In a bid to bring the Aluminium Smelter Company of Nigeria (ALSCON) into full operation, the Federal Government has inaugurated an 11- member project delivery committee.
The Committee comprises three members from ALCON, two from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), two members from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), two members each from the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Federal Ministry of Power.
In its terms of reference, the committee is expected to fast-track the connection of 132 kV transmission lines, ensure the completion of the Itu-Aba 132kV line, Itu-Calabar 132kV line, produce a status report and Single Line Diagram (SLD) of the 132k V Line, conduct joint commissioning of 132kV line, including funding requirements.
Read Also: Fubara never removed Tinubu’s portrait from Rivers Govt House, says Rivers govt
In addition to the 132kV project, the committee is also saddled with the connection of 330kV transmission lines to ALSCON by coming up with the funding requirements to complete the project, produce status project report and SLD of the 330k V Line, and conduct a joint commissioning of the project.
Inaugurating the committee in his office, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu emphasised the importance of the project, which he said would contribute to the economic growth and development of the country.
He said it was the desire of the Federal Government to see that ALSCON begins operation.
He charged all the agencies involved in revamping the company to work as a team “to ensure that it comes alive within a very short time”, while urging them to set up a practical working solution.
Adelabu said if ALSCON comes back, it would impact the economy of the country very positively,“ power is a critical enabler for continuous operation in the plant and could lead to economic growth. It will increase local capacity and create jobs for our people.
“So, we need to accelerate its activities and avoid delays. We need a lot of collaboration and cooperation to achieve this desired result”.
The Minister recalled visiting the company in October last year adding that ALSCON had reached out to the ministry on several occasions regarding the importance of reliable, stable, and uninterrupted power at the plant and the need for the plant to be connected to the national grid.
The representative of UC Rusal, the majority shareholder of ALSCON, Viacheslav Krylov, said the company was ready to work and collaborate with the Federal Government in addressing the challenges facing the power sector especially in the provision of electricity.
He revealed that ALSCON has an in built 540MW installed, gas-fired turbines for power generation, primarily for operations, he however added that the excesses would be transferred to the grid.
Krylov emphasized the importance of an alternative power supply for emergency basis in order to guarantee continuous operation in the plant when gas supply line is disrupted.
Category: News Update
-
FG inaugurates committee on ALSCON
-
Why national grid collapsed – NISO
The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) said the grid collapsed at 10:48 hours on Tuesday because a voltage disturbance originated from the Gombe Transmission Substation.
The Nation reported there was a nationwide outage due to grid collapse.
But the management of NISO in a statement titled: “Update on partial system disturbance on the national grid,” explained: “The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) wishes to state that at approximately 10:48 hours on January 27, 2026, the national grid experienced a voltage disturbance which originated from the Gombe Transmission Substation.”
NISO further said the voltage disturbance rapidly propagated across the network, affecting Jebba, Kainji, and subsequently Ayede Transmission Substations.
The event, said the management, was accompanied by the tripping of some transmission lines and generating units, resulting in a partial system collapse.
Read Also: Fubara never removed Tinubu’s portrait from Rivers Govt House, says Rivers govt
The statement reads in part: “Appropriate corrective actions were immediately implemented to stabilise the system and restore normal operations. Restoration, which began at about 11:11am has since been completed.
“The incident only affected part of the grid therefore not a total collapse as reported by some media organizations. Additional information can be obtained from our website: www.niso.org.ng.
“The national grid has been fully restored and electricity supply across the affected areas has since returned to normal.”
The Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) was in a distress state whren generation dipped to 39MW from only Delta (Gas) plant at 11:00 hours, when The Nation visited the website of the NISO.
The system crashed from the 3,825MW recorded at 10:00 hours.
According to its Electricity Distribution Profile, the NISO sent a total of 195MW to only three energy distributors at 11:59 hours.
The load was allocated as follows: Benin DisCo 65MW, Ibadan DisCo 50MW and Kaduna DisCo 40MW.
Eight DisCos were in total blackout as the recorded 0MW allocation.
With this occurrence, the NESI has recorded the second grid collapse in 2026 after recovering from its January 23 experience.
-
Court remands NEDC’s Project Coordinator, one other over alleged N5b fraud
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of the Project Coordinator of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed and Prince Chibuike Echem in Suleja prison in Niger State over alleged involvement in a N5billion contract fraud.
Justice Keziah Ogbonna issued the order shortly after they where arraigned on a 55-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud, forgery and award of fake contracts.
In the charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was alleged among others, that Mohammed, Echem and another person, Aminu Alhaji (said to be at large) defrauded the Managing Director of Diamond Leeds Ltd, Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu of N2.2billion between May 2022 and February 2024, under the pretence of awarding him contracts from the NEDC.
They were also said to have, between January and December 2023, obtained another N649.5million from Ifekudu, using the bank account of Prince Echem under the claim that they have capacity to award to his company contracts from the Multi-sectoral Crisis Projects (MCRP), of the Northeast Development Commission.
Read Also: Court remands NEDC’s project coordinator Mohammed, one other in prison over alleged N5b fraud
They were equally accused of collecting another N573million from the same contractor through a Wema Bank account belonging to Echem on the same ground.
The EFCC also accused them of obtaining under false pretenses a sum of $480,000 and $200,000 between January to December 2022, under the guise of awarding him contracts.
Both defendants were further accused of issuing fake contract papers to Ifekudu in the name of NEDC and made him to part with various sums before they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC.
The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the prosecuting lawyer, Olarenwaju Adeola applied for a date for the commencement of trial.
He informed the court that he has assembled seven witnesses to testify against the defendants.
The court did not hear the bail applications filed for the defendants by their lawyer, Chukwuka Obidike owing to opposition from Adeola.
Adeola told the court that he was served with the bail applications in the evening of January 26 and that he only saw it in the courtroom on January 27.
Adeola argued that bail applications were not ripe for hearing because he needed to file a response.
Ruling, Justice Ogbonna upheld Adeola argument and held that the applications were not ripe for hearing.
The judge then adjourned till March 25 for the hearing.
-
Moghalu quits Labour Party
- From Elekwachi Chinedum, Onitsha
The Labour Party (LP) candidate in the 2025 Anambra governorship election, Dr. George Moghalu has formally resigned from the party.
The former Managing Director, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) conveyed the decision in a letter dated January 26, 2026 to the party Chairman in his ward, Uruagu, Nnewi.
Moghalu expressed profound appreciation to the party at the ward, state, and national levels for providing him the platform to contest the guber poll.
Read Also: Fubara never removed Tinubu’s portrait from Rivers Govt House, says Rivers govt
He also acknowledged support and cooperation he received from party leaders and members throughout the campaign period.
The letter reads in part, “I bring you the good wishes of my family and write to formally inform you of my resignation from the Labour Party, effective January 26, 2026.
“Let me also thank the party, through you, for providing me the opportunity to use the Labour Party platform to contest the last governorship election of our state.
“Please accept, as always, the assurance of my sincere regards and kindly convey same to the members.”
-
Fubara never removed Tinubu’s portrait from Rivers Govt House, says Rivers govt
The Rivers state government debunked claims by the state’s chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) that Governor Siminalayi Fubara dismantled the official portrait of President Bola Tinubu from Government House.
A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the government had no policy, directive, or intention that disrespected Tinubu or the authority of the Federal Government.
Sirawoo said, “As a matter of fact, the State Government and the Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara, currently enjoy a more robust and collaborative relationship with the Federal Government, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the Renewed Hope Agenda that is yielding positive impacts on the lives of the citizenry and the state.”
He insisted that the insinuation that the governor acted out of “ingratitude” or “disrespect” was misleading, irresponsible, inflammatory, and unsupported by verifiable facts and should be discountenanced.
Read Also: Fubara impeachment: Court suspends order restraining Rivers CJ
Sirawoo said it was also regrettable that a body that was expected to promote youth unity and peace would resort to incendiary language, personal attacks, and unsubstantiated claims capable of heating up the polity at a time Rivers required calm, dialogue, and responsible leadership.
Sirawoo said, “The Rivers State Government, therefore, calls on well-meaning members of the public, particularly our esteemed and hardworking Youths to disregard and dissociate themselves from elements that are bent on driving divisive rhetoric and falsehood in politicising matters.
“Rivers State belongs to all of us. Political differences must never be allowed to override truth, civility, and the collective desire for peace and progress.
“Members of the public are urged to be wary of inflammatory statements and not give vent to those fifth columnists in their dubious agenda to cause division.”
-
Appeal court stops judgment on Aiyedatiwa’s eligibility to recontest Ondo guber poll
The Akure Division of the Court of Appeal has suspended the judgment of the Federal High Court in a suit challenging the eligibility of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to contest for a second term in office.
Mr Aiyedatiwa’s tenure expired in 2028.
The appellate court also ordered a stay of proceedings in the suit filed by an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Dr Akin Egbuwalo, seeking an interpretation of Section 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) on whether Aiyedatiwa is qualified to re-contest.
Justice Toyin Bolaji Adegoke of the Federal High Court, Akure, has slated tomorrow (February 28, 2026) to deliver judgment on the matter.
Governor Aiyedatiwa was first sworn in on December 27, 2024, to complete the tenure of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.
He was sworn in again on February 24, 2025, after winning the November 16, 2024, governorship election, in which he defeated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Hon. Agboola Ajayi.
The suit, instituted by Egbuwalo through his counsel, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), listed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Governor Aiyedatiwa, the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, as defendants.
However, the defendants, through their counsel led by Chief Solomon Awomolo (SAN), approached the Court of Appeal, challenging the conduct of proceedings at the trial court and urging the appellate court to restrain Justice Adegoke from delivering the judgment pending the determination of interlocutory appeals.
Although Akintola (SAN) urged the court to discountenance the application, arguing that there was no competent appeal before the appellate court, the panel of justices – led by Justice P. O. Affen, with Justices M. S. Hassan and P. C. Obiorah – held that it would be in the interest of justice to allow the trial judge to respond to what it described as weighty allegations raised against him.
The appellate court noted that while it was not the general practice to arrest judgments of lower courts or stay proceedings, exceptional circumstances warranted such intervention.
Consequently, the Court of Appeal ordered the suspension of the judgment scheduled for January 28 and directed that proceedings at the Federal High Court be stayed pending the determination of the appeal.
Reacting to the ruling, Awomolo (SAN) said the decision effectively halted further proceedings at the trial court.
“The ruling implies that the judgment of Honourable Justice Adegoke scheduled for January 28 is suspended until further notice. Everything is now on hold until the Court of Appeal determines the pending applications and appeal.
“The court predicated its ruling on respect for due process, the rule of law, and the hierarchy of courts, to ensure that the appeal is not rendered academic.”
-
Court remands NEDC’s project coordinator Mohammed, one other in prison over alleged N5b fraud
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of the Project Coordinator of the North East Development Commission (NEDC), Alhaji Danjuma Mohammed, and Prince Chibuike Echem in Suleja prison in Niger State over their alleged involvement in a N5billion contract fraud.
Justice Keziah Ogbonna issued the order shortly after they were arraigned on a 55-count charge bordering on advance fee fraud, forgery, and award of fake contracts.
In the charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), it was alleged among others, that Mohammed, Echem and another person, Aminu Alhaji (said to be at large) defrauded the Managing Director of Diamond Leeds Ltd, Kenneth Ejiofor Ifekudu of N2.2billion between May 2022 and February 2024, under the pretence of awarding him contracts from the NEDC.
They were also said to have, between January and December 2023, obtained another N649.5million from Ifekudu, using the bank account of Prince Echem under the claim that they have the capacity to award to his company from the Multi-sectoral Crisis Projects (MCRP), of the Northeast Development Commission.
They were equally accused of collecting another N573million from the same contractor through a Wema Bank account belonging to Echem on the same ground.
The EFCC also accused them of obtaining under pretences a sum of $480,000 and $200,000 between January and December 2022, under the guise of awarding him contracts.
Both defendants were further accused of issuing fake contract papers to Ifekudu in the name of NEDC and made him to part with various sums before they were arrested by operatives of the EFCC.
The defendants pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to them, following which the prosecuting lawyer, Olarenwaju Adeola, applied for a date for the commencement of the trial.
Read Also: NEDC deploys N3b health equipment for treatment of citizens
He informed the court that he had assembled seven witnesses to testify against the defendants.
The court did not hear the bail applications filed for the defendants by their lawyer, Chukwuka Obidike, owing to opposition from Adeola.
Adeola told the court that he was served with the bail applications in the evening of January 26 and that he only saw it in the courtroom on January 27.
He argued that bail applications were not ripe for hearing because he needed to file a response.
Ruling, Justice Ogbonna upheld Adeola’s argument and held that the applications were not ripe for hearing.
The judge then adjourned till March 25 for the hearing.
-
Presidency dismisses Tinubu’s stumble in Ankara as minor incident
The Presidency on Tuesday played down reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu tripped during a reception in Ankara, Türkiye, describing the incident as a minor stumble that did not in any way disrupt his official engagements.
President Tinubu, who is on a state visit to Türkiye, reportedly lost his balance briefly during a reception organised in his honour in Ankara, sparking reactions across social and traditional media platforms.
Reacting privately to the incident, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the President merely stepped on an object on the floor and momentarily lost his balance.
“The President stepped on a metal on the floor, which made him lose his balance. This is not a big deal, except for those who want to make mischief out of the fleeting incident”, Onanuga said.
Read Also: Economic model under Tinubu to drive higher GDP, says IMPI
He stressed that the development was neither serious nor consequential, adding that the President remained unharmed and continued with his scheduled programme.
“It was a mere stumble, thank God, not a fall,” Onanuga added.
Officials around him on the trip have said President Tinubu remained fully engaged in his official activities in Ankara, holding meetings and participating in events lined up for the state visit, which is aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and strategic ties between Nigeria and Türkiye.
-
Hearing stalled on EFCC’s suit seeking Malami’s property’s forfeiture
The planned hearing of a suit by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) seeking the forfeiture of 57 properties linked to a former Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, was stalled on Tuesday before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Emeka Nwite had on January 6 issued an order for the interim forfeiture of the landed property said to be located in Abuja, Kebbi, Kano, and Kaduna states.
Justice Nwite had granted the order while ruling on an ex parte motion by the EFCC, which was moved by its lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho (SAN)
In the ruling, Justice Nwite also directed the publication of the interim order of forfeiture in any national daily for any person(s) or body (ies) who might have an interest in the property to appear before the court and show cause within 14 days of the publication, why a final order of forfeiture to the Federal Government should not be made.
He then adjourned till January 27 for the EFCC to report compliance.
The case was not listed on the court’s cause list on Tuesday.
At the commencement of the court’s sitting on Tuesday, Jibrin Okutepa (SAN), who led a team of lawyers for the EFCC, told the court that the case was adjourned to January 27 for the EFCC to report compliance with the orders made earlier.
Read Also: Malami & Mohammed: Haunted by their past
Okutepa said when he enquired from the court’s registrar why the case was not listed, he was told it was a vacation case.
He urged the court to hear the case since it was fixed for Tuesday.
Justice Nwite, however, told Okutepa that it is the court’s tradition to return to the Chief Judge all cases heard during the court’s vacation at the end of the vacation period for the Chief Judge to reassign such cases.
The judge added, “I think you will have to pursue this administratively so that you can bring this (the case) to his (CJ’s) notice to fast-track the process.”
He said the EFCC would be informed if the case is reassigned to his court by the Chief Judge.
-
FULL LIST: All records broken at AFCON 2025
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) will be remembered as one of the most historic tournaments the competition has ever produced.
AFCON 2025 was not just a showcase of elite African football, but a festival of records, from unprecedented goal tallies to individual milestones and long-standing national benchmarks being pushed further into history.
Here’s a full list of records that were broken during the AFCON:
Goals galore: A new benchmark
AFCON 2025 set a new all-time record for goals scored in a single tournament. A total of 121 goals were registered across the competition, surpassing the previous record of 119 goals set at the 2023 edition in the Ivory Coast. The attacking intent on display throughout the tournament reflected a modern evolution of African football, with teams prioritising fluidity, pace, and chance creation.
Mohamed Salah: A record-breaking campaign
Egyptian superstar Mohamed Salah enjoyed one of the most remarkable AFCON campaigns in history, breaking and matching multiple records along the way. His four goals at AFCON 2025 took his overall tally to 11 goals, moving him into a four-way tie for fifth place on the all-time AFCON scorers list.
Salah also scored the latest goal ever recorded at AFCON, finding the net in the 120+4th minute against Benin. That goal added to a list of historic achievements that saw him become the first Egyptian player to score in five AFCON tournaments, as well as the first player to score against 11 different national teams in AFCON history.
In addition, Salah joined an elite group of players — including Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Kalusha Bwalya, Rashidi Yekini, and Joël Tiéhi — who scored in every AFCON tournament in which they made at least four appearances. He also drew level with Hossam Hassan as Egypt’s second-highest AFCON goalscorer, trailing only Hassan El-Shazly.
Sadio Mané reaches uncharted territory
Senegal’s Sadio Mané also etched his name into AFCON folklore by becoming the first player to record 20 goal contributions in the competition’s history. His combined total of 11 goals and nine assists, bolstered by two goals at AFCON 2025, set a new standard for attacking output across tournaments.
Nigeria’s medal dominance continues
Nigeria’s third-place finish further strengthened its legacy as the most decorated nation in AFCON history. The Super Eagles extended their record for the most total medals, now standing at 17, ahead of Egypt (13) and Ghana (10).
Read Also: Alebiosu reflects on AFCON 2025 experience
The bronze medal also marked Nigeria’s ninth third-place finish, extending their record as the nation with the most bronze medals in AFCON history.
Egypt extend their records
AFCON 2025 was Egypt’s 27th appearance at the tournament, further extending their record for the most participations. The Pharaohs also added to several cumulative records, including matches played (118), matches won (64), and goals scored (184) — reinforcing their status as the most statistically dominant nation in AFCON history.
Ivory Coast, DR Congo, and Tunisia Add to the Record Books
Ivory Coast extended their unwanted record as the nation with the most goals conceded in AFCON history, now standing at 117. They also joined DR Congo in holding the record for most matches lost, with both nations now on 31 defeats after knockout-stage exits.
Meanwhile, Tunisia reached a significant milestone by making their 17th consecutive AFCON appearance, extending their own record for the longest uninterrupted run in the tournament.