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No 65% electricity tariff hike but price adjustment coming, FG insists

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By Francesca Hangeior

The Federal Government has said it spends N200bn to subsidise electricity monthly.

According to the government, this amount benefits the wealthiest 25 per cent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance.

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, stated this in a statement on Monday.

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Verheijen is reacting to reports quoting her as stating that the electricity tariff would soon be jerked up by two-thirds in order to strengthen the power sector.

The special adviser did not deny the looming tariff hike, she however maintained that she did not say the tariff would be raised by 65 per cent.

“It has become necessary to clarify media reports suggesting an imminent 65 per cent increase in electricity tariffs.

“This is a misrepresentation of what I actually said in a recent press interview. I highlighted the fact that, following the increase in Band A tariffs in 2024, current tariffs now cover approximately 65 per cent of the actual cost of supplying electricity, with the Federal Government continuing to subsidise the difference,” she said.

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Verheijen noted that while the government was indeed committed to ensuring fairer pricing over the long term, the immediate focus is on taking decisive action to deliver more electricity to Nigerians, ensure fewer outages and guarantee the protection of the poorest and most vulnerable Nigerians.

In line with these, she disclosed that the Federal Government’s power sector priorities include working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most support.

“Today, the Federal Government spends over ₦200 billion per month on electricity subsidies, but much of this support benefits the wealthiest 25 per cent of Nigerians rather than those who truly need assistance. To address this, the Federal Government is working towards a targeted subsidy system to ensure that low-income households receive the most support. This approach will make electricity more affordable and accessible for millions of hardworking families,” she stated.

On the fear that unmetered customers would be made to pay for services not enjoyed if the tariff is increased now, she stressed that the Federal Government would address this through the Presidential Metering Initiative.

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“One of the most significant steps in this reform is the Presidential Metering Initiative, which is accelerating the nationwide rollout of 7 million prepaid meters, starting this year. This will finally put an end to the practice of estimated billing, giving consumers confidence in what they are paying for and ensuring transparency in electricity charges.

“Metering will also improve revenue collection across the sector and will attract the investments needed to strengthen Nigeria’s power infrastructure,” she explained.

He revealed that the Federal Government is addressing one of the major roadblocks to improved service: the mounting debts owed to power generation companies.

“For years, these debts have prevented investments in new infrastructure and hampered efforts to improve electricity supply.

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“By clearing these outstanding obligations, the government is ensuring that power companies can reinvest in better service delivery, stronger infrastructure, and a more stable electricity supply for all Nigerians,” she said.

Verheijen added that through a range of fiscal incentives, including Value Added Tax and Customs Duty Waivers, the Federal Government is working to lower the cost of alternative power sources such as Compressed Natural Gas and Liquified Petroleum Gas.

She added, “The government fully understands the economic realities facing citizens and is committed to ensuring that reforms in the power sector lead to tangible improvements in people’s daily lives.

“Every policy is designed with the Nigerian people in mind — eliminating unfair estimated billing, ensuring that subsidies benefit the right people, and creating the conditions for stable, affordable electricity.

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“These reforms are laying the foundation for better service delivery, expanded access to electricity for homes and businesses, and unlocking prosperity for all Nigerians.”

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BREAKING: Many injured As Ex-Senate President’s Football Club Bus Crashes On Highway, Players Injured

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The team bus of a Nigerian football club, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC was involved in an accident on Monday morning along the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Expressway in Oyo State.

The team is owned by Abubakar Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara State.

It was learned that the team was returning to Ilorin, Kwara State from Lagos State after a league match against Sporting Lagos.

An official of the team who confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters said no life was lost but some players and officials were critically injured.

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“We thank God no life was lost. Those injured are currently receiving medical attention. We have taken them to nearby hospitals,” the team official said.

ABS is not the first football club in Nigeria that has had bad tales to tell while using highways in the country in the course of their trade.

In June 2024, it was reported how several players were injured when the team bus of Doma United was involved in an accident on along the Makurdi-Lafia Expressway in Benue.

It was gathered that the bus lost control and somersaulted several times along the expressway but no life was lost to the accident.

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It was also reported In 2020 how Ifeanyi George, a player of another football club from the country, Enugu Rangers Football Club, was killed in a car accident.

The incident left two other players of the club critically injured.

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HEALTHCARE: Senator Manu Distributes delivery beds and gynaecology tables across 54 wards+Photos

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Senator Manu Haruna on Monday facilitated the distribution of delivery beds and gynaecology tables such as General Hospitals, Referrals Hospitals and Primary health care Centres across the 54 ward of Taraba Central Senatorial District.

The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial at the National Assembly considers medicare and power generation as a core mandate for his constituents.

This initiative is apparently designed to ease maternity matters across his district.

Recall that last year, during cholera outbreak, Senator Manu immediately provided equipment to conduct tests in the district.

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Also in 2024 various medical outreach were carried out by the tireless Senator.

His provision with hospital beds, gynaecology tables, refrigerators, wheelchairs, and essential medications to the five LGAs will significantly enhance medical facilities and strengthen healthcare delivery, incollaboration with (NPHDA)

The distribution effort, led by Rt. Hon. Simon Dogari, the DG Campaign Council of Senator Manu and was supported by key stakeholders, including:

Hon. Muslim Aruwa – Commissioner for Science and Technology, Taraba State

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Hon. Abubakar Baffa Nanu – Chairman, Gassol LGA

Hon. Yusuf Umar – Chairman, Gashaka LGA

Hon. Alhassan Hamman – Member, Local Government Service Commission

Hon. Ubale Gambo – Personal Assistant to Senator Manu

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Hon. Buhari Muhammad

Hon. Hassan Bako – Special Adviser on Youth and Sports to Governor Kefas

Alhaji Raubilu Umar

This intervention will directly benefit hospitals and health centers, ensuring that residents receive better medical care and improved healthcare support.

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Senator Manu Haruna’s dedication to the well-being of his constituents and his continuous efforts to bring positive change to Taraba Central remain evident through this impactful initiative.

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Senator Barau offers scholarships to 1,000 in Kano Central, Kano South; facilitates 7 varsity study centres

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Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I Jibrin, has concluded arrangements to offer scholarships to 1,000 students to pursue degree programmes in ICT-related fields through the Barau I Jibrin Foundation (BIJF).

The beneficiaries would be the pioneer students of the seven study centres of the Federal University, Dutsin-ma, Katsina State, that would be established in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts courtesy of the Deputy President of the Senate.

The Special Adviser to the Deputy President of the Senate on Media and Publicity, Alhaji Ismail Mudashir, in a statement, said Senator Barau and the university’s management concluded arrangements to establish the study centres in the two senatorial districts at the weekend.

The university was represented during the meeting by Prof. Abubakar Sadik Suleiman, the Dean of the Faculty of Management Science, who is also a board member of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies;
and Dr. Jamilu Ajiya, the Acting Provost of the College of Professional and Continuing Studies.

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Last year, Senator Barau facilitated the establishment of four study centres in Gwarzo, Danbatta, Dawakin Tofa, and Gabasawa local government areas in Kano North Senatorial District. Under this arrangement, more than 1,000 youth are pursuing various degree programs.

To expand university education across the 44 LGAs of Kano State, Senator Barau, who represents Kano North Senatorial District, is establishing seven study centres in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts through his foundation.

The study centres will be located in the Madobi, Kiru, Tudun Wada, Rano, Gaya Dawakin Kudu and Minjibir local government areas.

Like in Kano North, when established, the university’s degree and diploma programmes will be offered at the seven centres in Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts.

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To launch the centres, Senator Barau is offering scholarships to 1,000 students from Kano Central and South Senatorial Districts to pursue degree programmes in ICT-related fields.

” Education is the bedrock of the development of all nations. I will continue to work towards providing qualitative education to our people across the 44 LGAs,” Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, said.

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