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Netizens Wonder Why Nigeria’s Energy Security Appear Comprised

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Nigerian netizens have been left wondering why those in authority appear to be doing nothing to ensure the energy security of Africa’s most populous country, Nigeria, and encouraging investments in the sector.

Following allegations that the quality of products being manufactured by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery Company do not meet the required standards for the domestic market, some netizens have been expressing concerns, wondering why someone would invest over $20 billion for the production of sub-standard products.

A media practitioner, Crusoe Osagie contributing to a conversation on the issue on Facebook wrote, “It’s all nonsense. Even illiterates in the creek of the Niger delta refine crude in the bush. The government is just plain silly. They make money for their private pockets by importing that is why they want to discourage local production.

“It is the same thing they do with power so their cronies can import generators, railway, so their cronies can keep their trucking business ….”.

ALSO READ: Oil Production: National Assembly Pledges Support To NNPC Ltd

Recall that the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Authority, Farouk Ahmed recently asserted that the quality of imported diesel surpasses domestically refined products.

Specifically, Ahmed had alleged that Dangote refinery and other modular refineries like Waltersmith and Aradel produced diesel with sulphur content ranging from 650 to 1200 ppm.

Nigerians who appear take aback by the revelation have been venting their feeling on social media, with many alleging that President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote has come under attack for daring to speak up on the mismanagement of the Nigerian economy.

One X user, @firstladeship wrote, “I should invest my hard-earned money in a country where the richest black man in the world, is being stifled & ridiculed like a nobody?

“The government of Nigeria has a PhD in demarketing Nigeria on television.

“While China, America & the rest of world are churning out $millionaires & $billionaires, Nigeria is producing poverty.

“I’ll be scared to invest my $1 million in country managed by Tinubu & his men.

“Dangote is not my ideal dollar billionaire for obvious reason. He enjoyed monopoly & patronage from successive governments, since 1999 at least.

“But on the issue of his refinery, there is more that meets the eye.

“The government of Nigeria demarketing the Dangote Refinery is not only sabotage, it’s a national security threat.

“Every nation takes its “energy security” seriously, but not Nigeria. The regulator made wild accusations on television, & we expect the Dangote Group to respond.

“For a government whose “gangsters” are suffocating Nigerians with “buy made-in-Nigeria,” the Bola Tinubu’s government has never been serious about FDIs.

“No serious investments can pour into the oil & gas sector with such a regulator.

“Aliko Dangote has become Aluta, & we know Alhaji to be a Conservative.

“There is no smoke without fire.

“Dangote complained about crude supply.
“He complained about 30% interest rate.
“He complained about CBN exchange rate.
“He complained about manipulations by IOCs.

“The NNPC did not go through with their 20% stake in the Dangote Refinery.

“When you add all of these, you’ll arrive at the conclusion that all is not well. There is Cold War between Dangote & Bola Tinubu, & it doesn’t help investments.

“I don’t care about the politics of “who gets what!?” I want the refinery to work for the interest of the public.

“Is the FG sabotaging the Dangote Refinery?”

Energy

Minister of Power, Adelabu Champions Mini-Grids Amid Northern Power Crisis

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In the wake of a prolonged power crisis impacting Northern Nigeria, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu visited the Zawaciki 1MWp mini-grid project in Kano, underscoring the potential of decentralized renewable energy solutions to alleviate regional power shortages.

The project, operated by Bagaja Renewables, provides daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, offering a vital source of power as the region faces widespread blackouts.

READ MORE: BREAKING: NPF Arraigns VDM Over Impersonation

Sadiq Zakari, Managing Director of Bagaja Renewables, welcomed the Minister to the facility and highlighted the critical timing of the visit.

“Bagaja Renewables had the distinct honor of welcoming the Honorable Minister of Power to the Zawaciki 1MWp interconnected mini-grid,” Zakari said.

“This visit comes at a critical time, as Northern Nigeria endures a prolonged blackout, underscoring the urgent need for alternative power solutions.

The Zawaciki mini-grid has been instrumental during this crisis, providing at least 9 hours of daytime electricity to the Gida Dubu community, demonstrating the potential of renewable energy in addressing the region’s energy needs.”

Minister Adelabu praised the Zawaciki project as a model for interconnected mini-grids nationwide, noting its role as a sustainable solution for communities grappling with unreliable power supply.

“The Honorable Minister expressed admiration for the Zawaciki project, recognizing it as a viable proof of concept for interconnected mini-grids across Nigeria,” Zakari stated.

“He emphasized the importance of such initiatives and called on state governors and other key stakeholders to support efforts to decentralize and strengthen the nation’s power infrastructure.

By backing projects like Zawaciki, stakeholders can play an instrumental role in reducing reliance on the national grid and ensuring a more stable power supply for local communities.”

Zakari underscored the transformative potential of private-sector renewable energy projects in Nigeria’s power landscape.

He said, “As we have witnessed here at Zawaciki, private-sector-driven renewable energy solutions can transform Nigeria’s energy landscape. With the right policies and support, we can empower communities and enhance energy resilience, even in times of national power instability.”

In addition to the Zawaciki project, Bagaja Renewables is developing several renewable energy initiatives across Northern Nigeria. Among these are:

Barhim Estate, Katsina: A residential power initiative aimed at expanding energy access for households in the region.

Kura-Karfi Commercial Cluster, Kano: Focused on delivering clean and reliable power to commercial areas, this project aims to support local businesses and stimulate economic growth.

Kafin Hausa, Jigawa: With site fencing completed, Bagaja Renewables is preparing to begin technical design and engineering work for a mini-grid in Kafin Hausa, slated to start construction soon.

Zakari said, “These projects represent Bagaja Renewables’ unwavering commitment to building a resilient, decentralized, and renewable-powered energy future across Northern Nigeria.

“Bagaja Renewables is dedicated to collaborating with the government and stakeholders to scale up renewable energy solutions that will support communities, industries, and essential services.

“We believe that decentralized power generation is the future for Nigeria, and we are eager to contribute to a sustainable, reliable, and inclusive energy system for all.” he added

 

 

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Energy

Power Restored In Four Northern States After 10-Day Blackout

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Power has been restored across Plateau, Bauchi, Gombe, and Benue States, bringing relief to residents who endured a 10-day blackout.

The Jos Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that electricity was reinstated around 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, prompting celebrations in Jos, the Plateau State capital, and other affected areas.

READ ALSO: JUST IN: Tinubu Appoints Major General Oluyede As Acting Chief of Army Staff

The prolonged outage was caused by the tripping of a major 330kV transmission line between Benue and Enugu states, leaving several northern states without power.

The blackout severely impacted daily life and economic activities, with residents expressing frustration over the disruption to businesses, healthcare services, and personal livelihoods.

In response, President Bola Tinubu took swift action, summoning Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to address the crisis.

Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga disclosed on Monday that President Tinubu directed the Ministry of Power and relevant agencies to expedite restoration efforts.

“President Tinubu is deeply concerned about the reports of vandalism and deliberate destruction of essential power infrastructure,” Onanuga said in a statement.

“The President has tasked TCN engineers with bringing immediate relief to the affected states and implementing a long-term solution to prevent future outages.”

 

 

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Energy

Nigerian Power Supply: FGN Nears PPI Completion

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The Federal Government of Nigeria Power Company (FGN Power Company) has announced significant progress in the pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), which is set to revolutionize the nation’s electricity transmission landscape.

The initiative, in partnership with Siemens, aims to enhance the country’s power infrastructure through the deployment of advanced technology and equipment.

READ MORE: ‘Only Savior Created By God For Nigeria’ – Presidency Slams Obasanjo

Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, revealed that the installation and commissioning of eight power transformers across key locations are now complete.

The transformers have been successfully deployed in Ajah, Maryland, Apo, Okene, Ihovbor, Amukpe, Potiskum, and Birnin Kebbi, resulting in a notable increase in the transmission wheeling capacity by 569.6 megawatts (MW).

In addition to the transformers, three mobile substations are operational in Ajah, Jebba, and Kawnar Dangora, further boosting the transmission capacity by an additional 151.2 MW.

Anuwe emphasized that these enhancements are pivotal in addressing the energy needs of the country and supporting economic growth.

Looking ahead, Anuwe stated that the transmission network will be augmented by an impressive 720.8 MW, with plans to commission the remaining equipment to deliver at least another 500 MW by the end of 2024.

This strategic initiative is expected to significantly improve power distribution and reliability, marking a transformative step towards a more robust energy sector in Nigeria.

 

 

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