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Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that the power sector revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion at the end of the year from the N1.7 trillion recorded in 2024.

Adelabu, who revealed this on Monday while speaking on the topic ‘Uninterrupted Power: The Industrial Imperative’, at the 31st edition of the Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, said the increase was as a result of the new tariff regime introduced by the present administration.

Speaking on commercialisation, Adelabu said the government is deepening power sector to strengthen revenue, liquidity and investor confidence.

He said, ‘Through tariff policy reforms which enabled cost-reflective tariffs for select consumers, supply reliability has improved while reducing energy costs for industries, and industry revenue has increased by 70% to ?1.7 trillion in 2024 compared to previous year and the revenue is expected to exceed ?2 trillion for 2025.’ He said to stabilize the market, President Bola Tinubu has approved a ?4 trillion bond to clear verified Generation Company (GenCo) and gas supply debts adding that a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure a sustainable path toward full commercialization and viable industry.

He added that the Federal Government as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is intensifying broad-based reforms across the power sector value chain to improve supply especially to the industrial clusters such as Lagos, Enugu, Port-Harcourt, Kaduna, Kano, Ajaokuta.

In the area of infrastructure development, Adelabu said the Federal Government has introduced targeted national programs aimed at accelerating the viability, expansion and modernization of the national grid.

‘Under the phase zero of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), we enhanced transmission capacity, grid stability and overall system reliability, with over 700MW of additional transmission capacity already achieved.

‘Under Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) Phase One, contracts have been signed with Siemens Energy, CMEC, Elswedy Electric and Power China. Financing arrangements are underway to support implementation. Phase one is planned to add 7000MW operational capacity to the grid,’ he said.

The minister stated that in parallel to the grid expansion, generation capacity is being expanded through the rehabilitation of existing NIPP plants to unlock about 345MW alongside the successful integration of the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Plant into the grid as the efforts have helped sustain an average generation capacity of approximately 5,300MW in 2024 up from 4,200MW recorded in 2023.

Speaking further, Adelabu said the Federal Government has operationalized the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) to close the national metering gap and improve sector viability as revealed that ?700 billion has been secured from FAAC to deploy 1.1 million meters by end of 2025, and 2 million annually over the next five years under the PMI.

‘This complements the 3.2 million meters being procured through the World Bank’s DISREP program, positioning Nigeria to close the metering gap within five years and strengthen transparency and revenue assurance across the value chain,’ the minister said.

Dangote Refinery has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his swift intervention in resolving the recent industrial crisis involving the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

In a statement made available to Tribune Online, the refinery commended the president for his decisive role through his ministers and senior government officials, which led to what it described as ‘the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the Refinery.’

The statement acknowledged the efforts of Nigeria’s security chiefs, including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Adeola Toyin Ajayi; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, for their roles in restoring ‘sanity and order to the energy subsector.’

It also recognised the commitment of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi; the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Honourable Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and the Honourable Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, for their ‘patriotism and national service.’

‘To Nigerians of all walks of life, we owe you more than a debt of gratitude. Your support for our righteous cause was both humbling and overwhelming,’ the statement read, adding that the encouragement from the public ‘reinforced our belief in the Nigerian nation and people as the backbone of our enterprise.’

The refinery also extended appreciation to its employees for maintaining uninterrupted operations during the period of tension.

‘You proved your allegiance to our cause these several days even in the face of the provocative and inciting comments of and directives from detractors and naysayers,’ it stated, assuring that loyal workers ‘will continue to be handsomely rewarded and remunerated.’

While highlighting its contribution to national development, the company reaffirmed its status as ‘one of Nigeria’s model employers of labour and the largest private sector employer in the country as well as the largest contributor to Nigeria’s tax revenues.’

It emphasised that its compensation framework is aligned with international standards and designed to ‘reward performance, protect employee welfare, uphold dignity in labour and provide a safe and enabling workplace.’

Dangote Refinery also commended the Nigerian judiciary for what it described as its courageous stance in upholding the rule of law during the crisis.

‘They stood up for the truth and proved themselves as the bastion of hope for all of us,’ it said, condemning what it termed ‘the rascality and lawlessness’ of those who refused to honour court orders.

The refinery reaffirmed its dedication to the country, stating, ‘We would not relent in serving the Nigerian nation faithfully and diligently through the uninterrupted production of our petroleum products. Our commitment to the Nigerian nation and our pact with its people remain undiluted, undiminished and unalterable.’

The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, has explained the reason for the recent increase in cooking gas price across the country.

According to him, the cooking gas price hike was caused by the temporary disruption of operations during the strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Speaking with State House correspondents on Sunday after visiting President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Ojulari said the industrial action halted loading and distribution for several days, leading to an artificial rise in the price.

‘The increase you saw was relatively artificial because for the period of the strike, movements and loading were delayed by about two, three days,’ he said. ‘And because of that, you see that impact. As things return back to normal, it takes some time for distribution to be fully restored.’

Ojulari also accused some retailers of taking advantage of the temporary supply disruption to inflate the cooking gas price.

‘As you know, in Nigeria, people take opportunity. With that delay, some of the people that had existing resources and reserves had to put up the price,’ he said.

Ojulari assured Nigerians that as supply chains stabilise, the cooking gas price is expected to ease in the coming weeks.

‘My expectation is that now that things are back to normal, prices should return to what they were before the strike,’ he said.

The rise in cooking gas price followed the industrial action by PENGASSAN over the dismissal of Nigerian workers at the Dangote Refinery.

The strike, which disrupted fuel and gas operations nationwide, was suspended on October 1 after federal government intervention.

Following negotiations, the Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected workers, paving the way for normal operations to resume and for the cooking gas price to stabilise.

The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has explained why it dissolved the board and management of African Alliance Insurance Plc in October 2024 and appointed an Interim Management Board (IMB) to oversee the company.

Speaking at the 2025 NAICOM seminar for insurance journalists in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Commissioner for Insurance and Chief Executive Officer of NAICOM, Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, said the drastic step was taken following mounting complaints from annuitants over unpaid entitlements.

According to him, the regulator’s intervention was aimed at protecting policyholders and restoring confidence in the firm.

‘The entity used to be solvent, and some people ran it down. Every individual who had been on that board and was responsible for the insolvency will never be appointed again. The owners of the business remain the owners, but we will not allow the public to suffer for the greed of a few individuals,’ Omosehin stated.

The IMB is chaired by Dr. Haruna Mustapha, with Mr. Jacob Erhabor as Managing Director/CEO. Other members include Mr. Wasiu Amao (Executive Director, Technical), Ms. Oremeyi Longe (Executive Director, Finance), Mr. Anthony Achebe (Non-Executive Director), and Ms. Halimatu Khabeeb (Non-Executive Director).

Omosehin disclosed that since taking over, the interim management has settled all outstanding annuitants’ entitlements and is working to dispose of some company assets to generate funds for outstanding obligations.

He added that African Alliance’s annuity portfolio would be transferred to another insurer with the capacity to manage it sustainably.

The Commissioner stressed that NAICOM would not hesitate to revoke the company’s licence if it failed to meet regulatory capital requirements.

‘The Nigerian people will no longer be exposed to the greed of entrepreneurs where policyholders’ money is diverted. That money is not theirs; the bulk of it belongs to policyholders. The government will not close its eyes and allow that to continue,’ he warned.

In his remarks, the Deputy Commissioner for Insurance (Technical), Dr. Usman Jankara, explained that NAICOM had restricted African Alliance from taking on unlimited new business while it remained under intervention.

‘Ordinarily, we shouldn’t allow them to take fresh business when they haven’t settled existing obligations. What we have done is adopt a hybrid model, intervening while setting strict boundaries, so they don’t accumulate more liabilities that they cannot meet,’ he said.

The Commission maintained that its overriding goal is to protect policyholders and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s insurance industry.

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced the implementation of a cashless policy, introducing a single wallet for all payments at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja.

While unveiling the contactless payment system, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi Kuku, said the new initiative will block revenue leakages across airports in Nigeria.

‘This is more than a new payment system; it is a fundamental upgrade to the passenger experience and a powerful reaffirmation of our commitment to transparency and excellence.

‘Following its successful launch in the dynamic city of Lagos, I am proud to officially announce the full deployment of ‘OPERATION GO CASHLESS here in Abuja, the Centre of Excellence. This is a comprehensive, cashless, and contactless payment solution for all our airports.

‘Effective September 29th, 2025, we have started phasing out physical cash at all FAAN revenue points, including access gates, car parks, and VIP lounges,’ Kuku said.

She explained that ‘our airports are the gateways to our nation, they are the first impression at many of our revenue points; The access gates, the car parks, and the lounges have been defined by an outdated model: cash.

‘This reliance on physical currency creates a chain of challenges. It causes delays, introduces operational inefficiencies and vulnerabilities in our revenue collection.’

Represented by the Director Commercial and Business Development, Ms Adebola Agunbiade, Kuku reaffirmed that the initiative will ensure efficiency and convenience.

‘With a simple tap of your new FAAN Contactless Card, you can make instant payments. This technology is not only fast and convenient but also promotes enhanced hygiene.

‘The card features a unified wallet, meaning a single balance can be used across multiple registered cards, perfect for easy management for families or corporate users. It is available to all users, including our valued international travellers, and once registered, it has nationwide validity across all FAAN-managed airports.

‘Your security is our priority. You will receive real-time SMS notifications for every transaction and can monitor your balance and history via a secure online dashboard. Should your card be lost or stolen, you can instantly block it through this same dashboard. ensuring your funds are always protected,’ she said.

She stated further that the benefits of the card are clear: ‘For the Passenger: A faster, smoother journey from the access gate to the parking lot. Enhanced security, as you no longer need to carry large amounts of cash. Real-time SMS notifications for every transaction give you full control.

‘For FAAN and the Nation: It means optimised revenue collection, significantly reduced leakage, and a robust system of financial accountability. It aligns our airports with global best practices, strengthening Nigeria’s position in international aviation and tourism.’

Also speaking, Alexander Edekhe of Business Lead Public Sector said, ‘We are glad to power this initiative for easy payments at the airports across the country ‘.

FAAN is giving a transitional widow of six months to phase out completely cash transactions at the airport.

Parents with children living with cerebral palsy in Kwara state have called on the state government to provide tuition-free education, as they lamented societal stigma and neglect of their wards.

Speaking with journalists at an event marking this year’s Cerebral Palsy Day at the state ministry of Social Development in Ilorin on Monday, the parents said that the nation’s present socio-economic situation had worsened the condition of their children.

One of the parents, Mrs Afolabi Shukrat Jumoke, said that, ‘it’s not easy carrying and taking these children out. We want the state government to take full responsibility for the physiotherapy treatment of these children.

‘They use diapers, and the drugs they take are quite expensive. Most private schools don’t take them’, she lamented.

Also, Mrs Olubunmi Aina said the children face rejection in private schools across the state, adding that, ‘even where they are considered, some other parents always threaten to withdraw their children from the school. So this situation leaves the school proprietors with no choice but to later reject those living with cerebral palsy’.

She added that the victims of cerebral palsy also suffer rejection at public places like barbing salon and restaurants, among many others.

‘Giving birth to this child has brought me closer to God. I’ve turned a barber because of him. Many Barbing salon won’t do his hair. Many people refuse to do their hair as if it’s contagious’.

They implored the state government to come to their rescue by subsidising the needed drugs for their children and to embark on public awareness to check societal stigma.

Speaking earlier, the state commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam NnaFatima Imam, said that cerebral palsy victims deserve understanding, respect, and equal opportunity.

The commissioner said that the event talked, ‘not only of the challenges faced by our champions, but also of their strength, resilience, and extraordinary potential.

‘Cerebral palsy is not a limitation of the human spirit. It is a call for understanding, inclusion, and shared responsibility. It urges us to look beyond disability and see ability; to look beyond challenges and recognise possibility,’ she said.

According to her, the ministry has enrolled some people living with Cerebral Palsy in the state’s Health Insurance Scheme ‘to ensure they have access to quality healthcare.

‘We have also equipped parents and guardians with refined, income-generating skills in tie and dye, resin artistry, and POS enterprise management, further complemented by financial support designed to help them transform these skills into sustainable, independent and thriving ventures’, she said.

The convener, Ifeoluwa Anishe, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Ifeoluwa Cerebral Palsy Initiative, described the day as a moment of hope and unity.

He called for the inclusion of adults living with cerebral palsy in the political scheme, ‘they deserve inclusion, dignity, and equal opportunities’, he said.

The CEO of Toomore School for Basic and Vocational and Special Needs, Reverend Samuel Ajayi, commended the state government and the convener.

He said he had learnt a lot that would enable him to improve in running his charity school.

Meanwhile, Dr Sholagbade Rasheedat from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) lectured on the reasons for cerebral palsy, its management and prevention.

Sokoto State Government has launched an integrated immunisation campaign aimed at vaccinating no fewer than 2.8 million children against polio, measles, rubella, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) across the state.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto disclosed this on Monday during the official flag-off ceremony held in Bodinga town, Bodinga Local Government Area.

Aliyu said the ten-day exercise, which covers all 244 wards in the state, targets children aged between nine months and fourteen years as part of efforts to curb the spread of preventable childhood diseases.

He called on community and religious leaders, development partners, and stakeholders to mobilise parents and caregivers to ensure full participation in the campaign.

‘Nigeria currently records one of the highest numbers of measles and rubella infections globally,’ the governor warned, adding that failure to vaccinate children could lead to serious complications, including blindness, deafness, and even death.

Represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and promoting disease prevention through regular immunisation.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar Wurno, announced that 1,378 vaccination teams had been deployed across the state, with each team comprising 11 trained health workers.

He added that Sokoto has received over three million doses of vaccines from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and lauded the state government for promptly releasing its counterpart funding to support the exercise.

Also speaking, the representative of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Kabir Alhassan Cigari, who is the District Head of Wurno, pledged the continued support of traditional rulers in sensitising communities and mobilising parents to embrace the vaccination drive.

The campaign, officials said, forms part of the state’s renewed commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery and improving the well-being of children across Sokoto.