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Power supply: NASG distributed 150 transformers

Published

1 year ago

February 22, 2024

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has said that his administration has so far distributed 150 transformers aimed at improving power supply across the state.

This is just as Governor Sule expressed readiness to build another power substation estimated at five hundred million naira, in order to improve electricity supply especially in Lafia, the state capital.

Governor Sule made this known when he met with Regional Manager of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Engr. Baro Ahmed, at the Government House on Wednesday.

The meeting, which was at the instance of the Governor, was aimed at addressing the persistent power supply problem, especially in Lafia and environs.

According to the Governor, though it shouldn’t be the business of government to buy transformers, especially that AEDC is the only company responsible for collecting revenue from power consumers, his administration has gone ahead to buy 150 transformers in order that communities in the state could be linked to the national grid.

He showed his readiness to enter an agreement with the management of the AEDC with a view to constructing another power substation in Lafia, estimated to cost five hundred million naira.

The Governor thereafter directed the General Manager of the Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NaEPA), Engr. Abubakar Danjuma Ango to arrange a meeting with the management of AEDC in Abuja where modalities for the agreement would be discussed.

Governor Sule said he called the meeting because of the persistent complaints from electricity consumers from across the state, who continously express their dissatisfaction with power supply recently.

He said he wanted to hear from AEDC why power supply especially in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital has been epileptic.

On realizing that the issue is not even the matter of distribution, with Lafia that used to get 20 megawatts of electricity now only able to get seven megawatts, the Governor blamed the AEDC for lacking a robust communication system to inform their consumers of what is happening.

He added that sometimes the AEDC takes the heat that is not theirs because the company is not communicating for their consumers to get to understand what is happening.

“People of Lafia were supposed to be getting 20 megawatts every day. We are only getting 7 megawatts. You need to create public awareness. The country is not generating enough but that you are having peculiar issues here in Lafia,” he said.

Governor Sule insisted that AEDC should have opened up to the people of Lafia by telling them that four years ago, Lafia needed only 4 megawatts daily but that now it needs 20 megawatts because of the springing up of mini industries.

He explained that his administration has invested huge resources in the area of power and is ready to take necessary steps towards ensuring steady electricity supply in the state, especially in Lafia, the state capital.

He reiterated the readiness of his administration to work with critical stakeholders in the power sector in order to ensure improved power supply to the state and especially Lafia, the state capital.

Also speaking, Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barrister Mohammed Ubandoma Aliyu, urged officials of the AEDC to proceed with caution when they go out to collect electricity dues, especially that the power supply in the month of February was poor.

The SGNS called on AEDC to consider the prevailing hardship being experienced across the country, and not to charge their customers exorbitantly, particularly that they did not enjoyed steady power supply in this month of February.

Earlier, General Manager, Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (NaEPA), Engr Abubakar Danjuma Ango, said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Sule, for the officials of the power company to ascertain factors responsible for the poor power supply in the state especially Lafia and its environs.

Responding, Regional Manager of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) Engineer Baro Ahmed, disclosed that presently the country is generating only 4000 megawatts of power, which he said is grossly inadequate.

Engr. Ahmed pointed out that Lafia that used to get 20 megawatts daily now gets only 7 megawatts.

He however explained that Lafia is currently experiencing power supply issues because of peculiar problems associated with overloading of available feeders.

The AEDC regional manager accepted to communicate further on the willingness of the state government to partner the power company with a view to constructing another substation that would serve to decongest the valuable feeders.

On his part, AEDC Lafia Manager, Isa Mohammed, said an additional power substation would greatly improve power supply especially in Lafia the state capital.

He commended Governor Sule for his efforts to attract investors into the state, which has brought improved revenue to the AEDC.

“Today, because of the emergence of mini industries, Lafia is needing about 20 megawatts daily,” he said.

He particularly appreciated the Governor for doing a lot to ensure that power is supplied across the state.

“I never new a Governor will come, a cable you buy, transformer you buy. What are we talking about? Your people should appreciate you. You are doing a lot,” the Lafia AEDC Manager said.

News

Spokesperson Of Foreign Affairs Ministry Joins NIPR Ranks

Published

2 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, has been formally inducted into the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), marking a notable milestone in his professional journey.

Ebienfa was among 103 individuals welcomed into the prestigious institute during a ceremony held in Uyo as part of the 2025 NIPR Week on Thursday.

The event highlighted the evolving role of public relations in governance and international affairs, emphasizing its relevance to diplomacy and national image-building.

Ebienfa, known for his effective stewardship of the Ministry’s communications portfolio, has played a visible role in articulating Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and fostering constructive engagement with both local and international audiences. His inclusion in the NIPR is seen as a fitting recognition of his contributions to public service and strategic communication.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs extended its congratulations, describing the induction as “well-deserved” and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to professional communication practices in the discharge of its responsibilities.

News

Grassroots Engagement Key to 2027 Success – Speaker Abbas

Published

2 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The Speaker House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has urged members and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to document and highlight key policy outcomes of the current administration as part of early outreach efforts ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking during the APC National Summit held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, under the theme ‘Renewed Hope Agenda: The Journey So Far’, Speaker Abbas emphasised the importance of communicating governance efforts effectively to communities across the country.

Reflecting on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inaugural commitments on May 29, 2023, which included a target of six percent annual economic growth, restructuring of the foreign exchange system, employment generation, and security enhancement, Abbas noted that visible progress has been made.

According to the Speaker, “remarkable strides” have been recorded since those pledges were made. He pointed out that these goals have anchored the current administration’s policy agenda, producing significant reforms aimed at stabilizing Nigeria’s economic framework and setting a course for long-term development.

He said: “Mr. President, fellow party members, as we turn our gaze toward 2027, we must acknowledge both the achievements we have made and the challenges that lie ahead. Now is the time for every APC stakeholder to intensify grassroots engagement. Now is the time for every APC stakeholder to articulate our records in clear and compelling terms. Now is the time for every APC stakeholder to take our message directly to our communities.

“An electoral victory in 2027 will not be won on paper alone. It can only be secured by the confidence we inspire among our people. We can only inspire confidence by demonstrating how our policies are improving people’s lives and how they will continue to enhance the lives of Nigerians.

“All of us MUST effectively market the successes of the Tinubu administration, specifically the recovery of fiscal health, the job creation drive, the expansion of infrastructure, and the security gains. Every APC governor, every APC Senator and Member, every Minister and Commissioner, every Special Adviser and Assistant, every Board Member, and indeed every political appointee of this government MUST also collaborate with the President to translate his initiatives into tangible benefits that resonate with citizens across every ward.”

Speaker Abbas stated that the journey has proven that decisive leadership, fiscal discipline, and cohesive action yield results. He said the 2025 budget’s dual emphasis on austerity and strategic investment, respect for the autonomy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in managing ₦22.7 trillion in inherited financing, and alignment of legislative instruments with the executive vision exemplify the party’s capacity to govern with both rigour and empathy.

“We MUST now marshal these successes into an energetic campaign for 2027, ensuring that our party’s narrative of renewal and stability becomes the clarion call at every town hall and market square,” he stressed.

Speaker Abbas pointed out that the moment demands realism and ambition in equal measure. He stated that APC faithful must neither rest on laurels nor succumb to complacency. Instead, he said it is the time to deepen outreach, sharpen messaging, and forge an unbreakable bond between the APC and the people it serves.

“By selling our record relentlessly and listening attentively, we will carry the Renewed Hope Agenda forward into the next electoral cycle. I have no doubt in my mind whatsoever that come 2027, Mr. President and our Party will secure a resounding mandate that confirms our capacity to deliver on the promise of a prosperous Nigeria.

The Speaker said recently, high-profile figures have joined the APC along with numerous federal lawmakers from Kano, Osun, Kebbi, Delta, and Edo, raising the total number of defections in the House to 25. “With reports of further crossovers from PDP and Labour Party governors on the horizon, these moves underscore the momentum of the APC and position us as the party to beat in 2027,” he added.

He further noted that the 10th National Assembly is “undoubtedly the most fortunate since the return to democracy in 1999.” This, he said, is not only because a significant number of former legislators now serve in the Executive, including the President himself, but also due to President Tinubu’s unequivocal recognition of our vital role in grassroots development.

He said President Tinubu has worked tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly’s ability to respond to the needs of our constituents is significantly strengthened by providing increased budgetary allocations for constituency projects.

“This deliberate partnership between the Presidency and Parliament has empowered Senators and Members to deliver tangible improvements in health, education, and infrastructure,” he noted.

News

Sugar Sector Eyes Reform as Industry Players Back Overhaul of Regulatory Framework8

Published

3 hours ago

May 22, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Major players in Nigeria’s sugar sector have voiced support for revamping the regulatory landscape industry under the National Sugar Masterplan (NSMP), a policy designed to shift Nigeria from heavy sugar imports to domestic production and export.

At a public hearing held at the National Assembly, representatives from the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Nigeria Customs Service, NAFDAC, BUA Group, Flour Mills of Nigeria, and consulting firm NINA-JOJER engaged lawmakers over proposed changes to the National Sugar Development Council Act.

The draft amendment titled: “A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Sugar Development Council Act and for Related Matters” (HB.2022 and HB.2030), seeks to redefine the Council’s powers and ensure all funds it collects are remitted to the Federation Account, aligning with constitutional provisions.

The Executive Secretary NSDC, Kamar Bakrin described the sugar plan as a blueprint for long-term economic impact, citing goals such as the creation of 100,000 skilled jobs, rural development, and a projected $1 billion annual cut in foreign exchange outflows.

Bakrin raised concerns over the recent directive mandating that 50% of the sugar levy be remitted to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF), warning that such measures could undermine the sector’s transformation goals.

“To realize this vision, we require $4.5 billion in investments, which the Council is actively working to attract. Investor confidence is critical, and that confidence hinges on transparent, rule-based policies.

“The sugar levy was specifically introduced to fund the development of the sector, unlike import duties. Redirecting those funds could derail the country’s industrial ambitions,” he stated.

He added that the NSDC has established a technical committee to thoroughly review the proposed amendments and provide feedback.

Representiive of the Director General of NAFDAC, in person of Iba Edward expressed the agency’s support for the bill’s intent to enhance the Council’s regulatory capacity.

However, he cautioned that some of the proposed provisions overlap with the core regulatory functions of the Agency as outlined in Section 5 of the NAFDAC Act.

“We urge the National Assembly to clearly delineate the roles of NSDC to avoid conflict and duplication. NAFDAC remains the regulatory authority for all food imports, including sugar, to ensure consumer safety and quality standards,” he said.

Also speaking, Assistant Comptroller General of Customs, K.C. Egwuh, affirmed the Nigeria Customs Service’s commitment to its revenue collection mandate under Nigeria’s fiscal laws. He reiterated the agency’s support for efforts to enhance transparency and efficiency in the sugar industry.

Representing BUA Group, a former Minister Dr. Aliyu Idi Hong expressed the company’s firm commitment to the NSMP, noting BUA’s substantial investments in the sector.

Hong, however, urged policymakers to consider the economic impact of regulatory changes on both producers and consumers.

“We have developed a nearly 50,000-hectare sugar plantation, with 20,000 hectares already under cultivation, and we’re acquiring another 50,000 hectares. While we’re not where we want to be yet, we are making progress.

“Fiscal policies must be holistic and sensitive to the realities of Nigerians. As a socially responsible company, we support the backward integration policy and commend the ongoing reforms”, he asserted.

On behalf of Flour Mills Nigeria, Head of Government and Community Relations, Onome Okurah, acknowledged the challenges in the sector but stressed the company’s continued dedication.

“We operate on over 6,000 hectares and currently run sugar production for three to four months each year. We believe that with sustained collaboration, we’ll see meaningful progress in the next decade,” he said.

The consulting firm NINA-JOJER also made submissions at the hearing, raising concerns about the bill’s provisions on the utilization of the sugar levy, quota allocation, expanded regulatory roles, and enforcement mechanisms. The firm called for clarification of grey areas to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Earlier in his opening address, the Committee, Rep. Enitan Dolapo Badru, explained that the hearing was part of efforts to develop inclusive legislation that will strengthen the capacity of NSDC to drive the NSMP.

“We urge all stakeholders to contribute constructively. Our goal is to build a sustainable and competitive sugar industry that creates jobs, improves livelihoods, and contributes significantly to national development,” he said.

In his remarks, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. John Owan Eno, emphasised sugar’s potential in achieving President Bola Tinubu’s $1 trillion economy vision.

The Minister noted that while the sugar industry has benefited from over $2 billion in incentives under the first and second phases of the Masterplan, its contribution to the economy remains underwhelming—estimated at just $30 billion.

“Sugar plays a critical role in rural development, job creation, and national value generation. The NSMP is a vital component of our industrialization drive. However, its success depends on the collective attitude and accountability of both public and private sector actors.

“This amendment is intended to strengthen the law, correct past lapses, and ensure we achieve real import substitution and sustainable local capacity,” he said.