By Dipo Olowookere

The Dangote Sugar Refinery has been commended for its significant investment in the sugar Backward Integration Policy (BIP) of the federal government.

Business Post reports that so far, Dangote Sugar has committed over $700 million to the scheme aimed to stem the national annual sugar import of over $337 million to enable Nigeria to attain national sugar self-sufficiency which will, in turn, revolutionise the economy of the nation as other people-oriented infrastructures would come with the sugar projects being undertaken under the BIP.

Speaking during a visit to Dangote Group’s pavilion at the ongoing Kano International Trade Fair, Mr Silas Agara, the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), said the sugar miller’s action would also create jobs for citizens.

“Dangote Sugar in Tunga in Awe Local Government of Nasarawa State is commendable for improving the Communities in Tunga. It has created job opportunities for the teaming youth and improved livelihoods,” the former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State said.

While noting that the company’s commitment is critical for the development of the sugar industry in Nigeria, the NDE chief said, “Nasarawa is proud of Aliko Dangote (the chairman of Dangote Sugar). Tunga Sugar is a spinner for Nigeria’s economy.”

Mr Agara urged Mr Dangote to step up community advocacy, and more collaboration with stakeholders to drive greater positive change in the communities.

However, he noted that, “There isn’t any dissenting voice on Tunga sugar, and the communities have enjoyed growth and development through the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies.”

Recall that recently, members of Nasarawa State House of Assembly visited the Dangote Sugar Tunga BIP project which they described as a blessing to the state.

The Dangote’s Sugar Master Plan and the company’s commitment to the sugar projects in Tunga, Awe Local Government of Nasarawa, and that of Numan in Adamawa State have scaled up the drive towards realization of National Sugar objectives.

The aim is to produce 700,000 metric tonnes of refined sugar from locally grown sugarcane in the next four year, through BIP.

Nigeria is one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest importers of sugar second only to South Africa, but the Dangote Sugar management assured that by the time the company fully completes its sugar projects in Nasarawa and Adamawa under the BIP, the nation would be saved of more than half of the forex expended on sugar imports annually.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday signed into law the Electricity Bill 2024 aimed at improving power supply in the state.

The new law also aims to establish an electricity market independent of the national grid.

The new law builds on last year’s constitution amendment removing electricity from the exclusive legislative list and placing it on the concurrent list to decentralise electricity matters.

The shift allows the state governments to participate in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity.

This was disclosed by Mr Gboyega Akosile, Mr Sanwo-Olu’s special adviser on media and publicity, via his official handle on X, formerly Twitter.

“The bill is a major step by the state government, to ensure 24-hour electricity supply to every nook and cranny of the State, following the FG’s nod for states to generate and distribute energy in 2023,” he wrote.

Alongside the announcement, he posted a video showing his principal signing the bill.

The development comes after President Bola Tinubu assented to the electricity bill, which empowers states, companies and individuals to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in June 2023.

The bill will replace the Lagos State Power Sector Reform Law 2018, in furtherance of the Electricity Act 2023 signed into law by the President.

The bill aims to address electricity challenges, improve energy sustainability and foster economic growth in the state.

It aims to enhance the electricity supply in Lagos State by establishing an independent electricity market.

Also, by virtue of the bill, the state electrification fund will be set up to ensure reliable electricity supply to the unserved and underserved areas in the state and attract investment.

This move is designed to reduce the state’s dependency on the national grid, which has long been plagued by power outages and ineptitude.

Electricity supply has been a major concern of successive governments, and the act has been touted to help the sector improve in the commercial capital.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The Lagos State government has said it does not plan to ban the sale of sachet water, otherwise known as pure water, in 2025 as it is being speculated.

There had been rumours that the state government will from next month ban the sale of sachet water and single-use plastic bottles in an effort to address flooding in the metropolis.

In the past few days, there have been videos making the round showing some persons destroying bags of sachet water in the state, sparking reactions from Nigerians.

Reacting to this development, the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Tokunbo Wahab, dissociated the state government from the destruction, claiming the action was carried out by officials of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), an allegation the agency vehemently denied, describing the destruction as “unprofessional.”

“My attention has been drawn to a viral video showing some individuals bursting sachet water packs at factories and on buses.

“I wish to categorically state that these individuals are not enforcement officers from any Lagos State Government agency or the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources.

“Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the individuals in question are enforcement officers from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

“Their actions are part of an enforcement exercise targeting sachet water that does not comply with NAFDAC regulations, and in the interest of public health and safety. As outlined in the Ministry’s release following the Engagement Workshop held on October 3, 2024, we remain committed to addressing plastic waste through sustainable and inclusive measures.

“It is important to emphasize that Lagos State has not banned sachet water and does not have plans to do so.

“Our focus remains on effective plastic waste management. As part of our commitment, we are implementing mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for producers of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), sachets, and carrier bags of no less than 40 microns.

“To further support this initiative, the Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Producers and Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs), is establishing a Plastic Waste Management Fund. This fund will be financed by contributions from producers and major importers, and it will be jointly managed to address the growing challenges of plastic waste in the State.

“Members of the public should disregard any misinformation suggesting a ban on sachet water in Lagos State. The Ministry is fully committed to fostering dialogue and working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure sustainable waste management while supporting the economic interests of Lagosians,” Mr Wahab said.