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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
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
Bandits kill one, injure another in Katsina vigilante patrol ambush
By: Zagazola Makama
One person was confirmed dead while another sustained injuries when suspected armed bandits attacked members of a local vigilante group during a patrol in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Zagazola Makama report that the incident occurred on May 4 at about 4:05 p.m., shortly after a security coordination meeting involving vigilante members from Malumfashi, Kafur, Bakori, and Kankara LGAs held at the Kankara LGA Secretariat.
Two vigilantes, identified as Salisu Barde, 60, and Sule Abdul, 50, were injured in the ambush along the Kankara–Sheme road.
Security forces were promptly deployed a patrol team to the scene and evacuated the victims to the General Hospital in Kankara, where Salisu Barde was later confirmed dead.
Security sources have intensified efforts to arrest the fleeing attackers.
Bandits kill one, injure another in Katsina vigilante patrol ambush
Gunmen abduct special constabulary officer in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have abducted a 29-year-old special constabulary officer during a surveillance patrol at Tafida/Nalado area in Nariya, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources td Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Sunday, May 4, at about 5:00 p.m. when the patrol team came under heavy gunfire from the assailants.
The operatives engaged the attackers in a fierce gun duel, but one officer, identified as PC-SC Mohammed Ali was forcefully taken to an unknown destination.
The assailants also carted away the victim’s Jincheng 110 model motorcycle.
Following the attack, a combined team of personnel and operatives from sister security agencies were mobilized to the scene, and a search and rescue operation has since commenced.
Gunmen abduct special constabulary officer in Kaduna
Police inspector attached to OPHK dies while on special duty in Yobe
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Inspector Pascal Okpabi, an officer attached to the 5 PMF Benin, who was on special duty with Operation Hadin Kai Joint Task Force, is dead.
Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Saturday, May 4, at about 4:50 p.m., when the officer, who was posted to 233 Battalion, Damaturu, collapsed while on duty.
The sources said that the officer’s Unit Commander, ASP Ogwouno Ekene, reported that Insp. Okpabi was rushed to the University Teaching Hospital Damaturu, where medical personnel diagnosed him with partial stroke linked to high blood pressure.
He was confirmed dead at about 4:30 p.m. the same day while receiving treatment.
The deceased, who hailed from Ebonyi State, had his family duly informed, and arrangements for his burial are underway.
Police inspector attached to OPHK dies while on special duty in Yobe
Bandits kill one, injure another in Katsina vigilante patrol ambush
Gunmen abduct special constabulary officer in Kaduna
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