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

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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.

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JUST IN: Nigeria Police Force Removes Benjamin Hundeyin as Force PRO

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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has relieved Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Benjamin Hundeyin of his duties as Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), effective Thursday, March 5, 2026.

The removal comes exactly six months after Hundeyin assumed the high-profile national spokesperson role in September 2025.

He was appointed by then-Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun as a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), succeeding DCP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, and was later promoted to ACP during his tenure in recognition of his performance in police communications and public engagement.

The decision, approved by the current Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, follows closely on the heels of Disu’s recent assumption of leadership.

Multiple reports indicate the move is part of a broader administrative shake-up and routine restructuring common during transitions to new IGP leadership, aimed at aligning key positions with the incoming administration’s priorities.

A senior police source confirmed the development, stating, “The Force Public Relations Officer has been removed this morning.” Details surrounding the exact reasons remain unclear, with no official statement from the NPF headquarters specifying whether the change is punitive or purely administrative.

Sources familiar with police protocols note that such redeployments often occur to refresh communications strategies and ensure alignment with new leadership directives focused on professionalism, accountability, and public trust.

Hundeyin, previously the Public Relations Officer for the Lagos State Police Command, was widely regarded for his effective media handling and efforts to enhance the police’s public image. His short but impactful stint as FPRO included handling national security communications during various incidents.

As of now, the identity of Hundeyin’s successor has not been officially announced, though speculation points to an imminent appointment to maintain continuity in the force’s public-facing operations amid heightened national security demands.

This development aligns with recent senior-level adjustments in the NPF, including retirements and promotions tied to the leadership change. The force continues its transition under Acting IGP Disu, emphasizing operational stability and reforms in policing.

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JUST IN: DIG Frank Mba Retires from Nigeria Police Force

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Mba’s retirement comes after 34 Years of Service, alongside other Senior Officers; seven AIGs Poised for Promotion

Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG) Frank Mba, a prominent figure in the Nigeria Police Force known for his roles as a three-time national spokesman and his contributions to training and public engagement, has retired after a distinguished 34-year career.

The retirement follows the recent appointment of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) Olatunji (Tunji) Disu as the new Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP) by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In line with longstanding traditions and protocols within the Nigeria Police Force, the elevation of a junior officer to the top position typically necessitates the retirement of senior officers, including DIGs, to maintain the force’s strict hierarchy, seniority structure, and operational stability.

DIG Mba, who joined the force on May 18, 1992—the same enlistment date as the new Acting IGP Disu—had served with notable professionalism, integrity, and reform-minded dedication. Civil society groups, including the Civic Alliance for Security Accountability (CASA), have lauded him as a “scholar-practitioner” whose career set a benchmark for ethical policing and effective communication.

Mba’s service included a UN peacekeeping mission in Liberia (2006–2007), where he earned a UN Medal, and various strategic roles across investigations, operations, and administration.

His statutory retirement was originally projected for April 2027 after completing 35 years of service, but the leadership transition accelerated his exit.

Tributes from colleagues and observers highlight his charisma, composure, exceptional public relations skills, and ability to humanize the police image, inspiring many young Nigerians to view the profession positively.

The transition has broader implications for the force’s senior ranks. Reports indicate that multiple DIGs (potentially up to eight, including Mba) have been affected by the customary retirements tied to the new IGP’s appointment.

Meanwhile, the shake-up is expected to open opportunities for promotions, with at least seven Assistant Inspectors-General (AIGs) set to advance to fill the resulting vacancies at the DIG level and support the restructuring of the force’s leadership.

This development comes amid discussions on police hierarchy conventions, federal character considerations in promotions, and the need to preserve institutional knowledge during transitions.

President Tinubu’s administration has reportedly intervened to moderate the scale of retirements, avoiding a mass exit of around 30 senior officers as initially anticipated in some internal projections.

The Nigeria Police Force continues its leadership transition under Acting IGP Disu, with focus on maintaining stability and effectiveness in national security duties.

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BREAKING: Kano House of Assembly Commences Impeachment Process Against Deputy Governor

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The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo (also referred to as Abdulsalam Aminu Gwarzo).

The move, announced during plenary on Thursday, March 5, 2026, follows allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, breach of public trust, and financial impropriety.

These reportedly include claims of receiving kickbacks from the state’s 44 local government councils during his earlier tenure as Commissioner for Local Government Affairs between 2023 and 2024, with some reports citing sums exceeding ₦1.6 billion.

Majority Leader Lawan Hussaini Dala presented and read the impeachment notice on the floor of the House, in line with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which governs the removal of a governor or deputy governor for gross misconduct.

The Speaker, Ismail Falgore, confirmed that the notice has been formally served on the deputy governor, granting him a two-week period to respond to the allegations before further steps are taken.

This development comes amid political tensions in the state, where the deputy governor has remained in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and has not aligned with Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s recent move to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Reports indicate he has been absent from government house activities and interactions with the governor.

The Assembly has emphasized that the process will follow constitutional procedures, and the deputy governor has the opportunity to defend himself against the charges.

BELOW ARE THE ALLEGATIONS AGAINST THE KANO STATE DEPUTY GOVERNOR:

The petition lists the following allegations:Breach of Public Trust: Abdulsalam is accused of diverting funds meant for local government administrations for personal gain. Between June 2023 and January 2024, he allegedly received kickbacks totaling ₦462 million over seven months.

Diversion of Funds and Misuse of Official Capacity: From February 2024 to July 2024, he reportedly received ₦726 million from local government councils under the guise of executing special assignments.

Abuse of Office: Abdulsalam allegedly facilitated the improper release of ₦440 million to North Med Pharmaceutical Limited, in violation of public procurement laws and state fiscal regulations.

Gross Misconduct: These actions are said to constitute gross misconduct under Section 188(2) of the Constitution, representing serious breaches of constitutional norms and ethical standards for public office holders.

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