Category: PM News

Vice President Kashim Shettima has said African nations must take their rightful place in controlling the continent’s resources and global trade.

Shettima spoke on Friday in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, during a tour and assessment of the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ).

He said Africa must maximise its vast natural endowments by developing industries capable of processing raw materials into higher-value products.

The vice president said Nigeria’s renewed industrialisation drive would leave no region behind, with the Federal Government working alongside subnational governments.

He expressed satisfaction with Benin’s efforts to achieve mass production and export of locally sourced resources.

Shettima regretted that Africa benefits from only about one per cent of the global cotton industry, valued at 370 billion dollars.

He said reviving Nigeria’s textile value chain could create millions of jobs, boost non-oil exports and stimulate economic activities nationwide.

The vice president expressed his satisfaction after inspecting cotton, textile, cashew and soya bean oil production facilities at the industrial zone.

‘We are here essentially at the behest of President Tinubu, in the spirit of his Renewed Hope Agenda, to see and peer-review global best practices,’ he said.

Shettima said the visit would help Nigeria learn from Benin’s experience in creating integrated value chains for cotton, cashew and soya bean.

‘We are setting up eight agro-industrial zones in eight states in our country,’ he said.

He added that the GDIZ represented, ‘an African success story where there is a whole chain of value addition in cotton, cashew and soya bean value chains.

‘Be rest assured that we have learnt a lot of lessons through this visit, and we are going to replicate a lot of that in Nigeria.’

He said the Federal Government remained focused on making Nigeria one of the world’s industrialised nations under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The vice president was briefed on GDIZ’s structure, production capacity and investment potential by Benin’s Minister of Tourism and Foreign Trade.

The delegation inspected integrated textile and agro-processing facilities, where locally produced cotton is transformed into yarn, fabric and finished garments.

It also toured facilities processing cashew and other agricultural commodities for domestic consumption and export.

The visit formed part of Nigeria’s efforts to draw practical lessons from Benin’s success in linking agriculture with manufacturing.

It also focused on attracting private investment and transforming raw materials into higher-value finished products.

Shettima was accompanied by the governors of Kwara, Imo, Katsina, Plateau, Zamfara and Jigawa states.

The Federal Government has said it has no plans to increase electricity tariffs for consumers in any service band.

The Special Adviser to the President on Power Infrastructure in the Office of the Vice President, Sadiq Wanka, made the clarification after some media reports suggested that electricity tariffs would soon be increased.

In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, Wanka said there is no planned tariff increase for any electricity consumer connected to the national grid.

He added that the government remains committed to protecting low income and vulnerable households through continued electricity subsidies.

Wanka explained that his earlier comments were made during a presentation at the Asharami Square 3.0 event held in Lagos on July 22.

He said the discussion focused on investment opportunities in Nigeria’s power sector and the reforms introduced by the Federal Government to attract investors.

According to him, he only restated the government’s existing policy contained in the National Integrated Electricity Policy, which was completed in December 2024 and approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2025.

He explained that the policy supports a gradual move to cost reflective electricity tariffs. So far, this has only been implemented for Band A customers.

Wanka stressed that there are no plans to remove subsidies for consumers in other service bands. Instead, the government is looking at better ways to provide support while ensuring value for money.

He also highlighted the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF), introduced under the Electricity Act 2023.

The fund is designed to provide targeted subsidies directly to vulnerable electricity users through their electricity accounts or other verified identification methods. According to him, the system will improve transparency and encourage more investment in the power sector.

The presidential adviser also said the Tinubu administration values the role of journalists in helping Nigerians understand government policies.

He noted that initiatives such as the Asharami Square programme help improve journalists’ understanding of complex policy issues, making it easier to communicate them accurately to the public.

He added that the government looks forward to continued cooperation with the media in informing Nigerians about its policies.

Business executive Osborn Nweze Umahi has congratulated the Minister of Works, Senator David Nweze Umahi, on his birthday, commending his dedication to national development and family leadership.

In a goodwill message, Osborn described the Minister as ‘the best father ever.’

He noted that his guidance, discipline and unwavering commitment have remained a source of inspiration.

He further praised the Minister’s contributions to Nigeria’s road infrastructure while acknowledging the values of humility, resilience and service he has consistently demonstrated.

Osborn prayed for continued divine protection, good health and wisdom as his father continues to serve the country.

The birthday celebration attracted congratulatory messages from dignitaries, associates and members of the public.

The Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) has indefinitely suspended two staff members of its Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering over their alleged extortion and breaches of the institution’s regulations.

The affected staff were Dr Collins Ojeh and Mr Emmanuel Eze.

Their suspension is contained in a separate letters addressed to them and signed by the Registrar of the university, Mr Ambrose Ugwu, on Saturday in Enugu.

The university said the action followed the report and recommendations of a committee established to investigate allegations against the two staff members.

According to the letter addressed to Ojeh, the Vice-Chancellor, on behalf of the university management, approved his indefinite suspension without pay with effect from July 20, 2026.

The university said the decision was based on the committee’s findings regarding his alleged involvement in reported cases of extortion and breaches of the university’s regulations.

It said that Ojeh was directed to immediately hand over all university property in his possession to the Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering.

Similarly, Eze was suspended with effect from July 20, 2026, pending further investigation by the university’s Senior Staff Disciplinary Committee.

The university said his suspension also followed the committee’s report and recommendations on his alleged involvement in the reported cases of extortion and regulatory breaches.

He was equally directed to hand over all university property in his possession to the Head of the Department.

In a related development, the university issued a warning to the Acting Head of the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Dr Princewill Ene.

In a warning letter dated July 21, 2026, the Vice-Chancellor, acting on the committee’s recommendations, directed that Ene be cautioned for poor monitoring of activities within and around the department during his tenure as Acting Head of Department.

The university warned that any further report against him on related matters would attract maximum sanctions in line with its existing regulations.

A midnight fire believed to have been caused by a power surge destroyed two self-contained apartments in a residential complex opposite Metropolitan Square, off Asa-Dam Road in Ilorin, Kwara State.

The Kwara State Fire Service said the incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, but swift action by its personnel prevented the flames from spreading to neighbouring apartments and a nearby building.

In a statement issued by the agency’s Public Relations Officer, Hassan Adekunle, the fire service said it received an emergency call at about 2.27am.

According to him, ‘The agency received a distress call at about 2:27 a.m. Firefighters arrived at the scene at 2:35 a.m. and brought the fire under control by about 2:40 a.m.’

Adekunle explained that the affected property consisted of eight room-and-parlour self-contained apartments alongside a separate storey building containing four-bedroom flats. He noted that only two of the self-contained apartments were damaged, while the remaining units and the adjoining building were protected from the blaze.

He added, ‘Firefighters arrived at the scene at 02:35hrs and swiftly commenced firefighting operations. Through their prompt and professional response, the fire was successfully brought under control at about 02:40hrs, thereby preventing further destruction.’

The fire service said preliminary investigations indicated that an electrical power surge ignited combustible materials inside the affected apartments.

Following the incident, the Chief Fire Officer of the Kwara State Fire Service, Alabi Muhammed, urged residents to take electrical safety more seriously to reduce the risk of similar outbreaks.

He said, ‘Residents should install surge protection devices and use only standard electrical fittings in their homes. Property owners should also carry out regular inspections and maintenance of electrical wiring and avoid overloading electrical outlets.’

Muhammed also appealed to residents to report fire incidents immediately, noting that early notification improves the chances of protecting lives and property.

He reiterated the agency’s commitment to responding promptly to emergencies while continuing public awareness campaigns on fire prevention.

The latest fire comes less than a week after another power surge sparked a blaze in a 14-room residential building in Ilorin on 20 July. Firefighters contained that incident before it spread to nearby properties.

Nigerian troops have intensified nationwide security operations, neutralising a suspected female terrorist spy in Borno State and arresting 14 suspected criminals, including alleged IPOB/ESN members, cultists and a deserter soldier, the military has disclosed.

According to operational reports released on Saturday, the suspected female operative, believed to be linked to ISWAP/Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS), was detected through closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance as she approached a military position from the Sambisa Forest axis.

The report said troops of the 222 Battalion, deployed at the Forward Operating Base, Kawuri, in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, engaged and neutralised the suspect before she could reach the base’s defensive perimeter.

In a separate operation within the Federal Capital Territory, troops of Operation MESA arrested a soldier who allegedly deserted from the 13 Brigade during a stop-and-search operation at a checkpoint in the Bwari Area Council.

Military authorities said the suspect was found in possession of a military uniform and a vehicle, both of which were recovered during the arrest.

The troops also intercepted another vehicle transporting suspected stolen armoured cables and arrested its driver for further investigation.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested five suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), at Etuekwe Junction in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to the report, the suspects were apprehended at a secluded location believed to serve as a movement corridor for the group.

Meanwhile, troops of the 82 Division Garrison and the 103 Battalion, working alongside other security agencies, arrested eight suspected cultists at Eha-Amufu in Isi-Uzo Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Preliminary investigations, the military said, linked the suspects to terrorist-related activities around border communities between Enugu and Ebonyi states.

The suspects have since been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force for further investigation and possible prosecution.

The military also reported that troops conducting Operations Desert Sanity V, FANSAN YAMMA and Savannah Shield recorded no significant security incidents within their respective operational areas during the review period.

Separately, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Sub-Delegation in Maiduguri visited Sector 3 of Operation HADIN KAI/Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) at the Kinnasara Cantonment in Monguno, Borno State.

During the visit, the ICRC delegation briefed the sector commander on the organisation’s humanitarian mandate, including its commitment to promoting international humanitarian law and supporting communities affected by the insurgency across the Lake Chad Basin.

The Chairman of Agege Local Government Area of Lagos, Mr Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, on Friday empowered residents with the sum of N140 million to support businesses and households.

The event which was held at the council’s secretariat, was attended by the management staff and all elected officials of the local government.

A total of N140 million was distributed to residents, businesses, market affiliates and youths.

Speaking at the ceremony, Obasa said that each beneficiary would receive the sum of N100,000 as business support.

He said that the initiative was designed to support small businesses and households, and to cushion the effects of ongoing economic reforms in the country.

According to him, beneficiaries are drawn from all seven wards, markets, businesses, youths and women groups within Agege.

He urged beneficiaries to use the funds judiciously to boost their businesses and livelihood.

‘This is not politics as usual, this is about dignity, about a mother in Dopemu who can restock her shop without borrowing, about a young welder in oke-koto who can buy his first machine.

‘It is about a graduate who can start small, and grow big right here in Agege,’ the chairman said.

He said that monitoring would follow after a period of time to track business growth.

Obasa reaffirmed commitment to residents’ welfare, vowed that Agege LG would continue initiatives that would reduce hardship and promote economic growth.

He appealed to those not selected to be patient, as the cash empowerment programme was continuous, and more residents would benefit.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Toyin Gbadegesin, commended the chairman, describing the empowerment as timely, and impactful for livelihoods in Agege.

‘I am so happy with this opportunity, it like a dream,’ Gbadegesin said.

Another beneficiary, Mrs Oluyemisi Agbaje, said that the money would help her business to grow.

Police smash suspected diesel bunkering ring, arrest 16 in Ogun The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, who disclosed the development in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday, said the arrests underscored the command’s determination to tackle crime and safeguard critical national infrastructure.

One of the arrests involved a 50-year-old man accused of defiling an 11-year-old girl.

Babaseyi said, ‘On July 21, 2026, at about 2030hrs, detectives attached to the Agbado Division arrested Saliu Akinwande, 50, over allegations of defiling an 11-year-old girl.’

According to him, the victim was immediately taken for medical examination and treatment, while the suspect was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, where he is being investigated ahead of prosecution.

In another operation on the same day, officers from the Special Weapons and Tactics Unit arrested a 51-year-old suspect, Kabiru Afolabi, at Abule-Iroko in Sango over alleged involvement in an illegal diesel bunkering operation.

Babaseyi said, ‘Recovered during the operation were four drums of suspected Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 13 25-litre jerry cans containing suspected diesel, one pumping machine and one generator allegedly used in the illegal operation.’

He added that investigations were ongoing to identify and arrest other members of the suspected syndicate.

Police also announced the arrest of two men, Nnabike Uzolo, 26, and Chino Mgbenya, 28, over the alleged vandalism of telecommunications mast cables at Ten Ten Street, Mine, Ota. The suspects were arrested on July 12 following credible intelligence.

Babaseyi said, ‘Following a thorough investigation, the suspects were charged in court for the alleged offence.’

The command warned that anyone involved in vandalising public infrastructure would face the full weight of the law.

Elsewhere, detectives attached to the Idanyin Division arrested Hammed Olanrewaju and Emmanuel Victor after responding to a burglary at a commercial premises. Investigators also recovered part of the stolen property from the shop of a suspected receiver, while efforts continue to recover the remaining items and identify other accomplices.

In a separate investigation, detectives from the Ajuwon Division recovered a stolen Bajaj Boxer motorcycle and arrested 20-year-old Mathew Mark after tracing the theft reported on July 3. Police said he remains in custody pending prosecution.

Forensic analysis also helped detectives in Agbado Division uncover another house-breaking case. Tracking one of the stolen mobile phones led to the arrest of Sodiq Raji, 32, whose interrogation resulted in the arrest of Zubby Nzube, 28, Adeyemi Omoyajuowo, 30, and Chimezie Iwuanya, 35. Some of the stolen items were recovered, while police continue to search for other suspects.

The command also confirmed the recovery of a mini truck loaded with aluminium doors and window frames after armed hoodlums abandoned it along the Benin/Ore Expressway during a police response.

Babaseyi said, ‘On sighting the police, the hoodlums abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby forest. The truck was successfully recovered and released to its owner, while efforts have been intensified to apprehend the fleeing suspects.’

Another abandoned bus was recovered by officers attached to the Atan-Ijebu Division following information supplied by members of the public. Police said the vehicle is being kept safely while efforts are made to locate its rightful owner.

Between July 13 and July 21, detectives at Atan-Ijebu Division also arrested Ayomide Odufuwa, 27, Adura Adebanjo, 26, Samuel Sunday, 25, Bashiru and Muhammed over separate burglary and house-breaking cases. Clothing, household goods, bedding materials and other stolen items were recovered during the operations.

Commending officers involved in the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, praised their professionalism, vigilance and dedication.

He reiterated that the command would sustain Operation Kosaye through intelligence-led policing, visibility patrols, strategic stop-and-search operations, forensic investigations and stronger collaboration with local communities.

Ojajuni urged residents to continue supplying timely and credible information to assist the police in preventing crime and ensuring the protection of lives, property and critical national assets across Ogun State.

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms in the power sector will lead to better electricity services, greater transparency and a more efficient electricity industry.

The President gave the assurance on Thursday during the launch of the training of 5,000 young Nigerians in smart meter installation under the Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in Abuja.

Represented by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, Tinubu said the initiative is aimed at ending estimated billing, improving electricity services and restoring public confidence in the sector.

He said every Nigerian deserves to pay only for the electricity they actually use, adding that smart meters will ensure accurate billing while helping electricity distribution companies receive proper payment for power supplied.

Tinubu admitted that transforming the electricity sector would take time but said the government remains committed to making the industry more transparent, accountable and reliable.

He also announced plans to expand the programme beyond the first 5,000 trainees.

According to him, the government hopes to increase the number of participants to 10,000, 15,000 and eventually as many as 500,000 across the country.

The President said the initiative is not only about improving electricity supply but also about creating jobs and equipping young Nigerians with technical skills needed in the power sector.

He explained that the Power Force programme was created to train a skilled workforce that will install smart meters across Nigeria.

Tinubu expressed confidence that the first group of trainees would play a key role in helping millions of homes and businesses receive properly installed smart meters that meet safety and technical standards.

He added that the programme would produce certified electrical and electronic professionals, strengthening Nigeria’s technical workforce.

He described smart metering as an important step in improving the electricity value chain by replacing estimated billing with accurate measurement and building trust between consumers and electricity providers.

Executive Secretary of the Presidential Metering Initiative and Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, said the Federal Government plans to install more than seven million smart meters under what she described as the largest metering programme in Nigeria’s history.

She said the success of the project depends on having enough skilled workers to install the meters.

Verheijen revealed that nearly 220,000 young Nigerians applied for the 5,000 available training positions, showing the strong interest among young people seeking employment opportunities.

She said the training, which begins in Abuja, will later be extended to all six geopolitical zones to ensure equal participation across the country.

According to her, every graduate of the Power Force programme will receive training from NAPTIN, industry certification from the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and opportunities for employment with electricity distribution companies and meter providers.

Chairman of the Presidential Metering Initiative Board and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Edmund Obiora Nnaji, said the creation of PMI Smart Grid Development Limited had helped speed up efforts to reduce Nigeria’s metering gap.

He called on state governments to support the initiative by creating more opportunities for young people beyond the first batch of trainees.

NAPTIN Director General Ahmed Nagode said the training combines classroom lessons with practical sessions approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to ensure participants meet national and international standards.

He said the programme is designed to prepare participants for employment, entrepreneurship and long term careers in the electricity sector.

Minister of Youth Development Ayodele Olawande said the initiative supports the ministry’s One Youth, Two Skills programme by providing practical skills that encourage employment, entrepreneurship and self reliance.

The Presidential Metering Initiative is being implemented in partnership with NEMSA, NAPTIN, the World Bank and other stakeholders.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has assured residents that current waste collection challenges across the state will ease within six to eight months.

The Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, gave the assurance during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Badagry on Saturday.

Gbadegesin dismissed claims that local governments were taking over LAWMA’s waste management responsibilities through independent collection initiatives.

‘That is not true. The local governments are partners. They are assisting the Lagos Waste Management Authority in various ways,’ he said.

He said councils were acquiring two compactor trucks each, while the Lagos State Government was procuring additional trucks.

According to him, the additional equipment will strengthen waste collection and improve service delivery across the state.

Gbadegesin attributed collection delays to Lagos’ growing population and increasing waste generation.

He said the state was expanding waste management infrastructure to address the challenge.

‘Lagos State Government has begun the process of building new disposal facilities,’ he said.

He disclosed that work was ongoing at Olusosun, while transfer loading stations and material recovery facilities were under construction.

He said Badagry would also host a major material recovery facility for recycling and resource recovery.

‘It is not a dump site. It is a material recovery facility that will allow us to treat waste safely and extract valuable components for revenue generation,’ he said.

Gbadegesin blamed recent operational disruptions on flooding around the Olusosun dumpsite.

He said heavy rainfall had made the access road difficult for refuse trucks.

‘That will become a thing of the past by Tuesday when we reopen another section for trucks to dump waste,’ he said.

Gbadegesin said only 30 to 40 per cent of Private Sector Participant (PSP) operators were affected.

‘Many of them are going to satellite sites in Epe, Ikorodu and Badagry. Maybe about 30 to 40 per cent have challenges,’ he said.

He expressed confidence that residents would notice improvements before the end of the week.

Gbadegesin urged residents to store refuse properly and pay PSP operators promptly to support efficient waste management.

‘Waste management is a collective exercise. We must all be involved,’ he said.

He advised residents against dumping refuse on roadsides during collection delays.

Gbadegesin urged residents to report service lapses through LAWMA’s customer service channels for prompt intervention.

In a related development, the Lagos State APC deputy governorship candidate, Princess Damilola James, urged residents to embrace regular environmental sanitation.

James made the call during a community sanitation exercise in Vetho Ajara, Badagry, on Saturday.

She said regular sanitation was vital during the rainy season to prevent blocked drains and reduce flooding.

James urged residents to support the Lagos State Government’s environmental sanitation enforcement efforts.

‘It’s important for us to clean our environment, especially at this season where there is rain, to ensure that all the debris is packed even before the rain begins,’ she said.

She encouraged Badagry residents to sustain environmental cleanliness beyond designated sanitation days.

‘It’s very important that we keep our environment clean. Cleanliness is next to godliness,’ she said.

James said community sanitation exercises strengthened relationships and encouraged shared responsibility for development.

‘It builds community bond, and it helps to have that community unity when we clean our environment and take responsibility for it together,’ she said.

She commended Lagos environmental authorities for enforcing sanitation regulations across the state.

‘They’re doing a fantastic job. We really appreciate them,’ she said.

James expressed confidence that Lagos would sustain its environmental cleanliness efforts.

‘Come 2027, I believe Dr Obafemi Hamzat will continue in this light to ensure that we keep Lagos State clean,’ she said. (NAN)