General
Governor Refunds $2.5m Paris Club Loot to EFCC
By Dipo Olowookere
The state Governor in Nigeria, who was accused of stealing from the London-Paris Club loot and building a hotel with $3 million has agreed to return $2.5 million, The Nation reports.
It was reported that the Governor recently sneaked into Aso Rock Presidential Villa in search of soft-landing, speaking with some top government officials on how to escape justice.
According to the Nation, the embattled Governor had in the last 48 hours been roaming the corridors of the Presidential Villa in desperate search for help.
He was said to have offered to refund the balance of $2.5 million quietly to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without being further investigated, given that one of the proxies used to launder the funds had already surrendered $500,000 to the anti-graft agency.
It was learnt that the Governor, who disguised to enter the Villa, avoided the prying eyes of journalists at the seat of power.
A government source said, “The Governor was looking visibly disturbed, but it was obvious he was seeking help. The manner he managed his shuttle to the Villa suggested that he had something up his sleeves.
“I think he is ready to refund $2.5 million since one of his proxies has paid back about $500,000.
“The governor had audience with some government officials.
“We learnt he made a commitment to pay back quietly to avoid any political backlash.
“He also does not want to be exposed or his proxies subjected to trial.
“The truth is that this government will not give waiver to anybody or group in its anti-corruption campaign.”
Already, the EFCC has recovered about N1.420 billion from some firms and a consultant who benefited from the N19 billion illegally deducted by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) from the loan refund.
Out of the sum, about N1.2 billion was frozen in the account of a consultant alone.
A top source, who spoke in confidence, said the EFCC was already on the trail of all those who benefitted from the N19 billion cash.
The source said, “Apart from the N8 billion left in the NGF’s Naira account, our detectives have recovered about N1.420 billion from some companies and consultants who were used to launder some of the London-Paris Club refunds.
“While a company refunded N200 million, the other paid back undeserving N20 million. We froze about N1.2 billion in a consultant’s account.
“The cash refunds have clearly shown that some of the London-Paris Club funds were siphoned for private use.
“This is why the EFCC is determined to ensure a comprehensive investigation of the scandal.”
Responding to a question, the source added, “The ultimate objective of this commission is to recover the diverted funds and ensure judicious use of the loan refunds by states.
“The law will, however, be applied to those used for the illegal funds. This is not a war against the NGF or any particular Governor.”
The presidency had so far released N1.266 trillion to the 36 states in the past one year, including N713.70 billion special intervention funds to states.
Following protests by states against over-deductions for external debt service between 1995 and 2002, President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the release of N522.74 billion (first tranche) to states as refunds, pending reconciliation of records.
Each state was entitled to a cap of N14.5 billion, being 25 percent of the amounts claimed.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, said the payment of the claims will enable states to offset outstanding salaries and pension which had been “causing considerable hardship.”
The Governors had sought for the loan refunds to states and local governments at a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on May 24, 2016.
Source: The Nation
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has called for enhanced stakeholder coordination to rapidly expand electricity meter installations and narrow Nigeria’s persistent metering gap.
This push emerged from the NESI Metering Stakeholders’ Meeting held in Lagos on March 27, 2026, where regulators, industry players, and international partners converged to tackle rollout bottlenecks.
According to a post on NERC’s X handle, key attendees included representatives from the World Bank, Meristem, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), NEMSA, Distribution Companies (DisCos), and Meter Asset Providers (MAPs).
NERC highlighted a strategic pivot from merely financing metering initiatives to fostering seamless collaboration.
With four separate metering programmes currently underway, the commission stressed the urgency of aligning efforts to avoid duplication and accelerate deployment.
“Greater synergy among DisCos, meter providers, and other stakeholders is essential to ramp up installations,” a NERC spokesperson noted. This coordinated approach aims to deliver accurate billing, eradicate estimated charges that frustrate consumers, and boost overall market efficiency.
The meeting also underscored the need for a unified communication strategy to heighten public awareness and encourage consumer uptake, as part of NERC’s broader drive for transparency in Nigeria’s electricity sector.
Nigeria currently operates four parallel metering programmes aimed at closing the country’s metering gap and improving efficiency across the power sector. These include the World Bank–funded Nigeria Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), which targets about 3.2 million end-user meters, and the Federation-funded initiative designed to deliver roughly 3.8 million meters alongside about 130,000 distribution transformer (DT) meters.
Also in operation are the DisCo-funded Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), which provides around 125,000 meters to fill coverage gaps, and the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), a technology-driven framework focused on smart metering, improved billing accuracy, and enhanced grid management. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is now working to harmonise these initiatives to prevent duplication and accelerate metering deployment nationwide.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
It was a day of recognition for some unsung Sheroes at the maiden Woman of Power Award organised by Zenith Bank Plc and the Ford Foundation.
The glamorous event took place at the Civic Centre, Lagos, on Saturday, March 28, 2026, with the theme Celebrating Resilience, Leadership, and Generosity.
About 19 women selected from the six geo-political zones in trade, petty manufacturing, education, and agriculture were recognised at the ceremony, which had several personalities in attendance.
Business Post reports that the programme was part of activities to commemorate March as women’s month.
The chief executive of Zenith Bank, Ms Adaora Umeoji, in her speech, praised the awardees and reaffirmed the bank’s strong commitment to women’s empowerment.
“Zenith Bank’s commitment to gender inclusion is not a rhetoric but one of the ethos that the bank holds very dearly,” the banker, represented by one of the bank’s executive directors, Ms Adobi Nwapa, said.
“Zenith Bank has a 50-50 gender ratio with women occupying strategic positions in the bank’s management and board, up to the current Group Managing Director being the very first female to hold that position,” she added.
On her part, the Regional Director of the Ford Foundation, Ms Chichi Aniagolu, described the Woman of Power Award as an eye-opener, noting that her team’s journey across the country revealed the vast and often overlooked facets of human potential among Nigerian women.
Among those honoured were:
- Mrs Regina Amankulor, a retired nurse empowering young people in Umuode-Nsulu community, Isiala Ngwa North LGA, Abia State;
- Mary Matanmi, Coordinator of the Nigeria Association of Hairdressers, Barbers and Cosmetologists, Lagos State chapter;
- Ifeanyi P. Ugwueze, a Guidance Counsellor and Life Coach who continues to thrive despite blindness and is currently pursuing a doctorate degree.
Others include:
- Amina Musa, a trade educator based in Karonmajiji, AMAC, Abuja;
- Adenike A. Lambo, the Iyaloja of Ilorin;
- Sadiya Abubakar, an educator in Jibi (Deidei), Bwari Area Council, FCT;
- Erikan Idem Andrew, a market woman with significant community impact in Port Harcourt;
- Ngozi B. Nwankpa, an Aba-based fashion designer;
- Hadiza Umar, a Development Specialist based in Kaduna, Kaduna State;
- Joy C. Ezenwa (aka Mama Amala), a trader at Sabon Gari Market, Kano;
- Shola Esther Babalola (Mama Sho), promoter of natural honey and founder of the Mama Sho Honey brand in Lagos;
- Josephine Ugwu, a staff member of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), was honoured for her honesty in recovering and returning millions of naira mistakenly dropped by passengers at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has called for action over the recent attack in Plateau State, asking authorities to address and prosecute those behind the killing.
In a statement, CAN President, Mr Daniel Okoh, described the attack as “not just tragic” but also “unacceptable”.
“Nigerians are tired of mourning. Nigerians are tired of statements. Nigerians want to see action,” the cleric said in a statement issued late Monday.
“Those responsible for this atrocity must be found, arrested, and made to face justice; swiftly and decisively. Anything less will only deepen the sense that life in our country is no longer protected.”
The attack on Sunday in Angwan Rukuba, in Jos North Local Government Area, left 28 people dead and several others wounded.
Expectedly, the incident has sparked outrage among Nigerians and protests by angry residents of the area.
CAN called for a thorough investigation into the attack and called for proactive action before these attacks take place.
“Our security institutions must not only respond; they must stay ahead of these threats,” the Christian body said while acknowledging efforts by the Plateau State Government.
“But let it be said clearly: temporary measures are not enough. The people of Plateau, and indeed all Nigerians, deserve lasting security, not periodic reassurance,” Mr Okoh said.
CAN told Nigerians to be vigilant and calm, but maintained that the nation owes the dead justice.
“We owe the living protection. And we owe our future a country where no community wakes up to gunfire on a sacred day.”
Meanwhile, the Plateau State Governor, Mr Caleb Mutfwang, visited the affected area under heavy security and also those wounded on Monday, even as the state government imposed curfew on the affected place.
“This unfortunate event led to the loss of 28 innocent lives and left many others injured. I feel deeply the weight of the pain inflicted on our people,” the governor said in a state-wide broadcast.
He also vowed that Plateau State won’t succumb to fear or intimidation.
“We shall emerge stronger, united, and resolute in our faith and commitment to peace,” the governor assured.
“We must deploy every available resource to defend our people, protect lives and property, and safeguard the territorial integrity of our state. Plateau shall remain strong and peaceful.”
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