The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • NERC: 38% of electricity-generating plants available for dispatch in December

    NERC: 38% of electricity-generating plants available for dispatch in December

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Tuesday said only 38 per cent of power-generating plants were available for dispatch in December 2025.

    It was an indication that 62 per cent capacity of plants was not available for dispatch.

    Of the 13,625MW installed capacity in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) in the period under review, only an average of 5,151MW was available capacity.

    7,047.4 MW of the installed capacity was not available for dispatch, according to the December 2025 Factsheet on the Operational Performance of Power Plant, The Nation obtained yesterday.

    NERC noted that the average hourly per generation recorded was 4,367MW.

    The document said the top 10 largest energy producers accounted for 81 per cent of the total energy generated during the month.

    The plants were Egbin 1, Delta 1, Kainji 1, Zungeru 1, Afam 2, Shiroro1, Jebba 1, Okapi 1, Ihovbor 2, and Geregu 1.

    Read Also: NERC, NMDPRA meet on security

    Of the 10 plants, only Zungeru 1 generated 100 per cent of its capacity, being 700MW.

    Ihovbor 2, according to NERC, produced 99 per cent, being 459MW out of 491MW, while Jebba recorded 538MW, being 93 per cent of its 578MW.

    The factsheet also said Kainji 1 generated 564MW of 760MW, which is 74 per cent of its capacity.

    NERC added that Egbin produced 320MW of 582MW while Afam 2 generated 115MW, being 18 per cent of its 650MW capacity.

    Of the 26 power plants in grid, in the period under review, only 18 were operational.      

  • Lagos reduces cost of replacing faded number plates to ₦20,000

    Lagos reduces cost of replacing faded number plates to ₦20,000

    The Lagos State Government (LASG) has approved a temporary reduction in the cost of replacing faded and damaged vehicle number plates from ₦30,000 to ₦20,000, as part of a three-month amnesty and rebate window scheduled to run from January to March 2026.

    The initiative, approved by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is targeted at both private and commercial vehicle owners across the state. It is aimed at improving vehicle identification, strengthening the state’s security architecture, and enhancing road safety.

    The Permanent Secretary, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency (MVAA), Rasheed Muri-Okunola, said that the rebate is a deliberate, citizen-focused intervention designed to encourage motorists to voluntarily replace worn, faded, or illegible number plates at a significantly reduced cost.

    Read Also: Lagos transport commissioner tasks LBSL on impactful 2026 plan

    According to him, the condition of vehicle number plates has direct implications for security, traffic enforcement, and crime prevention, as unreadable plates hinder effective monitoring, investigation, and identification of vehicles.

    “Clear and readable number plates are fundamental to public safety and security. This amnesty period allows motorists to replace faded plates at ₦20,000 instead of ₦30,000, thereby reducing the financial burden while supporting collective efforts to make Lagos safer,” he said.

    He noted that the rebate is valid strictly within the January to March 2026 window, urging vehicle owners with faded or damaged number plates to take advantage of the opportunity by visiting the Pilot Centre at the Oshodi One-Stop Centre or any of the agency’s 140 stations across the state for the replacement process.

    Muri-Okunola added that the initiative responds to rising security concerns associated with unreadable number plates, stressing that legible and standardised plates are critical to crime detection, traffic management, digital vehicle tracking, and emergency response systems.

    He, however, warned that at the expiration of the three-month amnesty in March 2026, the replacement fee would revert to the original ₦30,000, while enforcement measures would be fully applied to ensure compliance.

  • NiMet inaugurates AI research team to boost weather predictions

    NiMet inaugurates AI research team to boost weather predictions

    The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Research and Integration Team of the Agency to boost weather predictions.

    The DG explained that the team was set up as part of the Agency’s drive to strengthen innovation, digital transformation, and service delivery in meteorological and climate services.

    Prof. Anosike said that the inauguration of the team was in line with NiMet’s commitment to complement decades of physics-based forecasting with emerging AI-driven approaches, adding that it also aligns with the Federal Government’s digital transformation agenda and the ongoing modernization of meteorological services in Nigeria.

    Read Also: ‎NiMet forecasts 3-day dust haze, sunshine

    The team is tasked with identifying opportunities, standards, and best practices for the application of artificial intelligence in meteorology and with driving the integration of AI-based tools into NiMet’s operational forecasting systems.

    The initiative is expected to enhance the speed, accuracy, and accessibility of weather predictions through hybrid AI–traditional forecasting models.

    Prof. Anosike explained that building internal AI capacity was critical to sustaining NiMet’s leadership in technological innovation among government agencies, while ensuring that emerging technologies are responsibly deployed to support aviation safety, agriculture, disaster risk reduction, and national development.

    Members of the AI Research and Integration Team were drawn from the various units in the agency.

  • New NAFRC Commandant AVM Ilo pledges improved staff welfare, training reforms

    New NAFRC Commandant AVM Ilo pledges improved staff welfare, training reforms

    The newly appointed Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Air Vice Marshal Nnaemeka Ignatius Ilo, said he is committed to prioritising staff welfare as a central pillar of his plan to strengthen training delivery and enhance operational efficiency at the Centre.

    AVM Ilo, who assumed office on December 15, 2025, as the 42nd Commandant of NAFRC, made the commitment during a two-day familiarisation tour of the Centre, where he inspected facilities, engaged with personnel, and identified areas requiring immediate and long-term intervention.

    He emphasised that improved staff welfare is fundamental to fulfilling NAFRC’s resettlement and vocational training mandate, stressing that a motivated workforce is essential to creating a conducive learning environment for retiring military personnel.

    The Commandant outlined plans to close infrastructural gaps, expand workshop capabilities, and introduce modern training equipment to boost productivity and elevate training outcomes.

    He added that the Centre would benchmark its operations against international resettlement and rehabilitation institutions to strengthen internal standards and adopt global best practices.

    The tour began at the Directorate of Training, where the Director of Training, Major General I.O. Olatunji, briefed him on the Directorate’s structure, responsibilities, and coordination of training activities.

    AVM Ilo also inspected key workshops, including automobile mechanics, weaving and textiles, carpentry, leather works, ceramics, welding, fabrication, plumbing, waste management, photography, agricultural units, the training battalion, the medical centre, the ICT centre, and the management wing.

    He underscored the need to improve learning and working environments through enhanced instructional and visual aids, noting that modern tools would reduce manual strain and align training with current industry standards.

    AVM Ilo assured personnel that welfare concerns and operational gaps identified would be addressed through concrete, phased actions aimed at repositioning NAFRC as a leading resettlement and vocational training institution.

  • Abiodun mourns as Mama Lucia Onabanjo dies at 101

    Abiodun mourns as Mama Lucia Onabanjo dies at 101

    Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has expressed deep condolences to the family of former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Victor Olabisi Onabanjo, over the passing of their matriarch, Chief (Mrs.) Lucia Onabowale Onabanjo, who died at the age of 101.

    In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Tuesday, Governor Abiodun described the demise of Mama Onabanjo as the end of a glorious era, noting that she lived a highly exemplary, fulfilled, and distinguished life devoted to God, family, and humanity.

    The governor said that although the loss of a mother is always painful, regardless of age, Mama Lucia’s transition at 101 is also worthy of celebration, given her impactful life and enduring legacy.

    According to him, Mama Onabanjo stood firmly by her husband, the late Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, through his historic struggles for democracy, human rights, and social justice in Nigeria.

    He said, “After a glorious epoch in which she joined her husband, our Papa, Chief Olabisi Onabanjo, in the fight for democracy, the delivery of its dividends on a massive scale, and the advancement of human rights and social justice, Mama has now been reunited with Papa in glory.

    Read Also: Tinubu, Abiodun celebrate Ogun deputy governor at 60

    “Mama was a treasure and a source of joy to all who knew her. She consistently supported us with her prayers and goodwill, spreading joy, comfort, and hope to everyone around her.

    “I commiserate with the Onabanjo family, even as I celebrate them for the great gift that Mama was to all of us.

    “She stood by her husband through thick and thin and raised children and grandchildren who are today highly distinguished in diverse fields of human endeavour, breaking records and contributing meaningfully to society.

    “We bless the Lord for her long and fulfilled life, her legacy of love, strength, deep faith, and commitment to development.

    “We will miss her warmth, her wise counsel, her passion for progress, and her prayers. May the Good Lord grant her eternal rest in His bosom.”

    Governor Abiodun prayed that God would grant the Onabanjo family, friends, and associates the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

  • Impeachment: Group urges Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers

    Impeachment: Group urges Tinubu’s intervention in Rivers

    A coalition of concerned citizens, Rivers Grassroots Movement (RGM) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the impeachment proceedings initiated by the Martins Amaewhule-led Rivers State House of Assembly against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu.

    The group’s convener, Jackrich Sobomabo emphasised that Rivers State’s stability and the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s national structure remains a top priority.

    The RGM dismissed allegations that Governor Fubara failed to present the 2025 budget, noting that President Bola Tinubu transmitted the Rivers State Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly during the state of emergency regime, and it was passed into law on June 25, 2025.

    Read Also: Tinubu mourns Oba Akran of Badagry

    He said, “Rivers State operates under a valid fiscal framework that remains fully operational,” Egberipapa stated, noting that “Section 122 of the 1999 Constitution allows the governor to authorize expenditure for up to six months where an Appropriation Act has not been passed. The 2025 budget passed in June means the fiscal year runs until August 2026.”

    The group further commended Governor Fubara’s management of state resources and focus on infrastructure, education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.

    “Governor Fubara has demonstrated exemplary prudence and transparency in managing state resources, delivering dividends of democracy to the grassroots even in the face of adversity,” Egberipapa said.

    The group declared their support for Fubara and his deputy, urging them to seek re-election in 2027.

    “Rivers State deserves peace, progress, and prosperity. We stand united for a better future,” the statement concluded.

  • Planned demolition: Jakande Estate residents seek Sanwo-Olu’s intervention

    Planned demolition: Jakande Estate residents seek Sanwo-Olu’s intervention

    Residents of Jakande Estate, Ilesan, in Lagos, on Tuesday staged a protest against an alleged planned demolition of their homes.

    The residents urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to urgently intervene and halt further actions pending the determination of a court case.

    Speaking during the protest at the Lagos State House of Assembly, the leader of the residents, Alhaji Abdulhameed Shuaib, accused some individuals he described as “so-called landlord leaders” of attempting to evict residents from the estate under the guise of government action.

    Shuaib said that the dispute began last year when residents were informed that they would be ejected from the estate and offered compensation.

    According to him, the initial offer of ₦6 million per three-bedroom flat was rejected as grossly inadequate, noting that the flats were originally allocated by the government and duly signed by a former governor.

    “How can a three-bedroom flat be valued at ₦6 million when similar government-built houses were going for about ₦15 million at the time?” he asked.

    He said subsequent offers of ₦7 million and later ₦11 million were also rejected, especially as residents were allegedly asked to submit original property documents with a promise of payment three months later.

    “We refused because it is risky. Once demolition starts, nobody can stop the caterpillar,” Shuaib said.

    According to him, while residents were still arranging legal representation, about 50 buildings in the estate were demolished in March last year.

    He said the residents later obtained a court injunction restraining further demolition.

    Despite the injunction, Shuaib alleged that threats continued, with warnings that anyone who failed to accept the offer before demolition would lose all entitlements.

    He added that the court has since extended the injunction until February 4, 2026.

    The residents further alleged that some tenants were recently offered ₦50,000 to vacate their homes, while heavy machinery was again sighted entering the estate.

    Shuaib also claimed that two residents were arrested after confronting the demolition team with court papers and letters from the Ministry of Physical Planning, and are currently being held at a police facility in Oshodi.

    He expressed concern that Lagos State Government officials, including the governor and the attorney-general, neither appeared in court nor sent representatives, despite being listed as parties in the suit.

    The protesters appealed to Governor Sanwo-Olu to stop any demolition activities, respect the court injunction, and ensure a fair and transparent resolution of the matter.

     “Our request is simple,” Shuaib

  • NDLEA seizes N2.8bn drugs, secures 136 convictions in 2025 in Jigawa

    NDLEA seizes N2.8bn drugs, secures 136 convictions in 2025 in Jigawa

    The Jigawa State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has recorded breakthroughs in the fight against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, seizing over 1.9 tonnes of drugs amounting to over N2.8 billion.

    This was disclosed by the state commandant, Mr Hassan K. Kabaju, while speaking to the news men on the command’s performance in 2025, the command has secured 136 convictions in the year under review.

    Mr Hassan K. Kabaju explained that a total of 577 suspects were arrested across the state, comprising 558 males and 19 females, during various operations aimed at cutting off the supply of hard drugs and other psychoactive substances.

    According to him, “The command has succeeded in tracked and confiscated large quantities of illicit drugs, including cannabis sativa, psychotropic substances, and other harmful exhibits such as Exol-5 and rubber solution, with a combined weight of 1,944.389 kilogrammes which had been quantified to the tune of N2.8 billion.”

    On prosecution, the Command said it recorded remarkable success at the Federal High Court in Dutse, where 136 drug-related cases were successfully prosecuted and concluded within the year.

    He noted, “The Jigawa State NDLEA in the year under review go beyond arrest, prosecution and compensation, it’s also intensified efforts on rehabilitation and prevention where a total of 552 drug users were referred for counseled, while 59 drug-dependent persons were sent for treatment and rehabilitation at the Drug Demand Reduction Unit (DDRU) facility, following family and parental intervention”.

    Read Also: NDLEA arrests 80-year-old grandpa for drugs after two-year incarceration

    The Command also scaled up its advocacy under the War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) campaign. It delivered 39,383 drug abuse prevention lectures and sensitization programmes across primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), government agencies, drug-free clubs, civil society groups, as well as through print and electronic media.

    Kabaju maintained that “despite the gains, the command identified inadequate operational vehicles and a shortage of essential administrative and operational equipment needed to effectively cover the entire state as key challenges confronting the command.”

    The Commandant attributed the achievements recorded to the dedication of its officers and the support received from the National Headquarters and the Jigawa State Government, expressing optimism that greater success would be achieved in the coming years.

  • JUST IN: Edo moves to release remanded AAU students

    JUST IN: Edo moves to release remanded AAU students

    The Edo State Government has initiated steps to secure the release of bona fide students of Ambrose Alli University (AAU) who were remanded at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre following a protest against recurring kidnappings in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area.

    The students were among 52 individuals arrested and subsequently remanded in connection with the unrest.

    Governor Monday Okpebholo dispatched the Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, to oversee the process and ensure the students’ release.

    Speaking with journalists at the Ubiaja Correctional Centre, Dr Iyamu assured that genuine AAU students would regain their freedom once all required procedures were completed.

    He stated that last week’s violent protest in Ekpoma was instigated by a group known as the Comrade Association, which he described as comprising former students who seize any opportunity to foment disorder.

    Read Also: AAU students, others arraigned over protest

    He said, “There is a lot of misinformation going around, especially on social media. I wonder how a protest will occur without the authorisation of the Student Union Government. The school is not in sessions and the students were not involved.

    “We have a group tagged the Comrade Association that co-opts students to carry out the dastardly act. There was no letter written to the security about any protest.

    “These are ex-students of the university looking for an opportunity to latch onto any problem and cause mayhem. They went to the House of the traditional ruler, took Indomie and other things. That character does not depict students. His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has said that any bona fide students should be released and walk home free.”

    President of the AAU SUG, Osadebamwen Ehizojie, commended the Governor for ensuring the release of the students.

    He said AAU students did not start the protest, adding that it was hijacked by hoodlums.

  • Portable arraigned, remanded over car theft, assault charges

    Portable arraigned, remanded over car theft, assault charges

    Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Ota, Ogun State, on Monday over a nine-count criminal charge.

    The charges include assault, theft, causing bodily harm, and resisting arrest, stemming from an incident at his bar in the Iyana Ilogbo area on New Year’s Day.

    Portable allegedly attacked his estranged partner, Ashabi Simple, and several police officers, including a female inspector, Ogungbe Olayemi.

    Other alleged victims named in the charge sheet include Ileyemi Damilola, Akinyanju Oluwabusayomi, Olowu Olumide, Demilade Ogunniyi, and Ebuka Odah.

    Read Also: My life is better without my father, says Portable

    He also faced accusations of stealing a N12 million Mercedes-Benz E300 belonging to Ileyemi Damilola.

    Two siblings of Ashabi Simple testified as witnesses, though she was absent from court.

    The judge declined to grant Portable bail, citing the absence of the allegedly assaulted police officer, and remanded him in custody until January 19.

    Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command said it is investigating a viral video showing Portable being assaulted while in custody.