The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, has urged Nigerians to disregard concerns over an alleged plan to increase electricity tariffs, assuring them that the Federal Government is prioritising improved and reliable power supply across the country.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Tegbe gave the assurance in Ibadan, Oyo State, during the groundbreaking ceremony for five mini-grid projects expected to provide electricity to several communities in the state, Naija News reports.

The projects have a combined generation capacity of 17.7 megawatts and will feature a battery storage system with the capacity to store 17.74 megawatt-hours of electricity.

The beneficiary communities are Bola, Jiboye, Molade-Adelubi, Ogo Oluwa and Sooko-Elega, located across Akinyele, Ido, Ibadan North, Egbeda and Lagelu Local Government Areas.

Speaking at the ceremony, the minister dismissed reports of a proposed electricity tariff increase, stating that the government’s priority was to ensure a consistent power supply nationwide.

“I want to say this clearly and without ambiguity: there is no plan to increase electricity tariffs. What we are planning is a power sector that works around the clock. Our commitment is 24/7 power,” Tegbe said.

He explained that the Federal Government was developing initiatives aimed at improving electricity supply across various parts of the country.

According to the minister, the government’s energy plans cover several key corridors, including Lagos-Ogun, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano and Benin-Enugu-Port Harcourt.

Tegbe added that measures were also being implemented to strengthen the national grid and improve the infrastructure responsible for electricity generation and transmission.

He noted that the mini-grid projects would expand access to electricity in the benefiting communities while reducing residents’ reliance on petrol and diesel-powered generators.

The minister further explained that a more dependable electricity supply would support business operations, encourage investment and create employment opportunities.

He described the initiative as part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that similar electricity projects had been implemented in other states with the support of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).

Tegbe commended Tinubu for his leadership and acknowledged the contributions of the REA, Paras Energy and Natural Resources Development Limited, the World Bank and the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company to the initiative.

He also expressed appreciation to the Oyo State Government, traditional rulers and community leaders for their support.

The minister stressed that sustained cooperation among all stakeholders would be crucial to completing the projects and ensuring that the communities enjoy lasting benefits from the improved electricity infrastructure.

Some motorists in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, have reduced their movements as several filling stations shut their gates despite the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) announcing a ₦66 reduction in petrol prices.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

A survey conducted by journalists on Thursday revealed that many filling stations had stopped selling petrol barely a day after the price reduction was announced, leaving residents struggling to obtain the product.

The development followed decisions by some independent petroleum marketers to suspend sales, further reducing the number of outlets where motorists could purchase fuel.

The situation has also affected movement along major roads in the state capital, as some motorists have chosen to avoid unnecessary trips due to the high cost and limited availability of petrol.

A manager of one of the affected filling stations, who spoke to Vanguard on condition of anonymity, disclosed that although the station had petrol in stock, its owner had ordered a suspension of sales.

He explained that the available stock had been purchased at a higher price, making it difficult for the station to sell at the newly announced lower rate without incurring losses.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that several filling stations in the Oke-Ogun area of Oyo State were also shut on Wednesday and Thursday.

A civil servant in the state, Aminu Muhammed, said the situation had disrupted workers’ daily activities, with some unable to get to their workplaces.

He added that some commercial drivers had parked their vehicles because petrol was either too expensive or difficult to obtain.

Commercial transport operators, popularly known as kabu-kabu, also expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that the announced price reduction had yet to provide the expected relief.

They alleged that some filling stations that remained open were selling petrol for as much as ₦1,500 per litre, despite motorists spending hours waiting in long queues.

The closures have left residents in parts of Kebbi and Oyo struggling to access petrol despite the announced price cut. Motorists, workers and transport operators continue to face the combined challenges of limited supply and high pump prices.

Spanish club Getafe have submitted a formal contract offer to sign Jadon Sancho, as the former Manchester United winger weighs his options after becoming a free agent.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Getafe are keen to secure an agreement with the 26-year-old following the expiration of his contract at Old Trafford earlier this summer. However, negotiations with his representatives could prove challenging as both sides attempt to reach an agreement.

The La Liga side currently sit 14th in the league and are also competing in the Europa Conference League. The club are looking to strengthen their squad with experienced players ahead of the new campaign.

Getafe recently secured the services of former Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal, who signed a contract running until June 2027 after leaving the Spanish giants when his previous deal expired in June.

Sancho is reportedly more interested in continuing his career outside England, although he is still considering other proposals before making a final decision on his future.

A possible move to Spain would follow several loan spells away from Manchester United. Last season, the England international played for Aston Villa, making 39 appearances as Unai Emery’s team secured Champions League qualification and won the Europa League.

Sancho came on as a late substitute in the Europa League final against Freiburg, marking his third consecutive season featuring in a European final. He had previously appeared in the final during loan spells with Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea.

Chelsea had included an obligation-to-buy clause in Sancho’s loan agreement for the 2024-25 season. However, the club reportedly chose to pay a £5 million penalty to return him to Manchester United after he made 41 appearances.

While assessing his options, Sancho has continued training to maintain his fitness. One of his recent training sessions took place at non-league club Flixton, prompting the North West Counties League side to clarify that the winger was not on trial with them.