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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
Troops Arrest Security Guard, Recover Weapons in Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Safe Haven, Sector 3, have arrested a security guard, Mr. John Bala, for alleged possession of illegal firearms in Miango Village, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama the arrest was made at about 9:18 PM on Monday during a special operation codenamed Golden Peace, following credible intelligence.
Items recovered from the suspect included a fabricated rifle, seven rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, five mobile phones, and a cash sum of N120,000.
The suspect, a 43-year-old security guard at Anan School of Accountancy, is currently in the custody of the troops for further investigation.
Troops Arrest Security Guard, Recover Weapons in Plateau
News
Interior Minister Orders Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities in Okere Correctional Centre
Interior Minister Orders Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities in Okere Correctional Centre
By: Michael Mike
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has directed the immediate and comprehensive investigation into allegations of criminal activities within the Okere Correctional Centre, Warri, Delta State, which have recently been reported in the media.
The Minister, in a statement signed by his spokesman, Babatunde Alao on Tuesday strongly condemned the alleged reprehensible behaviour and emphasizes that any form of indiscipline and misconduct will be met with severe consequences.
The Minister was quoted to have said: “I will not allow indiscipline to fester under my nose. Any officer found wanting will face the full weight of the law. The leadership of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) must provide explanations.”
He reiterated his commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the administration of justice within correctional service system.
He said: “We take these allegations seriously and will not tolerate any form of misconduct within our correctional facilities.”
The Minister however called on the general public to provide any relevant information that may aid in the investigation.
Interior Minister Orders Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities in Okere Correctional Centre
NIS to Launch Contactless Passport Solution in Europe on February 7
By: Michael Mike
Comptroller General, Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs. Kemi Nandap has announced that NIS is set to launch the contactless passport application solution in Europe, with UK serving as the coordinating centre on February 7.
The Comptroller General made the announcement on Tuesday when she paid a courtesy call on Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa at NiDCOM headquarters in Abuja.
She said: “This initiative set for launch on 7th of February 2025 will enable Nigerians in the Diaspora to apply for and renew their passports online from the comfort of their homes.”
Nandap reiterated that the innovative solution is designed to simplify the passport application process for Diaspora, save time, and reduce costs associated with travelling to apply for passport.
She, however, said that the initiative is not for fresh applicants or minors but for those renewing their passports.
She said Nigerians living abroad can start the process of renewing their passports a year to its expiration.
Nandap commended NIDCOM for being a dependable partner and ally in advocacy in giving awareness to its programmes and policies, especially as it affects Nigerians living abroad.
The Comptroller General said that President Bola Tinubu has given them the marching order to make life easier for Nigerians in the diaspora, saying the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has in the meantime approved a passport processing facility for New York, to address the backlog and bring experience there.
She added that passport front offices will soon be opened in other parts of the US and other countries.
Responding to the news, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, commended the laudable initiative, which aligns with the Commission’s mandate to support and facilitate diaspora engagement.
“The launch of the contactless passport application solution in Europe is a significant step towards efficient, secure, and convenient travel document management for Nigerians in the diaspora. NiDCOM will continue to support, monitor and collaborate with the NIS to ensure the success of this initiative” she added.
She commended the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo and the Comptroller General for the innovations introduced, noting that the contactless application has since taken off in Canada with commendations from Nigerians in Canada.
NIS to Launch Contactless Passport Solution in Europe on February 7
Troops Arrest Security Guard, Recover Weapons in Plateau
Interior Minister Orders Investigation into Alleged Criminal Activities in Okere Correctional Centre
NIS to Launch Contactless Passport Solution in Europe on February 7
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