By Adedapo Adesanya

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the restoration of bulk electricity supply to the Northeastern part of the country,

According to a statement signed by the TCN General Manager for Public Affairs, Mrs Ndidi Mbah, the supply was restored through the 330kV and 132kV Jos-Bauchi-Gombe transmission lines.

She said that the lines were initially switched off to enable TCN energise the new Bauchi Substation – one of the biggest substations in the region to the national grid.

”The transmission lines have now been reconnected back to the grid. Consequently, supply to the northeast has been restored since the June 19 at about 4.45 pm.

”With the project completed, bulk power transmission has been restored to Jos and Yola Electricity Distribution Companies, which supply electricity to customers in Bauchi, Gombe, Yobe, Damaturu, Adamawa, and Taraba states,” she said.

Mrs Mbah said that the connection of the new substation to the national grid had enhanced power reliability, diversified transmission routes, and improved emergency response capabilities in the North Eastern region.

According to her, TCN appreciate the patience and support of the affected customers during the outage.

Recall that last year, the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line, which supplies power to Northern Nigeria, was vandalized by insurgents and in response, TCN, at the time, said it has partnered with the National Security Adviser’s office to secure the area.

Activities of vandals have been an impediment to electrifying Nigeria’s large population with disparity in access to power, especially in the country’s north, cited as a drawback in attaining economic power over the years.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The President of Sierra Leone, Mr Maada Bio, has been elected as the new chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, replacing President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria after his two-term tenure.

Mr Bio took over the leadership of the group at the ECOWAS Authority’s 67th Ordinary Session held in Abuja on Sunday.

In his acceptance speech, he promised to lead a renewed, people-centred, and action-oriented ECOWAS in the face of unprecedented challenges and opportunities for the West African region.

President Bio said his leadership would focus on restoring constitutional order and deepening democracy, revitalising regional security cooperation, unlocking economic integration, and building institutional credibility.

“We must engage transitional governments constructively and support member states in building stronger democratic institutions rooted in the rule of law.

“We must overhaul our collective security architecture—from intelligence sharing to rapid response capabilities—to confront new threats with unity and resolve.

“The ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme, regional infrastructure, and cross-border value chains must become engines of job creation, trade, and resilience, especially for our women and youth.

“ECOWAS must reform itself to become more transparent, efficient, and responsive to the needs of its people. This is how we will rebuild trust in regional cooperation,” he said.

Mr Bio commended Mr Tinubu for laying a solid foundation of regional dialogue, economic recovery, and peacebuilding, saying, “I am humbled to build upon the strong foundation you have established.”

Acknowledging the complexities of the current moment, the Sierra Leonean leader noted that West Africa stands at a crossroads, grappling with terrorism, illicit arms flow, political instability, and transnational crime, particularly in the Sahel and coastal states.

“The democratic space is under strain in parts of our region. In some countries, the constitutional order has been disrupted. Yet, across West Africa, citizens—especially our youth—are demanding not just elections, but also accountability, transparency, and a fair stake in national life,” the Sierra Leonean leader said.

On his part, President Tinubu described it as a profound honour and privilege to have led the esteemed body, adding that he remained deeply humbled by the trust and support extended to him throughout his two-term tenure.

“As I now hand over the mantle of leadership to my great friend and dear brother, President Bio of Sierra Leone, the new Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, I do so with a deep sense of fulfilment and optimism for the future of West Africa.

“I remain confident that with the continued cooperation of all its members, ECOWAS will scale greater heights in our collective pursuit of peace, security, stability, and prosperity for our people and our region,” he said.

Reflecting on his tenure, President Tinubu noted the complex political and security challenges the region has faced in recent years while calling on leaders to remain committed to the evolving needs of West African citizens.

“Let us deepen cooperation, uphold diplomatic principles, and foster inclusive growth that leaves no one behind—especially our youth, women, and vulnerable populations, who remain central to the future of our region,” he said.

President Tinubu emphasised the need to preserve democratic values and ensure that political stability is not separated from economic development.

“Our organisation must continue to strike a fine balance between its core regional mandate of economic integration and the complex political, security, and governance challenges, including the preservation of democratic values in our region.”

“Economic integration cannot be superimposed on an untenable political environment. That is why we must remain steadfast in our resolve to rise to these emerging challenges,” the Nigerian leader declared.

He commended the ECOWAS Commission, community institutions, and technical staff for their dedication and professionalism in supporting the Authority’s work and organising a successful summit, reaffirming his commitment to the region’s shared mission and urged continued unity among member states.

“As you return to your respective countries, let us remain resolute in our shared mission to deepen our integration, protect our people, and build a prosperous, secure, and united West Africa,” he said.

By Adedapo Adesanya

The management of ENL Consortium, operators of one of Nigeria’s cargo terminals at the Lagos Port Complex Apapa, has debunked reports alleging that a cargo ship was gutted by fire at its facility on Saturday.

It had been reported (Business Post excluded) that the fire aboard the vessel could lead to disruption of services.

In a statement issued by the company, ENL Consortium clarified that there was no fire incident aboard the vessel in question, explaining that what occurred was the emission of smoke from one of the hatches of the ship—a situation that was swiftly identified and effectively curtailed without escalation.

“There was no naked fire on the ship. The smoke was quickly traced, and our emergency response team acted immediately in line with established safety protocols. The situation was promptly brought under control,” the statement read.

The firm further noted that no lives were at risk, and there was no damage to cargo, equipment, or infrastructure at the terminal, emphasising its unwavering commitment to safety, operational excellence, and emergency preparedness.

ENL Consortium stated that the quick and professional handling of the incident highlights its strong safety culture and the effectiveness of its rapid response systems.

While expressing concern over what it described as inaccurate and exaggerated reports, the terminal operator urged the public and media outlets to seek verified information and refrain from sensationalising incidents that have been properly managed.

“Port operations at ENL Terminal remain safe, stable, and fully operational,” the statement added, noting that it remains one of Nigeria’s leading port terminal operators, handling thousands of tonnes of cargo annually with a track record of safety and efficiency.

The company reiterated its dedication to ensuring that both personnel and cargo are protected at all times through strict adherence to global safety standards.