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

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
News
Tuggar Urges Multilateral Reform Amid Global Fragility

Tuggar Urges Multilateral Reform Amid Global Fragility
By: Michael Mike
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar has called for renewed commitment to multilateralism and a candid examination of the challenges threatening global peace and governance.
He made the call at the European Union–African Union Ministerial Follow-Up Committee and the 3rd EU–AU Ministerial Meeting in Brussels, Belgium.
Tuggar, in his statement, acknowledged the EU’s enduring support for African-led initiatives, stating that “it is at this point, when discussing peace, security and governance, that the foreign minister of a large African country is meant to outline for his hosts the progress we have made in tackling a host of complex issues – and the outstanding challenges that only closer cooperation can resolve.”
The minister, while outlining a familiar but pressing list of issues: the proliferation of small weapons; climate change; violent extremism; irregular migration; the fragility of democracy; technology, trade and markets, challenged the routine nature of such discussions, urging his counterparts to move beyond recitation and towards genuine reflection.
He said: “At this point, typically, we all nod and pledge further collective action. And we have indeed seen many positives.” He however acknowledged that: “But I wonder if perhaps our focus on the symptoms of despair and conflict obscure our vision of the underlying cause and how best we manage the condition.”
Tuggar while pointing to the broader international context, warned of an increasingly fragile global framework. He said: “We are here today as one of the most prominent expressions of faith in multilateral agencies, a rules-based international order and the search for common solutions to common problems. And yet we know that it is a framework that has never appeared so fragile.”
The minister cited the disruptive roles played by non-state actors, disinformation, and unregulated digital currencies—factors that pose existential risks to nations rich and poor alike.
Tuggar despite these challenges, reaffirmed Nigeria’s belief in multilateralism and the promise of strategic partnerships. He highlighted the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Nigeria’s stake in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, and regional gains within ECOWAS, including freedom of movement as a viable economic alternative for African youth.
He said: “Nigeria believes that agencies survive only when they can adapt to circumstance,” while reiterating Nigeria’s longstanding calls for UN reform, fairer trade, and equitable access to capital.
He observed that: “Little was done,” lamenting that “and into that emerging vacuum we now face even greater uncertainty.”
He addressed the internal pressures faced by African governments—struggling to meet rising public expectations with limited capacity. “It’s a process that crowds out serious debate and empowers political snake oil salesmen,” he warned, noting that while West Africa has witnessed several coups in recent years, “the crisis of democracy is global.”
Tuggar while drawing on his tenure as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, referenced the simultaneous popularity of two seminal works—Jean Raspail’s Camp des Saints and Hannah Arendt’s Origins of Totalitarianism. He said: “We should recognise the fears expressed in the former and the lessons in the latter,” insisting that: “We cannot allow our responsibilities to be diluted by our rights. The truth is not a supermarket, to be picked or discarded according to taste.”
He decried the double standards in global responses to hate speech and disinformation, stating that: “We were told online hate speech in Africa was the price of freedom; when it happens here, arrests follow.”
Tuggar Urges Multilateral Reform Amid Global Fragility
News
Troops kill seven terrorists, recover arms in Rann and Damboa operations

Troops kill seven terrorists, recover arms in Rann and Damboa operations
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised seven suspected Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in separate operations in Rann and Damboa areas of Borno State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the first encounter occurred on Wednesday when troops of 3 Battalion, in conjunction with Hybrid Forces and Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), engaged terrorists attempting to loot food items from a broken-down vehicle along the Gamboru–Ngala Main Supply Route near Rann.
The troops opened fire, killing six of the assailants and recovering two AK-47 rifles, each with a magazine. One magazine contained four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition while the other held six rounds.
In a separate operation, troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Molai, acting on credible intelligence, laid an ambush at the fringes of Komala village along the Maiduguri–Damboa road in Damboa Local Government Area.
The ambush, which targeted terrorists transiting towards Sambisa Forest, resulted in the death of one insurgent and the recovery of multiple motorcycles and improvised explosive device (IED) materials allegedly intended for burial.
Military sources described the operations as part of ongoing clearance efforts to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement within the theatre of operations.
Troops kill seven terrorists, recover arms in Rann and Damboa operations
Crime
Gunmen kill one, injure two, abduct one on Anka–Mayanchi road in Zamfara

Gunmen kill one, injure two, abduct one on Anka–Mayanchi road in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed assailants on Wednesday attacked travellers along the Anka–Mayanchi road in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing one person, injuring two others, and abducting one victim.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred between Bobo and Yashar Rogo villages when the attackers intercepted two golf vehicles conveying passengers.
Eyewitnesses said the attackers opened fire on the vehicles, killing one on the spot and injuring two others, while another passenger was taken away.
Residents and local security volunteers responded by evacuating the injured to a nearby hospital for treatment and took the remains of the deceased for burial.
Search operations and efforts to rescue the abducted victim were said to be ongoing as of the time of filing this report.
The road, which connects Anka and Mayanchi, has in recent months witnessed repeated attacks blamed on bandits operating from forest enclaves in the area.
Gunmen kill one, injure two, abduct one on Anka–Mayanchi road in Zamfara
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