General
Egbin Power to Host FG’s National Data Park, Compute Infrastructure

In a significant move aimed at accelerating Nigeria’s digital economy, Egbin Power, Nigeria’s leading power generation company, has been identified as the ideal location to host the nation’s first National Data Park and Compute Infrastructure.
The Minister for Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, made this announcement during his visit to the power Plant, where he was received by Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, Dr Kola Adesina and the CEO of Egbin Power, Mokhtar Bounour, among others.
The groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Government, aims to harness the power of reliable energy and cutting-edge technology to drive Nigeria’s digital economy forward. The collaboration between Egbin Power and the FG underscores a shared vision to enhance the nation’s technological capabilities and foster innovation in the digital sector.
Dr Tijani was given an overview of the plant and later accompanied by the management team on a tour of the facility. During the discussion, the Minister expressed confidence that Egbin Power has the right environment to host the Data Park, enabling the GenCo to play a crucial role in powering the digital economy.
He stated, “Without a digital economy, the growth we seek cannot be realized. Everything we need to truly power the digital economy exists here in Egbin Power—not only in terms of energy and water, but also in the excellence of the team that runs this facility. That is what is required to fuel the digital economy.”
The Minister highlighted the global advancement in artificial intelligence, emphasizing the need for Africa to catch up with this momentum. He stressed the importance of finding innovative ways to participate in this digital phenomenon. He further noted that Nigeria’s digital economy significantly contributes to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), emphasizing that an efficient data centre is vital for harnessing the capabilities of AI and data processing.
Commenting on the strategic collaboration, Dr Adesina said, “There is a nexus between the digital economy and power. Reliable power enhances the functionality of the digital economy, whether in terms of the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), data utilization, and more.”
He expressed commitment to supporting the establishment of a National Data Park and Compute Centre and other IT infrastructure required for the digital economy. He highlighted Egbin Power’s reliable energy, available land for expansion, and a conducive environment for such digital infrastructure.
“We are here to support the idea of building the Data Park or other IT infrastructure required within the digital economy. We have reliable power, the land and the right environment needed,” he said. Adesina also noted that, since the takeover, significant investments and technological innovations have been done to revitalise the plant, while expansion plans are in the pipeline to double its capacity.
Egbin Power’s CEO, Mokhtar Bounour, reiterated the plant’s dedication to consistent power generation for the national grid in spite of the challenges inherent in the power sector. “We are open to collaborations that will drive Nigeria’s growth and success. We will continue to push boundaries to deliver reliable power to the nation, facilitating socio-economic progress and ensuring our communities and stakeholders thrive,” Bounour stated.
The Minister also toured the Bright Gyimah Innovation Centre, located within Powerfields Schools, owned by Egbin Power. The Innovation Centre serves as a facility for students to acquire skills in Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and to explore their creativity in arts, music, and culinary/hospitality fields.
General
ValueJet Blockage: K1 De Ultimate Begs Nigerians, Authorities for Forgiveness

By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Fuji maestro, Mr Wasiu Ayinde, fondly known as K1 De Ultimate, has apologised over the unfortunate incident involving him blocking a ValueJet aircraft taxing at the local wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 5, 2025.
The musician was seen in videos on the internet attempting to prevent the plane from taxing, an action described by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development as “reprehensible.”
He said if the pilot and the co-pilot were punished by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) by revoking their licences; Mr Ayinde should also be sanctioned, directing he should be put on no fly list.
Earlier, the spokesman of the music act, Mr Kunle Rasheed, said Mr Ayinde was the victim of the incident, absolving him of any wrong-doing.
K1 De Ultimate was not allowed to be on the aircraft carrying passengers from Abuja to Lagos because he refused to give up his flask alleged to contain alcohol.
In a statement on Friday, the musician claimed the content in the flask was water, which he was advised by his doctor to take regularly because of a health issue.
“Unknown to many, I suffer from chronic dehydration, and my doctor strongly advised that I remain constantly hydrated. This is why I always carry a water flask with me. And contrary to the negative narrative being circulated in some quarters, the flask I carried on that particular day contained only water — not alcohol, as wrongly alleged.
“For the record, I passed through two security screenings with the flask empty. The flask was only filled with water at the lounge area, just before heading to the tarmac. This fact can be verified by the CCTV footage at the airport lounge. More so, I hadn’t even boarded the plane, let alone being deboarded.
“However, I acknowledge and deeply regret the concerns that arose from the incident. It was never my intention to cause any disruption or violate aviation protocols in any way.
“My unwavering patriotism and unshaken loyalty to the Federal Republic of Nigeria have never been in doubt. Over the years, I have consistently used my God-given talent and platform to promote the Nigerian brand across the globe. I would never do anything to tarnish the image I’ve built over the past five decades, nor would I knowingly act in a way that could diminish the reputation of the country I love so dearly.
“That said, the incident is sincerely regretted. I remain committed to upholding the values and responsibilities that come with being a global ambassador of Nigerian music and culture.
“To the Presidency, Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, NCAA, ValueJet, fellow Nigerians, and my teeming fans across the world who have shown great concern since the incident happened, I tender my unreserved and heartfelt apology,” he said in the statement.
General
Komolafe Tasks Upstream Petroleum Operators on Decarbonisation

By Adedapo Adesanya
The chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Mr Gbenga Komolafe, has called on operators to embed decarbonisation in field development, facility design, and production activities.
This was part of his message at the 48th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition on Monday, noting that the commission is driving the Upstream Oil and Gas Decarbonisation Blueprint, based on its seven pillars to attract investment and maintain competitiveness.
“We are optimising the Maximum Efficient Rate, managing produced water, and coordinating shutdowns to reduce disruptions,” he said, adding that, “We urge all operators to embed decarbonisation in field development, facility design, and production activities. Achieving a sustainable future requires trade-offs, collaboration, and innovation. NAICE discussions must become measurable outcomes.”
He said NUPRC was integrating advanced technologies in exploration and production, including decarbonisation and emission reduction strategies, noting, “Our role goes beyond regulatory compliance. We are committed to a stable and forward-looking upstream sector that balances energy security, environmental responsibility, and economic sustainability.”
According to him, technological transformation is reshaping exploration and production, and the Commission is encouraging both adaptation and approval of innovative solutions.
He added that NUPRC is using technology to enhance internal operations, improve service delivery, and reduce turnaround time.
He said: “These changes are not mere technical upgrades. They are part of a broader effort to entrench transparency, promote accountability, and reduce costs to drive industry growth.”
Mr Komolafe also said a resilient supply chain is vital for cutting lead times, lowering costs, and boosting national capacity, stating that the commission is fostering a regulatory environment supporting indigenous and international service providers.
“Our approach supports technology domestication, local manufacturing, and stronger supply chain resilience,” he said.
On workforce development, he emphasised that human capital is the industry’s greatest asset.
“We work with academic institutions and training organisations to promote excellence, close skill gaps, and prepare our workforce for a low-carbon future,” he said.
Highlighting progress since the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) was enacted in 2021, Mr Komolafe said 21 key regulations have been gazetted so far.
“These regulations give clarity to investors, streamline administration, and align operations with national and global priorities,” he said.
Among them are the Upstream Petroleum Measurement Regulations, which promote accountability through real-time, technology-driven production measurement.
Also included are the Gas Flaring, Venting, and Methane Emissions Regulations, aimed at reducing emissions and embedding sustainability.
Beyond regulations, he said NUPRC is implementing core initiatives to accelerate industry development.
These include a recent stakeholders’ forum to develop strategies for cluster development in shallow and deepwater basins.
“Through collaboration, we aim to unlock stranded or marginal fields via joint development strategies,” he said.
General
NCDMB Lauds EFCC for Outstanding Remittances Recovery

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has lauded the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its role in recovering outstanding financial remittances due to the board from oil and gas industry operators.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to the Port Harcourt Zonal Directorate of the EFCC by a delegation from the NCDMB, led by Mrs Maureen Obukofe, who represented the Executive Secretary, Mr Felix Omatsola Ogbe.
Mrs Obukofe recounted how the board had initiated a partnership with the EFCC in 2019 after discovering that many oil and gas operators were failing to remit the mandatory one per cent of every contract to the board, as stipulated by law.
“Over time, we realized that most of these operators were not remitting this one percent and we realized that there’s no agency well-equipped and statutorily empowered other than EFCC to help us recover these outstanding remittances,” Mrs Obukofe said.
“That was how this partnership was formed back in 2019 by the then Executive Secretary, and today, we are happy to note that the commission has recovered some monies on behalf of the Board, and I know they will still recover more. So, we’ve come to say thank you.”
She described the collaboration as pivotal in ensuring compliance with Nigerian content obligations in the oil and gas sector.
In response, the Acting Zonal Director of EFCC Port Harcourt, Mr Hassan Saidu, expressed surprise and gratitude at the gesture of appreciation from the board.
“Barrister Maureen, we are very grateful for your visit. In fact, if every organization will do what you have done, it will motivate us more,” Mr Saidu said, adding that, “I am lacking in words to describe this type of visit because it is kind of a rare visit, sending a delegation to appreciate what we have done.”
The EFCC director assured the NCDMB of the agency”s continued support in helping the board recover what is rightfully due to it and enforcing compliance within the oil and gas sector.
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