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Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Kashim Shettima has said ongoing power projects to light up industrial clusters across the country are an indication that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration is on a journey of rekindling the flames of enterprise.
This is just as he added that the Federal Government’s commitment to revamping Nigeria’s Infrastructure framework was the much-needed drive in empowering Nigerians and strengthening the nation’s economic policies.
The Vice President disclosed these during his visit to the Agbara Industrial Cluster for the launch of a collaboration between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC) and its partners on the project to light up industrial clusters.
According to him, while the government has embraced the past as a lesson in mapping a new path for a robust power sector, the historical mistakes that have brought Nigeria to the point it is are rather an inspiration to work harder.
The Vice President stated: “For too long, some of these ventures were forced to pack up, their potential stifled by the persistent energy constraints. Today, we embark on a journey of empowerment, a journey aimed at rekindling the flames of enterprise and ensuring that the promise of prosperity prevails over the darkness of past hindrances.
“We have gone a full cycle in the search for solutions to our energy crisis. We have unbundled and privatized the power assets in generation, transmission, and distribution. We have also implemented the National Integrated Power Project through the NDPHC.”
He vowed to closely monitor the progress of work in the ongoing power projects to light up industrial clusters across the country, with a view to holding every relevant official accountable.
“I assure you that, in my capacity as the Board Chairman of NDPHC, I will hold every relevant official accountable and closely monitor the progress achieved in this project. We owe Nigerians this success story,” the VP declared.
Senator Shettima reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration “to providing the necessary institutional and policy support to ensure the successful delivery” of the project.
While delivering his address titled, “Lighting the Path to Economic Development,” the Vice President expressed gratitude to the Governors of Ogun, Lagos and Oyo States where the NDPHC was already developing similar projects, as well as the companies involved.
The VP noted that the partnership between state-owned power companies and the private sector was an embodiment of progress, teamwork, and commitment to fostering synergy to enhance the productivity of businesses and institutions in the country.
The partnership, according to him, doesn’t only align with the vision of the federal government to transform Nigeria into a premier investment destination but also to serve as an industrial benchmark in Africa.
He added that it was an affirmation of President Tinubu’s resolve to revamp the country’s infrastructure framework.
The VP stated: “The launch of this strategic collaboration between our company, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC), and its key partners for the design, development, and operation of projects to supply dedicated, steady, and quality power to major industrial and commercial clusters in Nigeria echoes His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s pledge to reinvigorate our nation’s infrastructure framework.
“The choice of Agbara, Ogun State, as the pilot site of this owes to its function as an artery of Nigeria’s industrial structure. This is our resolve to breathe new life into the enterprises that sustain our economy.”
Noting that addressing the supply deficit in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) is an intervention that aims to reverse “the generational setbacks that businesses with immense promise have endured,” Shettima said it was one thing to attract investors to the country, and another to make them stay.
He further assured that lighting up industrial clusters across the country signposts the beginning of a promised opportunity for Nigeria.
“By mobilizing private capital, harnessing the generation portfolio of NDPHC, and utilizing the existing power delivery infrastructure, we aim to provide a consistent, reliable, and high-quality power supply to specific customer clusters with substantial capacity demands.
“This effort has initiated an industrial revival of significant magnitude. In essence, it implies that, after a considerable period, the NESI will experience a substantial increase in supply levels without the necessity of injecting public funds, delivering nearly continuous power precisely where it’s most critical for our economy,” he explained.
Senator Shettima described the host community, Agbara, as an archetype of what private sector investment, innovation, and entrepreneurship could accomplish in the economic and infrastructural development of a nation, noting that other planned industrial clusters are a manifestation of how private capital could “drive industrial development and foster economic prosperity”.
The Vice President revealed plans by the Federal Government to ensure the industrial clusters unfolded into a reality.
“We are not only committed to providing the institutional and policy support necessary to enable, promote, and sustain this private sector-led initiative but also to paving the way for the emergence of synchronized development in transmission and distribution infrastructure, aligned with the demands of industrial customers.
“This infrastructure is designed for the efficient and reliable transmission of power from NDPHC’s plants. We will deploy the appropriate technology to ensure the efficient operation of the networks and to minimize commercial, collection, and technical losses that have plagued the industry,” he said.
Earlier, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said the location of the pilot phase of the initiative is due to the viability of the Agbara Industrial area as the most successful industrial estate in the country.
He said the initiative aligns with his administration’s drive to provide critical infrastructure in Industrial clusters across the State and thanked President Bola Tinubu and VP Shettima for prioritizing the power sector, noting that it will unlock potentials in different sectors of the economy.
On his part, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu said the interaction with stakeholders around the Agbara Industrial estate was part of efforts by the Federal Government to deliver safe and reliable electricity to industrial and heavy-user clusters across the country.
He expressed optimism that the initiative to ensure effective power supply to the Agbara Industrial Estate would be achieved and can be a model to be replicated across the country.
Mr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State said the challenges experienced in the power can be surmounted with effective collaboration and partnership as well as adherence to set standards and due process
He urged all stakeholders to be cautious in their comments and opinions about systems and institutions in Nigeria.
For his part, the MD/CEO, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Mr Chiedu Ugbo said the event signifies the unwavering commitment and determination of the Tinubu administration to leverage partnerships with stakeholders to address challenges associated with electricity access for Nigerian homes and businesses.
He said NDPHC remains committed to promoting the bilateral power sales initiative as one of the measures adopted by the company to deliver electricity to industrial clusters and businesses across the country.
Aside from the roundtable, the VP held interactions with representatives of the different clusters in the industrial area.
He had earlier on arrival at the StrongPack premises, the venue of the event, toured the production lines at the factory.
Present at the event were Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Deputy Governor of Ogun State; Hon. Olatunji Akinosi, Deputy Chairman House Committee on Alternative Education; Mr Sola Arifayan, the CEO, Electric Utilities Ltd; Mr Del Tupaz, MD of StrongPack Ltd; representatives of Eko Disco and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, among other stakeholders in the Agbara Industrial Area.
Infrastructure Revamp, Key To Our Economic Policies – VP Shettima
Mining: FG Finalizes Plans to Reduce Release of Mercury into Atmosphere in Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
The federal government is finalizing plans aimed at direct reduction of excess emissions and release of mercury into the environment from Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities in the country.
The effort is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Environment in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, during an inception workshop organized at the weekend, in Abuja, to enhance the formalization of a mercury-free gold in Nigeria, revealed that they are collaborating together to forge a future where Nigeria’s gold resources are harnessed responsibly, without compromising the health of the people or the integrity of the environment
Lawal, who was represented by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Mahmud Kambari, said the artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) sector represents a notable contributor to Nigeria’s economy, and offers livelihoods to many, but, however worried that the sector presents a complex challenge due to the widespread use of mercury.
He decried that this has been identified as a potent neurotoxin with devastating consequences for human health and the environment.
He said: “Mercury is a highly toxic substance that can contaminate water sources and soil, leading to serious environmental and health problems. It can bioaccumulate in the food chain, leading to long-term health effects in humans and wildlife. In addition, mercury pollution can persist in the environment for decades, causing harm to ecosystems and biodiversity.”
Lawal disclosed that Nigeria, as a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, demonstrated its commitment by developing a National Action Plan (NAP) for the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) in Nigeria between 2017 and 2020.
The Minister said the present collaboration under the GEF GOLD+ Nigeria Project builds upon the foundation laid by the NAP and represents a significant step forward in their commitment to tackling mercury pollution in the ASGM sector. He further reiterated that the project aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s national environmental policies and its obligations under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, adding that its focus on a holistic, multi-sectoral approach, integrating formalization with the adoption of mercury-free technologies and access to traceable supply chains, offers a sustainable pathway for the sector’s development.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Solid Mineral Development, Engr. Faruk Yabo noted that Nigeria stands at the forefront of efforts to formalize the ASGM sector and reduce mercury use, in line with the Minamata Convention and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Yabo revealed that the by this project initiative, Nigeria is not only joining the global community efforts, but is setting an example for other nations—demonstrating that economic development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.
He said: “This project is designed to support policy reforms, strengthen institutional capacity, empower mining communities, and enhance access to finance for artisanal and small-scale miners. Improving financial inclusion is critical to enabling miners to invest in cleaner technologies, adopt safer practices, and transition toward formal and sustainable operations. By fostering partnerships across government, industry, and civil society, we aim to create an enabling environment where miners can thrive economically while safeguarding health and ecosystems.”
In a message at the event, United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), said; “By this project initiative, Nigeria is not only joining the global community efforts, but is setting an example for other nations—demonstrating that economic development and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand.”
It noted that: “This project is designed to support policy reforms, strengthen institutional capacity, empower mining communities, and enhance access to finance for artisanal and small-scale miners. Improving financial inclusion is critical to enabling miners to invest in cleaner technologies, adopt safer practices, and transition toward formal and sustainable operations. By fostering partnerships across government, industry, and civil society, we aim to create an enabling environment where miners can thrive economically while safeguarding health and ecosystems.
“UNIDO is committed to partner with the Government of Nigeria in driving this important transformation. In line with our mandate, to promote inclusive and sustainable industrial development, our commitment extends beyond the life of this project. We will continue to deliver technical expertise, facilitate knowledge exchange, and leverage international networks to attract resources and partnerships. Together, we aim to position Nigeria’s ASGM sector as a benchmark for sustainability, inclusiveness, and innovation—contributing to economic growth, environmental protection, and social well-being.”
Mining: FG Finalizes Plans to Reduce Release of Mercury into Atmosphere in Nigeria
Army troops repel attack, neutralise four bandits in Taraba communal clash
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, operating under Operation Peace Shield have repelled an attack by armed bandits and neutralised four of the assailants following a communal clash between the Shomo and Wurkun communities in Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba State.
The clash, which occurred at Usmanu village, led to the burning of 15 houses before troops of were deployed to the area.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops, arrived the scene at about 9:35 a.m. on Nov. 29 after receiving distress reports from the affected communities.
On arrival, about 50 armed bandits reportedly launched an attack on the soldiers, prompting a swift response that overpowered the assailants.
During the encounter, troops neutralised four bandits and recovered one fabricated AK-47 rifle, three dane guns, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and two magazines.
The troops also arrested one key suspect believed to be collaborating with the armed group.
According to the military, the suspect is currently undergoing further investigation.
The sources added that the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops remained high as clearance operations continue in the general area.
Army troops repel attack, neutralise four bandits in Taraba communal clash
EXCLUSIVE:Army troops rescue 12 abducted girls in Askira/Uba in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have successfully rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira/Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, reliable security sources confirmed on Sunday.
The victims, all aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on Nov. 23 while harvesting crops on their family farmlands. The incident triggered panic across the district, forcing many residents to flee to neighbouring communities.
A security source, told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation was successful as all the girls had returned safely.
Although details of the operation were still sketchy at the time of filing this report, sources said some individuals played significant roles in facilitating the safe recovery of the girls.
Zagazola could not immediately verify whether any ransom was paid or the precise circumstances that led to the rescue.
The rescued girls include: Fatima Shaibu,(17) Fatima Umaru (15), Hauwa Abubakar (18), Saliha Muhammed (15), Sadiya Umaru (17), Amira Babel (15), Zara Adamu (17), Nana Shaibu (15), Zainab Musa (18), Zainab Muhammed (17), Jamila Saidu (15) and Hauwa Hamidu (17).
Zagazola learnt that the victims have since been moved to a secure military location for medical evaluation and profiling, after which they will be reunited with their families.
The rescue comes amid renewed military offensives in the southern Borno axis, where troops have intensified clearance operations against ISWAP remnants responsible for recurrent attacks and abductions.
Parents of the abducted girls expressed relief, describing the development as a “major emotional breakthrough” after a week of uncertainty and fear.
EXCLUSIVE:Army troops rescue 12 abducted girls in Askira/Uba in Borno
ECOWAS Court Delegation Undertakes Study Visits on Enforcement of Human Rights Decisions
Mining: FG Finalizes Plans to Reduce Release of Mercury into Atmosphere in Nigeria
Army troops repel attack, neutralise four bandits in Taraba communal clash
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