General
NERC Unveils Framework to Unlock Renewable Energy Investments
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Mr Sanusi Garba, has announced that the regulator has established regulatory frameworks to support investors in renewable and distributed energy generation.
Speaking at the Summit on Accelerating Scale-up of Renewable and Distributed Energy Resources in Nigeria, Garba highlighted NERC’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors to tap into the country’s vast renewable energy potential.
The two-day event brings together key stakeholders to discuss strategies, regulations, and financing arrangements to deliver 30 per cent of the country’s 2030 power supply target from renewable energy sources.
Mr Garba affirmed the Commission’s commitment to effectively drive actions to promote the expansion of renewable and distributed energy access in Nigeria, noting that Nigeria’s mini grid regulation by NERC was widely regarded as one of the best in the world.
“Nigeria’s quest for accelerated scale-up of distributed and renewable energy is not without challenges. We have regulatory frameworks designed to provide clarity and certainty for investors, ensuring that they can confidently invest in renewable energy projects and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable energy future,” he said.
The key frameworks and guidelines, according to him, include “The Electricity Act 2023, which enables NERC to promote all forms of renewable energy through regulation and licensing.
“Supplementary Order to MYTO 2024, requiring DisCos to procure a minimum of 10 per cent of their 2024 load allocation from embedded generation, with at least 50 per cent sourced from renewable energy sources.”
The NERC boss expressed optimism that efforts and deliberations at the summit will provide a platform for the electricity framework to promote energy access, enhance energy security, inclusive growth and accelerate access to electricity.
Also, the representative of the European Union delegation, Mr Godfrey Ogbemudia, said the EU has partnered with Nigeria to promote renewable energy since 2008 and has put €200 million in grants up until 2020.
Mr Ogbemudia said in 2021, the EU renewed its ability to fund renewable energy with €100 million to fund some 400 renewable energy projects that will benefit five million Nigerians and reduce carbon emissions.
“Let me commend NERC for taking bold steps and being innovative to promote renewable energy in Nigeria,” said Mr Ogbemudia.
While declaring the summit open, the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, commended the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC for partnering with key stakeholders to hold the summit when such discussion was needed most.
“In a special way, I want to commend NERC for putting up this summit. This summit is an important step and in full alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential priorities highlighted in the Renewed Hope Agenda to develop a sustainable energy sector for the country.
“It is expected that intellectual discourse, such as this summit we are gathered here today, will highlight and expose the strategies, regulations and bankable financing arrangements that can be leveraged to deliver our target 30 gigawatts of power supply capacity by 2030 of which 30 per cent are from renewable energy.”
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, has disclosed that the state government has not restricted the movement of people during the re-introduced monthly environmental sanitation exercise.
Responding to an enquiry by an X user, Faveo Autos, on Saturday, he said the exercise was not brought back to restrict the movement of residents, noting that arresting anyone during the sanitation was unlawful and not backed by law.
However, he encouraged Lagosians to use the period to keep their surroundings clean.
“What is the fine for movement during environmental [sanitation]?” Mr Wahab was asked by Faveo Autos today.
In his response, the Commissioner said, “For clarity, there is no restriction on movement during the monthly environmental sanitation exercise. Consequently, arresting anyone on the basis of movement during the exercise is unlawful and does not represent the position or policy of the Lagos State Government.
“The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was reintroduced primarily to restore and strengthen the culture of environmental cleanliness across the state.
“The initiative is backed by the Lagos State Environmental Management and Protection Law, 2017. However, the law does not provide for any restriction on movement during the exercise.
“Our focus is on encouraging Lagosians to embrace environmental sanitation as a civic responsibility and a shared commitment to maintaining a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Lagos, rather than relying on enforcement measures.”
Life is full of unexpected moments that test our patience, strength, and perspective. Everyone experiences setbacks, disappointments, and periods of uncertainty. While these moments can feel overwhelming, they also provide opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.
One of the most valuable lessons we learn is that difficult situations rarely last forever. Time, reflection, and a willingness to adapt often help us move beyond even the toughest circumstances. Maintaining a positive outlook and focusing on practical solutions can make a significant difference.
Relationships also play an important role in overcoming hardships. Support from family, friends, or mentors reminds us that we are not alone. At the same time, learning to let go of anger and resentment can free us from emotional burdens that prevent us from moving forward.
The only way out of the labyrinth of suffering is to forgive. It is nothing to die. It is frightful not to live. Everything was beautiful and nothing hurt.
Personal growth is not about avoiding challenges but about responding to them with resilience and wisdom. Every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the person we become. By embracing change and practicing gratitude, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
In the end, moving forward requires courage, forgiveness, and hope. When we choose to focus on what we can control instead of dwelling on the past, we open ourselves to new opportunities and a brighter future.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The establishment of four new army divisions has been approved by President Bola Tinubu, bringing the total to 12.
In a statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, it was stated that the President also authorised the recruitment of 28,000 additional personnel to strengthen national security.
The new divisions created include 5 Division, with the headquarters in Makurdi covering Benue, Nasarawa and Kogi States; 9 Division, with the headquarters in Ilorin covering Kwara and Niger States; 10 Division, with the headquarters in Jalingo covering Taraba and Adamawa States; and 83 Division, with the headquarters in Benin City covering Edo, Delta and Bayelsa States.
It was disclosed that the establishment of the new Divisions in Makurdi, Ilorin, Jalingo and Benin City will significantly improve command and control, decentralise operational decision-making, strengthen border security, enhance the protection of critical national infrastructure, improve counter-insurgency and internal security operations, and ensure faster military response to emerging threats nationwide.
Implementation of the new force structure will be done in two phases. The first phase, covering the establishment of the 5, 9, and 10 Divisions and the reorganisation of existing formations, will be completed by September 2026. The second phase, involving the establishment of the 83 Division and further reorganisation, is expected to be completed by December 2026.
The statement said the expansion of the Nigerian Army’s structure from eight to twelve divisions will improve the operational effectiveness of the security agency and strengthen national defence capabilities further.
Before now, the Nigerian Army operated 1 Division, with the headquarters in Kaduna covering Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Jigawa States; 2 Division, with the headquarters in Ibadan covering Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States; 3 Division, with the headquarters in Jos covering Plateau, Bauchi and Gombe States; 6 Division, with the headquarters in Port Harcourt covering Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States; 7 Division, with the headquarters in Maiduguri covering Borno and Yobe States; 8 Division, with the headquarters in Sokoto covering Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States; 81 Division, with the headquarters in Lagos covering Lagos and Ogun States; and 82 Division, with the headquarters in Enugu covering Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi and Imo States.
Mr Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s determination to continue investing in the Armed Forces, ensuring they remain adequately equipped, highly motivated, and fully capable of protecting the nation and guaranteeing the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He lauded the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Ibrahim Shuaibu, and all officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army for their dedication, professionalism, and steadfast commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
