General
Tinubu Sees Afam II Power Plant Driving Energy, Industrial Agenda
By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu says the newly commissioned 180-megawatt Afam II Power Plant in Rivers State will be a critical milestone in Nigeria’s energy and industrial transformation agenda.
The project, executed through a partnership between Crescendough Nigeria Limited (CNL) and Sahara Power Group, is expected to significantly enhance Nigeria’s power generation capacity, providing electricity to homes, businesses, and industries.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Oyigbo Local Government Area on Wednesday, President Tinubu emphasized that the completion of the plant within 16 months demonstrates the success of his administration’s policies in fostering private-sector-led infrastructure development.
“This project is proof that with collaboration, tenacity, and commitment, we can overcome our energy challenges,” the President said.
“The Afam II Plant will not only add 180MW to the national grid but also stimulate economic growth, empower businesses, and improve healthcare and education through reliable electricity,” he added.
He reiterated his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, charging the Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, and other stakeholders to work together to ensure nationwide power stability.
On his part, the Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Mr Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, praised President Tinubu for creating an enabling environment for investments, noting that the project aligns with the state’s long-term vision to expand energy infrastructure beyond oil and gas.
“This plant is a testament to what visionary leadership and private-sector collaboration can achieve,” Mr Ibas said. “Beyond power generation, it has created jobs and upskilled youths in the Afam community, setting a precedent for future projects.”
He also commended the host community for their cooperation, stating that peaceful engagement was key to the project’s success.
The Group Managing Director of Sahara Power Group, Dr. Kola Adesina, highlighted that the company remains Nigeria’s largest private-sector electricity provider, contributing about 20 per cent of the nation’s power supply. He affirmed that the Afam II Plant reinforces Sahara’s commitment to sustainable development.
Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, applauded Rivers State’s sustained investments in energy infrastructure since 2011, which laid the foundation for the Afam II project.
The Afam II Power Plant is expected to play a crucial role in reducing Nigeria’s electricity deficit, supporting industrialization, and improving living standards. President Tinubu assured Nigerians of more reforms to attract further investments into the power sector.
“We will continue to enforce policies that make Nigeria a prime destination for energy investments, both local and foreign,” he declared.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A hotline number, 0800 123 5264, for Nigerians to report any MRS Oil Nigeria Plc filling stations selling Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, above the approved pump price of N739 per litre, has been released by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
The private refiner said the number was now active nationwide, enabling consumers to promptly report violations and help maintain fair pricing across over 2,000 MRS stations.
This measure follows the refinery’s recent commencement of nationwide PMS sales at N739 per litre—a strategic intervention aimed at stabilising fuel prices and easing the financial burden on Nigerians during the festive season.
“We encourage Nigerians to avoid purchasing PMS at inflated prices when locally refined fuel is available at N739 per litre.
“Report any MRS station selling above this price by calling our hotline. Together, we can ensure that the benefits of this price reduction reach every consumer,” the company stated in a statement.
The organisation stressed its mission to deliver affordable, high-quality fuel while safeguarding national economic interests, reaffirming its commitment to steady supply, backed by a guaranteed daily output of 50 million litres, and warned against attempts to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply.
Regulatory authorities have been urged to remain vigilant and take decisive action against unpatriotic practices.
By refining locally at scale, Dangote Refinery is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imports, conserving foreign exchange, stabilising the Naira, and strengthening energy security. This initiative represents a significant milestone in the country’s journey toward sustainable energy solutions and economic recovery.
The refinery also issued a stern warning against attempts by unscrupulous operators to create artificial scarcity in response to the price reduction, calling on government agencies to act decisively.
“Any attempt to create artificial scarcity or manipulate supply to frustrate recent price reductions is unpatriotic and unacceptable. We urge regulatory authorities to remain vigilant and take firm action against such practices, especially during this critical festive period,” the statement added.
Consumers were advised to resist purchasing fuel at inflated prices when cheaper, high-quality alternatives are readily available.
By Bon Peters
The Airport Chapter of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) at Omagwa Rivers State has praised the Customs Area Controller for Customs Area 1 Command, Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku.
At the end-of-the-year party attended by stakeholders, including the leader of the association’s chapter, Mr Charles Onyema, said the customs officer has done well in stakeholder engagement and trade facilitation.
At the event held last Friday, he said his association has been enjoying a very cordial relationship with other organisation in the ecosystem.
“You can see what is happening today, everybody is working together and our operations here are seamless,” he noted.
He stated that apart from creating a very robust business environment for his members and other stakeholders to operate, he has taken a decision to build and commission a befitting ANLCA Secretariat which would be completed soon and be commissioned by the ANLCA national president, Mr Emenike Nwokeoji.
The ANLCA chapter chief said since “Comptroller Salamatu Atuluku assumed office at Customs Area 1, Port Harcourt Command, it has been a different ball game, facilitating trade and increasing Revenue generation.”
“I remember I told her she was a mother during her maiden visit to the airport.
“You know when you have a woman in charge of an affair, food will not lack, compassion will not lack and motherly love will not lack.
“She is very wonderful in stakeholder engagement, revenue generation and trade facilitation,” Mr Onyema enthused.
Projecting into the future, Mr. Onyema said the year 2026 would be better for his members, adding that he has advised them on financial discipline which he said would help them during the trying period.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has declared Thursday, December 25, and Friday, December 26, 2025, as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day respectively.
The government also declared Thursday, January 1, 2026, for the New Year celebration.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
According to the statement, the Minister urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace, humility and sacrifice associated with the birth of Jesus Christ.
Mr Tunji-Ojo also called on citizens, irrespective of faith or ethnicity, to use the festive season to pray for peace, improved security and national progress.
He further advised Nigerians to remain law-abiding and security-conscious during the celebrations, while wishing them a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Business Post reports that on these public holidays – the foreign exchange market, the Nigerian Exchange (NGX), as well as the NASD Over-the-Counter (OTC) Securities Exchange will not open to trade.
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