News
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has expressed concerned over the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the planned protest against what the protesters termed bad governance.
The ANN in a statement on Monday declared that it stand in solidarity with Nigerian youths as they plan a nationwide protest starting on Thursday August 1st.
The statement by the Country Director of the nongovernmental organisation, Andrew Mamedu said: “We firmly support citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest. It is important to reiterate that every Nigerian has the inalienable right to voice their grievances and demand accountability from their government without fear of violence or retribution.
“The End SARS protests of 2020 were a pivotal moment and highlighted the power of peaceful demonstration and the necessity of addressing citizens’ concerns. However, the tragic events that followed, including the killing and mass arrest of protesters, serve as a reminder of the dangers when security forces fail to uphold their duty to protect. This same failure repeated itself at the June 12, 2024, protest, where security agencies meant to protect citizens were involved in the violent clampdown on protesters.”
It warned that: “The federal government must not allow the violent repression of peaceful protesters to continually repeat itself. Any such actions would be a severe violation of human rights and undermine the democratic principles that our nation strives to uphold.”
The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria is also concerned by the alignment of many governors, politicians, traditional leaders, public office holders, and some high-net-worth individuals with the government’s stance against the protest, citing the chaos and destruction from the End SARS protests. These figures overlook that citizens do not protest without cause; severe economic challenges and poor living conditions are driving them to the streets. If the government channeled the same energy and resources currently being used to suppress the protest into addressing these concerns, the protest would likely dissipate.
“Instead, the federal government is mobilising various forces to stifle the protest rather than addressing the root issues. This history of clampdowns on protesters may explain why current organisers of the protest are choosing to remain anonymous and avoid negotiations.”
It demanded that: “The Federal Government must coordinate the three tiers of government, the private sector, and other stakeholders to genuinely address the demands of Nigerians by implementing effective mechanisms to alleviate the hardship that Nigerians are currently experiencing. Economic challenges, unemployment, and poor living conditions are driving citizens to the streets. The demands being made are the constitutional rights of citizens, especially as the ultimate goal is improved welfare and security all Nigerians.
“The Nigerian Police Force and all security agencies must provide adequate protection to all protesters and protest locations across the country. The safety of citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly must be ensured at all times. This protection is crucial to maintaining public order and preventing violence during demonstrations.
“The federal government must unequivocally commit, both in its rhetoric and actions, to preventing any recurrence of the violent repression of peaceful protesters by security agencies as witnessed during the last June 12 protests. The government and security agencies must respect the rights of citizens to protest without fear of violence or retribution.
“Governors and all politicians must respect citizens’ rights. Declaring states as off-limits for protests undermines citizens’ constitutional rights and betrays the duty to address the genuine grievances driving these demonstrations. Such statements reflect a troubling disregard for democratic principles and the rule of law.”
ActionAid Nigeria also appealed to all protesters to maintain peace and order during their demonstrations, noting that: “Peaceful protests are a powerful tool for change, and it is essential that they remain non-violent to convey their message effectively and avoid unnecessary harm or destruction.
“We also enjoin citizens and politicians inclined to form anti-protest groups must be reminded to respect the rights of their fellow Nigerians to peaceful assembly, and any violations of these rights must be met with the full extent of the law.”
ActionAid Expresses Concern Over Alignment Against Planned Protest on Bas Governance
News
Yobe to establish an institute for biomedical engineering.
Yobe to establish an institute for biomedical engineering.
By: Yahaya Wakili
Governor Mai Mala Buni CON of Yobe State has approved the commencement of processes for the establishment of the Yobe Institute of Biomedical Engineering Technology (YIBET).
Governor Buni also approved the constitution of a steering committee to drive the planning and establishment of the institute, considering the growing global demand for highly skilled professionals in biomedical and clinical engineering.
Buni gave the approval in a statement signed by the acting secretary to the state government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, in Damaturu.
“When established, YIBET is expected to serve as a premier institution for training, innovation, and capacity development in Biomedical and Clinical Engineering Technology (BCET). ” the statement further added.
The statement also revealed that the institute will equip young Nigerians with globally relevant technical skills while positioning Yobe State as a leading hub for producing the skilled workforce required by Nigeria and the wider West African subregion.
Therefore, the establishment of YIBET is another milestone in Governor Buni’s transformational agenda of investing in education and healthcare systems, creating opportunities for young people, and laying the foundation for a knowledge-driven economy.
The steering committee has Professor Mohammed Bello Kawuwa, Yobe State Commissioner for Higher Education, as chairman.
Yobe to establish an institute for biomedical engineering.
News
Tegbe Brokers Truce Between NERC, States, Orders 4-Week Roadmap for Power Reform
Tegbe Brokers Truce Between NERC, States, Orders 4-Week Roadmap for Power Reform
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has moved to avert a looming regulatory crisis in Nigeria’s electricity sector as the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, brokered a fresh framework for cooperation between the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs).
The breakthrough came at a high-level stakeholder engagement convened by the Minister to resolve emerging tensions over regulatory jurisdiction and overlaps following the implementation of the Electricity Act, 2023, which ushered Nigeria into a decentralised and multi-market electricity regime.

The meeting, which brought together key stakeholders across the power sector, also produced a major political and legislative concession, with the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, agreeing to defer the ongoing legislative process seeking to amend the Electricity Act to allow for wider consultation and consensus-building.
The development is seen as a significant step towards preventing institutional rivalry from undermining one of the most far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s power sector in decades.
Participants at the engagement included representatives of the National Assembly, the Special Adviser to the President on Power, the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, representatives of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, heads of federal power sector agencies, state commissioners for energy and heads of State Electricity Regulatory Commissions.
The stakeholders deliberated extensively on the emerging challenges associated with the transition to a decentralised electricity market, including regulatory overlaps, tariff administration, institutional capacity, consumer protection and the need for clearer coordination between federal and state authorities.
Tegbe, who described the ongoing transition as one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector in decades, said the success of the new multi-market framework would depend on collaboration and coordination rather than institutional competition.
He said the Federal Ministry of Power was committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to provide regulatory certainty, unlock investments and improve electricity supply and service delivery across the country.
The Minister stressed that while implementation challenges were inevitable in a reform of such magnitude, they must be addressed collectively without compromising regulatory standards, service quality or the protection of electricity consumers.
A major outcome of the meeting was the establishment of a nine-member inter-agency committee to coordinate the implementation of the Electricity Act and address emerging challenges in the transition to the new electricity market structure.
The committee, to be chaired by the Minister of Power, will include representatives of NERC, State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, the Bureau of Public Enterprises and other relevant institutions.
It has been given four weeks to drive continuous engagement among stakeholders, identify and resolve implementation bottlenecks and recommend practical measures for the seamless operationalisation of the Electricity Act, 2023.
The decision by the Senate Committee on Power to defer the proposed amendment of the Act followed extensive deliberations at the workshop, with stakeholders agreeing that further consultation was necessary to build consensus and prevent legislative changes from creating fresh uncertainties in the sector.
Abaribe’s decision to suspend the legislative process temporarily was welcomed as a major outcome of the engagement, providing room for federal and state institutions, regulators, industry operators and other stakeholders to address areas of disagreement before further legislative action.
The stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the power sector reforms being implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the success of the decentralised electricity market would require sustained cooperation across all levels of government.
The Federal Government said the new coordination mechanism would strengthen institutional collaboration as Nigeria seeks to build a modern, reliable, competitive and investor-friendly electricity market.
The development also signals a renewed effort by the Ministry of Power to ensure that the implementation of the Electricity Act does not become a source of conflict between federal and state institutions, but instead serves as the foundation for improved electricity access, stronger investment and better service delivery to consumers.
The Minister, in closing the engagement, reiterated the government’s determination to deepen the reform process through dialogue, coordination and practical problem-solving.
He said the ultimate objective remained the creation of an electricity market capable of delivering reliable power, attracting long-term investment and supporting Nigeria’s broader economic transformation agenda.
Tegbe Brokers Truce Between NERC, States, Orders 4-Week Roadmap for Power Reform
News
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant linked to June attack on Gubio
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant linked to June attack on Gubio
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 149 Battalion (Motorised), in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), have arrested a suspected ISWAP informant in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 5:00 p.m. on July 14 during an intelligence-led operation in Gubio town.
According to the sources, the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation to working as an informant for the terrorist group.

He also allegedly admitted to leading the terrorist infiltration attack on Gubio on June 16, 2026, during which a member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) was killed in action.
Military sources said the suspect is in custody and is undergoing further investigation to identify other members of the terrorist network and uncover additional details surrounding the June attack.
The arrest forms part of ongoing counter-insurgency operations by Operation HADIN KAI aimed at dismantling terrorist support networks by targeting informants, collaborators and logistics facilitators across the North-East.
Troops arrest suspected ISWAP informant linked to June attack on Gubio
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