General
FG Insists Power Sector Remains Key Priority
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Vice President of Nigeria, Mr Kashim Shettima, has reiterated that the Light Up Nigeria Project, remains a part of the priorities set by President Bola Tinubu to revamp the nation’s economy and ensure rapid industrialization.
Mr Shettima said the Project heralds renewed hope for industrialists, investors and Nigerians who had to bear the brunt of the country’s power challenges for so long.
The Vice President spoke as he officially launched the Light Up Nigeria, Southeast Initiative in Enugu, describing it as the much-expected solution to the power supply deficit that has undermined the nation’s economy and industrialisation.
Mr Shettima during the project launch on Monday in Enugu also commissioned the 181MW Geometric Power plant in Aba, Abia State to accelerate power supply to industrial clusters in the region.
The project, a collaboration between the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited and its partners, is targeted at revamping Nigeria’s infrastructure framework with the much-needed drive in empowering Nigerians and strengthening the economic policies of the Tinubu administration.
The Vice President noted that the project is part of the federal government’s responsibility for the nation’s industrialization in fulfillment of the promises made by President Tinubu.
“This marks a renewal of hope for industrialists, for investors, and for the homes that have long endured the consequences of Nigeria’s power supply deficit.
“The Light Up Nigeria project powers the hope of our industrialists and serves as a long-awaited solution to the power supply deficit that has undermined our economy over the past decades. So, this intervention isn’t a ribbon-cutting charade.
“This is a calculated endeavour to re-engineer our economy, and whatever we design to oil the wheels of our industries is futile unless we stabilize the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).”
The VP had on October 12, 2023, flagged off the initiative in the Southwest at the Agbara Industrial Cluster, with stakeholders committing to the successful implementation of the project across the country.
Flagging off the project in Enugu for the Southeast region, he recalled that when the pilot project was initiated with a business roundtable at the Agbara industrial area, it attracted major investors and industrialists even from neighbouring clusters in Oyo and Lagos States.
“We were sure of our direction in pursuit of the priorities set by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the dream under construction attracts us to this historic city of coals and industries,” he added.
Mr Shettima stated confidently that “even the most skeptical mind has since been persuaded by the milestones achieved in Agbara since October 12, 2023,” following the completion of technical studies and a new transformer procured, while a mobile transmission substation would soon be up for commissioning.
Noting that the project is not mere rhetoric, VP Shettima pointed out that as an industrial powerhouse, the South East and its economic fortune is one of President Tinubu’s critical priorities.
“This marks a significant step toward reliable power supply. The genius of this initiative is that it promises a boost in supply levels to NESI without injecting public funds. Yet, it provides stable power where our economy needs it the most,” he explained.
On the choice of Enugu for the launch of the project in the South East which, according to him, was not based on geographical compensation.
He further explained that “with its renowned industrial layouts in Emene and 9th Mile corner, the commercial and manufacturing direction, potentials, and promise of Enugu States align with our vision of fast-tracking the economic growth and influence of this project beyond the South-East, beyond Nigeria, and, in fact, beyond Africa.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A strategic joint venture agreement has been signed between the Lagos Free Zone (LFZ) and CEVA Logistics. The deal will advance integrated logistics solutions in Nigeria and West Africa.
Under the agreement, a warehouse will be put in place within Lagos Free Zone, home to Nigeria’s Lekki Deep Sea Port. This facility positions importers to seamlessly access West African markets, particularly multinational manufacturers serving the region.
Importers leveraging the free zone warehouse facilities at Lekki Port will benefit from duty-free exports to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) markets, creating a streamlined and cost-effective logistics solution.
Because the logistics journey to this region requires a deep understanding of trade lanes, local port operations, and customs procedures, CEVA Logistics stands the chance to use its experience to deliver quality service to customers.
The JV will enable businesses to focus on their core operations while ensuring a seamless journey for goods from global origins to West African destinations.
According to the Vice President of Air and Ocean Product at CEVA IMEA, Jean-Baptiste Rambaud, the partnership will mark a new phase of enhanced logistics solutions, leading to a seamless journey for global trade in West Africa, a region with its dynamic and youthful population that represents a key growth market for global manufacturers, especially in the FMCG sector.
“Our targeted investments in Nigeria reflect our commitment to providing uninterrupted logistics services to our global clients exporting to West Africa, including ECOWAS.
“This free zone warehouse is the final piece in creating a seamless logistics journey for goods and products from around the world to West Africa,” Rambaud stated.
Also commenting, the chief executive of LFZ, Ms Adesuwa Ladoja, said, “By integrating Lekki Port, reliable industrial infrastructure, and efficient logistics solutions, we are building a logistics hub for West Africa. Collaborating with CEVA, a global leader in logistics, strengthens our ability to deliver on this vision.”
It was learned that the JV has been approved by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of Nigeria, with CEVA Logistics to hold a majority stake in the newly established entity.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal High Court in Abuja has affirmed the powers of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.
In a judgment delivered on Monday by Justice James Omotosho, he dismissed the suit filed by Air Peace Limited challenging the commission’s authority to investigate consumer complaints and issue summons in the exercise of its statutory mandate.
Justice Omotosho affirmed the organisation’s powers under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 (FCCPA) to receive complaints, assess matters brought before it, and take appropriate lawful steps, including investigation where necessary.
Welcoming the decision, the chief executive of the FCCPC, Mr Tunji Bello, said the judgment provided useful clarity on the importance of regulatory oversight in protecting consumers and promoting fair market practices.
He noted that the matter arose from complaints relating to unrefunded ticket fares, cancelled flights, and other service concerns affecting passengers.
Mr Bello reiterated that consumers, who pay for services, were entitled to fair treatment, transparency, and redress in accordance with applicable law.
He further described investigation as an administrative process intended to establish facts and determine whether further action is warranted. It does not amount to a finding of liability or wrongdoing.
According to him, the commission is committed to engaging all market participants in a fair, professional, and transparent manner, while ensuring due process at every stage of its proceedings.
He encouraged businesses operating in Nigeria to cooperate with lawful regulatory processes and to maintain effective complaint resolution systems that address consumer issues promptly and fairly.
The FCCPC will continue to act within its statutory mandate to protect consumers, promote competitive markets, and strengthen confidence in essential service sectors, including aviation.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission is Nigeria’s primary competition and consumer protection authority established under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has filed a 13-count charge before the Federal High Court, Abuja, against alleged plotters of a coup against President Bola Tinubu.
Among the suspects are a retired major general, a retired naval captain, a serving police inspector, and three others.
Recall that in January, the Nigerian armed forces confirmed that some of its personnel actually attempted to overthrow the government of President Tinubu in October 2025.
This followed speculations that the October 1 parade last year was abruptly cancelled due to an alleged attempt to remove Mr Tinubu from office by some members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), with 16 persons arrested over the issue.
At the time, the Defence Headquarters said investigations had “identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government” and would be “formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial.”
“The comprehensive investigation process, conducted in accordance with established military procedures, has carefully examined all circumstances surrounding the conduct of the affected personnel. The findings have identified a number of officers with allegations of plotting to overthrow the government, which is inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards required of members of the AFN.
“Accordingly, those with cases to answer will be formally arraigned before an appropriate military judicial panel to face trial in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and other applicable service regulations. This ensures accountability while upholding the principles of fairness and due process.
“The AFN reiterates that measures being taken are purely disciplinary and part of ongoing institutional mechanisms to preserve order, discipline and operational effectiveness within the ranks. The Armed Forces remain resolute in maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority,” the statement read in parts.
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