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FG plans additional 150MW to national grid by year-end -Minister
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The Federal Government on Wednesday revealed plans to boost Nigeria’s electric power supply by 150MW before 2024 ends.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed this to State House correspondents after a business session at the State House during the state visit of the German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, to President Bola Tinubu.
“So we believe that before the end of the year, an additional 150MW of capacity is going to be added upon completion of the entire pilot phase,” Adelabu said while explaining the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative agreement.
On December 1, 2023, the Nigeria and Germany signed the Presidential Power Initiative agreement to inject 12,000 MegaWatts of electricity into the national grid.
The signing was presided over by the leaders of both countries, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Summit, COP28, in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.
Managing Director of the Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, and the Managing Director (Africa), Siemens AG, Nadja Haakansson, signed the agreement.
Adelabu, who attended the business session, said, “The game now is about cooperation, collaboration and partnership. The flagship of this bilateral relationship has to do with what we call the Siemens project, which is our Presidential Power Initiative where Siemens is implementing the Brownfield and Greenfield transmission substations of the Presidential Power initiative.
“Since signing the agreement in Dubai at COP 28 in December 2023, we have made significant progress. We have completed the pilot phase of this project, up to 80 per cent.
“This involves the importation, installation and commissioning of 10 power transformers and 10 power mobile substations. They’ve been imported. They’ve been installed, and lots of them have been commissioned. We have just about two left to be commissioned before the end of the year.”
He added, “The project had added at least 750 megawatts to our transmission grid capacity, which is why the relative stability we are seeing in the grid today is the direct positive impact of the pilot stage completion.”
His comments came hours after the national grid collapsed for the 12th time in 2024.
Grid failures are not strange in one of Africa’s largest economies, whose power sector still suffers gross underinvestment, says the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen.
Despite an installed capacity of about 13,000MW, Nigeria’s power grid transmits only 4000MW due to ageing infrastructure, the Minister of Power, Adelabu, revealed at a briefing on October 28.
However, that amount is grossly inadequate for over 200 million citizens, leaving many areas without reliable electricity as individuals and government entities struggle to pay mounting power bills.
In addition to weak infrastructure, Nigeria’s power grid has also been a target of sabotage.
In October, armed groups damaged the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, cutting electricity supply to 17 northern states.
Following the incident, repair crews could not access the site due to security concerns. Repairs began only after President Bola Tinubu directed the National Security Adviser to work with the Army and Air Force to deploy adequate security personnel, including aerial cover, to protect the engineers fixing the damaged transmission line.
However, Adelabu is sure that the administration’s steps will the stabilise power supply.
“We are quite confident from the satisfaction that we got from the completion of the pilot stage. When we are done with the Phase One project in the transmission, the entire grid will not remain the same.
“That’s why we tell Nigerians this is a very old grid. It’s quite fragile, and it’s dilapidating.
“We need to revamp the entire grid to ensure stability going forward. That is the presidential power initiative,” he stated.
Adelabu also announced that the FG is moving into the first phase of the project, which involves rehabilitating 14 existing substations and constructing 23 new ones nationwide.
He explained that the commercial aspects of the first phase have been concluded, and the next step involves securing a no-objection approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Following this, the proposal will be presented to the Federal Executive Council. Once approved, the financing arrangements will be finalised, enabling the commencement of the project’s first phase.
The minister highlighted the FG’s commitment to renewable energy as a key component of its energy transition plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2060.
He emphasised the need for collaboration and partnership with technologically advanced countries like Germany, leveraging their expertise to harness Nigeria’s abundant natural resources, including solar energy, with over 30 states receiving a minimum of 10 hours of sunshine daily.
“We also talked about renewable energy, which we believe is the way forward. We have an energy transition plan to achieve net zero emissions by 2060.
“To achieve this, we must collaborate. We must partner. We must cooperate with a country like Germany, which has the technology, and we have the sun. Over 30 states in Nigeria have a minimum of 10 hours of sunshine every day.
“They have the technology. We have the wind. We have the desert wind up north and the coastal winds down south. The new highway from Lagos to Calabar is opening up our coastal offshore wind across the nine coastal states of Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Delta Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River,” Adelabu explained.
Furthermore, the minister pointed out the untapped potential of over 300 dams for hydroelectric power, which could be accessed through developments like the new Badagry-Sokoto road.
He stressed that these opportunities create immense potential for expanded energy access in collaboration with Germany.
Adelabu argued, “Then, talking about our hydroelectric power plants, we have over 300 dams we have not utilised for hydroelectric power because of poor access.
“With the new road of Badagry to Sokoto, a lot of these dams will also be opened up. So we have so many opportunities and potentials on what we can do with Germany to achieve expanded energy access to our people going forward.”
The power minister also reiterated that an off-grid system is the key to addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges, emphasising the need to implement a distributed power model.
This approach would allow each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to develop their power-generating plants embedded within their states.
Such a model, he explained, would shield states from disruptions on the national grid, providing backup power in case of national grid failures.
“The off-grid system is the solution. Still, we must implement a distributed power model whereby each of our 36 states and FCT will have their own generating plants within the state.
“This network will be embedded within the states, and they will be shielded from any problem on the national grid. When there is a problem on the national grid, they will all have a backup.
“We have a preponderance of rural areas. We must electrify our rural areas and have isolated tertiary health and education institutions that we must use. So, that is the use of renewable energy for off-grid solutions,” he said.
He highlighted Germany’s role in this effort, particularly through its development agency, GIZ, which has supported grid extensions and renewable energy initiatives.
Additionally, he revealed that several German companies and private investors have shown interest in renewable energy projects in Nigeria, including solar, wind, and hydropower.
While no new agreements were signed at the meeting, discussions focused on accelerating the implementation of existing agreements.
News
DEMOCRACY DAY: Tinubu honours seasoned journalists, Lad Bonuola, Louis Odion, Delee Alake, others with National awards
President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on seasoned journalists, Lad Bonuola, Louis Odion, Delete Alake and other Nigerians who played important roles in the country’s fight for democracy.
Tinubu announced the honours on Friday as part of the Democracy Day events.
The President said that June 12 remains a key moment in Nigeria’s path to democracy.
“June 12 occupies a sacred place in our national memory. It represents more than an election; it is a defining chapter in our story,” Tinubu said.
He said Nigerians who benefited from the sacrifices of pro-democracy activists had a duty to protect and deepen democratic institutions.
“As beneficiaries of their struggle, we have a duty to strengthen and deepen the democratic institutions for which they fought. The greatest tribute we can pay is to build a Nigeria where freedom is protected, justice is upheld, opportunity is expanded, and government is accountable,” he added.
Tinubu said the June 12, 1993, election revealed the possibility of a truly united Nigerian nation.
According to him, while the heroes of June 12 secured political freedom, the current generation must work to secure economic freedom.
The President said, “June 12, 1993, revealed the possibility of a true Nigerian nation. The heroes of June 12 secured political freedom. Our challenge is to secure economic freedom.
“Democracy must be felt in the quality of people’s lives, in opportunities for youth, in prosperous farmers, successful entrepreneurs, and the dignity of our workers.
“Every generation has a defining responsibility. The generation of our founding fathers secured independence—the generation of June 12 secured democracy. Our generation must secure prosperity.”
Tinubu said the honourees endured hardship and personal sacrifice in the struggle to restore democracy.
The President said the awardees “suffered persecution, endured indignities, exile, incarceration, and, at times, solitary confinement, so that we have democracy today.”
SEE FULL LIST
Barrister Ayoka Lawani
Tunde Fagbenle
Oladele Alake
Olatunji Bello
Louis Odion
Segun Babatope
Sam Omatseye
Sir Ademola Osinubi
Bola Bolawole
Lade Bonuola
Femi Kusa
Debo Adeniran
Chief Ayo Opadokun
Chief Ralph Obiora
Ose Osayande
Barrister Osa Director
Prof. Sylvester Odion-Akhaine
Dr Arthur Nwankwo (Posthumous)
Dr Osagie Obayuwana
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin
Barrister Titus Mann
Joe Igbokwe
Richard Akinnola
Ben Charles-Obi (Posthumous)
George Mbah
Dr Niran Malaolu
Major-General Ishola Williams (rtd)
Femi Aborisade
Jenkins Alumona
Gbemiga Ogunleye
Muyiwa Adekeye
Babajide Kolade-Otitoju
Ike Okonta
SOLDIER-DEMOCRATS
Major General MA Garba
Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
Col Umar Farouk Ahmed
Col Sambo Dasuki
Col Lawan Gwadabe
Brigadier Jonathan Ndam Temlong
Col Musa Shehu
Major General Chris Eze
Major General Harris Dzarma
Col Isa Jibrin
Maj. General Joseph Oshanupin
Col Olusegun Oloruntoba, Olugbede of Gbede Kingdom)
Lieutenant Colonel Happy Kefas Bulus
Col J Okai
Col Emmanuel Ndubueze
Lt Col Yakubu Muazu
Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Current Etsu Nupe, who is already the holder of the CFR title.
The president said the full honours list will be released in the “next few days”.
A Delta State High Court sitting in Asaba has remanded four suspected members of a gun-running syndicate over alleged unlawful possession of firearms and involvement in cult activities.
The suspects — Emmanuel Chukwuemeka, Clifford Boleyelefa, Amadi Princewill, and Amadi Felix Chibuike — were arraigned on a five-count charge following investigations by the Delta State Police Command.
They were alleged to be linked to the recovery of a Beretta pistol at a transport park in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of the state.
The defendants were charged with offences including unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition under the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act and the Firearms Act. They were also accused of conspiracy to belong to an unlawful society and membership of the proscribed Black Axe Confraternity under Delta State laws.
According to court filings, the offences include possession of a fabricated Beretta pistol, possession of four rounds of 9mm live ammunition, conspiracy to belong to an unlawful society, and membership of a proscribed group.
The suspects were reportedly arrested during separate intelligence-led operations carried out in Bayelsa and Imo States.
After their arraignment, the court ordered that the defendants be remanded in prison custody pending further hearing of the case.
No fewer than 258 Nigerians yesterday touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, from South Africa.
The returnees, comprising males, females and minors, were brought back to the country aboard Air Peace’s chartered flight.
The aircraft, a Boeing 777, touched down at the airport around 10:30 a.m.
The returnees were welcomed into the country by the Director General of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The returnees left South Africa following the spate of violence, which had engulfed the country in the last few months.
Some South Africans launched violent attacks against foreigners, accusing them of taking over their jobs.
On arrival in Nigeria, the returnees underwent some card registration, immigration processes and other checks.
Each returnee will receive free N50,000 airtime from MTN and N100,000 from the Federal Government, alongside other offers from state governments and other non-governmental organisations.
MEANWHILE, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, in a statement issued yesterday, disclosed that the first repatriation flight departed on June 11 with 268 Nigerians, while a second flight transporting the remaining individuals had been scheduled for June 15.
According to the department, all those processed for repatriation were issued Emergency Travel Documents by the Nigerian High Commission, which facilitated their departure from South Africa and return to Nigeria.
The department said the repatriations were carried out in accordance with South Africa’s Immigration Act, adding that all affected individuals had been declared undesirable persons and would be barred from re-entering the country for a period of five years.
It also acknowledged the cooperation of the Nigerian High Commission throughout the documentation and repatriation exercise.
Commenting on the operation, South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Dr Leon Schreiber, said the government remained committed to enforcing immigration laws and strengthening border management.
The minister also linked the government’s immigration enforcement efforts to ongoing reforms aimed at modernising identity and border management systems. He cited the expansion of the Electronic Travel Authorisation programme, the replacement of the Green ID Book with Smart ID cards, and the planned introduction of a Digital Identity system as measures designed to improve the country’s ability to monitor and enforce immigration regulations.
Schreiber urged members of the public to refrain from taking the law into their hands, stressing that immigration enforcement should be conducted through lawful processes and established institutions.
BUT Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner to South Africa, Ambassador Temitope Ajayi, challenged claims that the 258 Nigerians repatriated from South Africa were undocumented migrants, insisting that many of them became caught in administrative delays within the South African immigration system.
Speaking during the formal handover of the returnees to Nigerian authorities yesterday at the airport, Ajayi described reports portraying all the evacuees as undocumented as “false and misleading,” arguing that several of the returnees had long-standing applications for permit renewals that remained unprocessed by South African authorities.
NIGERIANS in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) welcomed returnees, stating that the return was on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who approved and fully funded the Air Peace evacuation flight.
Speaking at the reception, the Chairman/CEO of NIDCOM commended President Tinubu’s swift intervention and the collaborative efforts of all agencies.
The NIDCOM chairman further announced that Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State had approved N1,000,000 for each Imo State indigene among the returnees; MTN Nigeria donated N100,000 per returnee, to be transferred to their accounts, while NIMC would fast-track the issuance of National Identity Numbers (NIN) to all evacuees.
DEMOCRACY DAY: Tinubu honours seasoned journalists, Lad Bonuola, Louis Odion, Delee Alake, others with National awards
Delta court remands four over gun running, cultism charges
258 Nigerians return from S’Africa, barred from re-entry for five years
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