Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has reported that Nigerians annually spend N16.5 trillion on fuel and generator servicing.

Adelabu disclosed this information on Tuesday at the ongoing NOG Energy Week in Abuja.

The Minister attributed his claim to 2023 research but did not provide specifics, instead comparing the figure to the 225% increase in electricity tariffs implemented on April 3, 2024.

Adelabu also highlighted significant foreign investments exceeding $1 billion in renewable energy sources.

He said “What Nigerians spend on self-generation of power—on fueling and servicing their generators—is N16.5 trillion, according to research that was carried out in 2023.

“Looking at this, you will see that what Band A customers pay is still cheaper compared to this, despite having 24-hour uninterrupted supply.

“over $1 billion in investments have been placed into renewable energy sources by foreign lenders and institutions.”

He added that his ministry, guided and supported by President Tinubu, is making significant progress in energy and gas developments.

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced plans to carry out essential maintenance on the 132kV Akure-Osogbo transmission line, leading to power disruptions in Ondo and Ekiti States over the next two months.

According to a public notice cited by Naija News, the maintenance work will cause power outages in these states for nine hours daily from July 1 to August 31.

The notice specifies that the maintenance will involve the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and other necessary activities that require a temporary outage on the affected network to ensure a safe working environment.

The TCN’s notice read, “Please be informed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, is scheduled to carry out critical maintenance work on the 132kV Akure Osogbo transmission line.

“The planned work involves the installation of Optical Ground Wire (OPGW) and other activities. This will require outage on the affected network for safe working space.

“Customers in the affected areas will experience service interruptions during the period of the planned outages. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this may cause and kindly solicit your patience and understanding.”

Protecting and rehabilitating Africa’s natural carbon sinks, such as forests, oceans, coastal mangroves, wetlands and grasslands can significantly aid in mitigating the effects of climate change.

This view was expressed by Director, Governance and Sustainability, Sahara Group, Ejiro Gray, at the maiden edition of Asharami Square, Sahara Group’s initiative aimed at promoting sustainability through media advocacy.

According to Gray this developing intentional policies and investments on protecting the continent’s carbon sinks would enhance carbon sequestration and reduce net emissions.

She maintained that these natural landscapes act as significant carbon reservoirs, absorbing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, adding that developing reforestation and afforestation programs, implementing strict conservation policies, and providing financial incentives for conservation projects are critical for combating climate change in Africa.

Gray pointed out that Natural Gas Development and Commercialization, Increase Use of Renewables, investment in low-cost/low emissions clean energy solutions, Carbon Capture Storage/Carbon Capture and Reutilization are other factors that can help accelerate Africa’s march towards sustainability.

“Natural gas presents a viable opportunity to serve as a transition fuel as Africa continues to gradually invest in renewable energy. It is a relatively clean-burning fossil fuel, producing fewer CO₂ emissions compared to coal or petroleum. In 2021, Africa’s natural gas reserves totalled over 620 trillion cubic feet. By developing and monetizing these reserves through processing and eventual usage of CNG, LNG, LPG and other gas products, Africa can leverage its natural gas resources to support sustainable energy development,” Gray said.

On the role of the media in promoting sustainability, Head, Corporate Communications at Sahara Group, Bethel Obioma, said that Africa needed to articulate and promote a robust sustainability narrative that leaves no one behind in issues relating to climate change, energy access and energy transition, among others.

“To achieve this, Sahara Group hopes to make Asharami Square a formidable platform through advocacy and collaboration towards shoring up capacity and participation of all segments of the media to drive accuracy, clarity, impact, positive policy formulation, agenda-setting and collective action,” he said.

Obioma noted that Asharami Square would feature mentoring, training, exchange programs, facility tours for media practitioners and competitions to recognise and celebrate exceptional reporting of sustainability in the media.