News
Epileptic electricity: FG to inject 1,900MW solar power into grid

The Federal Government has revealed plans to construct modular solar power plants with a combined capacity of 1,900 megawatts for the 19 northern states, as part of efforts to boost renewable energy adoption and expand the national grid.
It also disclosed its target to generate and distribute about 8,000MW of electricity before the end of President Bola Tinubu’s first term in office in 2027.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced this during the sixth edition of the 2025 Ministerial Press Briefing Series held on Thursday in Abuja.
Adelabu said each solar-powered station will produce approximately 100MW of electricity, enabling states to become more energy-independent and reducing reliance on the national grid.
He also stated that the government is pursuing private investment to help expand the grid and improve generation.
Recall that the northern region recently faced challenges with a stable power supply due to a surge in vandalism and theft of critical transmission infrastructure.
Last October, vandals destroyed the important 330kV Shiroro-Kaduna power line that supplies the states of Kano and Kaduna, and another line that supplies Bauchi, Gombe, and other parts of the northeast.
This incident led to a month-long blackout in 17 out of 19 northern states in the country.
Following the repairs, the governors of the 19 northern states called for the diversification of energy to ensure improved electricity supply.
The states include Niger and Kwara, Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, Gombe and Katsina. Others are Sokoto, Zamfara, Bauchi, Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and Benue.
But speaking at the event to update the public and highlight achievements recorded so far, the minister emphasized that with Nigeria’s abundant sunshine, there is no reason the country cannot achieve utility-scale solar power generation.
He said, “In addition to these initiatives, private investors like Sun Africa Energy and Skipper Electric are keen to invest in Nigeria’s power sector, emphasising renewable generation and grid expansion.
What we have today on our grid are just two types of power, hydropower and gas-powered plants.
“But with the abundance of sunshine that we have in Nigeria, nothing stops us from having utility-scale solar power generation. And we have two companies that have expressed interest in this.
We have evaluated, and discussions are at a very, very high stage.
“Number one is Sun Africa, which intends to bring in about 1,000MW of solar energy to complement the efforts of Niger Delta Power Holding Company at their various locations. And this will go straight into the grid. That’s adding solar power to our grid.
“Then the second is Skipper Energy, who has also decided to construct modular solar power plants in the 19 states of the northern part of Nigeria, about 100MW each, so that each state will be independent and the independence of the national grid will be reduced.
This will ensure that we have solar power in our national grid.
”Continuing, Adelabu described the 8,000MW target as realistic, noting that power generation has already improved by about 40 per cent since the current administration took office.
He said average daily generation rose from 4,100MW in Q3 2023 to 5,700MW in the last quarter of 2025, peaking at 5,800MW.
He highlighted that while it took Nigeria nearly 40 years, from 1984 to 2022, to grow from 2,000MW to 4,000MW, the current administration added 1,700MW in just over a year.
“I assumed office in August 2023, and within a short time, we’ve moved from an unstable 4,100MW to a steady 5,800MW,” he said, adding that if past governments had added just 1,000MW each year since 1999, Nigeria would now be producing over 30,000MW.
Adelabu credited the recent progress to President Tinubu’s support and expressed confidence that, if current momentum continues, the country could reach 8,000MW by 2027.
“Now that we have created a trajectory, if we sustain this trajectory, I can assure you that before the end of this administration in 2027, we should be able to generate and distribute nothing less than 8,000MW of power,” he assured.
The minister further observed the paucity of funds, stressing that given the competition for funding among various ministries and agencies, the government is looking to the private sector to secure financing for the construction of new transmission lines, substations, and the installation of additional transformers.
“We have received various offers from private investors. The national grid is owned 100 per cent by the government. But I can tell you, with other ministries competing for funds, we cannot fund the national grid alone.
We are looking to expand the national grid. If you look at the grid, I will give you the features of the grid. It is too large, and there are some dedicated lines in which some private investors have expressed interest.
“And with the Nigerian Independent System Operator, it will be much easier for us to invite the private sector investors and let them finance the construction of new lines, construction of new substations, and introduction of new transformers,” the former CBN director noted.
As part of its achievements, the minister said the national grid has been stronger in Tinubu’s administration, as the Transmission Company of Nigeria strengthened the critical network by commissioning 61 new transformers.
“It is a huge grid to cover over 200 million people, and it’s been there for so long, and we know that the maintenance history has been poor, replacement history has been poor, expansion history has been poor,” the minister said.
He added, “It is old, so collectively enabling our grid 8.7 gigawatt operational capacity, as of today, if we grow our generation to 8,700 megawatts, the grid can still carry it, thanks to the activities of the TCN and the FGN power company.
Two years ago, once it gets to 5,000MW, the grid collapses, then we have evacuated 5,800MW successfully without the grid blinking, it was still stable, so we can transport 8,700MW.
“To strengthen this critical network, TCN commissioned 61 new transformers, totalling 5,589 MVA in 2024.
Followed by nine additional transformers in quarter one of 2025 across key locations in Lagos, Benin, Bauchi, Oshogbo, Kano, and Kaduna, we have the list of the sites. I once mentioned that TCN had over 100 unfinished projects.
News
Five Narrowly Escape Death in Lagos Auto Crashes

Two people were seriously injured while three others escaped unhurt in separate road accidents over the weekend in Lagos State, caused by reckless driving and brake failure in Mile 2 and Surulere, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) said.
According to LASTMA spokesperson Adebayo Taofiq, the first crash occurred at Olohunsogo Bus Stop, inward Mile 2, when a speeding Toyota Camry collided with a stationary Scania truck, leaving the driver and a passenger seriously hurt.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the Camry driver’s excessive speeding caused the loss of control, resulting in the crash,” the statement said.
LASTMA responders quickly rescued the victims and took them to Ademola Hospital near Ijanikin Police Station for treatment. The truck driver was detained by LASTMA officials, while police provided security at the scene.
LASTMA General Manager Olalekan Bakare-Oki emphasized the importance of obeying traffic rules and maintaining vehicles to prevent such accidents, warning against reckless driving and mechanical failure.
This latest crash comes less than a week after a fatal accident at Ibeju Bus Stop on the Lekki–Epe Expressway, which killed six people, including a child, and injured nine others.
International
Egyptian Guest Collapses and Dies at Abuja Hotel

An Egyptian national, Mohammed Saleh, aged 56, tragically died after collapsing while dining at the Abuja Intercontinental Hotel located in Wuse Zone 4, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. The incident, which took place on Friday night, has sparked an ongoing police investigation into the cause of his sudden death.
Security expert Zazazola Makama shared details of the incident on social media platform X, revealing that Saleh was dining with three other individuals when he suddenly slumped. The hotel’s security supervisor, Francis Yusuf, promptly reported the case to the Wuse Police Division at approximately 9:24 p.m., prompting immediate medical and law enforcement response.
Saleh was first taken to King’s Care Hospital in Wuse Zone 4 before being referred to the Wuse District Hospital, where medical personnel confirmed his death. His remains have since been deposited at the hospital morgue for a thorough autopsy as authorities seek to determine the exact circumstances surrounding his passing.
The police have opened a formal investigation into the matter, with the FCT Police Command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, acknowledging the case but yet to provide detailed updates.
This incident adds to a growing list of cases involving foreign nationals found dead in Nigerian hotels, raising concerns about health emergencies and emergency response protocols in hospitality venues. Earlier this year, an 80-year-old Colombian man, Quesada Alfonso, was found dead in a hotel room in FESTAC Town, Lagos State.
Authorities investigated that case as well, noting the deceased had been residing in the hotel for several months prior to his death.
As the investigation into Mohammed Saleh’s death continues, the hospitality industry and security agencies are reminded of the critical importance of swift emergency response and enhanced safety measures to protect guests and residents alike. The outcome of the autopsy and police findings will shed more light on this unfortunate event.
Residents and visitors to Abuja await further information from law enforcement on this tragic occurrence.
News
Lagos Cracks Down on Illegal Street Traders at Mile 2

Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, has reiterated the government’s resolve to restore order on key roads, as enforcement officers cleared illegal street traders at 2nd Rainbow Junction, inward Mile 2.
A video shared by Wahab on X on Monday showed officers removing traders whose activities blocked traffic, endangered pedestrians, and littered the area.
Describing the operation as part of ongoing efforts to keep Lagos roads safe and clean, Wahab said, “Our enforcement team is dislodging illegal street traders causing nuisance at 2nd Rainbow Junction, inward Mile 2. Their actions obstruct traffic, threaten pedestrians, and pollute the environment.”
He affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a sustainable and orderly urban environment, adding, “We will continue to ensure our roads are safe, clean, and free from environmental violations.”
The Lagos State Government has stepped up enforcement against street trading and environmental offenses in recent months to improve safety, reduce congestion, and promote a cleaner city.
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