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Senate Declares Power Sector Privatization A Failure, Initiates Investigation

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The Senate has launched an investigation into the operations of Generation Companies (GenCos), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and Distribution Companies (DisCos), citing their failure to provide reliable electricity. Lawmakers criticized the privatization of the power sector since 2013, labeling it a “total failure” and asserting that these entities have failed to contribute any substantial value.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Senate Committee on Power has been tasked with a thorough inquiry. The committee aims to identify problems within the sector, propose measures to potentially reverse the privatization, and explore the possibility of declaring a state of emergency, with findings expected to be presented in six weeks.

Frustration Expressed by Senate President

Senate President Godswill Akpabio voiced his dissatisfaction with the power sector operators, accusing them of exacerbating Nigeria’s electricity issues. “They have added no value at all,” he lamented, criticizing the trend of communities and state governments providing transformers that DisCos then take over without necessary investments.

Akpabio questioned, “Why do state governors and communities purchase transformers, hand them over to DisCos, and still pay for installation?” He added, “The individuals who took over the power sector are simply profiting from these transformers without delivering any real value.”

He continued, questioning the rationale behind handing over GenCos when the TCN is unable to transmit the power they produce and why DisCos are not investing in needed infrastructure. “We can amend laws and ask the Federal Government to reclaim these assets from them,” Akpabio stated.

Critique of Privatization

Senator Abaribe highlighted the frequent collapses of the national grid, attributing them to aging infrastructure, neglected projects, regulatory shortcomings, and a lack of modern monitoring systems. Notably, he reported that the national grid has collapsed 105 times in the last decade, costing Nigeria approximately ₦42 billion in restart expenses for key power plants, including Azura, Delta, and Shiroro.

Abaribe stressed the urgent need for modernizing Nigeria’s outdated 50-year-old grid to meet contemporary demands. He pointed out that the costs associated with restarting plants after shutdowns are significantly higher than simply running them, indicating a deeper inefficiency.

“Aging infrastructure is a major contributor to frequent grid failures. Many grid components are outdated and have not received the necessary maintenance, making them more susceptible to breakdowns,” Abaribe elaborated.

Demands for Reform

Senator Adams Oshiomhole condemned the privatization policy as flawed and exploitative, emphasizing that DisCos profit while Nigerians endure suffering. He shared a personal story of paying for and installing a transformer that ultimately became the property of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). “DisCos are focused on profit while leaving our citizens in distress. It’s shocking that a private entity can charge for services not provided, leaving Nigerians powerless,” Oshiomhole remarked.

He called for a reassessment of the privatization policy within the framework of the administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” Senator Abdul Ningi echoed the need for accountability, arguing that the absence of penalties for failures in the sector perpetuates inefficiencies. “Without consequences, the issues will persist. Reports alone won’t drive real change,” Ningi stated.

Ultimately, the Senate postponed approval of the committee’s report, allowing an additional six weeks for further investigation and actionable recommendations.

For More InformatioFn And News Update, Join Nivonews Whatsapp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaV4jB6DuMRgwqnJCF32 For advertisement inquiries only, kindly send a mFor essage to 0901064981For 4 on WhatsAppn December 2 that the VAT sharing model in the proposed reforms would unfairly benefit Lagos and Rivers states.

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The Bulldozers Are Coming! Kano Targets Azman University In Massive Illegal Property Crackdown.

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Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, has dismissed recent claims by 2027 presidential hopeful Peter Obi regarding Nigeria’s power generation goals. During an Arise Television interview, Onanuga clarified that Nigeria’s core electricity crisis stems from structural deficits—such as gas supply shortages, a $4 trillion legacy debt owed to suppliers, and an aging national grid—rather than a lack of generation capacity.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Onanuga noted that the nation already possesses an installed capacity of 13,500 megawatts, exceeding Obi’s promise to add 10,000 megawatts. He argued that the former governor lacks a clear understanding of the existing infrastructure limitations. Furthermore, Onanuga highlighted that the Tinubu administration is actively tackling these issues through the Electricity Act, which decentralizes power management, and the establishment of the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO) to improve performance. He maintained that power generation has seen marked improvement since the current administration took office in May 2023.

President Bola Tinubu’s aide, Bayo Onanuga, has challenged Peter Obi’s pledge to increase Nigeria’s electricity generation by 10,000 megawatts within four years. In a recent interview, Onanuga stated that Obi’s plan ignores the reality that Nigeria’s installed capacity is already 13,500 megawatts—a figure that remains underutilized due to structural failures.

Onanuga identified the country’s primary obstacles as an outdated national grid, chronic gas supply issues, and a massive legacy debt of over ₦4 trillion owed to gas companies. He asserted that the current administration is addressing these systemic problems through legislative reforms, specifically citing the Electricity Act, which allows states to manage their own power generation, transmission, and distribution. Onanuga concluded that electricity output has already trended upward since May 2023 and that the government’s focus remains on optimizing existing assets rather than merely chasing higher capacity targets.

Bayo Onanuga is pushing back against Peter Obi’s recent promise to boost Nigeria’s power supply by 10,000 megawatts. According to President Tinubu’s spokesperson, the real issue isn’t a lack of capacity, but a broken system.

Onanuga pointed out that Nigeria already has 13,500 megawatts of installed capacity, most of which sits idle due to three main roadblocks:

  • The Grid: Outdated infrastructure that cannot handle current demands.

  • Gas Supply: A crippling lack of fuel for power plants.

  • Legacy Debt: A massive ₦4 trillion debt pile-up owed to gas suppliers.

Onanuga credited the Tinubu administration with tackling these hurdles head-on, specifically through the new Electricity Act that empowers states to generate and distribute their own power. He insists that the sector is already performing better than it was in May 2023 and that the focus is on fixing the structural bottlenecks, not just expanding capacity.

Would you like me to focus on a specific aspect of this report, such as the economic implications or the political disagreement between the two figures?

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Court Orders Probe Of Leaked Video In Alleged Coup Plot Trial

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On Tuesday, the Federal High Court in Abuja initiated an investigation into the unauthorized release of a video linked to the ongoing trial of six individuals accused of conspiring to topple President Bola Tinubu’s government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Investigation into the Leaked Video

  • Court Directive: Following a complaint from the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN), regarding a video statement that surfaced on the social media platform of influencer “VeryDarkMan” despite a court-imposed restriction, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to conduct an inquiry.

  • National Security Concerns: The DPP characterized the leak as a national security risk that prejudices the ongoing judicial proceedings, noting the video had already surpassed 6,000 views.

  • Defense Stance: While defense counsel denied involvement in the leak, they held varying views on a probe; some welcomed an investigation, while others, like Sanusi Musa (SAN), cautioned against acting without formal evidence.

  • Judicial Ruling: Invoking Section 232(5) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, Justice Abdulmalik mandated the DSS to identify and bring any responsible parties before the court, noting that such prosecution would be handled separately from the main coup trial.

Trial Testimony and Bail Proceedings

  • Witness Testimony: A prosecution witness, an Army officer codenamed “DDD,” testified that the investigation was conducted by a multi-agency team—including the Army, DSS, DIA, and EFCC—and explicitly denied that the defendants were chained, coerced, or tortured during interrogation.

  • Defense Challenges: During cross-examination, defense lawyers challenged the interrogation process, specifically noting the absence of family members or legal representation during the suspects’ questioning; however, the witness stated no such requests were made by the defendants.

  • Bail Applications: The court heard bail arguments from the defense, which the DPP opposed; Justice Abdulmalik has reserved her ruling on these applications and adjourned the trial-within-trial for the first three defendants until June 25 and June 30.

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No Mercy! US Authorities Deport Nigerian Over “Violent Crimes” & Abuse Allegations!.

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  • Deportation of Nigerian National: A Nigerian citizen named Ayodeji Ajayi has been deported from the United States following a series of criminal convictions, which include domestic violence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • Immigration Status: According to a statement released by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on their official account, Ajayi had been living in the US illegally for nearly two decades after failing to depart the country following the expiration of his student visa.

    • Criminal History: ICE reported that after abandoning his studies, Ajayi amassed a significant criminal record that includes convictions for domestic violence, trespassing, intimidation, and obstruction. Furthermore, his record includes charges involving kidnapping, rape, and family neglect.

    • Administrative Context: ICE attributed the removal of Ajayi to the immigration enforcement policies of President Donald Trump, noting the administration’s commitment to deporting criminal undocumented immigrants.

    • Missing Details: While the agency confirmed the deportation, they did not specify when it occurred, nor did they provide additional details regarding the jurisdictions of the convictions or the current status of his pending criminal charges.

    • Policy Enforcement: This action reflects the ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to intensify enforcement and increase the number of removals of undocumented individuals with criminal backgrounds across the United States.

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