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FG To Boost Transmission By 1,000MW Within 2022

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By Edozie Obasi-Eze

The Federal Government is focused on enhancing electricity power transmission by over 1,000 megawatts, within the year, with the construction of six power substations, at the verge of completion in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu; Managing Director, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Sule Abdulaziz; and officials Federal Ministry of Power and TCN, made the disclosure over the weekend during an inspection tour of the substations ahead of the proposed inauguration of some of them next month.

It was gathered that but for security challenges, the 700 megawatts Zungeru Hydropower Project in Niger State would have been completed since January.

According to Aliyu, the projects would grow the wheeling capacity of TCN by over 1,000MW.

He said, “This is a TCN project and is called the Abuja Ring Project. This project, combining lines and substations, has a brand new substation in Gwarimpa that will be completed this month or in December.

“Once completed, it will increase the capacity of TCN. In all, we have six of these projects, and they’ll increase the wheeling capacity of the transmission company by over 1,000MW.”

He named some of the power projects to include the Dawaki, Old Apo, New Apo and Kuje transmission substations, among others.

He revealed that one of the mega transformers acquired by the Government from Siemens had been cleared at the ports and would be installed at the Old Apo substation.

He said the facility would have been installed if not for the floods that delayed the movement of heavy duty trucks recently, noting that the New Apo substation was funded through a $170 loan from the French Development Agency.

The minister expressed satisfaction with the pace of work at the project sites and assured Nigerians that some of the substations would be ready next month.

“The work is going on very well and the quality is also good. We will have staggered completion because they are different projects. Some have certain challenges and we will look at them critically to see how we can solve them.

“The challenges mostly involve the clearance of the goods at the ports, which is delaying the completion of some of them. But, in fact, the Dawaki project is over 90 per cent completed, as well as others.”

The minister called for patience among Nigerians with regard to power supply, stressing that the various electricity projects across the country would take time to complete.

On the 700MW Zungeru Hydropower Project, Aliyu said he was at the facility last week but stated that the power plant had suffered undue delay due to the level of insecurity in Niger State.

When asked whether insecurity was disrupting some power projects, including Zungeru, Abubakar replied, “Are you not a Nigerian?

“Sure, of course, but we are working round the clock to ensure that we face it head on. The military and others are helping in that regard. We would have completed Zungeru since January, but the insecurity there stalled the progress of the project.

“But now, everything is resolved, the military and other security agencies have brought in men to assist in securing that area.”

He said work had resumed at the project site, adding that the plant, when completed, would further grow the country’s output in terms of power generation.

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Fuel Pricing: PETROAN Accuses Dangote Refinery Of Monopoly

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The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.

Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.

READ MORE: Nigeria’s Debt Service Ratio Falls To 65% As Tinubu Tackles Economic Woes

PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.

The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.

In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.

Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.

According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.

They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.

PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.

The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.

“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.

PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.

PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.

The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.

To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.

PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.

 

 

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Hardship: Let Us Intensify Prayers For Our Leaders – Sultan Of Sokoto Tells Nigerians

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Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.

Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Attack Police Facility In Owerrinta, Female Detainee Killed

Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.

“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.

The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.

“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.

Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.

“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”

With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.

He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.

The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.

In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”

 

 

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#EndBadGovernance Protests: Tinubu Orders Release Of Detained Minors

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In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.

The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.

A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.

Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.

The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.

 

 

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