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USAID Signs MOU with the Ministry of Power and Pledges ₦115.2 ($75 Million) Billion for Electricity Reforms and Clean Energy TransitionAbuja, Nigeria
USAID Signs MOU with the Ministry of Power and Pledges ₦115.2 ($75 Million) Billion for Electricity Reforms and Clean Energy Transition
Abuja, Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Federal Ministry of Power of Nigeria signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support electricity sector reforms, market transparency, and expanded access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable power for Nigerians. USAID/Nigeria Mission Director Melissa A. Jones and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power Mahmuda Mamman signed the MOU. This agreement will facilitate the implementation of a ₦115.2 billion (approximately $75 million) U.S. government grant-funded technical assistance program for power sector development and reforms in Nigeria.
Currently, over 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid power, while many others face unreliable supply. These challenges force many Nigerian families and businesses to rely on expensive, emission-intensive gasoline and diesel backup generators.
Director Jones emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing electrification in Nigeria, stating, “Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and provide a framework for partnerships with other key actors, including state and local governments, electricity generation and distribution sectors, and the off-grid sector.”
Power Africa Coordinator Richard Nelson, attending the signing ceremony during his first official visit to Nigeria, noted, “Nigeria is at the core of Power Africa’s strategy. I look forward to elevating our partnership to advance Nigeria’s progress towards our shared goal of ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, affordable power for all.”
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu expressed gratitude for USAID’s support, emphasizing the partnership’s potential to transform Nigeria’s power sector. He stated, “This collaboration with USAID is a significant milestone towards achieving sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all Nigerians. Together, we will address longstanding challenges, ensure transparency, enhance market liquidity, and accelerate our transition to clean energy solutions.”
USAID addresses these challenges through the Power Africa Initiative, a U.S. government-led partnership that leverages public and private sector resources to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this initiative, over 33 million Nigerians have been connected to power, approximately $4.5 billion has been mobilized for on-grid and off-grid power projects in Nigeria, and over 200 private companies in the off-grid sector have received assistance.
This new initiative aims to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance regulatory capacities, and encourage private sector participation, driving Nigeria towards its clean energy and net-zero carbon emissions targets. The Ministry is committed to ensuring these interventions deliver tangible benefits to all Nigerians, promoting economic growth and sustainable development.
USAID Signs MOU with the Ministry of Power and Pledges ₦115.2 ($75 Million) Billion for Electricity Reforms and Clean Energy Transition
Abuja, Nigeria
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Sector 1 under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have rescued two kidnapped victims in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 3:50 a.m. on April 15 when troops deployed at Kyado responded to a distress call on kidnapping activities in the area.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly moved to the scene, prompting the kidnappers to abandon their victims and flee.
The sources added that the troops successfully rescued the two victims and reunited them with their families.
Security operations have been intensified in the area to track down the fleeing suspects and prevent further incidents.
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Benue
Troops arrest bandit kingpin’s Deputy, wife in Gombe following intelligence operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops have arrested the second-in-command to a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Auta, alongside his wife in Gombe State following an intelligence-led tracking operation across multiple locations.
Sources said the suspects, identified as Bala, popularly known as “Pakapaka,” and his wife, Zulaha Bala, were intercepted after fleeing from Dajin Madam Forest in Plateau State.
According to the sources, the arrests were the result of sustained intelligence surveillance and coordinated ground tracking by security operatives targeting fleeing members of the criminal network.
The suspects are currently in custody and undergoing interrogation to determine their level of involvement in the group’s activities and possible connections with other cells operating within and outside the region.
In a related development, troops conducted follow-up patrols around Bayar village in the Duguri axis after intelligence indicated that the main bandit kingpin had fled into the area.
However, no contact was made during the search operation.
Security sources said troops have continued to dominate the general area with sustained patrols aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of movement and disrupting their operational networks across Plateau, Taraba, and adjoining states.
Troops arrest bandit kingpin’s Deputy, wife in Gombe following intelligence operation
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, arrest kingpin’s aides in Plateau–Taraba forest operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops conducting ongoing clearance operations under Operation Wutan Daji have rescued 12 kidnapped victims and arrested key associates of a fleeing bandit leader during coordinated offensives across forested areas linking Plateau and Taraba States.
A military source said the operations, carried out on April 15 and 16, involved troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade in conjunction with an Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tactical team.
According to the source, the operations were conducted in the Dajin Madam and Kumbodoro forest axis, spanning parts of Plateau and Taraba States.
The source said the sustained offensive led to the recovery of 12 kidnapped victims who escaped from their captors during the pressure mounted by troops.
The victims were subsequently taken into custody for profiling before being moved to an Internally Displaced Persons facility in Fukuk.
Troops also recovered a Dane gun, a fabricated AK-47 rifle and a power bank during the operation.
Troops rescue 12 kidnapped victims, arrest kingpin’s aides in Plateau–Taraba forest operations
Troops rescue two kidnapped victims in Benue
Troops arrest suspected ammunition racketeer in Cross River
Troops arrest bandit kingpin’s Deputy, wife in Gombe following intelligence operation
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