NEWS
Lagos Gov’t Launches Bid For 500MW Gas Power Hubs Amid Energy Crisis
In a significant move to address Lagos State’s ongoing energy crisis, the Lagos State Government has issued an open call for bids from independent power producers and energy solution companies to establish gas-fired power plants.
The initiative, unveiled by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources (MEMR) in collaboration with the Office of Public-Private Partnerships (OPPP), is designed to generate up to 500 megawatts (MW) of electricity across four dedicated energy hubs in Lagos.
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This ambitious project is part of the Clean Lagos Electricity Market (CLEM) initiative, aimed at enhancing energy security and sustainability within Africa’s largest metropolitan area, with over 20 million residents.
Current electricity distribution in Lagos falls significantly short, with supply often limited to less than 2,000 MW at peak times, despite demand exceeding 6,000 MW.
Closing the Energy Gap
The project, according to MEMR, includes strategically positioned hubs near existing Distribution Companies (DisCos) substations, allowing optimal power distribution.
Each hub is expected to house a gas-fired plant with a minimum capacity of 100 MW per participating company, aiming to boost the state’s energy supply and address the growing needs of Lagos’ industrial, commercial, and residential sectors.
“The Clean Lagos Electricity Market is crucial to bridging the gap between our energy demand and supply.
This project will support the state’s dynamic economic growth and ensure a stable energy future,” a government spokesperson commented.
Strengthening Energy Security and Sustainability
The Lagos State Government emphasized its commitment to long-term energy security through the initiative, which it sees as a step toward reducing the city’s dependence on the national grid and bolstering Lagos’ leadership in sustainable energy solutions.
Each of the four hubs has a target generation capacity of 500 MW, with support available to private-sector investors for project financing, engineering, construction, commissioning, and plant operation.
Additionally, companies involved in the project will be responsible for securing a steady fuel supply, primarily natural gas, to maintain continuous operations.
The minimum generation capacity of 100 MW per plant is non-negotiable, underscoring the state’s dedication to robust infrastructure that meets Lagos’ demanding energy needs.
Encouraging Investment and Innovation
To attract a mix of technical and financial expertise, the state welcomes bids from both individual companies and consortia, with one company required to serve as the lead in consortium bids.
Detailed application guidelines are available at www.ppplagos.lagosstate.gov.ng, with additional inquiries directed to info@ppplagos.ng.
“Our goal is to foster a competitive environment that draws top-tier energy companies to Lagos. We’re confident this project will bring world-class innovation and expertise to our energy sector,” said the MEMR.
What You Need to Know
As Nigeria’s most populous state, Lagos not only accounts for a large share of the country’s electricity consumption but also relies heavily on petrol for power, consuming around 6.6 billion liters annually.
This dependency contributes to an estimated 17.8 million tons of carbon emissions each year, driven largely by the city’s limited and unreliable grid supply.
The planned power plants represent a critical step in meeting Lagos’ energy needs and reducing its reliance on the national grid, while contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape.
With these initiatives, Lagos State hopes to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population and position itself as a leader in sustainable energy development.
International News
ICC Issues Arrest Warrants For Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Others
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has taken a historic step, issuing arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The charges include crimes against humanity and war crimes allegedly committed during Israel’s recent assault on Gaza.
In a detailed statement, the ICC accused the Israeli leaders of “intentionally and knowingly depriving the civilian population in Gaza of objects indispensable to their survival, including food, water, and medicine and medical supplies, as well as fuel and electricity.”
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The ICC’s move marks a significant escalation in international scrutiny of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Netanyahu and Gallant are alleged to have orchestrated policies that caused severe harm to the civilian population in Gaza, leading to widespread condemnation from human rights organizations.
Alongside the charges against Israeli officials, the ICC also issued an arrest warrant for Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif. Deif has long been a central figure in Hamas’s military operations. Israel’s military claims to have killed him in a July airstrike, although this has not been independently verified.
The warrants highlight growing calls for accountability amid the ongoing conflict in the region. The ICC’s actions are likely to provoke heated debate and may complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the crisis.
With the warrants issued, global attention now turns to how the international community will respond and whether any practical steps will be taken to enforce them.
NEWS
Edo State Governor Sets Up Committee To Recover Missing Gov’t Vehicles
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has inaugurated a 12-member committee tasked with recovering government vehicles reportedly in private hands.
The committee, led by Kelly Okungbowa, has been given a two-week mandate to retrieve the vehicles and ensure their return to the state government.
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Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of accountability in the management of public resources.
He urged the committee to carry out its assignment thoroughly and within the bounds of the law.
In his response, Okungbowa expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting the team with the assignment, vowing to deliver results within the stipulated timeframe.
“A lot of vehicles used by the past administration are missing, as those in custody of the vehicles have refused to return them,” Okungbowa said.
“The governor deemed it fit to inaugurate us today with a mandate to recover all government vehicles in private hands.”
The committee, which includes representatives from Edo’s three senatorial districts, is set to investigate and recover the vehicles based on credible intelligence already at their disposal.
“We already have vital information regarding some persons still holding government vehicles,” Okungbowa stated. “We will do the job according to the law, and both the government and the people will be satisfied with the outcome.”
He also called on members of the public to assist the committee by providing information about any government vehicles that may still be in private possession.
“We want to appeal to members of the public who might be aware of anyone still keeping government vehicles in their houses to please inform us to enable the committee to recover such for the Edo State Government,” Okungbowa said.
The committee’s vice chairman, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, will work alongside other members to ensure the success of the initiative. The public can reach the committee at 08110165121.
NEWS
JUST IN: Senate Approves Tinubu’s ₦1.77trn Loan Request
To address Nigeria’s ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year, the Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure a ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2 billion) loan.
The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session, where a voice vote confirmed the approval following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
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Chaired by Senator Wammako Magatarkada (APC, Sokoto North), the committee endorsed the loan request as a vital step in managing the country’s fiscal challenges.
Recall that President Tinubu had submitted the proposal earlier in the week, outlining the loan as a crucial component of his administration’s external borrowing strategy.
Details shortly…………..