Category: Nigerian Tribune

The Sokoto State Government has appealed to political parties and other stakeholders to put aside partisan differences and work together to tackle the growing security challenges confronting communities across the state.

The government made the call on Thursday in reaction to concerns raised by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) governorship candidate, Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, over alleged threats to residents of Kebbe Local Government Area.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Security Matters said the government was aware of the reported threat and had directed relevant authorities to take the matter seriously.

‘The reported threat to Kebbe is being treated with the seriousness it deserves. Relevant security agencies are working with the state government, traditional institutions and local communities to assess the situation and take appropriate measures to prevent any attack,’ he said.

He appealed to residents of Kebbe and other communities considered vulnerable to remain alert and promptly share information on suspicious activities with security agencies.

The development comes against the backdrop of persistent attacks and threats by suspected bandits and other criminal elements in parts of Sokoto, particularly communities in Kebbe and other areas in the southern and eastern parts of the state.

The adviser said the security situation was a longstanding challenge which predated the present administration, adding that the government had taken steps to improve the capacity of security agencies to respond to emerging threats.

He said Dan’iya, having served as Deputy Governor in the immediate past administration, was familiar with the security situation and should be able to assess the measures being taken by the current government.

‘Hon. Manir Muhammad Dan’iya served as Deputy Governor during the previous administration and, therefore, is in a good position to appreciate the difference in approach between the two administrations, particularly in terms of government support to security agencies and the response to emerging security threats,’ he said.

According to him, the administration of Governor Ahmed Aliyu had increased funding and logistical support for security agencies operating in the state.

‘We did not only restore the monthly allowances of security personnel which had been discontinued by the previous administration; we also reviewed and increased those allowances,’ he said.

He listed the provision of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, patrol vehicles and other security equipment among measures taken to strengthen security operations.

‘These investments demonstrate clearly that the government is not merely making statements about security; it is taking concrete steps and committing significant resources towards addressing the challenge,’ he said.

The adviser stressed, however, that government efforts could only succeed with the active participation of communities and other stakeholders.

‘Security should therefore not be turned into a political contest. Political differences are normal in a democracy, but the safety and security of citizens should remain above partisan interests,’ he said.

He warned that political disagreements over insecurity could create unnecessary tension and undermine efforts to protect residents.

‘Criminal elements do not distinguish between APC, ADC, PDP or any other political party when attacking communities. Their victims are citizens, regardless of their political affiliation,’ he said.

He consequently urged political actors to support security agencies with credible intelligence rather than engage in blame games.

‘What our people need is cooperation, intelligence sharing and practical solutions, not statements that could heighten fear or create unnecessary political tension,’ he said.

The adviser assured residents that the state government would continue to work with security agencies, traditional institutions and local communities to strengthen intelligence gathering and prevent attacks.

‘Security is a collective responsibility. It should unite us, not divide us. At this moment, Sokoto needs all hands on deck, irrespective of political affiliation, to defeat the criminal elements threatening the peace and livelihood of our people,’ he said.

Kwara State Government has digitised a total number of 19,591 land records since Monday, October 20, 2025 when it commenced reforms on land.

Speaking at a one-day Ease of Doing Business Council EoDB investment summit in Ilorin on Thursday, the Executive Chairman, Kwara State Geographic Information Service (KWGIS), ESV. Sulyman Babatunde Abdulkareem, said that the digitisation was carried out to improve accessibility and records management.

‘KWGIS was established following the 2020 GIS law, bringing together key functions relating to lands, surveying, physical planning and urban and regional planning within a more integrated institutional framework’.

Abdulkareem, who said that the land reforms have reduced administrative bottlenecks, added that, ‘Before the reforms, the process of securing land documentation could involve several stages, physical movement of files, manual searches and administrative delays.

‘Today, our target is fundamentally different. KWGIS now provides digital access to land-related services, including online applications, downloadable forms, C of O processes, recertification, land registration, subsequent transactions and other services. That is Ease of Doing Business in practical terms’, he said.

Speaking on the reduction in the average processing time for Certificate of Occupancy (CofO), he said that, ‘before now, application processing time for CofO was about 180 days; however, application processing has been streamlined, with the current processing time reduced to 35 days’.

On the number of land applications processed, he said that about 14,840 applications were processed before the reform, while 2,538 applications have been processed after the reform.

Also speaking on the theme, ‘From Reforms to Results: Positioning Kwara as Nigeria’s Investment Destination’, the chairman of the Kwara State EoDB council and Finance commissioner, Dr. Hauwa Nuhu, said that the summit was organized to bring together government, investors, development partners and the private sector-‘not merely to discuss opportunities, but to build partnerships and turn opportunities into investments’

Dr Nuhu, who said that the government can only create an environment to thrive, added that it is private investment that creates industries, generates jobs, drives innovation and builds sustainable prosperity.

The EoDB council chairman said that Kwara is open for business, adding that, ‘more importantly- Kwara is ready for partnership’.

‘We understand that investors need more than invitations. They need credible institutions, transparent processes, policy consistency, infrastructure and a government that treats the private sector as a partner.

‘This is the commitment of the Kwara State Government. We do not claim that our journey is complete. But we are clear about our direction, committed to continuous improvement and determined to remove the barriers that stand between investment and opportunity.

‘Our responsibility as the Ease of Doing Business Council is to ensure that reforms do not remain policies on paper. They must be felt by businesses. They must reduce delays. They must simplify processes. And ultimately, they must produce results’, she said.

‘That is why the Ease of Doing Business agenda is not merely about improving government procedures. It is about creating confidence. Confidence to invest.

Confidence to expand. And confidence to succeed. Through institutional reforms, investment facilitation, public-private partnerships, digitalisation and improvements in the business environment, Kwara is steadily building a stronger foundation for enterprise’.

Nuhu said that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has worked to create a more transparent, efficient and investor-friendly business environment, adding that the state is moving from ambition to action.

‘Kwara’s greatest advantage is not just what we have. It is where we are. Situated strategically at the crossroads of Northern and Southern Nigeria, Kwara provides investors with access to major national markets and emerging regional opportunities.

‘For manufacturers, agribusinesses, logistics companies and service providers, Kwara offers something increasingly valuable: A strategic location from which businesses can produce, process, distribute and grow. But location alone does not create prosperity.

‘That is why our administration is investing in the foundations that investors need-roads, industrial infrastructure, healthcare, education, technology and a more efficient public sector.

‘Across agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, solid minerals, logistics, renewable energy, healthcare, education, hospitality, real estate, technology and the creative economy, Kwara offers opportunities for investors seeking long-term growth and sustainable returns’.

The Jigawa State Government has announced the death of the Emir of Gumel in Jigawa State, Dr Ahmad Muhammad, at the age of 84.

The first-class traditional ruler reportedly died in Cairo, Egypt, on Thursday, after spending 46 years on the throne.

Announcing the death, the Secretary to the Jigawa State Government, Malam Bala Ibrahim, expressed grief over the passing of the monarch.

In a statement, Ibrahim said, ‘With heavy hearts and profound sorrow, the state government announces the passing away of the Emir of Gumel, Dr Ahmad Muhammad Sani, at the age of 84.’

He described the late emir’s 46-year reign as remarkable, noting that it witnessed significant development in Gumel Emirate and Jigawa State.

According to him, the late traditional ruler would be remembered for his dedication, simplicity, humility and commitment to the development and wellbeing of his subjects.

The SSG said the monarch made significant contributions to the promotion of education and school enrolment, effective public healthcare delivery, and peace and stability in the emirate.

He also commended the late emir for fostering peaceful relations with communities along the border with the Republic of Niger.

Ibrahim said the late monarch’s contributions to the development of his people would remain in the annals of history.

He prayed Almighty Allah to forgive the deceased’s shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdausi.

The SSG added that details of the funeral prayer arrangements would be announced to the public by the Gumel Emirate.

As part of efforts to strengthen good governance and advance developmental priorities across the Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State, 33 legacy projects have been inaugurated under the leadership of Hon Abraham Ogunsola.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Zonal Information Officer of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Ajarat Omikunle, obtained by the Nigerian Tribune.

The developmental projects cut across education; health, infrastructure and sanitation sectors.

The State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Ganiyu Hazmat, at the commissioning of the projects in Ilaro, commended the council chairman for translating the aspirations of the state government into tangible achievements.

He described the completion of the projects as evidence of prudent management of public resources.

The governor described the steps taken by the council boss, as another remarkable milestone in grassroots development, while noting that the synergy between the executive and legislative arms of the local government administration had contributed significantly to the successful execution of the projects across various sectors, including education, healthcare, sanitation, infrastructure, security and economic development.

The Council chairman expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for the unwavering support and cooperation extended to his administration since its assumption of office.

He acknowledged that the financial backing provided by the state government had enabled the commencement and completion of the developmental projects in Yewa South Local Government Area, which would help improve the welfare of residents.

Ogunsola described the commissioning as another milestone in the council’s determination to bring governance closer to the people and deliver projects capable of improving the quality of life of residents.

The YSLG chairman said the projects were not merely physical structures intended to showcase government activities, but strategic investments designed to address the needs of the people and contribute to the sustainable development of the local government.

The chairman added that his administration’s development agenda was largely driven by a shared commitment with the state government to improve the welfare of residents.

He, therefore, acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, community leaders, political stakeholders, members of the local government workforce, the legislative council and residents towards the achievements recorded by his administration.

He said their cooperation had been instrumental to the successful implementation of the projects.

The Paramount Ruler of Yewaland and Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by the Otun Aguro of Ilaro, Chief Ayo Dawotola, in his remarks expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for providing the necessary support for the actualisation of the developmental projects in the local government.

He noted that Governor Dapo Abiodun had demonstrated a strong commitment to the advancement of Yewaland and Ogun State.

The monarch stated that Abiodun’s support for the local government had strengthened the institution’s capacity to deliver meaningful dividends of democracy to the people.

Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has filed a Freedom of Information (FOI) request with the National Assembly, demanding comprehensive legislative records on the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, following concerns by public health stakeholders that proposed changes would weaken Nigeria’s tobacco-control framework.

The request, dated August 13 and addressed to the Clerk of the Senate, comes days after the Nigeria Tobacco Control Community – a coalition of more than 100 civil society organisations, public-health advocates and tobacco-control stakeholders – rejected the proposed amendments and called for the Bill’s immediate recall.

CAPPA said it is seeking the records to establish the legislative history of the Bill, promote transparency in the lawmaking process and clarify how provisions that the tobacco-control community considers dangerous to public health came to be included in the current consolidated text.

The FOI request asks the National Assembly to provide certified copies of the Senate and House of Representatives Votes and Proceedings reflecting every stage of the Bill’s consideration, including first and second readings, committee referral, consideration of committee reports, third reading and passage.

It also requests the dates of each legislative stage, the names and constituencies of sponsors and co-sponsors, records of any divisions or recorded votes, relevant committee reports, details of public hearings and stakeholder submissions, and the Bill’s current status, including whether it has been transmitted for presidential assent.

CAPPA invoked Sections 1(1), 2(3)(f) and 4 of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, and requested that the National Assembly provide the information within the statutory seven-day period. It said the records could be supplied electronically or as certified physical copies where applicable.

At a press briefing in Abuja on August 9, the Nigeria Tobacco Control Community, which includes CAPPA, warned that the consolidated Bill could weaken important safeguards under the NTCA 2015 and create regulatory openings for tobacco and nicotine companies.

Among the criticised provisions are proposed changes concerning non-combustible nicotine products, advertising and promotion, online sales, point-of-sale promotion, product sampling, packaging and penalties.

The groups also questioned the legislative history of some of these provisions, saying controversial provisions were not contained in the versions of the legislation presented at a public hearing on November 22, 2024. They consequently demanded answers about how the provisions subsequently entered the consolidated Bill.

‘This request is made in the interest of promoting public health, accountability, and transparency,’ CAPPA stated in its letter to the Clerk of the Senate, stressing that it concerns the legislative history of the National Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The tobacco-control community has questioned who introduced the provisions it considers concessions to tobacco and nicotine interests, and which public-health institutions reviewed them.

It argued that updating tobacco control legislation to address emerging nicotine products should strengthen, not weaken, Nigeria’s protections against tobacco-related disease and nicotine addiction.

It particularly objected to provisions it says could permit forms of promotion of non-combustible products through adult publications, point-of-sale materials and online platforms, as well as sponsorship of cultural, social and recreational events. Its concerns also cover proposed changes to online sales, product sampling and the classification of heated tobacco products.

The groups contended that given Nigeria’s large youth population and the rapid circulation of digital content, exemptions ostensibly designed for adults could nevertheless expose young people to tobacco and nicotine marketing.

The coalition has therefore called for the immediate recall of the consolidated Bill and a fresh, transparent, public health-led review.

Nigeria’s insurers may have crossed the recapitalisation hurdle, but the bigger test is only beginning: whether they can turn higher capital into stronger credit profiles, according to DataPro.

With the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) clearing 48 insurance companies and two reinsurance companies that met the new minimum capital requirements under the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA), attention is now shifting from capital mobilisation to the quality and resilience of the businesses behind the numbers.

DataPro, in its latest report ‘Insurance Today: RAAC Capital and Ratings’, said meeting the regulatory threshold does not automatically translate into stronger ratings, as rating assessments will also consider the quality and sustainability of capital and an insurer’s ability to withstand changing operating conditions.

The analysis followed the recently concluded Risk Audit and Compliance Committee (RACC) 2026 annual retreat, themed: ‘Capability: Driving Resilience, Innovation and Trust through Governance, Risk and Compliance’.

DataPro said the key post-recapitalisation question is no longer simply whether an insurer has enough capital, but whether it has the capability to protect and deploy that capital effectively.

A central framework highlighted by the agency is the resilience chain: governance, risk, controls, data, capability, trust.

‘Capital gets in the room. Capability keeps you in business,’ DataPro stated.

The agency identified counterparty and credit risk, underwriting risk and operational risk among the exposures capable of testing insurers’ strengthened balance sheets.

Counterparty risks could arise from exposures to banks, reinsurers and other financial institutions, particularly where concentrations are high. Underwriting weaknesses, including inadequate pricing, reserving and claims management, could put pressure on profitability and capital.

Operational threats such as technology failures, fraud and control deficiencies could also generate unexpected financial and reputational costs.

DataPro said insurers must, therefore, demonstrate that their stronger capital positions are supported by effective governance, robust controls, reliable data and the organisational capability required to manage risks.

For rating agencies, these factors are likely to become increasingly important in determining whether recapitalisation translates into lasting credit strength.

The agency described recapitalisation as the beginning of a new phase of financial-strength assessment, rather than the conclusion of the capital story.

While stronger capital gives compliant insurers greater capacity to absorb shocks, DataPro maintained that its real value will ultimately be determined by how well it is preserved and deployed.

The post-recapitalisation challenge, therefore, is clear: insurers must show the market that they have not only raised the capital, but built the capability to keep it.

The House of Representatives Committee on Power has charged electricity distribution companies (DisCos) with outstanding market obligations to take urgent steps to clear their debts, stressing that improved liquidity is critical to strengthening the electricity market and ensuring the sustainability of the power sector.

Committee chairman, Victor Nwokolo, made the remarks during an oversight visit to Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) headquarters in Abuja, where the lawmakers witnessed a public hearing on the outstanding market obligations of the DisCos.

The hearing, chaired by NISO’s Executive Director, Market Operations, Engineer Edmond Eje, formed part of the Company’s ongoing engagements with selected DisCos over outstanding market obligations, events of default and other compliance matters under the Nigerian Electricity Market.

The affected DisCos are Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO), Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) and Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO).

Nwokolo, who expressed concern over the accumulation of market debts by the affected DisCos, said prolonged failure to meet financial obligations could adversely affect the liquidity and sustainability of the electricity market and called on the DisCos to make every effort within their capacity to settle their outstanding obligations and strengthen compliance with the rules governing the electricity market.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engineer Abdu Bello Mohammed, commended the Committee for its oversight role and continued support for reforms in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

He noted that the establishment of NISO was a significant outcome of the reforms introduced under the Electricity Act, 2023, which provided the framework for the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the establishment of an independent system operator.

The NISO chief briefed the Committee on the operator mandate, its comprehensive five-year development plan designed to guide the organisation’s efforts towards strengthening system operations, improving electricity market operations, enhancing system planning and supporting the effective coordination of Nigeria’s power system.

He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the National Assembly, NISO and other institutions within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry in addressing the structural and financial challenges confronting the sector.

Engineer Mohammed, while commending the Committee for lending its voice to the issue of market defaults by DisCos, said improved liquidity across the electricity market would strengthen the capacity of market participants to meet their obligations, sustain operations and ultimately contribute to improved service delivery to electricity consumers.

He, however, appealed for continued support and constructive oversight from the National Assembly, noting that sustained collaboration among the various institutions in the sector remains critical to strengthening the electricity market, stabilising the national grid and advancing efforts towards a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply in Nigeria.

The Oyo State Government has intensified its crackdown on street trading and illegal occupation of public spaces at Gate, Bodija and Ojoo markets in Ibadan.

The enforcement exercise was carried out by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with security operatives, as part of efforts to enforce laws regulating trading activities and the use of roads, walkways and other public spaces.

OYRLEA, in a statement issued on Thursday by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said the operation became necessary following observations that some traders continued to display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels and road setbacks despite the availability of government-provided market facilities.

The authority said the continued occupation of public spaces by traders was capable of affecting the free movement of motorists and pedestrians.

OYRLEA said, ‘Many traders still display and sell goods on roads, walkways, drainage channels and road setbacks, despite the provision of adequate market facilities by the Oyo State Government.’

According to the authority, the designated markets were provided to enable traders to conduct legitimate businesses without encroaching on public infrastructure.

During the exercise, substantial quantities of both perishable and non-perishable goods were impounded from locations where trading activities were found to be in violation of the law.

The authority, however, said the enforcement was not targeted at legitimate business owners but was aimed at ensuring compliance with the law.

OYRLEA stated, ‘The exercise is not intended to frustrate legitimate business owners, but to ensure that traders operate within legal boundaries while safeguarding the rights of motorists, pedestrians and the general public.’

The authority consequently urged market men and women to stop trading on roads, walkways, drainage channels and road setbacks, advising them to make use of designated spaces provided for commercial activities.

It warned that the enforcement would be sustained across the affected markets and other parts of the state until significant compliance with relevant Oyo State laws was achieved.

OYRLEA further appealed to traders and members of the public to cooperate with enforcement personnel, stressing that maintaining orderly markets and accessible public spaces remained a collective responsibility.

The authority said, ‘Market men and women are advised to desist from trading on roads, walkways, drainage channels and setbacks, and to utilise the designated spaces provided for commercial activities.’

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved an increase in the remuneration of traditional rulers across the state, covering paramount rulers such as Emirs and Chiefs, as well as district and village heads.

The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Kaduna State chapter, disclosed this in a statement by its chairman, Sheikh Jamilu Abubakar Albani, describing the gesture as a major boost for the state’s traditional institution and its role in sustaining peace, security and grassroots development.

ALGON said the pay increase would strengthen the capacity of traditional rulers to support intelligence gathering, conflict resolution, peaceful coexistence and community mobilisation, noting that they remained indispensable partners in governance and a vital link between government and the people.

The association added that improved welfare for traditional rulers would help address security challenges and deepen peace and harmony across the state’s 23 local government areas.

ALGON further commended the governor for reinforcing the relevance of traditional institutions as key partners in his administration’s peace-building and development agenda.

On behalf of the 23 local government councils, the association pledged continued collaboration with the state government and other stakeholders to consolidate peace, security, good governance and sustainable grassroots development.

It also called on traditional rulers to reciprocate the gesture by deepening their cooperation with local government councils and relevant agencies in promoting peaceful coexistence, security and overall development in the state.

Nigeria and the International Energy Agency (IEA) have signed an agreement for a Joint Work Programme to strengthen strategic partnership in the development of data for energy policy and investment across the value chain for economic growth and energy security.

This is just as the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has said Nigeria’s formal admission into the IEA as an Association Country is a significant milestone for the country and another testament to the gains of the economic reforms of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Senator Shettima stated this on Thursday during the signing of the agreement for the Joint Work Programme between Nigeria and the IEA, signalling the formal commencement of the partnership.

Speaking on behalf of President Tinubu, the Vice President noted that Nigeria’s formal entry into the fold of the Paris-based non-governmental organisation justifies his administration’s policy choices and efforts aimed at leveraging the country’s abundant energy resources scattered across the nation.

Commending the IEA for the important role it is playing in shaping the global energy landscape, he said the effort of the agency in the global energy conversation and in supporting countries to navigate the challenges of energy security, affordability, sustainability and economic development cannot be overstated.

His words: ‘Nigeria’s admission as an association country with the IEA is a significant milestone for our country and it reflects Nigeria’s strategic importance in the global energy landscape and the confidence that IEA has placed in our commitment to constructive international energy cooperation.’

VP Shettima added that given Nigeria’s potential, ‘the country will benefit from IEA’s institutional knowledge, the intellectual resources, the reach and expertise to support our nation’s ambitions in this sector.’

He acknowledged Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources and his commitment to repositioning the economy by leveraging available resources, which are already manifesting across different sectors of the economy.

The Vice President assured the IEA team of his administration’s commitment to continue partnering with other stakeholders within the setting to contribute to the global energy debate on a fair and just energy transition.

Earlier, leader of the IEA delegation, Dr Fatih Birol, explained that his organisation is an organisation of governments that covers all technological fields, including oil, gas, solar, nuclear power, artificial intelligence and electric cars, based in Paris.

Working with the top 500 energy experts in the world in giving policy advice and sharing data and expertise, he said that being a member of the IEA family is not an easy task, as it requires a lot of consideration and testing.

According to Dr Birol, after detailed discussions with the Minister of State for Petroleum and Gas, Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Board, comprising the governments of the United States, Japan, Germany, Italy and the UK, voted and accepted Nigeria unanimously as a member.

‘The IEA will accompany the Nigerian energy sector for the next few years to come for a much better energy future. We will provide policy advice from clean cooking to gas markets, from gas markets to training Nigerian experts at the IEA on our own,’ he assured.

Earlier, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, stressed that Nigeria’s admittance into the IEA was based on the performance of the Tinubu administration, reflected in the reforms undertaken in the economy.

He said the signing of the Joint Work Programme portends the involvement of the technical team of the IEA with Nigeria in the development of data for energy policy and investment across the value chain, targeted at economic growth and energy security.

On his part, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanoaiye, described the IEA’s partnership with Nigeria as strategically important, noting that the Nigerian Mission in Paris played a critical role in ensuring its success.

Pledging the commitment of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mrs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, towards the process, ‘Our role is to ensure that whatever government does at home is projected effectively in advancing and promoting the interest of Nigeria.

‘We take this as a critical component of our national interest and we will not fail in ensuring that we assist, as facilitators and coordinators, in ensuring that the maximum benefit of this endeavor is derived for the benefit of the Nigerian people.’

Also, the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, said the Commission’s relationship with the IEA led to the joint sponsorship of Nigeria’s last National Energy Master Plan, even though there was no structure to their relationship.

He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s formal joining of the IEA and the agreement will strengthen the Commission’s relationship with the organisation.