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Liquidity challenges in Nigeria’s electricity market persisted in July 2025, as the country’s 11 distribution companies (DisCos) and Aba Power Limited Electric (APLE) posted a combined N49.18 billion revenue shortfall, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The figure, captured in NERC’s July 2025 Commercial Performance Factsheet, showed a modest improvement from the N55.74 billion shortfall recorded in June 2025, but still underscores deep structural inefficiencies in revenue recovery across the sector.

Ikeja Electric topped the performance chart with a 102.05 per cent collection efficiency, billing N40.03 billion and collecting N40.84 billion, driven by arrears recovery and current charges.

Eko DisCo followed with an 86.56 percent efficiency, collecting N33.54 billion from N38.75 billion billed, while Benin DisCo achieved 95.19 percent, realising N15.13 billion from N17.77 billion billed.

Other strong performers included Ibadan DisCo, which recorded 82.81 percent efficiency with N20.90 billion collected from N25.24 billion billed, and Abuja DisCo, which posted 80.26 percent, collecting N30.44 billion from N37.93 billion billed.

In the mid-range, Enugu DisCo and Port Harcourt DisCo reported efficiencies of 78.34 percent and 76.07 percent, respectively, while Yola DisCo achieved 67.80 percent.

At the bottom of the ranking, Aba DisCo managed 61.81 percent, Kano DisCo 58.61 percent, and Kaduna DisCo 45.41 percent. Jos DisCo had the weakest showing, collecting just N4.59 billion out of N11.81 billion billed, representing a 38.95 percent efficiency rate, the lowest in the sector.

Commenting on the figures, Adetayo Adegbemle, Executive Director, PowerUp, cautioned that the results represent only about 40 percent of the energy delivered to DisCos, as the remainder is treated as a tariff shortfall to be covered by the Federal Government.

He warned that the sector’s sustainability remains precarious, ‘If DisCos are struggling to meet obligations on just 40 percent, their survival would be in serious doubt once tariff shortfall payments are removed and they are required to recover 100 percent of their Collection Rate Target (CRT),’ Adegbemle said.

According to him, the CRT stands at N210 per kWh, while the average allowed tariff is N116 per kWh, and the average recovery rate is N89 per kWh.

Some DisCos, he added, are recovering as little as N30 to N41 per kWh, highlighting the persistent inefficiency in collections despite ongoing regulatory reforms.

Industry analysts say the widening gap between energy billing, collection, and actual cost recovery highlights the fragile financial state of Nigeria’s power sector, raising concerns about its long-term sustainability without significant tariff adjustments and enforcement of performance standards.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has been dragged before the Federal High Court in Abuja over a legal bid to stop him from contesting the 2027 Presidential election.

The suit, filed on Monday by Johnmary Chukwukasi Jideobi, a lawyer, asks the court to issue a perpetual injunction restraining Jonathan from submitting himself to any political party for nomination.

The plaintiff also wants the court to bar the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from accepting or publishing Jonathan’s name as a candidate in the 2027 Presidential election or any future poll.

In the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/2102/2025, Jonathan is named as the first defendant, while INEC and the Attorney- General of the Federation are the second and third defendants.

The case raises a constitutional question: whether, in light of Sections 1(1), (2), (3), and 137(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), Jonathan is eligible to contest for Nigeria’s Presidency again.

The plaintiff argues that the Constitution does not permit Jonathan to run, having already served out the remainder of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s term and then his own full term following the 2011 election.

An affidavit filed in support of the case by one Emmanuel Agida states that Jonathan was first sworn in as President on May 6, 2010, after Yar’Adua’s death, and was re-elected in 2011.

The plaintiff says recent media reports suggest that Jonathan may attempt another run in 2027, which he believes would violate the Constitution’s two-term limit.

He argues that if the court does not act, a political party may nominate Jonathan, potentially allowing him to contest and win the 2027 election.

That, he claims, will result in Jonathan taking the Presidential Oath a third time contrary to Constitutional provisions.

The plaintiff maintains he has the legal standing to bring the suit as a lawyer committed to upholding the Constitution.

He refers to provisions that state no person who has completed another’s term may be elected more than once.

He also cites the Constitutional requirement that Nigeria must be governed strictly according to the law, with no person or group assuming power outside the framework of the Constitution.

He argues that Jonathan’s return would undermine constitutional order and has filed the suit in the public interest to protect the rule of law.

The plaintiff asks the court to declare Jonathan ineligible to contest, bar INEC from accepting or publishing his candidacy, and order the Attorney General to enforce compliance.

As of the time of this report, no date has been fixed for the hearing.

Nigerian-born global investor Adebayo Ogunlesi has expressed strong confidence in President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, describing them as a solid foundation for renewed international investment in the country.

Ogunlesi, Chairman of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), made the remarks after a high-level meeting with the President at his Lagos residence on September 29, 2025, where discussions centred on deepening private sector participation in key industries including energy, aviation, and ports.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Ogunlesi commended the administration’s economic direction, citing the removal of fuel subsidies, ongoing tax reforms, and the revival of the national refinery, which has commenced export of aviation fuel, as signs of genuine policy progress.

‘We had an excellent meeting where we discussed strategies to put Nigeria front and centre for global investment. The President was very encouraging, and we exchanged valuable ideas on driving economic growth,’ he said.

While declining to disclose specific investment figures, Ogunlesi confirmed that his firm is actively investing in Nigeria and evaluating new opportunities across multiple sectors.

‘Watch this space. Nigeria may not yet be the most exciting investment destination, but that’s what we are working on,’ he noted.

On areas of focus, Ogunlesi highlighted energy, gas, aviation, ports, and renewable energy, stressing that Nigeria’s vast gas reserves remain significantly underdeveloped. Drawing on his firm’s experience in LNG projects in Texas and Australia, he described Nigeria’s energy sector as ‘ripe for sustainable partnerships.’

Regarding aviation, Ogunlesi-famously known as ‘the man who bought Gatwick Airport’-signalled interest in developing local aviation infrastructure. He also admitted that one of his companies operates ports in Cotonou and Lomé, but none in Nigeria, a point the President humorously challenged him on.

‘He forgave me but said, ‘You must bring port investment to Nigeria,” Ogunlesi recounted with a smile.

Also present at the meeting, international investor Hakeem Bello-Osagie emphasized the importance of diaspora involvement in Nigeria’s economic transformation.

‘When Nigerians at home and abroad invest in the country, it sends a powerful message to the global community,’ he said, commending Tinubu’s policies for making Nigeria increasingly attractive to investors.

Echoing similar sentiments, Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), noted that the administration’s fiscal and structural reforms are laying the groundwork for an export-led economy.

‘We have done the fundamentals, and now it is time to deliver growth,’ Adedeji said.

With global investors showing renewed interest and confidence, Nigeria’s economic repositioning under the Tinubu administration appears to be gathering momentum, setting the stage for transformative investments across strategic sectors of the economy.

The Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has officially granted power distribution licences to Excel Distribution Company Limited and IE Energy Lagos Limited, marking a major milestone in the state’s journey toward an independent and competitive electricity market.

With this development, Eko Electricity Distribution Plc and Ikeja Electric Plc have ceased to exist as licensed distributors within the Lagos Electricity Market.

The newly licensed firms, Excel Distribution Company Limited and IE Energy Lagos Limited, now hold the legal authority to manage power distribution operations in the state.

At the event, Folake Soetan signed on behalf of IE Energy Lagos Limited, while Sheri Adegbenro signed on behalf of Excel Distribution Company Limited.

Speaking at the ceremony, Abimbola Odubiyi, LASERC Chairman, described the move as ‘a defining moment in Lagos’ journey towards a reliable and sustainable electricity market.’

‘The Commission will continue to uphold the principles of independence, transparency, and service to the people of Lagos,’ Odubiyi said.

Fouad Animashaun, LASERC’s Chief Executive Officer, highlighted that the issuance of the licences reaffirms the state’s commitment to private sector participation and competitive electricity delivery.

‘By expanding competition, we are ensuring that Lagosians can look forward to better access, improved reliability, and affordable electricity supply,’ Animashaun said.

In their remarks, representatives of the new licensees pledged to deliver improved service quality and operational efficiency.

Kola Adeshina, representing IE Energy Lagos Limited, said, ‘We are honoured to be part of this transformative journey. Our focus will be on deploying innovative solutions that deliver value to customers across Lagos.’

Sheri Adegbenro, speaking for Excel Distribution Company Limited, added, ‘This licence is both a privilege and a responsibility. We are committed to strengthening power distribution and ensuring that customers experience real improvements in service.’

LASERC noted that this transition aligns with the Lagos State Electricity Policy, which seeks to ensure reliable, affordable, and equitable access to power for all residents through transparent regulation and increased private sector participation.

Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power has said that power sector revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion, up from N1.7 trillion recorded in 2024.

This increase in revenue according to the Minister is driven by the tariff policy reform being implemented by the government.

The tariff policy reform was introduced in April 2024, when the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) approved the increase in the tariff payable by band A electricity customers, those who enjoy up to 20 hours of electricity a day, to N225/kWh.

The minister hinted on the expected revenue at the 31st edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit (NES31) in Abuja on Monday.

According to Adelabu, through tariff policy reforms which enabled cost-reflective tariffs for select consumers, electricity supply reliability has improved while reducing energy costs for industries.

He added that the industry revenue as a result of the tariff policy increased by 70 percent to N1.7 trillion in 2024 compared to previous year and the revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion for 2025.

‘This marks the first comprehensive, sector-wide policy framework in nearly two decades, and we deeply appreciate the industry experts and development partners many of whom are here today for their invaluable contributions in achieving this milestone.

‘On sector commercialization, the government is deepening power sector commercialization to strengthen revenue, liquidity, and investor confidence.

‘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 percent to N1.7 Trillion in 2024 compared to previous year and the revenue is expected to exceed N2 trillion for 2025,’ he said.

He explained that the Ministry has developed the Integrated National Electricity Policy, approved by the Federal Executive Council in February, with its accompanying Strategic Implementation Plan now being finalized to harmonize existing policies and provide a coherent roadmap for sustainable sector growth.

Adelabu speaking further, explained that to stabilize the Nigerian electricity market, President Bola Tinubu has approved a N4 trillion bond to clear verified GenCo and gas supply debts. Alongside this, he said a targeted subsidy framework is being developed to protect vulnerable households and ensure a sustainable path toward full commercialization and viable industry.

He also noted that in the area of infrastructure development, the Federal Government has introduced targeted national programs aimed at accelerating the viability, expansion, and modernization of the national grid.

Adelabu said that 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.

‘Collectively, these interventions have helped sustain an average generation capacity of approximately 5,300MW in 2024 up from 4,200MW recorded in 2023.

‘Additionally, the Federal Government has operationalized the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) to close the national metering gap and improve sector viability. Already, N700 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,’ he added.

Global leaders in information and communication technologies will convene at the World Telecommunication Development Conference 2025 (WTDC-25), to address the pressing challenge of connecting the 2.6 billion people worldwide who remain offline.

Organised by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and hosted by the Government of Azerbaijan, the conference, scheduled to take place from November 17-28 in Baku, Azerbaijan, aims to create a roadmap for universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity to bridge the global digital divide.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, ITU secretary-general, in a press statement, said for the 2.6 billion unconnected, digital development is more than a technical challenge.

‘It is a test of our collective commitment to an inclusive, sustainable digital future for all. WTDC-25 is our moment to transform that commitment into action so that everyone, everywhere can benefit from technology,’ Bogdan-Martin averred.

The conference, held every four years, will prioritise the digital development needs of least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), and small island developing states (SIDS), where connectivity remains a significant hurdle.

According to ITU estimates, only about one-third of populations in LDCs and LLDCs are online, underscoring the urgency of targeted action. Under the theme ‘Universal, meaningful, and affordable connectivity for an inclusive and sustainable digital future,’ WTDC-25 will see ITU Member States set priorities for the ITU’s Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D) for 2026-2029.

These priorities will focus on fostering socio-economic development through technology, with an emphasis on resilient infrastructure, innovation, and inclusivity.

‘Sustainable digital transformation calls for bold, human-centred action coupled with investment in resilient infrastructure, innovation and inclusiveness. WTDC-25 is our chance to define the next steps together with our members and partners to bridge the multiple digital divides to make meaningful connectivity a reality for everyone,’ said Cosmas Luckyson Zavazava, director of ITU’s telecommunication development bureau.

Azerbaijan’s role as host highlights its growing leadership in digital transformation. Hosting WTDC-25 in Baku, the first in the Commonwealth of Independent States, is an honour and a historic vote of confidence from the ITU, forged over three decades of partnership since 1992. Providing the venue for this important conference underscores Azerbaijan’s rising leadership in meaningful connectivity and sustainable digital transformation, and our determination to shape the future of global telecommunications and digital inclusion,’ said Rashad Nabiyev, Azerbaijan’s minister of Digital Development and Transport.

As the 2030 deadline for global development goals approaches, WTDC-25 will reaffirm the critical role of digital technologies in advancing well-being, protecting the planet, and boosting prosperity for all. The conference is poised to deliver actionable solutions to ensure no one is left behind in the digital age.

Nigeria’s economy is running on a ‘survivalist’ mode, as 93 percent of the nation’s workforce is trapped in informal employment, according to a report.

The findings are based on the 2025 report by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) titled ‘From Hustle to Decent Work: Unlocking Jobs and Productivity for Economic Transformation in Nigeria’.

The report highlights that there is an overwhelming reliance on informal, often ‘survivalist’ activities which are actively hindering national development and poverty reduction.

Analysis reveals that 81 percent of Nigerian workers are concentrated in sectors like subsistence agriculture and retail trade, which offers very low productivity.

The jobs in particular, ranges from petty trading and informal transport to roadside services engaged by millions of Nigerians.

These form of work offers severely limited opportunity for productivity gains and income mobility.

According to Dr. Musa Yusuf, Founder of the centre for the promotion of private enterprise, ‘Those are the people sustaining the economy through creativity, resilience and hard work. Yet, from a policy point of view, the informal sector receives little serious attention’

‘If the sector delivers over 90 percent of jobs, what is the policy framework to support it? Many operators are harassed as markets demolished, artisans displaced, mechanics taxed and fined.Their contribution to the economy is over N60 trillion, dominant in trade, agriculture and blue-collar work.’

In a similar vein, Chinwe Egwim, Economist and banker notes, it’s not surprising that over 90 percent of jobs are in the informal sector. Many Nigerians lack the necessary skills and education to fill roles in the formal sector, leading to high underemployment’.

The productivity trap

According to the report, the scale of informal work is directly linked to Nigeria’s long-standing struggles with low labour productivity.

For nearly three decades, from 1990 to 2018, Nigeria’s labour productivity growth averaged a meagre 1.5 percent and has since been in decline.

This contrasts sharply with nations like Indonesia and Malaysia, which saw gains of 2.5 percent over the same period, demonstrating the potential for growth with sustained economic reforms.

This deeply entrenched issue is compounded by persistent national crises, including inadequate infrastructure, erratic power supply, low industrial output, and widespread insecurity.

The shrinking formal sector

The root cause of this informal explosion is the inability of the formal private sector to generate adequate jobs.

Over the last decade (2015-2024), macroeconomic instability marked by two economic recessions, a volatile currency, and soaring inflation, has increased the cost of doing business, constraining firms’ capacity to expand and hire.

Formal jobs accounted for a meagre 7.8 percent of total employment as of 2023, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS, 2024), which underscores a weak private sector.

Furthermore, only 15 percent of all employed Nigerians are wage earners, meaning 85 percent are self-employed, often operating outside the protection of formal labour laws.

This labour market is strained further by an estimated 3.5 million young Nigerians entering the workforce annually. Many are forced into underemployment, taking on roles like PoS operations and informal transport gigs that are below their potential.

Regional disparities

The crisis is not uniform across Nigeria, and regional disparities highlight the uneven economic landscape.

While states like Lagos, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and Oyo show the highest shares of wage earners (Lagos at 33.8 percent, FCT at 27.2 percent), indicating a relatively stronger, albeit still insufficient, private sector base, the northern states tell a different story.

The northern states like Jigawa (3.3 percent), Sokoto (3.8 percent), and Kebbi (4.6 percent) have the lowest shares of wage earners, highlighting a heavy reliance on government and informal activities for employment.

Skill deficit and talent migration

Exacerbating the job crisis is a severe skills deficit.

Employers report struggling to find workers with the necessary technical and soft skills, such as problem-solving and digital literacy for the few mid-productivity jobs that are available.

An emerging and compounding problem is ‘japa,’ the increasing migration of skilled Nigerian workers.

Professionals in medicine, ICT, finance, and professional services are leaving for countries with better pay and working conditions, creating a growing talent gap that further weakens the capacity of domestic firms to grow, innovate, and compete in a low-productivity environment.

The informal sector, which climbed to 93 percent of total employment in the second quarter of 2024, has dire national implications. Firstly, limited revenue mobilisation is a key consequence, as informality undermines the government’s ability to collect taxes effectively.

Unlocking Nigeria’s potential hinges on fundamental structural reforms aimed at strengthening the formal private sector, addressing the skills gap through education investment, and creating a macroeconomic environment that incentivises business expansion and, crucially, the creation of decent, high-productivity jobs at scale.

Similarly, Egwum advised, ‘We need to strengthen education and skills acquisition, and investing more in the blue-collar economy. If sectors like plumbing, welding, and similar trades are better structured, we would see these numbers decline significantly’.