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Nigeria’s electricity generation has continued to hover around an average of 4,500 megawatts despite the country securing loans totalling over $3.23bn in about four years from international financial institutions.
Global institutions such as the World Bank, the African Development Bank, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have supported the power sector with billions of dollars in loans, but many parts of Nigeria still suffer incessant blackouts.
These funds were approved to finance various projects to address the country’s electricity challenges and improve access to reliable power supply.
However, power generation in the country has persistently hovered around 4,500MW for a population of over 200 million people.
The daily power report obtained by one of our correspondents on Thursday, for instance, showed peak generation reached 4,743MW as of 6 am on Thursday.
However, the average power generation in the past three years has remained at 4,500MW despite efforts by the government.
Since 2020, the World Bank has approved multiple loans to Nigeria’s power sector, focusing on sustainable energy solutions, distribution system upgrades, and overall sector reform.
The Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria Project, with a principal amount of $500m, was signed in September 2024 to enhance energy reliability and agricultural productivity.
In December 2023, the World Bank signed agreements for the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up Project, totalling $750m across three International Development Association credits.
This project is expected to expand renewable energy access and distributed electricity solutions.
In June 2023, the World Bank approved $1.5bn for the Power Sector Recovery Performance-Based Operation, which includes $301m already effective, $449m currently disbursing, and $750m from 2020, of which $715m has been disbursed.
This programme was designed to improve financial sustainability and operational efficiency within the power sector.
Also, the Nigeria Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, with $500m approved in February 2021, aims to support the capital and technical needs of electricity distribution companies.
On July 31, 2024, the African Development Bank Group approved a loan of $500m to the Federal Republic of Nigeria to help transform the country’s electricity infrastructure and improve access to cleaner energy sources.
According to a statement from the AfDB, this funding will finance the first phase of the Economic Governance and Energy Transition Support Programme, aimed at transforming the country’s electricity infrastructure and improving access to cleaner energy sources.
The statement also noted that the loan will help close the financing gap in the Federal Budget for the 2024/25 fiscal year, specifically supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s new Electricity Act and the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.
These initiatives are designed to decentralise the electricity supply industry and attract investments from subnational governments and the private sector.
In September 2022, the Federal Government said it would partner with the Japan International Cooperation Agency to implement a $200m electricity transmission expansion programme in Lagos and Ogun states.
The former Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, had said the aim of the programme was to expand the transmission network in the identified states so as to effectively support industries in the South-West.
However, there have been some challenges around the implementation of a number of the projects linked to the loans.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the $500m Nigeria Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, aimed at addressing significant challenges in the country’s electricity distribution sector, was hit by several delays.
A World Bank document on the restructuring of the project, obtained by The PUNCH on Monday, indicated that these delays, primarily due to a court case filed by the Association of Meter Manufacturers of Nigeria and a slow approval from the National Assembly, have threatened the timely implementation of the project.
The DISREP, approved by the World Bank in February 2021, is designed to improve the financial and technical performance of Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies.
The programme is a hybrid one, combining a Programme-for-Results component valued at $345m, with an Investment Project Financing component of $155m.
The funding aims to enhance Nigeria’s electricity sector by improving Discos’ performance, addressing the metering gap, rehabilitating distribution infrastructure, and strengthening governance.
However, the implementation of the project has been delayed due to a few factors, including a legal challenge that impacted the procurement of smart meters.
With the challenges in the sector, power generation in Nigeria has not improved, and the country continues to experience erratic electricity supply and frequent national grid collapses, with over 100 incidents recorded in the past decade.
Nigeria has been battling epileptic power supply, affecting the productivity of small businesses and manufacturers. This challenge is exacerbated by the frequent collapse of the national grid, with a total of 12 breakdowns recorded in 2024.
These challenges, compounded by infrastructure deficiencies and delays in implementing critical reforms, have raised questions about the effective utilisation of these funds.
To resolve recurring issues, the Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, revealed that Nigeria requires at least $10bn over the next 10 years to achieve 24-hour power supply across the country.
However, several underlying factors have hindered the presidential goal to generate 6,000MW this year.
The government has pledged to address these inefficiencies and ensure that the loans yield the intended results.
The PUNCH earlier reported that the Ministry of Power plans to allocate a significant portion of its N1.2tn 2025 budget towards financing a range of multilateral and bilateral loan projects to enhance electricity generation and distribution nationwide.
Stakeholders within the power sector have emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in managing these resources to achieve tangible improvements in electricity generation.
However, as of now, the stagnation in power output persists, leaving many Nigerians to contend with unreliable power supply despite the substantial financial inflows in the sector.
Recall that Adelabu had promised Nigerians that there would be incremental power supply in the country under his watch as the Minister of Power. According to him, the Tinubu administration would do everything possible to make electricity accessible to all.
He promised that 1,200 MW would be added to the 4,800MW generated in May to raise the generated power to 6,000 MW by September but all of these goals were not achieved.
As an alternative, the government said it has begun moves to harness renewable energy sources as a critical part of the nation’s energy mix, to ensure sustainable power supply to citizens.
The government also revealed plans to provide Nigerians with at least 20 hours of daily electricity by 2027.
However, many challenges are hampering the actualisation of these targets, ranging from the multiple grid collapse cases, growing debts to power generation companies, and the vandalism of critical power infrastructure, to ageing infrastructure, inadequate maintenance, and insufficient investment in the power sector.
Despite having an installed capacity of approximately 12,500MW, Nigeria often generates only a fraction of this, leaving many areas without reliable electricity.
Commenting, a power expert, Mr Chinedu Amah, queried reasons why the government is borrowing to invest in a sector it claims to have privatised.
Amah, who is the founder of Spark Nigeria Ltd, noted the loans remain of no value if there is no electricity.
Speaking in a telephone interview on Thursday, the power expert urged the House and Senate Committees overseeing the audit of the borrowing process to take action.
He said, “The first question is why is the government investing in a space, it says it has privatised. That’s the first question. Why is it throwing investments and even borrowings at a sector it has privatised?
“Does the Federal Government borrow money to improve the telecommunications sector or automobile companies? That is the first question.
“The next thing is what was it spent on, who is auditing that process, and what are the House and Senate Committees saying concerning those borrowings and their effectiveness in improving power supply and the electricity market.
“If they are borrowing, what is the pathway for recovering the funds for repayment? Borrowing is not a problem, but it’s about what you are spending the money you borrowed on and whether you are spending it judiciously.
“If you are spending it, how do you hope to recover it for value, and when are you paying back that value?
“But at the end of the day, whether they borrow N100bn or whatever, if Nigerians don’t see the light at home, the loans have no value. It must translate to a true value, and it’s an adequate power supply.”
The President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, in a chat with our reporter, raised concerns about project conceptualisation in Nigeria, particularly in the energy sector.
According to him, while projects design and delivery globally are aimed at achieving intended objectives, in Nigeria, many projects are often designed to facilitate the pilfering of public funds.
He said at the generation level, critical issues like the lack of a spinning reserve persist despite the availability of funds that could have been allocated to address such challenges.
This oversight, he said, reflects a systemic neglect of pressing infrastructure needs.
Olubiyo also said the prevalence of abandoned projects had left many states across the country severely underserved in terms of energy supply.
He said that even when those projects are completed, they often fail to meet the current energy load demand due to their outdated designs and limited capacity.
He said government funding alone would not suffice to address the challenges, calling for partnerships with the private sector and commercial banks.
The Federal Government has confirmed plans to increase telecoms tariffs but assured Nigerians it won’t be by 100% as requested by operators.
The Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Bosun Tijan, made this known at a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would come up with modalities for tariff adjustment in the telecoms industry.
Tijani said, “We’ve look at a number of things in terms of how to ensure that can meaningfully contribute to the development of Nigeria.
“Some of those things include implementing the Executive Order around ensuring that we can protect infrastructure around telecoms, driving up significantly local content and importantly, ensuring the sustainability of the companies themselves that as we see inflation across the world that telecommunications companies, we don’t run them down but we allow them to continue to be sustainable so that they can contribute to our economy.
“You have seen over the past weeks that there has been agitation from some of these companies to increase tariffs, requesting for 100% tariff increase. This is not something that as a government we will be able to subscribe to at the minute.”
The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, has debunked rumours of him being arrested, describing it as “recurring fake news.
Some social media posts had claimed that the former Anambra State governor was arrested in Abuja.
But in a post on his X handle on Wednesday, Obi said the claims are entirely false and stated that he is currently at his home in Onitsha, Anambra State.
He recalled how similar “lies” had been circulated last September that the Department for Security Services (DSS) invaded his home while he was in Rwanda.
The Labour Party chieftain said that the motive of those peddling the rumours cannot be positive but urged Nigerians not to allow it to distract them from the critical challenges facing the nation.
The post reads, “The recurring fake News on me. I have been made aware of a circulating fake News about my alleged arrest. Let me state unequivocally that these claims are entirely false. I am currently at my home in Onitsha, Anambra State.
“Such fake News on my person has become a pastime for some people. Recall last year September, when I was in Rwanda, similar lies had gone out that DSS invaded my house; now, while I was in my home in Onitsha, Anambra State, they said I was arrested in Abuja.
“The motive of these peddlers cannot be positive but let us not allow baseless rumors to distract us from the critical challenges we face as a nation. I Thank the public for the concern, support, and dedication to the cause of a better Nigeria that is possible!!!”
Obi had on Tuesday alleged threat to his life following his criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in his new year message.
Obi’s allegation follows a statement credited to the national spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Felix Morka, in a recent interview.
Morka was quoted to have said that “Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times and has it coming to him whatever he gets”. However, the APC spokesperson has denied threatening the opposition leader or his family.
A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nicolas Felix, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting his preparedness and unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s progress.
Following a meeting with the President at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on Monday, Felix expressed admiration for Tinubu’s leadership qualities.
“Dr. Reuben Abati’s assertion that the President has settled down on his job is, in fact, an understatement.
“This is not just a leader settling in; this is someone who came fully prepared and knows exactly what he’s doing,” Felix remarked.
The conversation between Felix and Tinubu centered on strategies to advance Nigeria’s development and address pressing national challenges.
Felix praised the administration’s reforms, particularly the establishment of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex (BATTIC), which he said underscores the President’s dedication to a technology-driven future.
He also commended Tinubu’s commitment to inclusivity, evident in the substantial representation of young people and women in his government.
“I thanked the President for fulfilling his campaign promises to empower young people and women within his administration.
“It’s unprecedented to see such strong representation at the federal level. It shows his commitment to building an inclusive and diverse leadership,” he said.
Felix, who contested against Tinubu during the APC presidential primary for the 2023 election, further emphasized his confidence in Tinubu’s capabilities, noting their discussion on key policies.
“I had the privilege of discussing key policies with him, and I was struck by his insight and clear understanding of the issues. Nigerians didn’t elect a novice.
“We have a leader who is not only qualified but also fully equipped to steer the country in the right direction. I must say, we are in very safe hands,” Felix stated.
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of six soldiers during a raid by the Islamic State/ Boko Haram group on its military base in Borno State.
Channels Television published reports of the incident on Monday.
According to the report, two military officers said that the fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly launched a pre-dawn attack in trucks and on motorcycles on Sunday on the base in Sabon Gari in Borno State’s Damboa district.
The insurgents reportedly set fire to the base along with army vehicles. “We lost six soldiers in the ISWAP terrorists attack on the base after an intense gun battle,” AFP quoted one of the officers.
Fighter jets were reportedly deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri 100 kilometres (62 miles) away, and struck the attackers as they retreated.
In an update statement on Wednesday, the DHQ said although on the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered, six of its personnel were killed in action.
The DHQ also said its troops recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The statement said “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in SABON GARI Village of DAMBOA Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight. The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.
“The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.
“Furthermore, though troops reinforcement team encountered an Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorist.
“Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.
“On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons were recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.
“Kindly note that the names of killed in-action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their next of kin to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.”
The Armed Forces reiterated that it is “profoundly conscious” of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.
It added that troops remain committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.
Since 2009, northern Nigeria has been plagued by various jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and a rival faction the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), as well as armed criminal groups.
The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast.
In November, five Nigerian troops were killed and 10 more injured when ISWAP fighters raided a base in Kareto village near the border with Niger.
- We are working hard for prosperity of our people
- Mahama steps in, promises reforms
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday urged world leaders to change their negative perception of Africa.
According to him, African leaders are working hard for the prosperity of their respective countries.
He called for collaborative efforts to tackle social and economic malaise plaguing the continent.
Speaking as a special guest of honour at the inauguration of John Dramani Mahama as Ghana’s 12th president in Accra yesterday, President Tinubu said: “We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves.
“We have found the critical path to our success.
“We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.
“With focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.”
Mahama, president of the country between 2012 and 2017, returned to power after taking his oath of office before many dignitaries from Africa and the Commonwealth of Nations.
Many heads of state were in Accra for the event. These include: Presidents William Ruto (Kenya), Julius Maada Bio (Sierra Leone), Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Senegal), Felix Tshisekedi (Congo DR), Paul Kagame (Rwandan), Brice Oligui Nguema (Gabon), and Mamadi Doumbouya (Guinea).
Other dignitaries include United Kingdom’s Minister for Africa Lord Collins, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore, Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, former Ghanaian Presidents John Kuffor and Nana Akufo-Addo, former Nigeria’s Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, former Ghanaian First Lady Mrs. Konadu Agyemang Rawlings and wife of immediate past Vice President Mrs. Samira Bawumia.
Foreign delegations, envoys, industry leaders, politicians and traditional rulers also witnessed the event.
President Tinubu was accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Mrs. Bianca Ojukwu.
Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Babagana Zulum (Borno), and Ademola Adeleke (Osun) were at the event as well as the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga.
Mahama succeeded Akufo-Addo, who stepped down after serving two terms.
He polled over 50 per cent of the votes, a landmark President Tinubu said reflected the deepening of democracy in Africa.
“Today, I am here, not only as the President of Nigeria, but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people,” he said.
The President described Mahama’s inauguration as a source of pride and honour for Ghanaians, Africa, and the Diaspora.
He added: “We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another.
“This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society.
“It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.”
President Tinubu said as Ghana drew inspiration and strength from its first leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and other past leaders, Nigeria also drew inspiration from its founding leaders, who fought for her independence and cherished the close relationship between the two nations.
He added: “May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders. Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.”
Hailing Ghanaias for electing Mahama, President Tinubu said: “Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core.
“He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.”
He expressed confidence that the new government under Mahama would work with Nigeria to strengthen the powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for the citizens of the countries.
President Tinubu stressed: “I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.
“Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing sub-regional integration and progress.”
Assuring the Ghanaian leader of his support, Tinubu said: “President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you.
“You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.
“It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly.
“It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria, and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves.
“We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves.”
He said African nations would stand firm against external forces seeking to disrupt their unity.
President Tinubu added: “Never, never shall we harm others, and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.”
President Tinubu also expressed optimism about a future of shared prosperity for Africa, guided by the principles of dialogue and cooperation.
He said: “Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity. God bless Ghana, Nigeria, ECOWAS, and our beloved Africa.”
Mahama to boost economy
Mahama promised to overcome public discontent by boosting the economy, creating jobs, initiating constitutional reforms and fostering good governance.
“We are a people battered by economic crises and hardships. But there’s hope on the horizon,” Mahama said, amid cheers from the crowd.
He added: “We’ll focus our initial efforts on four critical areas. The first is economic restoration and stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment.
“The second is the improvement of the business and investment environment to ensure that Ghana is once again open for business.
“The third is governance and constitutional reforms. And the final, but not the least, is accountability and the fight against corruption.
“My brothers and sisters, actions have always spoken louder than words.
“With that in mind, I have entered into a covenant with you, the good people of Ghana, in which I have enumerated 26 actions that I’ll take within my first 120 days.
“There is reason for hope, and there is every reason for hope, but we must also have faith because faith empowers us to trust that things will happen.
“With faith, you believe what you know, and that is why we need faith to be able to achieve our reset.
“We need a reset with the faith we have in our country and our leadership.
“We need a reset with the faith we have in our institutions. We need a reset with our faith in our dear nation, Ghana, and by that, I mean in all of us, because all of us are Ghana. You are Ghana, and I am Ghana.
“All of you seated here, Ghanaian citizens, you are Ghana. The people who are with you or near you, as you watch this on television in your homes or listen on the radio or follow on social media, are what we call Ghana.”
Mahama said his new economic model would be anchored on agriculture and agribusiness, adding that he would provide jobs for young people, stimulate local industry and attract foreign investment.
Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has urged the ruling All Progressives Congress to tender a formal apology to Peter Obi and the Nigerian people over the use of inflammatory and “disgraceful language” in a recent interview.
Atiku disclosed this in a tweet posted on his official X account.
His demand was a fallout of Sunday’s interview on Arise Television, where the National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Felix Morka, claimed that the former Anambra governor “crossed the line” in his persistent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, adding that Obi deserved to get whatever came his way.
Morka also alleged that Obi was desperately seeking to incite Nigerians into bringing down the current government.
Morka’s perceived threat has since elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians, with Obi’s supporters warning that nothing should happen to the former LP presidential candidate following the perceived threat.
Atiku asserted that such inflammatory remarks by Morka serve as a disturbing emblem of the current administration’s unsettling strategy in addressing opposition figures.
The former vice president also said the face-off signals a worrisome shift towards an authoritarian governance model, where the rights of opposition voices are being suffocated.
He said, “Such reckless and derogatory expressions cannot be tolerated, and it is incumbent upon the APC to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian people for such disgraceful language.
“Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme. It is not merely the right but the solemn duty of a democratic government to listen attentively to the voices of its critics, engage in meaningful dialogue, and allow space for the articulation of alternative viewpoints.
“A true democracy thrives on the healthy exchange of ideas, where the criticisms and contributions of opposition leaders, like Peter Obi, are seen as vital for the betterment of governance and the promotion of public accountability.”
In a similar development, the Labour Party on Tuesday gave the President seven days to reprimand and call Morka to order.
The ultimatum comes barely 24 hours after the ruling party and the Obedient Movement had a heated debate on Monday over the perceived threat to the life of the former Anambra governor.
In his petition on Tuesday, the Director-General of the Labour Party Directorate of Mobilisation and Integration, Marcel Ngogbehei, warned against targeting Obi over his New Year’s State of the Nation message.
The LP chieftain raised concerns that the manner Morka went about his statements showed that his disagreement went beyond party rivalry and the principle of free speech required in a democracy.
He said, “These statements, which target Peter Obi, a respected global figure and LP Presidential candidate in the last election, go beyond political rivalry and pose a direct threat to our democracy, peace, and unity.
“Your Excellency, as a key leader in the opposition for many years, you and the APC were beneficiaries of the freedoms and protections afforded by Nigeria’s democratic system under the then President Goodluck Jonathan, which allowed you to challenge the status quo and ultimately ascend to power.
“We, therefore, call on you to reprimand Mr Felix Morka for his inflammatory statements within the next seven days. Should Your Excellency choose not to act decisively by openly condemning Mr Morka’s statements, it will send a troubling signal to Nigerians and the international community that your administration is either complicit in or indifferent to threats against democracy and political dissent.
“It is imperative for your administration to distance itself from any rhetoric or actions that threaten free speech, suppress opposition, or endanger the lives of political leaders.”
In what looks like a counter-allegation, Morka, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, called on the former Anambra governor to call his supporters to order.
Morka said he had become the target of many online trolls, which he claimed were from Obi’s supporters over his alleged inflammatory utterances.
According to him, there was nowhere he threatened the former governor in the controversial interview.
The statement read, “We call on Mr Obi to immediately set the record straight, withdraw his false allegation against Morka, and call his online supporters to order. Obi leads a restless band of online mob who continue to attack, intimidate, bully and issue death threats to other citizens who dare disagree or criticize his opinions on any matter of national conversation.
“Obi has never condemned their conduct or called them to order. To be clear and for the record, Morka did not threaten Mr Obi, his family or those around him or anyone. Nothing that Morka said in that interview or any other forum remotely suggests a threat against Mr Obi or anyone else.
“As the national spokesman of the ruling party, I will continue to hold Obi and other opposition actors accountable for their actions, just as they seek to, and should, hold our great party and administration accountable when truth and public trust are compromised.”
Meanwhile, a member of the APC National Working Committee, Tolu Bankole, has thrown his weight behind Morka, who he said was merely doing his job.
Bankole also chided Obi for playing the victim after allegedly inciting his online supporters to troll the APC spokesman.
The APC chieftain disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja.
The APC national leader, saddled with the responsibility of Persons living with Disabilities matters, stated that Morka was carrying out his official assignment as a committed spokesman.
He said, “I urge Mr Obi to stop playing the victim and focus on providing fact-based constructive opposition. The APC administration under President Bola Tinubu remains committed to nation-building and we welcome constructive criticisms grounded in truth.
“Let it be known that no amount of false allegations can distract the APC from its mandate of delivering good governance to the Nigerian people. It is the duty of the National Publicity Secretary to defend our government, President and APC policies.
“It is, however, troubling that Mr Obi, whose followers have gained notoriety for online bullying and issuing threats, would level such accusations while failing to address the toxic behaviours of his supporters.”
The APC chieftain said he reviewed the controversial video clips of the Arise TV interview and found no evidence of any threat to Obi or his family.
“I know Morka to be a man of peace who would never threaten anyone’s life. His comments were within the bounds of political discourse and in response to criticisms of our government. He has also discharged this role with the utmost professionalism, maturity and a commitment to truth,” Bankole said.
When contacted for reaction, Obi’s media aide, Umar Ibrahim, vowed that his principal would not be intimidated by APC’s antics.
Ibrahim told The PUNCH that the former governor already had an indelible track record for holding leaders accountable.
The Office of the Auditor-General for the Federation has uncovered financial irregularities totalling ₦514 billion in the 2021 operations of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The findings were detailed in an audit report highlighting non-compliance and internal control weaknesses within Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the 2021 financial year.
Breakdown of Infractions
The audit revealed four major financial discrepancies:
1. Irregular Deductions: ₦343.64 billion was deducted from domestic crude oil sales at source without proper documentation.
2. Sinking Fund Deposits: ₦83.66 billion, classified as miscellaneous income, was retained in a sinking fund account.
3. Unauthorised Refinery Deductions: ₦82.95 billion was deducted from federation revenue purportedly for refinery rehabilitation.
4. Unsubstantiated Payments: ₦3.75 billion was flagged for unverified transactions relating to petrol sales.
Constitutional Violations
The Auditor-General’s report stated that these transactions breached the 1999 Constitution and the Financial Regulations Act of 2009.
Details of Irregularities
The report noted that ₦484.73 billion was generated from domestic crude oil sales in March and May 2021.
However, ₦343.64 billion was deducted for various expenses, including “Value Shortfall,” “Strategic Stock Holding Cost,” and “Pipeline Maintenance.”
These deductions were unilaterally made by NNPCL without sufficient documentation to justify the expenses.
Additionally, ₦50 billion of the net payable amount for May 2021 was unaccounted for, leaving a significant gap in federation revenue.
Audit Concerns
The Auditor-General attributed these issues to weak internal controls within NNPC, now operating as NNPCL.
The report warned that such practices pose risks of public fund diversion, misappropriation, and significant revenue losses for the federation.
The report read, “Audit observed from the review of NNPC SAP payment record for March and May 2021 payments that the sum of ₦484.73bn was the gross amount generated for the sale of domestic crude for the months of March and May 2021.
“The sum of ₦343.64bn from the gross amount was unilaterally deducted from the gross domestic crude sales as NNPC Value shortfall, Strategic Stock Holding Cost, Crude Oil and Products Pipeline Losses, as well as the pipelines maintenance and management costs.
“The details of each of the cost components deducted were not provided for audit review. Hence, the reasons for the deductions could not be justified by the management.
“In the month of May, the net payable that could have been remitted ought to have been ₦127.075bn, but only the sum of ₦77.075bn was remitted, leaving an unremitted balance of N50bn to the Federation Account, which has remained unaccounted for.
“The above anomalies could be attributed to weaknesses in the internal control system at NNPC, now NNPC Ltd. This is a potential loss of Federation revenue, diversion of public funds, or misapplication or misappropriation of funds.”
The Nigerian Police Force have announced the arrest of 751 suspects for cybercrime-related fraud in the year 2024.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi who reeled out the score card explains that 14 convictions have been secured during the period under review with 508 cases.
Adejobi also explains that a total of $840, 000 was recovered for victims of cyber crimes, while a total of N914 million, as well as a total of over $115,000, are frozen in different bank accounts and crypto wallets.
A further breakdown of the report according to the force PRO includes the recovery of 26 vehicles, sixteen houses 16 houses and 39 plots of land.
John Mahama today took the oath of office as Ghana’s new president in a ceremony attended by world leaders.
John Mahama returned to the office he held eight years ago following his commanding victory in December elections.
Mahama, 66, defeated the ruling-party’s candidate amid voter anger over economic hardship exacerbated by Ghana’s 2022 sovereign-debt default.
He clinched 56.6% support in a country where the margin between the two main political parties has previously been very slim.
Naija News reports that Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, attended Mahama’s oath taking ceremony.
Meanwhile some governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) visited Mahama before his swearing in.
Among the PDP governors who paid the visit to Mahama were the Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori; Adamawa State Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri; Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal; Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas and Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang.
In a brief post on his social media handle, Governor Oborevwori said the visit was to enhance bilateral relations between Ghana and their states.
“It was a privilege to pay a courtesy visit to the President-elect of Ghana, His Excellency, John Dramani Mahama, earlier today alongside my brother governors.
“This visit will enhance the bilateral relations between our states and, by extension, strengthen the ties between our beloved country, Nigeria and our sister nation, Ghana,” he stated.
Also, Governor Fintiri stated that the visit was a show of solidarity with Mahama as he begins a new chapter of leadership in Ghana.
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The ruling All Progressives Congress and supporters of the Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, engaged themselves in a war of words on Monday over an alleged threat to the life of the former Anambra State governor.
The hostility was a fallout of Sunday’s interview on Arise Television, where the National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Felix Morka, claimed that the former Anambra governor had “crossed the line” in his recent criticism of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
An emotional Morka claimed that Obi was desperately seeking to incite Nigerians into bringing down the current government.
The APC spokesman subsequently ended his argument with a subtle threat of “he has coming to him whatever he gets.”
He said, “Mr Obi is shooting from the hip. He is not looking or taking an aim. He just shoots widely like the Wild Wild West movies we used to see back in the day. He is absolutely irrational in his thinking about a man who was governor for eight years and left nothing to remember in Anambra State by way of legacy.
“Now that he didn’t win, he is sulking. Rather than get a perspective or figure out why he lost so he can do better in the future, he thinks he can bring down the government by simply being maliciously deceptive. That is wrong.
“I am not somebody to go on the offensive in that manner, but Mr Peter Obi has crossed the line so many times, and I think that at this point, he has come to him whatever he gets.”
Reacting in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, warned the APC against intimidating Obi, his family members or close associates, insisting that such a threat should not be allowed to go unaddressed.
The former spokesman of the Obi presidential campaign council also warned against any attempt to arrest his principal, adding that Nigerians would call for the head of the ruling party.
He said, “That is a threat. If they make the move (to arrest Obi), it will boomerang on their government. In a democratic setting, Obi did not in any way impugn anybody’s integrity, nor did he cross any line. We are not making any false allegations.
“But if they threaten anybody with some level of impunity, believe me, the Nigerian people will react negatively to them. They must learn to accept it. If they have a counter-allegation to the issues we are raising, they should be provided with facts.
“Obi only spoke to the issue that concerns every Nigerian, which he has a right to. So, what this simply means is that what we have been accusing them of, gagging, arresting and then maiming people to the level of intimidation and impunity, is what they are planning to administer on Nigerians starting from this January just because people have spoken against bad governance.”
Speaking further, the Labour Party chieftain called on security agents not to allow the APC spokesman’s threat to slide without proper investigation.
According to him, the Obidient Movement will not be cowed into silence by the ruling APC government.
He said, “We stand firmly with Peter Obi and his vision for a just, equitable and prosperous Nigeria. We call on Nigerians to resist this slide into authoritarianism by continuing to demand accountability, justice and the protection of democratic values. Finally, we urge the security services to not sweep such threats under the carpet as they had done in previous times but engage Mr Morka to elucidate on his utterance.
“Furthermore, the ruling party called to order their mouthpiece and members at large to desist from actions that could heat up the polity. In addition, the government of the day should foster an environment of noble ideas to shape our national discourse and not threats. They must be seen to be tolerant of criticism.
“The level of impunity and attack they put on the previous government of the PDP was worse than this and they are getting less of that criticism in their own government. So, criticising them is a way of uplifting the standards of our democracy. We Nigerians have the right as covered under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to speak to issues.”
Similarly, Obi also reacted to the threat made by the APC spokesman, saying he would not be silenced for speaking truth to power.
Reacting via his official X handle, Obi wondered how a harmless New Year message he gave could elicit a threat from the APC spokesman.
“Have I really crossed the line? I ask the question because my New Year message has now led to threats against my life, my family, and those around me. While I have received all sorts of messages, one Mr Felix Morka has gone further to accuse me of “crossing the line” and has warned that I will face the consequences.
“I find it necessary to share this message again and urge everyone who has not seen it to watch. If I have truly crossed the line, I invite anyone to point it out, as I remain committed to upholding decorum. However, I will not be silenced in my resolve to speak truthfully, especially as our nation continues to drift toward undemocratic practices.
“We are increasingly transforming into an authoritarian and repressive regime, where freedom of expression is being systematically suppressed. May God help us create a better and freer society for the sake of our children,” he stated.
However, the National Publicity Director of the APC, Bala Ibrahim, expressed disappointment over the manner Obi’s supporters and loyalists went about the issue.
While asserting that Morka neither threatened nor insulted anyone in the said interview, Ibrahim urged the former governor to call his supporters to order.
“They are taking politics to a different level. By now, having come this far, we should be playing politics without bitterness. We shouldn’t be playing the kind of politics that will reduce us from human beings to lower animals. There is nothing threatening, insulting or harmful in what my boss, Mr Felix Morka, said in response to Peter Obi’s remark.
“There is nothing, depending on how you look at it. If you look at the content upside down or sideways, either way, you look at it, there is nothing to warrant the kind of social media bombardment and threats sent in the direction of the national publicity secretary. The Obidients have to revisit their conscience and understand the main intention of opposition in politics.
“It’s not supposed to be a show of insult and threats. No, we should be playing politics of maturity. I expect someone like Peter Obi, who was a governor for two terms and who has been on the political scene for a long time, to caution his supporters against using threats and language that are capable of derailing the meaning of democracy.”
When contacted, the Force spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi, denied knowledge of the incident.
Aadejobi said he wasn’t aware and thus couldn’t tell if there was a threat to Obi and Morka’s life or not.
“I’m not aware of what you are saying. Has he informed us?” Adejobi queried.
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his resignation after nine years in office, saying he will leave office as soon as the ruling Liberal party chooses a new leader after months of slumping polls and internal division.
“I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader,” Trudeau, who has been in power since 2015, told reporters in Ottawa following a protracted political crisis that saw top Liberal allies urge him to quit.
It was not immediately clear how long Trudeau will remain in office as a caretaker premier.
He said the Liberal leadership race will be “a robust, nationwide competitive process.”
That means Trudeau will continue to lead Canada when incoming US president Donald Trump takes office this month and will be tasked with leading the country’s initial response to the new US administration, including a possible trade war.
Trump has vowed to impose 25 percent on all Canadian imports, which could prove devastating to the Canadian economy, and Trudeau has vowed to retaliate.
Trudeau’s support within the Liberal party had been teetering through much of last year but plunged to new depths following the surprise resignation in December of his former finance minister and deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland.
In a scathing resignation letter, Freeland accused Trudeau of focusing on political gimmicks to appease voters, including a costly Christmas tax holiday, instead of steadying Canada’s finances ahead of Trump’s promised tariffs.
Canadian media have tipped Freeland as a possible contender to taker over the Liberal Party along with the former Bank of England governor Mark Carney, a Canadian who also previously led the Bank of Canada.
Lori Turnbull, a political science professor at Dalhousie University, said traditionally a Liberal leadership race would take four to six months but this time “they’ve got to be quicker than that.”
“If they don’t have a new leader for the next election, then there’s no point,” she told AFP.
Trudeau’s Liberals are trailing badly in the polls to the opposition Conservatives and narrowly survived three non-confidence votes in parliament late last year.
His minority government had been held up by a deal with the left-wing New Democratic Party but in December the NDP said they would vote to topple Trudeau at the next opportunity.
Trudeau confirmed that he had received permission from Canada’s governor general to suspend all parliamentary business until March 24.
That could could give the Liberals time to choose a new leader while restricting the opposition chances to bring a vote of non-confidence.
Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, has assigned portfolios to the newly appointed commissioners, permanent secretaries, and special advisers.
Yusuf asked new appointees, sworn in on Monday, to serve with dedication, integrity, and humility to meet the administration’s expectations.
Wada Sagagi, the former secretary to the state government (SSG), was sworn in as the commissioner for investment, commerce, and industry.
Ismail Danmaraya is the new commissioner for finance; Shehu Sani is the commissioner for power and sustainable energy, while Dahiru Hashim will serve as the commissioner for environment.
Also sworn in were Abdulkadir Abdulsalam (commissioner for rural development), Abdullahi Waiya (information), and Wada Ma’aji (public procurement).
Sanusi Dawakin-Tofa, the spokesperson to the governor of Kano, said in a statement that Yusuf asked the new cabinet members to rededicate themselves to meeting public expectations.
“I remain fully committed to fulfiling my campaign promises. These appointments therefore reflect our determination to identify and empower individuals who will help us implement policies and programmes that make a tangible difference in the lives of our citizens,” the statement reads.
“Over the past months, we have worked tirelessly to address pressing issues, including infrastructure development, education, healthcare, security, empowerment and employment generation for the citizens.
“Today’s appointments and the creation of the Local Government Service Commission further demonstrate our resolve to build a more efficient and people centred government.”
Barring any last-minute change in plans, marketers and retailers of petroleum products will start lifting Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) from the Port Harcourt Refining Company this week.
The Publicity Secretary of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Joseph Obele, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent.
According to Obele, since the refinery commenced operations in November, it has been supplying fuel to retail outlets owned by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited only.
Though marketers still load fuel from the NNPCL, Obele clarified that the products marketers currently buy from the state-owned oil company were imported.
He expressed concerns that the NNPCL was selling PMS to retailers in Port Harcourt at prices higher than that of Lagos State, pleading that the refinery should sell at N899 per litre instead of N970.
“NNPC is still telling us to buy at a rate different from the rate they are selling to Lagos at the moment because of logistics. So, Port Harcourt retail outlet owners are not really comfortable with that. Hence, the Port Harcourt refinery will start servicing us this week.
“We are also requesting that the same rate NNPC is selling to our members at Lagos should be the rate they will be selling to us over here in Port Harcourt too. We are not really comfortable with that disparity,” he disclosed.
Asked whether or not marketers in Port Harcourt and environs have started buying directly from the NNPC refinery, he replied, “No, but it will commence this week. The trucks loading out are for the NNPC retail outlets only.”
In his request to the NNPC, Obele stated, “We in Port Harcourt, we plead with the NNPC to sell to us at the same rate they are selling fuel to Lagos marketers. The difference is too much. It is N899 per litre in Lagos but N970 in Port Harcourt. It is far higher than that of Lagos.
“The way they explain it, it is like their own vessel will be bringing it and shipping it over to Port Harcourt depot for us to buy. So, we are now saying that since you will be selling directly to us from the refinery, you now have the stock available. Sell to us at the same rate you are selling to Lagos marketers.
“So, that’s where we are right now. Our request is that the NNPC should sell to us from the Port Harcourt refinery at the same rate they are selling the product to those in Lagos.”
Asked if he meant the NNPC was still importing fuel to Lagos, the PETROAN spokesman replied in the affirmative, saying “The stocks in Lagos are imported stocks.”
After several postponements, the NNPC announced in November that the old 60,000 barrels per day Port Harcourt refinery had resumed operations.
The NNPC promised that rehabilitation works at the new Port Harcourt refinery with 150,000 barrels per day capacity would soon be completed.
NNPC spokesman, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed that the refinery currently produces naptha which it blends to produce petrol.