Author: Friday Omosola

To ensure fair and efficient pricing for mini-grid projects in the country,theNigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has adopted the African Forum for Utility Regulators (AFUR) Mini-Grid Tariff Tool.A statement posted on NRRC’s X page today said the adoption was in collaboration with AFUR and key stakeholders. NERC added that the tool has been designed to simplify the process of determining cost-reflective tariffs for mini-grid operations. One of its standout features is the introduction of Portfolio Applications, which enables developers to register multiple mini-grid sites under a single application. This innovation, the Commission said, promotes regulatory efficiency, reduces end-user tariffs, and…

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has embarked on a nationwide sensitization campaign to enhance grassroots disaster management capabilities, with a focus on fire prevention awareness. The initiative, driven by NEMA’s Zonal, Territorial, and Operations Offices, aims to equip communities with essential knowledge and skills to respond effectively to fire emergencies. The campaign comes as the harmattan season approaches, a period characterized by dry and windy conditions that significantly heighten the risk of fire outbreaks. These conditions not only threaten lives and properties but also pose serious environmental hazards. As part of the programme, NEMA is training grassroots emergency management…

Governor, Mohammed Bago of Niger State has presented a budget proposal of over N1.5 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly. The proposed budget, themed “Hope for Sustainability and Food Security”, outlines the administration’s priorities for the coming year. Bago announced the budget on his X page, highlighting its focus on fostering economic growth and addressing critical needs across various sectors. The budget allocates over N196 billion for recurrent expenditures and more than N1.3 trillion for capital projects, underscoring a commitment to development-driven governance. According to the governor, the 2025 budget represents a 48.3 per…

The National Economic Council (NEC) has called on state governments to adopt the initiatives of the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit (PFSCU) to address Nigeria’s food security challenges and their root causes. The resolution was reached yesterday during the 147th NEC meeting, presided over by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Highlighting the level of progress made so far, Shettima stated that the reforms and interventions rolled out by the federal government in 2024 were yielding results. “The recent GDP growth of 3.46% in Q3 2024 is a testament to our collective sacrifices,” Shettima said, urging…

By Friday OmosolaThe Ekiti Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport (EAICA) in Ado-Ekiti to received the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) approval to begin non-scheduled flight operations on December 15, 2024. In a letter dated December 11, 2024, addressed to the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, the NCAA granted the airport permission to operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) for six months, from December 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025. The approval, signed by the Acting Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo was in response to the state government’s application for a flight operational permit. The NCAA noted that the…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) it has commenced an investigation into reports of suspected substandard Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg Capsules, Lot Number 4C639001. Mojisola Adeyeye, NAFDAC Director-General/CEO in a statement today, said the product, manufactured by Ecomed Pharma Ltd and marketed by Devine Kings Pharmaceutical Ltd, has been linked to serious adverse drug reactions nationwide. The agency added that preliminary findings have raised questions about the authenticity of the batch in question. More so, NAFDAC said that Ecomed Pharma Ltd claims it produced only 20 packets of Lot 4C639001 for registration renewal purposes and 1,961…

As the yuletide season approaches, the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has assured Nigerians of heightened security measures to safeguard lives and property during the festive period. In a statement by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson said the IGP has directed the immediate deployment of police personnel to strategic locations nationwide to curb traffic disruptions, highway robberies, and other criminal activities.The deployment, he said includes enhanced police presence along highways, urban centres, and recreational hubs. Adejobi added that the proactive measure aims to deter criminal activities, particularly highway robberies, which often escalate during periods of increased public mobility and gatherings.…

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to uphold and protect the fundamental rights of the press,and ensure a sustainable and beneficial tax reforms. Idris gave these assurances yesterday while speaking at the 2024 Annual General Congress of the International Press Institute of Nigeria (IPI). He underscored the government’s dedication to ensuring media freedom, even amid growing concerns over the unlawful detention of journalists under the current administration. Idris’ remarks came at a time when several journalists have faced illegal arrests, including the recent detention of the founder of the Foundation for Investigative…

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State yesterday presented the 2025 State’s budget, christened “Budget of Human Capital Development, Food Security, and Digital Economy,” to the State House of Assembly. The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula ,said the budget, totalling N550.11 billion, is aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving the well-being of the state’s citizens. Addressing lawmakers at the State Assembly complex in Makurdi, Alia outlined the priorities of the proposed budget, which includes key sectors like infrastructure, agriculture, education, and healthcare. In the budget, the governor allocated N110 billion (20 per cent) for…

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday in Abuja, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fostering an investor-friendly environment by eliminating administrative hurdles in the energy and solid minerals sectors. Speaking at a business session at the State House, held as part of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier’s State Visit, Tinubu emphasised that unlocking the untapped potential of Nigeria’s energy sector remains a cornerstone of the country’s developmental agenda. Describing the German President’s visit as a pivotal moment, Tinubu expressed gratitude for the hospitality he received during his trip to Germany and highlighted the importance of strengthening bilateral ties. “We need each other, and you emphasized…