General
Cross River Eyes 600MW Electricity by 2022
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Cross River Government has said it was targeting a combined generation capacity of about 600MW electricity by 2022.
This was made known by the Governor, Mr Ben Ayade, who promised a quick completion of the 27MW Adiabo Power Plant at the Tinapa Business Resort, as part of efforts to boost Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.
Mr Ayade, speaking while inspecting the level of work done at the power plant, said the idea was to ensure that MSMEs in the state have the opportunity to have electricity and grow the local economy.
He added that the cumulative effect of the power projects will make Calabar the first state capital that will run on steady 24-hour electricity.
“We have 27MW here with a potential to install another 27MW which gives us a combined cycle that can bring in a third. When we get to that capacity, we will be in a position to feed the national grid.
“We are considering bringing in a third party investor who will be the operator of this plant, having been installed by the main contractor, Skipperseil Group. And we are happy to announce to Nigerians that Cross River State is getting another power plant of 27MW, the one in Parliamentary Road is 23MW.
“The contractors are looking to complete this project by April next year. But I am backtracking it to December this year because my people have to have electricity in greater Calabar.
“But of course once the plant in Odukpani starts running, this one (Tinapa) runs and the one in Parliamentary runs, we will be having a combined capacity of almost 600MW generated within Calabar.
“It, therefore, means that we have to set up a state transmission line that will share power to the rest of the state all the way to the Northern Senatorial District, particularly the Obudu Cattle Ranch where we are currently doing a 3MW hydropower plant in combination with the wind system.
“So, I am focusing on energy as a way of liberating our people from the horrifying dependence on the very difficult national grid.
“And I am proud to say that a Cross Riverian is the Minister of State for Power and he is working aggressively, supporting us to see to the realization of all these power projects,” the Governor said.
Mr Ayade noted that the project was coming also at a time that the state was pushing for metropolitan fibre optic lines to power homes with smart wi-fi connectivity at a negligible cost.
“So, the catalytic combination of subsidized power alongside with the wifi services will give Calabar the 21st-century exposure we dream about and that’s where we are.
“We are at 80 per cent installation capacity. We just have few containers we are expecting to arrive shortly. By the close of the month, we should be done with all imports and focus on the 8inch gas pipeline.
“We already have the modular scrollbars installed, so we will just tap into the Savannah energy pipeline and circuit it into the system and properly socket just as we have socketed into the centre. We will socket into the electricity value chain and bring value to Cross Riverians,” he added.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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