News
National grid collapse: FG launches Power recovery programme
Following the myriad of challenges facing Nigeria’s power sector over the last decade, the Federal Government has launched the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP) to address the inefficiencies in the system.
The nation’s power sector has faced some challenges such as inconsistent implementation of tariff policy; high, unsustainable losses in the distribution network and lately grid collapse.
But the Federal Government has taken some critical actions to provide universal energy access. The Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan and the Nigeria Electrification Project aim to improve access for the underserved rural populations and institutions. In addition, the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) aims to increase the power supply to 7GW in its first phase.
The World Bank responded to the government programs with a large and comprehensive portfolio of projects. The Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRO, US$750m) supports the implementation of critical reforms that aim to improve power sector policy and regulatory environment, enhance transparency, strengthen the sector’s financial sustainability and reduce fiscal risk.
The Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP, US$350m) supports expanding electricity access through off-grid solutions to remote rural communities using private sector financing models.
Recall on 14th June 2022, The Electricity Hub, an electricity-focused media organisation in collaboration with the World Bank, organised its 70th Power Dialogue to assess the key achievements of the sector and the challenges hindering universal energy access.
The panel discussants included Engr. Abubakar Aliyu, Honourable Minister of Power, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Shubham Chaudhuri, Country Director, The World Bank, Ashish Khanna, Regional Director for Infrastructure, Africa West and East, The World Bank, and Narlene Egu, Senior Energy Advisor and Team Lead, USAID/Power Africa Nigeria.
The Head of Operations for The Electricity Hub, Okoro Uchechukwu, noted that “this session is part of a series of dialogues – organised in collaboration with the World Bank – focusing on improving private sector investment and participation in Nigeria’s Power Sector”.
Engr. Aliyu stated that the Nigeria Transmission Expansion Programme (NTEP), financed by the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, has concluded its first phase (NTEP-1) and is set to commence its second phase, which will focus on grid expansion.
The NTEP aims to increase the wheeling capacity of the transmission network. The Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which seeks to increase the generation capacity from 4,500MW to 7,000MW in its first phase and attain 25,000MW by 2025, has begun with early works. Aliyu added that the PPI team recently visited Germany to inspect the manufacturing and production process of ten (10) mobile substations and transformers.
The equipment will be delivered to the country in Q4 2022. On the possibility of integrating renewables into the national grid, the Minister emphasised that the grid is yet to attain stability.
However, plans to diversify the nation’s energy mix are well underway. The Federal Government plans to execute 14 renewable energy projects with a cumulative capacity of 1,000MW. However, “these projects will be solely off-grid until the transmission network has been able to meet its baseload requirement.”
Shubham Chaudhuri, Country Director, The World Bank, noted that to achieve universal energy access in Nigeria, the government must have sustained commitment.
There is a need for a clear regulatory and policy environment. This is essential to drive private sector investment, create incentive mechanisms for stakeholders and ensure sector accountability.
Shubham highlighted that the World Bank had approved about US$1.5 billion in new commitments to support the existing government initiatives for the power sector. He further stated that the power sector had experienced steady growth since establishing the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP).
Deliberating on the electricity deficit gaps in the country, Ashish Khanna, Regional Director for Infrastructure, Africa West and East, The World Bank, added that the Nigeria Electrification Plan offers a huge opportunity for increased private sector participation.
News
Cross-River workers embark on warning strike over non-implementation of minimum wage
Civil servants in Cross River state have commenced a strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) had slated November 25 and 26 for the warning strike.
They warned that the industrial action would be followed by a total strike should the government fail to do the needful before December 1.
Bassey Otu, governor of Cross River, appealed to the unions to shelve the plan and “support the government in its quest to improve the lot of our people”.
The governor made the appeal at the 5th edition of the state solemn assembly at U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar.
Otu said his administration is committed to the welfare of workers.
“I appeal to the leadership of organised labour and all affiliates of the NLC and TUC to suspend their planned strike,” he had said.
“I enjoin them to support the government in the quest to improve the lot of our people.”
On July 29, 2024, President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law. The legislation increased the country’s minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
On November 11, NLC announced November 30 as the deadline for all state governments to implement the new minimum wage.
The union ordered its members to embark on an indefinite strike in states where the new minimum wage is yet to be implemented.
However, several states have begun implementation of the new wage.
News
Driver escapes death as 40ft container falls on car in Lagos
A yet-to-be-identified driver luckily escaped death on Monday morning when a 40-foot-laden container fell onto a Toyota Camry, with registration number LSR 293 HJ, at Mile 2, en route to Apapa Ports, Lagos.
The accident, according to an eyewitness, happened at about 8 a.m.
Fortunately, the driver of the car was rescued by the prompt intervention and coordinated response of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other emergency services, including the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA).
The victim received immediate medical attention after being rushed to the hospital by the joint rescue team.
Security during the operation was effectively maintained by officers from the Kirikiri Police Division, who ensured a secure and orderly environment for the emergency responders.
Following the rescue, the Toyota Camry was successfully removed from beneath the container.
As of 9.30 am, efforts to evacuate the fallen container were in full swing, while LASTMA officers managed the scene to ease traffic congestion and restore normalcy.
The General Manager of LASTMA, Mr Olalekan Bakare-Oki, reiterated the critical importance of proper container securing by truck drivers and owners.
He stressed that negligence in this regard endangers lives and property, urging strict compliance with road safety protocols to avert such catastrophic occurrences.
“LASTMA remains unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the safety and efficiency of Lagos roadways and continues to work collaboratively with relevant stakeholders to uphold traffic laws and enhance public safety,” Bakare-Oki stated.
News
Lagos state government removes illegal shop extensions blocking drainage channels in Lagos Island
The Lagos State government has cleared illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and a government-provided water tap in Lagos Island.
The exercise was conducted by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), led by its General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by Adu Ademuyiwa, Director of Public Affairs at LASBCA, via the agency’s official X (formerly Twitter) account on Sunday.
The enforcement operation focused on Idi-Oluwo Street, where shop extensions had blocked critical drainage channels and access to potable water, leaving the community without essential resources.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents, noting that several shop owners had constructed extensions over public drains and a government-provided water tap, causing significant disruptions to the area.
“In a proactive effort to ensure public safety, orderliness, and the smooth flow of traffic, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has taken decisive action by removing illegal shop extensions obstructing drainage systems and community water supplies along Idi-Oluwo Street, Lagos Island.
“Leading the LASBCA Enforcement Team, the General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, highlighted the adverse impacts of these illegal structures on residents. He noted that several shop owners had built extensions over public drains and water tap, causing significant disruptions,” the statement read in part.
The statement revealed that one of the removed extensions had blocked access to a government-provided water tap, cutting off the entire community’s supply of potable water. The swift removal of these illegal structures restored water access to the affected area.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki emphasized the need for residents to respect public infrastructure and take collective responsibility for preserving community resources.
Furthermore, the statement noted that Arc. Gbolahan Oki issued a one-week ultimatum to traders at Idi-Oluwo, directing them to address the identified violations or face stringent legal consequences.
At Mankanra Market, the LASBCA team uncovered several environmental infractions, including shanties obstructing walkways, which compromised the market’s functionality and safety.
Additionally, the statement highlighted that Hon. Princess Lara Oyekan-Olumegbon, representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly, praised LASBCA’s proactive efforts.
She urged market leaders to ensure their members adhere to state regulations on sanitation and structural integrity, warning that defaulters would face penalties as prescribed by law.
The LASBCA team also visited Bombata Market, where Arc. Oki advised market leaders to prioritize cleanliness and foster an orderly trading environment.
He assured them of a follow-up inspection within three months to confirm compliance with required standards and maintain the improvements.
-
Business1 week ago
Lagos state government to commence upgrade of major junctions in Ikeja axis, seeks residents’ cooperation
-
Politics1 week ago
DSS operatives arrest man with bags of cash during Ondo guber
-
Celebrities1 week ago
Daddy Freeze, Akah Nnani clash over Emmanuel Iren
-
Special Features2 days ago
Iyabo Ojo, Brainjotter, Dayo Oketola, Penzaarville, Tomiwa and others to speak at the Bodex Social Media Hangout 5.0
-
News1 week ago
Alice Loksha, abducted UNICEF nurse, escapes captivity after 6 years
-
News1 week ago
Nnamdi Emeh: Suspect Facing Charges In Court, Process Independent Of Police Influence
-
Health1 week ago
Five ways to rid your home of ants
-
Politics1 week ago
Aiyedatiwa takes commanding lead in Ondo guber poll after winning 15 of 18 LGAs