2025 Combat Arms Training Week, co-hosted by the Nigerian Army Infantry and Armoured Corps.

Oluyede said the Nigerian Army would also continue to improve strategic communications, bridge gaps in the force’s assessment, sustain innovative leadership and harness the support of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies.

“As we project into the future with optimism, our key priorities will be to enhance the capacity of our troops.

“This would be done by infusing the necessary capabilities into our training schedules to better prepare troops to adapt to fluid situations and place us in a more favourable position to neutralise extant threats to our national security.

“However, this can only be achieved by ensuring that troops are provided with timely logistics and adequate welfare.

“We’ll not relegate the importance of the support from stakeholders in the various geopolitical zones, or the importance of ministries, departments and agencies at the Federal and State levels of government,” he said.

The COAS reiterated that the Nigerian Army would continue to effectively mitigate the security challenges that tried to threaten the resolve or the peace and unity of Nigeria.

He affirmed that the force would continue to adopt new methods in line with international best practices to enhance and sustain its capabilities as its projects into the future while discharging its constitutional roles.

Oluyede explained that the training week was more than just a theoretical or doctrinal exercise but a forum to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops across all theatres, especially those in the North East and North West Zones.

“The lessons learned in the field and inter-corps collaborations which this training week provides will directly translate into more coordinated, and impactful outcomes in the field,” he said.

Also speaking, the Commander, Armoured Corps, Maj.-Gen. Obinna Ajunwa, said that the theme of the training is Strengthening Combat Arms Cooperation in a Joint Environment: ‘A Prerequisite for Success in Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations’.

According to him, the week-long event served as a forum for discussing pertinent issues affecting combat arms operations and other issues affecting the Nigerian Army at large.

On his part, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, said the current security challenges facing the country ranging from terrorism, banditry, insurgency to communal unrest, needed a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches as well as multi-dimensional strategies.

Represented by his deputy, Mohammed acknowledged that the Nigerian Army, in response to tackling the security challenges, had deployed troops across nearly every state of the federation in aid of civil authorities.

Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the 211 DB Barracks, Comprehensive Service Centre as well as the inspection of refurbished tank transporters and tree planting exercise. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama

Ex-ANPP members laud Tinubu for putting Nigeria on path of prosperity
Politics

Ex-ANPP members laud Tinubu for putting Nigeria on path of prosperity

260 total views today

By Ikenna Osuoha

The Association of Former ANPP Members (AFAM) has commended President Bola Tinubu for putting Nigeria on the path of prosperity.

National Coordinator of the group, Prof. Vitalis Ajumbe, gave the commendation at a news conference in Abuja.

Ajumbe said that the defection of some political gladiators to APC was a testament to Tinubu’s excellence in service.

He urged members of the group to rally support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027 for him to consolidate on his achievements.

“Tinubu is doing well, by my own assessment. The movement of some politicians into APC shows that he is working,” he said.

Ajumbe dismissed insinuations that Nigeria was drifting to one party state owing to the recent mass defections to the ruling party.

He, however, described the movement of politicians to APC and the inter-party endorsement of the president as the beauty of democracy.

The national coordinator, however, urged Tinubu to consider former ANPP members in allotment of political positions, especially the presidential slot after 2031.

Ajumbe, who described APC as a conglomeration of the defunct ANPP, CPC and ACN, said that CPC had produced Muhammadu Buhari as president while Tinubu is from ACN.

According to him, it is the turn of ANPP to produce the president by 2031. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

National Gallery embarks on major reforms of art collection
Culture & Tourism

National Gallery embarks on major reforms of art collection

363 total views today

By Joan Odafe

The National Gallery of Art (NGA) has embarked on strategic reforms, including the restoration, archiving, cataloguing and digitisation of the National Art Collection.

The Director-General of NGA, Mr Ahmed Sodangi, at a news conference in Lagos, said it was aimed at enhancing access to and preserve Nigeria’s artistic heritage.

Sodangi said the reforms, which were based on four focus pillars, included reviewing its enabling Act, and implementing internal reforms, such as rebranding the National Gallery.

Others are: driving the National Art Renaissance Programme to catalogue and digitally achieve artworks valued at billions of Naira.

The director-general noted that as custodians of the National Collection, members of staff of NGA would require continuous training to be abreast of global best practices.

“The Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism, and the Creative Economy is more or less a new ministry but the creative industry and creative economy has been blossoming.

“It has had so much success, with very little interaction with the government.

“So as government, we have to look at ourselves and see how we can come up and not take control.

“But see how we can partner with the private sector, and the creatives that have built this undeniable industry to where it is today,” he said.

Sodangi noted that the National Collection was in storage in different states across Nigeria due to the lack of a national gallery.

“These artworks are meant to be displayed and are meant to be seen by the general public.

“To give spotlight to the National Collection, we’ve looked at the number of artworks we have, and the works that need serious and urgent attention, and what to do.

“And the only way we do that is to catalogue, have a digital database of the National Collection; that will be a starting point of what we hope to achieve,” he said.

He said the process of the ongoing National Art Renaissance would ensure cataloging, restoration, and valuation of the National Collection.

According to Sodangi, through collaborations with the Goethe-Institut Nigeria and the Museum of West African Art (MOWAA), the artworks are currently being assessed, digitally documented, and conservation work carried out on them.

The Director, Goethe-Institut Nigeria, Dr Nadine Siegert, said there were hundreds of masterpieces in the collection the world needed to see.

Siegert expressed happiness in the smoothness of the collaboration and the progress the project was making.

“I think we have already inventoried about 900 or so works.

“We have photographed about, I think, 400 works,” she said.

Siegert disclosed that two artworks, would be professionally restored, and ready to be showcased both locally and globally in July.

Also, the Associate Conservator of MOWAA, Yetunde Odediran, said the museum’s main focus was to ensure that the artworks were stabilised and brought to a level where they are able to be exhibited and displayed.

Odediran also said MOWAA would carry out trainings to ensure that the staff of the gallery had the skills of handling artworks without damage, particularly when moving them from one point to another.

“So, we share that knowledge, making sure that they have the right tools, the appropriate procedures, so that they’re able to carry out the project successfully,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Fathers’ team reduces polio vaccine resistance in Garko Ward
Health

Fathers’ team reduces polio vaccine resistance in Garko Ward

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By Hajara Leman

The Fathers’ Rapid Response Team has played a key role in reducing polio vaccine resistance in Garko Ward of Akko Local Government Area (LGA), Gombe, lowering resistance from 70 to just 15 households, an official has confirmed.

Malam Mohammed Lawan, the Primary Healthcare Coordinator of Akko LGA, gave the update to newsmen at the headquarters in Kumo.

He explained that the Fathers’ Rapid Response Team was made up of respected community leaders and male influencers, tasked with engaging directly with resistant families to address their concerns.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Gombe State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), inaugurated the Polio Vaccination Campaign in the state on Thursday, April 24.

Lawan emphasised the critical role the Fathers’ Rapid Response Team had played in rebuilding community trust.

“We realised that resistance was rooted in feelings of neglect, especially regarding the lack of access to state government palliatives and long-lasting insecticidal mosquito nets.

“By sending fathers to speak to other fathers, we were able to hear their grievances, correct misinformation, and encourage them to prioritise their children’s health,” he said.

Lawan described the reduction in resistance from 70 to 15 households as a significant achievement but noted that the goal was to reach zero resistance.

“Every child deserves protection,” he added, reaffirming their commitment to fully immunise all eligible children in Garko Ward.

Malam Umar Ahmed, Secretary of Akko Emirate Council and a member of the Fathers’ Response Team, lauded their culturally sensitive approach, which he said had significantly improved the vaccination rate in the area.

Malam Shuaibu Ahmed, a father of four, commended the government and international organisations like UNICEF for providing the polio vaccine free of charge.

He expressed confidence in the vaccine’s safety, highlighting that none of his children had experienced any issues following vaccination.

Ahmed encouraged other parents to vaccinate their children, stressing the importance of supporting vaccination campaigns for the well-being and future health of the community. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Media, tourism vital for ECOWAS unity, regional integration – Experts
Culture & Tourism

Media, tourism vital for ECOWAS unity, regional integration – Experts

415 total views today

By Rukayat Moisemhe

Experts have identified culture, media, sports, tourism, the entertainment and creative industries as vital tools to foster unity and drive regional integration of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

They said this during the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) ECOWAS@50 regional integration event in Lagos.

An author, Mrs Aduke Gomez, emphasised the need for the Nigerian government to take the lead in driving economic integration through the media and creative industry.

She advocated investment opportunities tailored to support creativity as a business.

Gomez noted that it was important to see the entertainment and creative industry as a business and a soft power tool to be harnessed to drive regional integration.

“It is important to see the industry as a business that can be invested into with great returns.

“Also, women have been good economic drivers and the overlooking of women’s contribution to the economy must be stopped as we expend all efforts to drive intra-African trade,” she said.

A leadership development consultant, Ms Isioma Utomi, stressed the need to prepare the next generation – the youth, for the new levels of business in entertainment and tourism.

She stressed the need for speaking of other languages within the region to drive integration and enhance cooperation.

Utomi stated that technology must be leveraged to support conversations by ECOWAS member states.

She also advocated active efforts to support women businesses.

“Workplaces must be designed to help women progress and be seen at the top of the ladder as well to actively support transition for women.

“ECOWAS as a regional organisation must have more women in their leadership positions,” she said.

The Chairperson, Creative and Entertainment Group, LCCI, Dr Ngozi Omambala, stressed the need to start to attach financial numbers to the creative and entertainment industry.

Omambala noted that in 2024, Lagos generated $71.6 million in revenue from the “Detty December” festivities, primarily driven by tourism, hospitality, and entertainment sectors.

This development, she said, showed that the potential of the creative industry was huge.

“If we continue to showcase what we do to drive the economy, investments would certainly come through.

“Also, more women are coming up with different energies and concepts hence the role of women within the sector must be harnessed to support regional integration.

“It is important for ECOWAS to wake up and adapt with these changes.

“The only way we can speak to the youth is to speak the language they understand such as sports which can be a uniting factor in ECOWAS integration,” she said.

The President, LCCI, Mr Gabriel Idahosa, said the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) presented opportunities that ECOWAS member states could not afford to miss.

Idahosa said by aligning with the AfCFTA, ECOWAS could unlock the potential of the African market, creating a seamless trading environment that benefits businesses across the region.

He stated that the journey towards a peaceful, secure, and prosperous ECOWAS sub-region was well underway in spite of the challenges.

He noted that in spite of the challenges, the opportunities were vast.

“Together, through continued cooperation, strategic investment, and shared commitment to peace and security, we can create a brighter future for all citizens of the ECOWAS region,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

CJN tasks judiciary on enforcement of power safety regulations
Judiciary

CJN tasks judiciary on enforcement of power safety regulations

283 total views today

By Constance Athekame

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has called on the judiciary to adopt a proactive stance in enforcing safety regulations within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Kekere-Ekun made the call while declaring open the 2025 National Seminar on Regulations in the Power Sector for Judicial Officers, in Abuja.

The workshop, which was organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), had the theme: “Navigating the Dynamics of Nigeria’s Evolving Electricity Sector”.

According to her, NERC’s latest reports on the power sector, revealed an alarming rate of 112 electricity-related deaths and 95 injuries in 2024 alone.

The CJN said that operators who failed to comply with safety regulations must be held accountable, while victims and their families must be accorded the justice they deserved.

“The safety of our citizens must never be treated as incidental. It is a legal and moral imperative.

“We are called upon to interpret legislation, oppose statutory and constitutional mandates, and ensure that justice is administered equitably in a rapidly changing sector.

“The role remains undiminished. Indeed, it grows more urgent as judicial interpretations increasingly serve as precedents that influence investor confidence, promote regulatory consistency, and protect consumer rights,” she said.

The CJN also emphasised the crucial role of the judiciary in ensuring that regulatory bodies such as the NERC operated within the bounds of the law.

According to her, NERC’s statutory responsibility includes the issuance of subsidiary legislation, the setting of rates, and adjudication of industry-related disputes.

“While these powers are necessary for efficient regulation, they must be exercised in a manner that is procedurally fair, transparent, and subject to judicial oversight.

“Accordingly, the courts must remain vigilant in their review of delegated legislation to guard against arbitrariness, protect the doctrine of legitimate expectation, and uphold public participation as a tenet of regulatory governance.

“In so doing, we give life to the rule of law and promote a legal environment conducive to sustainable development,” she said.

At the event, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, said that the electricity sector remained a cornerstone of the nation’s socio-economic development, touching every facet of life.

According to Fagbemi, the electricity sector also provides the energy needed for industrialisation, innovation, and improved living standards.

“This is underscored by Goal 7 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which is to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

“The electricity sector in Nigeria is undergoing significant evolution, marked by dynamic reforms, regulatory complexities, and a push for greater efficiency.

“However, as we strive to transform this sector, we face complex legal and regulatory challenges that demand deep understanding and collaboration.

“These changes demand not only legislative attention but also proactive judicial engagement to ensure fairness and accountability in navigating this transformation,” he said.

According to him, the Electricity Act, 2023 represents a transformative milestone in Nigeria’s power sector, introducing a dual regulatory framework that seeks to harmonise Federal and state governance in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.

“The Federal Ministry of Justice is available to partner with you in enhancing the performance of your regulatory roles and expanding the frontiers of legal framework for the electricity industry.

“This seminar provides an invaluable platform for their lordships to deepen their understanding of the complexities of the electricity sector and the dual legal frameworks that govern it,” he said.

The Chairman of NERC, Mr Sanusi Garba, said that the power sector was critical as no nation had developed without sufficient electricity, hence the importance of the judiciary.

He was represented by the Vice Chairman, NERC, Mr Musiliu Oseni.

Garba said that the interaction was not to alter the cause of justice but to have an interaction and engagement with them in order to have some understanding of the technical nature of the sector.

He also said that the engagement was for the judicial officers to be able to make an informed decision and judgment in dealing with any case that might come before them.

“The past experience has shown that the judiciary can make or mar sector with respect to some previous judicial pronouncements, be it issuance of ex parte order or complete pronouncement of judicial decision.

“We have experienced a lot of issues that have shaped the development of this sector.

“An example of which is the critical case of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria case in 2015, which up to today we are still suffering the impact of the judicial pronouncement that was made as far back as a decade ago.

“A similar case is also a case of Toluwai, which was instituted in Lagos, which was in 2016 and the pronouncement was made by the court, which was based on an ex parte motion.

“And it took the Court of Appeal in 2019 to forfeit the judicial pronouncement that was made by the lower court.

“During that period, the commission was rendered ineffective. We all know that whether we like it or not, investments follow the path to recovery,” he said.

According to him, if investors are not confident of the judicial interpretation of the law, or probably they are afraid of what may become of their investments

“There is no way they will be willing to make investments that will be proper or enough for us to have sufficient progress that we all desire with respect to the improvement in performance of electricity in Nigeria.

“It is on this basis that we feel that it is important for us to continuously engage with the judiciary to ensure that sufficient understanding is made so that we all work together.

“For the success of this industry and for the success of Nigeria at large,” he said.

The chairman, however, appealed to the judicial officers that whatever discussion that would take place in the next three days should be done with an open mind.

“Nobody is there to sway your decision or your judicial interpretation of any law.

“It is just to interact with you, so that you can have sufficient understanding of the technical nature of this industry,” he said.

Earlier, the Administrator of the NJI, Justice Salisu Garba, said the sector was experiencing rapid change, innovation, and increasing complexity.

Garba said that the seminar would provide a vital platform for constructive dialogue, shared insights, and chart a course towards a more sustainable and prosperous energy future.

“We are confident that this seminar will not only enhance your Lordships’ knowledge base but also foster a spirit of collaboration that will contribute to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s electricity sector,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

REA signs grants with 9 companies to expand energy access
Metro

REA signs grants with 9 companies to expand energy access

282 total views today

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

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