The Nation Newspaper

Category: Energy

  • Nigeria finalises partnership with World’s largest solar panel production company

    Nigeria finalises partnership with World’s largest solar panel production company

    At the headquarters of the world’s largest solar panel production company, LONGi, in Xi’an, Shaanxi, China, Nigeria has finalised a strategic partnership through the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) led by its Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Mustapha.

    The Nigerian delegation was received by the President Boshen Zhong and Vice President Li Wenxue of LONGi and taken on a tour of one of the world’s largest solar cell production facilities.

    This visit follows the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between ECN and LONGi in London earlier this year.

    During the visit, Dr. Abdullahi advanced discussions on the establishment of a 500–1000 MW solar panel production factory in Nigeria, a move set to significantly boost the nation’s renewable energy sector.

    ECN’s presentation highlighted Africa’s growing market and the demand potential for solar mini-grids, while emphasizing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Solarisation Policy, which seeks to accelerate access to clean energy across Nigeria.

    LONGi expressed strong interest in investing in Nigeria and demonstrated readiness to advance concrete plans for the construction of the factory.

    This partnership marks a historic milestone for the Nigerian renewable energy landscape and aligns with national efforts to expand local solar manufacturing capacity.

    The ECN looks forward to working closely with LONGi and the Federal Government to realize this transformative initiative, which will create jobs, enhance energy security, and drive sustainable development across the country.

  • Reps to investigate violations of oil and gas laws, PIA by oil firms

    Reps to investigate violations of oil and gas laws, PIA by oil firms

    The House of Representatives has directed its relevant committees to investigate allegations of fragrant violations of the NOGICD Act 2010, PIA 2021, and Taxes and Levies Act by all Oil and Gas Companies operating in Imo State and the status of implementation of the Host Community Development Trusts in Imo State. 

    In a resolution following a motion on notice, the House asked Oil and Gas Companies operating in the state to urgently comply with provisions of Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGICD) Act 2010 regarding indigenous employment, contracts awards, and establishment of operational offices. 

    The House is also insisting on the implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust requirements under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and grant unfettered access to officials of the Imo State Internal Revenue Service for the performance of their lawful duties, while also engaging in genuine dialogue with Host the community leaders to address grievance and ensure peaceful coexistence. 

    Leading debate on the motion, Okafor said the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act, 2010 was enacted to promote the utilization of Nigerian human and material resources, and the participation of Nigerian companies in the oil and gas industry. 

    He said the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021 provides a robust legal and regulatory framework for the Nigerian petroleum industry, including specific provisions for host community development, environmental management, and equitable benefit sharing. 

    He said the Taxes and Levies (Approved List for Collection) Act, authorizes State Governments to collect certain taxes and levies from businesses operating within their territories, which is crucial for funding state infrastructure and social services. 

    Okafor said several International and Indigenous Oil Companies (IOCs) operating oil and gas fields within the oil-producing communities of Imo State, notably in Ohaji/Egbema, Oguta, and other LGAs as hosts, namely. 

    He listed the companies as Seplat Energy Plc: – OML 53,Niger Delta Petroleum Resources (NDPR): – OML 54, Sterling Oil Exploration & Energy Production Co. Ltd. (SEEPCO), WalterSmith Petroman Oil Limited: – OML 16,Associate Oil & Gas Limited/Dansaki Petroleum Limited (A Consortium): Umuseti/Igwe marginal field, Chorus Energy Limited (Formerly Shell Portfolio), TotalEnergies / NNPC Joint Venture and Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited

    He informed the House of what he described as persistent outcry and allegations from host communities and state Government regarding the failure to establish functional operational offices within their areas of operation in Imo State as mandated by Section 3(j) of the NOGICD Act, 2010, thereby denying the state, valuable economic activity and employment. 

    He said there has systematic failure of these companies to prioritize the employment of qualified indigenes of Imo State, in direct violation of Sections 11, 28, and 35 of the NOGICD Act, 2010 and refusal to award contracts to competent Nigerian companies, especially those from the host communities, for goods and services. 

    Okafor also spoke of obstruction of lawful efforts by the Imo State Government and Imo State Internal Revenue Service (IIRS) to access their premises for assessment and collection of legally approved state taxes and levies and non-compliance with the Host Communities Development Trust provisions under Chapter 3 of the PIA, 2021, leading to a lack of tangible benefits and development in these communities.

    He said these acts of non-compliance have led to immense frustration, widespread agitations, and a palpable threat of social unrest within the host communities. 

    He said further that the continued neglect and infringement of these laws, if not urgently addressed, may lead to violent protests that could threaten national security, destruction of critical oil and gas infrastructure, disrupting production and harming the national economy and a breakdown of law and order in the oil-producing regions of Imo State.

  • FG warns against driving renewable energy provision with importation

    FG warns against driving renewable energy provision with importation

    The federal government on Wednesday cautioned the operators in the renewable energy space not to depend on importation for the provision of electricity.

    Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu’s chief technical adviser, Adebayo Owoloniyi, made the warning in a panel session at the Nigerian Renewable Energy Innovation Forum (NREIF) 2025 in Abuja.

    The forum was organised by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

    According to him, providing access to energy with reliance on importation will deny Nigeria industrialization and job creation.

    “One thing we must not do is to drive the provision of access through importation because that would ensure that we are actually not industrializing and providing jobs for our people,” he said.

    He also said the provision of energy should be linked to industrialization, since people consume additional energy to add capacity.

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    The Chief Technical Adviser insisted that the energy must not only create jobs it must also increase income for the citizenry.

    He revealed that the ministry focuses on local content with the Nigeria First policy.

    He advised that the federal government’s electricity subsidy should be deployed to the kind of procurement that can advance industrialization and be beneficial to the people.

    The Panel Moderator, Rumndaka Wonodi, had recalled that in 2024, there was a release of $2.1trillion investment in the renewable energy space from which Africa got only $40 billion, representing 2% of the total sum.

    Wonodi, who was the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company pioneer Managing Director, noted that Africa is still lagging behind with the deployment of 6GW since last year.

    He called on the panelists to deliberate on how Nigeria can unlock its investment potential in the renewable energy sector.

    He urged the panelists to brainstorm on how to take advantage of the energy gap.

    “Our forum is charting the course and prioritizing actions for the government. We are going to look at government coordination in the Ministries Department and Agencies (MDAs),” said the moderator.

    On his part, the InfraCorp, Dr. Lazarus Aganzo, said there is a lack of equity in funding for local investors, adding that the inability to access funding in local currency portends danger, as funding through foreign currency is not sustainable.

    “So in essence, what Infracorp is really focused on trying to do across the different infrastructure verticals, not just the energy one, is to create a market support for sustainable investments in the infrastructure space.”

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas, said the house has done a lot on local content, manufacturing, and access to finance for renewable energy equity funds, credit guarantees, and consensual financing for manufacturers to have access to funds and the ability to pay for a long period of time.

    He added that renewable energy courses will be integrated into the universities and polytechnics.

  • Fed Govt, GenCos seal framework for ₦4trn power sector debt reduction plan

    Fed Govt, GenCos seal framework for ₦4trn power sector debt reduction plan

    The Federal Government has finalised the implementation framework for the ₦4 trillion Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Plan, marking a decisive step toward restoring financial stability and investor confidence in Nigeria’s electricity market.

    The plan, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and endorsed by the Federal Executive Council in August 2025, authorises the issuance of government-backed bonds to settle verified arrears owed to generation companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers — the largest financial intervention in the power sector in more than a decade.

    The development followed a high-level meeting held on October 7 in Abuja between the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu; and the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, alongside senior executives of Nigeria’s GenCos. 

    The session reviewed settlement modalities and reached a consensus on a framework for bilateral negotiations to finalise full and final payment agreements balancing fiscal realities with GenCos’ financial constraints.

    A statement by the Head of the Media and Communications Unit of the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Senan Murray, said the initiative aims to clear long-standing arrears that have crippled investment, weakened utility balance sheets, and limited reliable power delivery across the country.

    “For the first time in years, we are seeing a credible and systematic effort by government to tackle the root liquidity challenges in the power sector. We commend President Tinubu and his economic team for this bold and transformative step”, said Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and Transcorp Power.

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    Echoing similar optimism, Mr. Kola Adesina, Group Managing Director of Sahara Group, described the move as “significant in every respect,” adding that it “gives renewed confidence in the reform process and signals that government is serious about building a sustainable power sector.”

    According to Mrs. Verheijen, the Tinubu administration’s focus is on “creating the right conditions for investment, from modernising the grid and improving distribution to scaling embedded generation.

    “By closing metering gaps, aligning tariffs with efficient costs, improving subsidy targeting to support the poor and vulnerable, and restoring regulatory trust, we are shifting from crisis response to sustained delivery. This is how we build the confidence needed to attract large-scale private capital”, she said.

    Finance Minister Edun described the initiative as a fundamental reform beyond mere liquidity intervention. 

    “These reforms go beyond liquidity. They are about rebuilding the fundamentals so that Nigeria’s power sector works for investors, for citizens, and for the next generation. This is how we create the enabling conditions for sustained private investment and transform reliable power into a catalyst for economic growth”, he said.

    The debt reduction plan complements ongoing efforts to expand renewable energy deployment, leverage domestic gas as a transition fuel, and strengthen local technical capacity — a combination the government believes will position Nigeria as one of Africa’s most attractive power markets.

    Implemented jointly by the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, in collaboration with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc, the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Plan is expected to unlock investment, modernise the grid, and drive inclusive economic growth across the country.

  • Ikeja Electric, LECAN trains 100 young electricians

    Ikeja Electric, LECAN trains 100 young electricians

    As part of its continuous investment in human capital development, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), in collaboration with the Licensed Electrical Contractors Association of Nigeria (LECAN), has concluded a one-day intensive skills acquisition and capacity-building programme with the theme: “Electrical Safety and Best Practices in the Electricity Industry.”

    Over 100 participants, comprising field technicians and electrical professionals, participated in the workshop, which focused on practical and engaging sessions bordering on safety procedures, alternative power integration, and electrical installation standards.

    Speaking at the event, the State Chairman of LECAN, Bada Waheed, commended Ikeja Electric for its continued support of capacity development within the electricity industry.

    “This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when industry leaders and professional bodies collaborate for sustainable growth. Our young electricians represent the future of Nigeria’s energy value chain, and programmes like this ensure they are skilled, informed, and safety-conscious. We deeply appreciate this gesture from Ikeja Electric and hope to have future collaborations to impact our youth and make them more productive. Noteworthy is the fact that this programme aligns with our goal of nurturing local talents and bridging the gap between learning and practical application,” he said.

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    The Head of Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric, Kingsley Okotie, highlighted the importance of corporate partnerships in driving community empowerment, beyond the provision of electricity. 

    “Over time, we have discovered a lot of gaps in efficiency and knowledge acquisition, especially by technicians, who are major stakeholders within our sector. This fueled our drive to strengthen their capacity in the area of safety, alignment in the integration of renewable energy, as well as other industry innovations. We know that electricity is a powerful tool that demands responsibility and precision. Therefore, this training is reinforcing our zero-harm culture by empowering participants with the right knowledge to execute their work safely and efficiently.

    The collaboration with LECAN reflects our vision to build safer communities through education and empowerment; closing knowledge gaps, reducing accidents within our area of coverage, and preventing unnecessary loss of lives and property, thereby making the society a better place for all’’ he concluded.

    One of the beneficiaries, Makinde Adeyinka, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, describing the experience as “eye-opening and impactful.”

    “I have learned so much about safety standards, proper installations, and building a sustainable career as an electrician. I am thankful to Ikeja Electric and LECAN for investing in young electricians like me and look forward to more programmes like this,” he said.

    The one-day training is part of Ikeja Electric’s ongoing youth empowerment and safety awareness initiatives, reinforcing its commitment to workplace safety, operational excellence, and continuous professional development.

  • Komolafe’s rise to AFRIPERF chair, a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s oil reforms — PAREF

    Komolafe’s rise to AFRIPERF chair, a vote of confidence in Nigeria’s oil reforms — PAREF

    The Pan-African Regulatory Excellence Forum (PAREF) has commended the appointment of Gbenga Komolafe, chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), as the interim chairman of the newly launched African Petroleum Regulators Forum (AFRIPERF), describing it as a “fitting recognition of Nigeria’s reform leadership in the oil and gas sector”.

    In a statement signed on Monday by its executive director, Dr Aisha Njoroge, PAREF said Komolafe’s emergence reflects Africa’s growing confidence in Nigeria’s regulatory reforms and its capacity to drive a new era of collaboration across the continent’s petroleum industry.

    AFRIPERF, inaugurated during the Africa Oil Week in Accra, Ghana, on September 18, 2025, brings together petroleum regulators from 16 African countries, eight of which — including Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Madagascar, Sudan, Guinea, Togo, and Somalia — have already signed the forum’s charter.

    The body aims to harmonize oil and gas laws, standards, and compliance systems across Africa, addressing decades of policy fragmentation that have discouraged cross-border investment and weakened collective bargaining power in global markets.

    PAREF described Komolafe’s appointment as “a vote of confidence in reform-driven leadership and Nigeria’s commitment to transparency and innovation”.

    “The emergence of Gbenga Komolafe as interim chairman of AFRIPERF is a significant step for Africa’s energy governance. It validates Nigeria’s post-PIA reforms and offers a rare opportunity to convert the rhetoric of regional cooperation into measurable outcomes,” the statement read.

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    Dr Njoroge said the forum must demonstrate early credibility by focusing on harmonization of gas measurement standards, emissions regulations, digital compliance systems, and transparent reporting templates for oil and gas production.

    “The success of AFRIPERF will not depend on how many countries join, but on the quality of what it delivers. The continent cannot afford another bureaucratic platform. AFRIPERF must be a practical institution that strengthens efficiency, transparency, and environmental responsibility,” she said.

    According to PAREF, Africa’s oil-producing nations currently operate under widely differing fiscal regimes, licensing procedures, and environmental standards; challenges that have limited intra-African trade and created inefficiencies in investment management.

    The think tank said the establishment of AFRIPERF under Komolafe’s leadership presents an opportunity to address these gaps and position Africa as a more coordinated bloc in global energy diplomacy.

    However, PAREF warned that the success of the initiative will depend on inclusivity and independence from political interference.

    “Regulatory convergence should not become regulatory domination. Smaller or less-resourced countries must not be sidelined. Every member must have an equal voice in the decision-making process if the forum is to maintain legitimacy,” Njoroge cautioned.

    She also raised concerns about capacity disparity among African regulators, noting that while some countries have digitized regulatory systems and robust data monitoring frameworks, others still rely on manual audits and outdated infrastructure.

    “AFRIPERF must create mechanisms for shared learning and resource pooling. Without a plan for cross-border training and knowledge exchange, the forum may inadvertently deepen existing inequalities,” she added.

    On financing, PAREF advised that the forum should adopt a transparent and sustainable funding model, avoiding overdependence on donor agencies.

    “AFRIPERF’s independence is crucial. While partnerships with development institutions may help, Africa’s regulatory destiny must be defined by African priorities, not external agendas. Member states should fund the forum equitably and transparently,” the statement said.

    Dr Njoroge said Komolafe’s track record at NUPRC — particularly his focus on data transparency, digital licensing, host community development, and anti-theft monitoring systems — makes him “uniquely qualified” to lead the continent’s regulatory convergence effort.

    She added that Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) reforms of 2021 had already positioned the NUPRC as one of Africa’s most advanced energy regulators, providing a model that AFRIPERF could replicate.

    “With Mr. Komolafe’s experience, Africa now has a chance to build a truly harmonized petroleum regulatory framework that supports energy transition, economic diversification, and shared prosperity,” she said.

    The forum urged African governments to support AFRIPERF’s agenda and to “seize this moment to build a united front in global energy governance”.

    “Africa must speak with one voice. Komolafe’s leadership offers the credibility, but the continent must now provide the political will,” Njoroge advised.

  • IBEDC meets key stakeholders, proffer solutions to electricity supply challenges

    IBEDC meets key stakeholders, proffer solutions to electricity supply challenges

    The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has met with Managing Director of companies and key customers in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The firm, at the meeting identified challenges facing key customers ranging from quality of voltage, response time and supply issues among others and showed readiness to addressed the challenges.Speaking at a ‘Breakfast Meeting with Managing Director and Key Customers’, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha, said aside finding solutions to challenges being faced by the key customers, the forum was also to interact and appreciate them for their patronage.

    He said: “We want to know their challenges and way forward. We want to make this event a periodic event, so that we can keep track on all action items that has been identified.

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    “We hope to make our customers to continue to appreciate our supplies and services.”

    Agoha however said IBEDC customers should expect positive changes, adding that it’s a level of commitment for management of IBEDC to have had such interaction with Managing Directors and key customers in the region.

    “I’m holding my colleagues accountable, we have identified the immediate problem facing the key customers, and we are ready to resolved them.”

    Some of the attendees of the event showed readiness to collaborate and partner with IBEDC, so as to overcome electricity supply challenges in the region.

  • Sahara Group targets 350,000 bbl/d, acquires 7 Rigs to boost upstream operations

    Sahara Group targets 350,000 bbl/d, acquires 7 Rigs to boost upstream operations

    Sahara Group, a global energy and infrastructure conglomerate, said it is expanding its upstream capacity with a target of producing 350,000 barrels of oil per day within the next five years.

    This growth will be driven by a significant upgrade of its Exploration and Production service offerings, the development of its execution capacity, and the acquisition of seven brand-new rigs for accelerated and more efficient production.

    The Chief Technical Officer, Asharami Energy, Leste Aihevba, made this known while engaging investors and stakeholders at a strategic meeting on the sidelines of the recently concluded Africa Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town, South Africa.

    He also underscored the critical importance of local collaboration and regional cooperation to position Africa as a global energy leader.

    Asharami Energy is Sahara Group’s upstream company.

    “The journey towards a secure and sustainable energy future for Africa cannot be travelled in silos. Every refinery upgrade, every gas commercialization project, every power reform and community wealth accretion initiative must be part of a broader continental blueprint,” Aihevba said.

    He said Sahara’s massive infrastructure drive is transforming its operations and boosting capacity and global competitiveness in Africa’s energy sector. “At Sahara Group, we continue to invest in the infrastructure needed to responsibly unlock Africa’s resources across our upstream, midstream, power, and infrastructure businesses, covering the full value chain,” he stated.

    “We have expanded our reserves development and production capacity with the acquisition of seven rigs for both drilling and workover. This bold and strategic drive also complements our efforts geared towards accelerating the pace from exploration to production, enhancing local content participation, and ensuring Africa efficiently develops the reserves that will power the continent’s growth and energy future,” he said.

    The rig acquisition, Aihebva noted, is central to Sahara’s plan to boost its production to at least 350,000 bbl/d of oil and 1,000,000 MMScf/d of gas in Nigeria within the next five years. “Two of the seven new rigs are already in the country, with another two expected to arrive before year-end. Our upstream operations are anchored on a robust shared prosperity approach, which recognises our host communities and government as partners, collaborating towards becoming locally competent and globally competitive in bringing energy to life responsibly,” he explained.

    Aihevba highlighted that these investments are already yielding results, noting that one of the rigs, the state-of-the-art 2000 HP Land rig named L-Buba, has successfully commenced operations by spudding a gas development well in one of Sahara’s fields, with the second rig currently being mobilised to the site to spud an oil development well, and other rigs to follow soon. The rigs will be managed by Arahas Global Oilfield Services, a Sahara Group company.

     “By matching our investments in infrastructure with development and deployment of exceptional human capital, fostering cross-border partnerships, localizing global technical expertise, and technology adoption, we are making marked contributions to the growing efforts towards accelerating Africa’s energy transition while ensuring no community is left behind,” Aihevba noted.

  • Sahara Group Foundation inaugurates 15th recycling hubs to boost environmental sustainability

    Sahara Group Foundation inaugurates 15th recycling hubs to boost environmental sustainability

    Sahara Group Foundation, the corporate social impact vehicle of Sahara Group, has inaugurated its 15th Sahara Go Recycling hub in Ijede, Ikorodu Local Government Area of Lagos State. This is in furtherance of the firm’s commitment to sustainable waste management, environmental protection, and community empowerment in Nigeria.

    The new hub, strategically located opposite the General Hospital in Ijede, extends the Foundation’s growing recycling campaign, building on the success of 14 hubs already established across Lagos.

    The Sahara Go Recycling initiative is designed to promote a circular economy by reducing waste, fostering resource recovery, and empowering local communities with opportunities to earn income from recyclables.

    Speaking at the commissioning, the Director, Sahara Group Foundation, Chidilim Menakaya, said: “The launch of the Ijede Go-Recycling Hub is not just about environmental sustainability; it is about redefining value, creating opportunities for economic empowerment, and building resilient communities that can lead the charge for sustainability.

    “Every plastic bottle, aluminium can, or piece of paper recycled here marks a step toward a cleaner environment, stronger livelihoods, and a future where waste is transformed into wealth”, underscoring the Foundation’s vision of inspiring a ripple effect of sustainable practices across communities.”

    The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Plc, executives and representatives of Sahara Group, Egbin Power Plc, and Ikeja Electric, the Vice Chairman of Ijede Local Government Development Area, and other members of the team, officials from the Ijede General Hospital, as well as other dignitaries, traditional leaders, and community members.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power Plc, Mokhtar Bounour, remarked: “At Sahara, Egbin, Ikeja Electric and across all our businesses, we don’t just say it, we transform it in action, making a difference and doing it from our heart to ensure that communities are empowered. A cleaner Ijede means a healthier Ikorodu and ultimately a stronger Nigeria. This initiative has the power to enhance public health while stimulating economic empowerment for our people.”

    The Vice Chairman, Ijede Local Government, Kabir Kareem, representing the Executive Chairman, emphasised the hub’s importance to Ijede residents, especially given its strategic location.

    “The essence of this project is environmental sustainability and value creation. When we transform our waste into resources, it is a symbiosis, improving our environment, reducing greenhouse gases, and global warming. Ultimately, we are creating job opportunities and saving energy,” Kareem said. He implored all Ijede residents to key into the project and minimise improper waste disposal.

    The Baale of Ipakan Community, Ijede, High Chief Mustapha Lasisi, commended the collaboration between Sahara Group Foundation, Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter, describing the hub as a vital contribution to the well-being and livelihoods of Ijede residents, especially because of the economic value it provides.

    Since its inception, the Sahara Go Recycling Initiative has collected over 500 tonnes of recyclable waste and facilitated payouts exceeding ₦50 million to beneficiaries. The program has positively impacted more than 1000 households, creating alternative income streams, supporting livelihoods, and reinforcing environmental sustainability.

    The Council Manager, Ijede Local Government, Mrs Ayodele Oluwakemi, called on residents to embrace the initiative, sort their waste, and turn in the recyclables to the hub in exchange for value, noting that this will contribute to a cleaner, greener Ijede.

    Similarly, Roseline Idehai, representing Eco Barter, added: “At Eco Barter, we believe waste is not a problem, but an opportunity. Our partnership with Sahara Group Foundation ensures this opportunity becomes a sustainable reality, empowering individuals and inspiring collective action toward a cleaner Lagos. We allow people to use their waste as currency and get value for every waste recycled”.

    The Personal Assistant to the Executive Chairman, Ijede Local Government, Disu Shoyiga, noted the health benefits of the initiative, stating: “A cleaner environment translates directly into healthier lives. And the add-on of this project is the economic value it brings to the people. We are grateful to the Sahara Group Foundation and will ensure that the hub remains viable”.

    Reiterating Sahara Group Foundation’s vision, Menakaya added, “The Sahara Go Recycling project is creating a ripple effect across Lagos, enabling households and communities to see value in responsible waste management. Through strategic partnerships, we are amplifying impact and building sustainable ecosystems for future generations.”

    “At Sahara Group Foundation, we believe in EXTRApreneurship, building sustainable ecosystems through collaborations that inspire change. With Ijede now part of our network, we are one step closer to a truly circular economy in Nigeria,” she concluded.

    Sahara Group Foundation plans to expand the Go Recycling Initiative to more communities in Lagos and across Africa, reinforcing its mission of “Building Sustainable Communities through EXTRApreneurship.”

    The new hub in Ijede was implemented in partnership with Egbin Power Plc, Ijede LCDA, and EcoBarter. It provides a convenient drop-off point for recyclable materials, including plastics, cartons, paper, and aluminium cans.

    Residents are encouraged to exchange waste for incentives at the hub – joining a growing network of locations across Lagos, such as Ijora, Ikorodu, Agege, Festac, Onigbongbo, Lagos Island, Oworonshoki, Ikotun, Apapa, Igbogbo Baiyeku, Kosofe, Ifako-Ijaye, and Navy Town.

  • FG to revoke licences of underperforming DisCos in 2028

    FG to revoke licences of underperforming DisCos in 2028

    The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has said the Federal Government will not renew the licences of electricity distribution companies (DisCos) that fail to meet performance standards when their current licences expire in 2028.

    Adelabu issued the warning at the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja during a session on the power sector, where he identified the inefficiency of the DisCos as one of the major challenges preventing a stable electricity supply in the country.

    The session, with the theme: “Uninterrupted power supply: The Industrial Imperatives,” attracted key industry stakeholders to discuss solutions to Nigeria’s enduring electricity problems.

    According to the minister, while the power sector is burdened by structural issues, the poor performance of the DisCos continues to impede progress toward achieving reliable and sustainable power delivery.

    He said: “The distribution companies need to sit up. They are a major bottleneck in the sector, and the government is doing everything possible to ensure they meet expectations. Their licences will expire in two years, and there will be major reforms before any renewal.

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    “Those that have not demonstrated technical expertise, financial stability, or commitment to national interest will be replaced. The government will ensure that every household is metered within the next three to five years.”

    On efforts to resolve the liquidity crisis in the sector, Adelabu disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has approved a N4 trillion bond to offset verified debts owed to power generation companies (GenCos) and gas suppliers.

    “To stabilize the market, Mr. President has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure the sector’s long-term viability,” he said.

    Chief Executive Officer of Azura Power, Mr. Edu Okeke, and the Managing Director of Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Philip Mshelbila, called for improved liquidity and efficient gas pricing to attract investment in power generation.

    Okeke noted that payment concerns over gas being priced in dollars were minor compared to other structural challenges facing the industry, while Mshelbila stressed that appropriate pricing would help stimulate investment in gas supply for electricity generation.