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USAID Signs MOU with the Ministry of Power and Pledges ₦115.2 ($75 Million) Billion for Electricity Reforms and Clean Energy TransitionAbuja, Nigeria

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USAID Signs MOU with the Ministry of Power and Pledges ₦115.2 ($75 Million) Billion for Electricity Reforms and Clean Energy Transition
Abuja, Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Federal Ministry of Power of Nigeria signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support electricity sector reforms, market transparency, and expanded access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable power for Nigerians. USAID/Nigeria Mission Director Melissa A. Jones and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power Mahmuda Mamman signed the MOU. This agreement will facilitate the implementation of a ₦115.2 billion (approximately $75 million) U.S. government grant-funded technical assistance program for power sector development and reforms in Nigeria.

Currently, over 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid power, while many others face unreliable supply. These challenges force many Nigerian families and businesses to rely on expensive, emission-intensive gasoline and diesel backup generators.

Director Jones emphasized the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing electrification in Nigeria, stating, “Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and provide a framework for partnerships with other key actors, including state and local governments, electricity generation and distribution sectors, and the off-grid sector.”

Power Africa Coordinator Richard Nelson, attending the signing ceremony during his first official visit to Nigeria, noted, “Nigeria is at the core of Power Africa’s strategy. I look forward to elevating our partnership to advance Nigeria’s progress towards our shared goal of ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, affordable power for all.”

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu expressed gratitude for USAID’s support, emphasizing the partnership’s potential to transform Nigeria’s power sector. He stated, “This collaboration with USAID is a significant milestone towards achieving sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all Nigerians. Together, we will address longstanding challenges, ensure transparency, enhance market liquidity, and accelerate our transition to clean energy solutions.”

USAID addresses these challenges through the Power Africa Initiative, a U.S. government-led partnership that leverages public and private sector resources to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this initiative, over 33 million Nigerians have been connected to power, approximately $4.5 billion has been mobilized for on-grid and off-grid power projects in Nigeria, and over 200 private companies in the off-grid sector have received assistance.

This new initiative aims to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance regulatory capacities, and encourage private sector participation, driving Nigeria towards its clean energy and net-zero carbon emissions targets. The Ministry is committed to ensuring these interventions deliver tangible benefits to all Nigerians, promoting economic growth and sustainable development.

USAID Signs MOU with the Ministry of Power and Pledges ₦115.2 ($75 Million) Billion for Electricity Reforms and Clean Energy Transition
Abuja, Nigeria

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FCT police arrest 59 suspects in raid, investigate suicide in Lugbe

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FCT police arrest 59 suspects in raid, investigate suicide in Lugbe

By: Zagazola Makama

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested 59 suspects during coordinated raids across major black spots and criminal hideouts in Abuja.

Sources revealed that the raids were conducted late Saturday by operatives from Apo, Kubwa, Karu, Karmo, Life Camp, Maitama, Wuse, Mabushi, Nyanya, Jikwoyi, Zuba, and Tungan Maje Divisions.

The police said the operation targeted uncompleted buildings and identified criminal hideouts within the divisions’ areas of responsibility.

According to the sources, all suspects are currently undergoing screening and interrogation, and those found culpable will be charged to court upon completion of investigations.

Meanwhile, the command is also investigating an alleged suicide involving a 20-year-old labourer identified as Alfred Habila, from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

Habila was reportedly found hanging in an uncompleted building behind River Park Estate, Lugbe, on Sunday morning.

A resident, Engr. Jatto Abdulkareem, told the police that he received a distress call from another resident, Joshua, who discovered the deceased’s body around 8 a.m.

Police operatives who visited the scene took photographs and conveyed the victim to the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The corpse has been deposited at the hospital’s mortuary for autopsy and preservation, while investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

FCT police arrest 59 suspects in raid, investigate suicide in Lugbe

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Security forces repel bandits’ attack in Sokoto community

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Security forces repel bandits’ attack in Sokoto community

By: Zagazola Makama

Security forces in Sokoto State have foiled an attempted attack by armed bandits on Mangwarori Kwandawa area of Isa town, Isa Local Government Area of the state.

Sources told Zagazola Makama that
heavily armed bandits invaded the community, shooting sporadically in an attempt to penetrate the town.

According to the sources , troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA army responded swiftly and engaged the bandits in a gun duel that lasted several minutes.

The superior firepower of the security forces forced the attackers to retreat into the nearby forest with gunshot wounds.

The sources added that four civilians sustained minor injuries from stray bullets during the exchange, while no casualties were recorded among security personnel.

Security operatives are currently conducting bush combing operations to trace the fleeing bandits, while adjoining divisions have been placed on alert to block possible escape routes.

Security forces repel bandits’ attack in Sokoto community

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NSA, service chiefs meet over Trump’s directive on Nigeria

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NSA, service chiefs meet over Trump’s directive on Nigeria

By: Zagazola Makama

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, is currently meeting with service chiefs and heads of security and intelligence agencies at the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Abuja, following reports of a directive by U.S. President Donald Trump to prepare for possible military action in Nigeria.

A security source told Zagazola Makama that the emergency meeting, which began on Monday afternoon, is aimed at assessing the implications of Trump’s statement accusing the Nigerian government of failing to protect Christians from Islamist militant groups.

Trump’s remarks, made late Saturday, alleged that the U.S. military was being prepared to “act in Nigeria to tackle Islamist militancy” a statement that has triggered widespread concern across diplomatic and security circles in Abuja.

According to the source, the NSA convened the session to coordinate a unified national security response and review intelligence assessments on the potential fallout of the U.S. president’s pronouncement.

Zagazola reports that Trump did not specify which killings he was referring to, though claims of a “genocide against Christians” in Nigeria have been circulating in some right-wing U.S. circles in recent months.

However, independent monitoring groups and analysts have noted that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism and banditry in the country, with no evidence of a targeted campaign against one faith.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to be communicated through official channels from the Office of the National Security Adviser.

NSA, service chiefs meet over Trump’s directive on Nigeria

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