NEC Moves To End Grid Collapse, Sets Up Committee On National Electrification

*** Private sector distributed renewable energy generation vital to increasing electricity access – VP Shettima

*** States’ position on state police due next council meeting

By: Our Reporter

The National Economic Council (NEC) has resolved to reinforce implementation of the National Electrification Strategy in a bid to end the collapse of the nation’s power grid.

This is just as Vice President Kashim Shettima who is Chairman of NEC told members of the Council that access to energy is a fundamental right and not a privilege because electricity is the oxygen of economic growth.

Accordingly, the Council has constituted a committee on National Electrification to help address the challenges in the power sector.

The formation of the committee was among decisions taken by NEC at the end of its 146th meeting on Thursday chaired by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Council Chambers of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The committee headed by Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, is to work towards deepening states’ engagements within the Electricity Reform Act 2023 and the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan.

Following a presentation by the Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), NEC observed that Nigeria needs a reformed and diversified electricity system, noting that by empowering states, accessibility and affordability of electricity can be enabled, ensuring that all regions effectively meet their specific energy needs.

Members of the committee include Governors Dikko Radda of Katsina, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Ademola Adeleke of Osun, Hope Uzodimma of Imo, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau.

Others are Ministers of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu; Special Adviser to the President on NEC and Climate Change; Special Adviser to the President on Power; Managing Director, Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding Company.

Earlier in his address, Vice President Shettima maintained that access to energy is a fundamental right and not a privilege because electricity is the oxygen of economic growth.

He outlined issues before the Council that require urgent attention to include energy infrastructure, human capital development, creative industries, fiscal strategy, industrial innovation, and long-term development planning, describing them as foundational to the transformation Nigeria needs.

VP Shettima explained that it is for this that experts and stakeholders from some of the critical sectors have been invited to share their insights and contributions.

He stated: “The past few months of collapses in our national power grid compel us to reinforce the pace with which we are adopting and implementing the National Electrification Strategy. Energy access is a fundamental right, not a privilege. It is the oxygen of economic growth.

“Our blueprints must, therefore, strive to expand access, empower rural communities, and drive productivity, especially for MSMEs. I hope that our discussions today will inspire solutions to light up homes, power businesses, and fuel Nigeria’s industrial future.

“Whatever path we agree upon, it is clear that a private-sector-led distributed renewable energy generation approach is essential to increasing electricity access for households and small enterprises alike”.

The Vice President also urged the Council to take Nigeria’s creative industry seriously, saying it presents an avenue to redefine the nation’s economic trajectory.

According to him, “new technologies have not only amplified the global appeal of our arts, crafts, and culture but also opened up revenue streams and job opportunities for Nigerians.

“Our music, films, art, and cultural heritage are not just global symbols of Nigeria’s soft power but also vital engines of economic growth. We cannot afford to relegate the promise of turning creativity into wealth, empowering our youth, and positioning Nigeria as a hub of innovation and cultural excellence,” he added.

Meanwhile, the position of states on state police will be ready by the next NEC meeting.

Deliberating on the updated submission on the establishment of state police, Council mandated states that were yet to make their submissions on the subject matter should comply within the next one week to enable NEC to come up with a unanimous position on state police at the next meeting.

Other highlights of the meeting include:

PRESENTATION BY THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION ON ACCOUNT BALANCES UPDATE AS AT 20TH NOVEMBER, 2024

Excess Crude Account – $473,754.57

Stabilization Account – N33,324,135,076.39

Natural Resources Account – N26,847,747,874.93

PRESENTATION ON SPECIAL AGRO-INDUSTRIAL PROCESSING ZONES BY THE SAPZs NATIONAL PROGRAMME COORDINATOR, DR KABIR YUSUF

The programme is currently being implemented at varying stages in 8 States of the federation namely; Kano, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun, Imo, Cross River, and FCT, under phase 1 of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.

Under the second phase, a total of 24 States were visited by the selection team to assess their readiness for the programme. The implementation model is a government and private sector-led (SPV) arrangement hence, discussions are underway to partner with private developers & co-financiers on the project estimated to cost about $1 billion.

The SAPZ coordinating office is working out a multi-tranche financing arrangement to accommodate additional States over the next 3 years. It is structured in three tranches.

Prayers:

· Provision of intervention funds for each State’s ATC to boost production.

· Office of the VP to use its convening power in obtaining additional co-financing for the SAPZ phase 2 (SAPZ-2) States.

· Fast-tracking of the BADEA $300m multi-tranche financing for SAPZ-2 by the Federal Ministry of Finance.

Resolution:

Council urged states to key into the programme and noted that the SAPZ will be a game-changer if states give it the necessary support and consideration.

States to hold a special meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and the SAPZ management to address issues and requests made in the presentation by the SAPZ management.

PRESENTATION ON THE NEW NIGERIA SOVEREIGN INVESTMENT AUTHORITY (NSIA) GOVERNING COUNCIL

A presentation by the Minister of Finance requested NEC to ratify the nomination of persons to serve as chairman and members of the governing council of the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA).

Members of the Council, when appointed, shall have the opportunity to raise questions of and give counsel to the Board and Management of the Authority.

Council Resolution:

Council commended the management of NSIA and recognised the importance of the fund towards investment in critical sectors of the economy.

Council consequently approved NSIA’s request to onboard First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) as an alternate custodian.

A presentation by the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) showed the agency’s latest innovations and strategic initiatives including products like a solar irrigation pump, electric vehicles, coal-based fertilizer, NASENI solar home systems, and smart devices.

States were urged to leverage NASENI’s tailored support for manufacturing, industrial development, and access to public sector markets, alongside infrastructure and policy benefits to enhance economic growth.

In its resolutions, Council directed NASENI to repair tractors and other agricultural machinery across the country and scale up the establishment of lithium battery factories in regions rich in raw materials.

NEC Moves To End Grid Collapse, Sets Up Committee On National Electrification

UNESCO Asks Philosophers to Provide Ethical Guidance for AI and Ensures it Beneficial to Man

By: Michael Mike

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has called on contemporary philosophers to provide ethical guidance that ensures that Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the transformations it provided are well-regulated and beneficial to human wellbeing.

The call was made on Thursday in Abuja
at the celebration of 2024 World Philosophy Day with the theme: “The Role of the Nigerian Government in Human Wellbeing in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.”

Speaking at the occasion, the Head of Abuja Office and UNESCO Representative to Nigeria, Abdourahamane Diallo, said the
expected responsibilities of—many of whom are present in this room—is to provide ethical guidance that ensures these transformations of AI are well-regulated and beneficial to human wellbeing.

He added that: “Today’s celebration also provides an opportunity to reflect on current global needs and how philosophers can leverage their expertise to create a moral compass for addressing these needs.“

He noted that UNESCO has consistently provided platforms for such critical reflections. Working with its 191 Member States and teams of philosophers, UNESCO has developed recommendations on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence to ensure that AI actors prioritize social justice, fairness, non-discrimination, and inclusion.

He said: “To complement these recommendations and facilitate their implementation, UNESCO also developed the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) tool. This diagnostic tool helps countries assess their capacity to ensure an ethical and responsible AI ecosystem. It is my pleasure to inform you that Nigeria is among the few countries implementing this groundbreaking tool.”

Diallo said: “I hope that today’s conversations and brainstorming sessions, guided by the event’s theme, will provide in-depth insights into how AI can be regulated in Nigeria to secure human wellbeing, particularly by addressing the ethical considerations necessary for policy ideas emanating from the RAM implementation.”

On her part, the Acting Vice Chancellor of University of Abuja, Professor Aisha Sani Maikudi said: “Artificial intelligence represents a formidable force that is reshaping every facet of our lives—from how we work and learn, to how we receive healthcare and communicate with each other. As AI algorithms permeate industries and begin to make decisions traditionally reserved for humans, it is essential to ask: What does this mean for human well-being, particularly in Nigeria? How can our government harness the potential of AI in a way that aligns with our society’s core values, addresses our unique challenges, and supports our collective vision for human flourishing?”

She noted that: “The philosopher Aristotle taught us that true well-being, or “eudaimonia,” transcends mere survival; it entails leading a life of purpose, dignity, and fulfillment. In the age of AI, this classical ideal faces new obstacles and complexities. The Nigerian government, like those of other nations, is tasked with balancing the promises of AI advancements with the protection of citizens’ rights, well-being, and socioeconomic stability.”

The VC who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor – Administration, Prof. Philip Afaha, said the challenges and responsibilities of government include policy and ethical governance of AI, education and digital literacy, healthcare and social welfare , data sovereignty and privacy protection, addressing economic inequality and job displacement and upholding human-centered values.

She added that: “As we navigate the complexities of the AI age, let us remember that technology should not drive humanity; rather, humanity should guide technology. The Nigerian government, as a steward of human well-being, must be visionary, ethical, and resolute in promoting a future where AI serves to uplift all citizens, support equitable development, and foster a society in which every Nigerian can achieve their highest potential.

“In this endeavor, we must be both vigilant and hopeful, embracing AI as a tool for good while upholding the moral responsibility to protect our citizens’ dignity and well-being. This is a profound opportunity to shape a future that reflects the best of human values, creativity, and compassion.”

UNESCO Asks Philosophers to Provide Ethical Guidance for AI and Ensures it Beneficial to Man

KACRAN Asks Northern Governors to Drop the Idea of Establishing State Police

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on governors of states in the north not to consider the agitation for the establishment of state police in the country especially in the north.

The association in a statement by its National President, Khalil Bello said should state police be established in the north, it would not solve the challenges of insecurity but rather add other challenges.

The statement read: “Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) wishes to express its deep concerns and firm opposition to the proposed establishment of State Police in Northern Nigeria. This proposal has significant implications that could impact financial stability, administrative efficiency, and social harmony in the region.”

The association added that key concerns over the establishment of state police include financial burden, insisting that establishing a State Police force entails a substantial financial commitment. “For example, a state with 15 local governments could require approximately 10 billion Naira for initial setup costs, including recruitment, training, equipment, and infrastructure development. In larger states like Kano, these expenses could rise to about 30 billion Naira. Additionally, maintaining such a force would demand around 3 billion Naira monthly for salaries and operational costs. These expenditures could divert critical resources from essential public services such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure, which are vital for the development and well-being of the region.”

Bello, added in the statement that there is concern over job security and crime rates, noting there lis a significant concern regarding the job security of newly recruited officers. If budget constraints or administrative changes lead to job losses, these trained individuals might resort to criminal activities, potentially increasing crime rates within communities. Ensuring stable employment for these officers is crucial to maintaining peace and security.

He added that the impact on state police on national police is another concern as the creation of State Police could weaken the existing Nigeria Police Force (NPF) by drawing away experienced officers. “This shift could compromise the effectiveness of national policing efforts, leading to reduced coordination and communication between state and federal law enforcement agencies.”

He further raised the alarm that state police may be opened to political abuse, insisting that: “The potential for political misuse of State Police is a major concern. There is a risk that these forces could be used to serve the interests of local political leaders rather than the broader public, leading to the victimization of opposition parties and creating an environment of lawlessness and anarchy. Such a scenario could undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in law enforcement.”

Bello said KACRAN have the following questions for proponents of State Police in Northern Nigeria, where the issue or ₦70,000 minimum wage is still being debated:

“Where will the funding for State Police come from? Will it be a permanent special grant from the Federal Government? If so, what happens if that funding is discontinued?

“In the event of a budget deficit, what will happen to conventional civil servants and retirees?

“Looking ahead 37 years, what will be the impact on the North if State Police are established and then retire or resign? Some states in the Northeast already have over 15,000 retirees, exceeding their active workforce.

“Why do State Governments prefer relying on force to address security issues instead of investing in social services and creating an enabling environment for businesses to empower our youth?”

KACRAN Asks Northern Governors to Drop the Idea of Establishing State Police