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EU Explores Prospects of Hydropower Generation in Plateau
EU Explores Prospects of Hydropower Generation in Plateau
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) is exploring the potential for small hydropower generation in partnership with Plateau state government.
This was disclosed by the Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation in Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanowicz during the delegation’s visit to the state to assess the Assop falls which is being speculated has having a potential to generate about 2MWp of electricity.
According to her, the EU is in partnership with the federal ministry of power in driving the diversification of electricity generation to other renewable energy sources like small hydro power to provide clean, safe, affordable, and renewable energy sources to the people of Plateau state, to power, agro processing activities, productive use of energy and boosting the economy of the state.
She further disclosed that the EU is working with the Plateau state government and other stakeholders to evaluate the technical, financial, and environmental feasibility of the small hydropower site. “Plateau State, with its rich agricultural potential, could benefit greatly from reliable energy, boosting crop production and agro-processing,” she said.
In his address, the Managing Director of the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Ponzing Gamde, stated that the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the implementer of the project on behalf of the European Union, is conducting a feasibility study to determine the potential capacity of the hydropower project. “UNIDO is currently conducting a feasibility study here. They have done their preliminary data collection and will now come up with a design to know the potential capacity that can be generated from here,” he said.
Further highlighting the benefits of the project, Gamde said, “With this power, there will also be an improvement of cultural activities. The power will ensure activities don’t stop at certain points.”
A member of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Owen Karyit Dagogot, expressed full support for the project, saying, “This place is going to be utilized to its full potential. It is an advantage because you already have a solid ground. Foundations are openly on firm ground.”
Director of Technical Services at the Plateau State Energy Corporation, Sam Gyang Yakubu, spoke about the technical aspects of the project. He noted that while the dam construction typically takes time, the timeline for this project could be as short as two to three years. “Evacuation is not going to be a challenge here, based on the way we have set up the whole layout,” he said.
A representative of the Federal Ministry of Power, Dina Temitope, highlighted the national significance of the project. “For us at the ministry, we’ve had this vision 30:30, which is generating 30 gigawatts of electricity by 2030, with 30 percent of our energy needs coming from renewable sources,” he said.
Programme Manager, Energy and Circular Economy, EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Godfrey Ogbemudia, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to sustainability, saying, “We want to be sure that EU taxpayers’ money is fully utilised. It’s not a donation. You could transport all the power from here to any other agricultural hub where pre-processing is happening within the state”
Harping on the importance of continued collaboration, Head of GIZ’s Sustainability Energy Access component, Eckhard Heine, said, “We are in dialogue with the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to disseminate the information they have, so we can engage the state level effectively.”
Technical Adviser at GIZ, Alexander Akolo, noted that the Governor of Plateau state, Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, recently passed the State Electricity Law, which contains areas for improvement. “We can support reviewing it (the Law) because of the support in developing other instruments like mini-grid policy for the state.”
EU Explores Prospects of Hydropower Generation in Plateau
ECOWAS Deploys Long-Term Election Observers to Benin Ahead of Presidential Poll
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has deployed a Long-Term Election Observation Mission (LTEOM) to the Benin ahead of the country’s presidential election scheduled for April 12, 2026, as part of efforts to support a credible and peaceful electoral process.
The deployment was authorised by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Alieu Touray, in line with regional legal instruments guiding democratic governance and election monitoring within the West African bloc.
According to a statement issued by ECOWAS’ Directorate of Communication in Abuja, 15 election experts drawn from ECOWAS member states will remain in Benin from March 22 to April 18, 2026, observing key phases of the electoral process before, during and after the vote.
The observers possess expertise in constitutional law, diplomacy, electoral operations, political affairs, media, conflict prevention, gender and inclusion, and security, enabling them to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the electoral environment.
ECOWAS said the long-term observers will monitor developments across all regions of Benin, providing early analysis and recommendations aimed at preventing tensions and strengthening public confidence in the electoral process.
“Their analyses will serve as early-warning and rapid-response mechanisms to help prevent and manage any conflict linked to the elections,” the regional body said.
As part of the mission’s operational structure, ECOWAS will establish a situation room to track political and security developments nationwide and provide daily updates to the ECOWAS Commission. The mechanism will also support coordination ahead of the deployment of a Short-Term Election Observation Mission, which is expected to include about 100 observers closer to election day.
The mission is being deployed in line with key regional instruments including the 1993 Revised ECOWAS Treaty, the 1999 Mechanism for Conflict Prevention, Management and Resolution, and the 2001 Additional Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which guide the bloc’s role in supporting democratic processes across West Africa.
ECOWAS noted that the long-term observation mission follows a pre-election fact-finding mission that visited Benin from January 7 to 17, 2026, where delegates engaged government officials, political parties, civil society organisations and the country’s electoral management body, the Autonomous National Electoral Commission of Benin (CENA).
The findings of that mission were submitted to the ECOWAS Commission to guide preparations for the broader observation effort.
By deploying the mission, ECOWAS said it was reaffirming its commitment to supporting transparent, credible and peaceful elections in Benin while promoting democracy, good governance, peace and stability across West Africa.
Founded in 1975, the Economic Community of West African States is a regional bloc of 12 member states, working to promote economic integration, political stability and development across the region. The organisation also plays a key role in election observation, mediation and conflict prevention as part of its mandate to safeguard democratic governance in West Africa
ECOWAS Deploys Long-Term Election Observers to Benin Ahead of Presidential Poll
Gunmen abduct cleric in Jos North, police launch rescue operation
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen have abducted a cleric, Rev. Prof. Sunday Agang, in Jos North LGA, the police have confirmed.
The incident occurred at about 2:24 p.m. on March 24, when unidentified armed men reportedly stormed the residence of the 68-year-old cleric and whisked him away to an unknown destination.
The report was made by officials of the Evangelical Church Winning All, where the victim is a staff member.
Police authorities said a rescue operation has been launched, with efforts underway to track down the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the victim.
They also assured residents that investigations are ongoing to apprehend those responsible for the abduction.
Gunmen abduct cleric in Jos North, police launch rescue operation
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have arrested four suspected logistics suppliers to Boko Haram terrorists in Yusufari LGA.
Security sources said the suspects were apprehended at about 11:00 p.m. on March 24 by troops of 241 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Jajimaji during a night patrol.
The troops had intercepted two vehicles loaded with Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a filling station in the area. On sighting the troops, the vehicles reportedly attempted to flee, prompting a pursuit.
One Golf vehicle with registration number AG273 was successfully intercepted, while the second vehicle escaped.
A search conducted on the intercepted vehicle led to the discovery of seven sacks filled with PMS, each estimated to contain about 77 litres.
The suspects arrested include the driver, Mohammed Idi, 25; a motor boy, Mero Umra, 21; a pump attendant/manager, Hasan Liman, 50; and a station guard, Jibril Audu, 28.
Troops also recovered a total sum of N1.6 million from the suspects.
All suspects and recovered items are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Yobe
ECOWAS Deploys Long-Term Election Observers to Benin Ahead of Presidential Poll
Gunmen abduct cleric in Jos North, police launch rescue operation
Troops arrest suspected Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Yobe
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