The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has rolled out stricter procedures to clamp down on meter bypass and electricity theft across the country, warning that offenders are sabotaging power supply in their own communities.
In a strongly worded statement, the commission declared that every bypassed meter and stolen cable is a direct attack on neighbourhood power stability, stressing that energy theft hurts law-abiding consumers the most.
Under the new framework, distribution companies will be better equipped to detect and eliminate illegal connections, meter tampering and vandalism. NERC said the move is aimed at protecting shared electricity infrastructure while ensuring faster reconnection for compliant customers.
The regulator noted that electricity theft not only disrupts supply but piles financial pressure on honest consumers and weakens the entire power sector.
While vowing to intensify enforcement, NERC assured Nigerians that due process and consumer rights will remain protected. Law-abiding customers, it said, will enjoy clearer guidelines and improved reconnection timelines.
The commission urged residents to safeguard power installations in their areas and report suspicious activities to distribution companies, insisting that curbing energy theft is key to stabilising the grid and improving service delivery nationwide.
POWER THIEVES BEWARE! NERC Unleashes Tough Rules on Meter Bypass, Energy Theft
Audu Courts EU Investors, Unveils Nigeria’s $10bn Steel Market in Germany
Nigeria has opened fresh talks with European investors as the Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, unveiled the country’s $10 billion annual steel market and called for strategic partnerships to accelerate industrial growth.
Speaking at the Nigeria–German Economic Forum in Dortmund on Tuesday, the minister said Nigeria is repositioning itself from a raw materials exporter to a value-adding industrial economy under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Audu urged investors from the European Union to tap into Nigeria’s vast steel and mineral resources, stressing that the country’s nearly 250 million population and youthful workforce make it a natural hub for African trade and manufacturing.
He disclosed that Nigeria records about $10 billion in annual steel utilisation, reflecting strong domestic demand, and is seeking credible partners in steel and aluminium production, mineral beneficiation, and industrial infrastructure development, including power, rail, gas and ports.
The minister further highlighted Nigeria’s estimated three billion tonnes of iron ore deposits, alongside significant reserves of limestone, manganese, copper, lead-zinc, lithium and rare-earth minerals, which he said position the country for both domestic industrialisation and export opportunities to Europe.
German officials at the forum welcomed deeper economic cooperation as discussions centred on long-term investment, technology transfer and skills development to strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base.
Lassa Fever Death Toll Hits 75 as Fatality Rate Climbs to 23%
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has confirmed 75 deaths from Lassa fever between January and mid-February 2026, with the case fatality rate rising to 23 per cent.
In its Epidemiological Week 7 report covering February 9 to 15, the agency recorded 82 new confirmed cases, up from 74 cases in the preceding week.
So far this year, 326 confirmed cases and four probable cases have been reported out of 1,538 suspected cases.
The NCDC said the 23 per cent fatality rate in 2026 is significantly higher than the 19.7 per cent recorded during the same period in 2025, raising fresh concerns over the severity of the outbreak.
Confirmed cases during the reporting week were recorded in 14 states, including Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Gombe, Nasarawa, Kano, Ebonyi, the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kebbi, Kaduna and Benue. Overall, 16 states across 58 local government areas have reported at least one confirmed case this year.
About 84 per cent of confirmed cases were concentrated in Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Edo states, with Bauchi accounting for the highest number of infections.
Young adults aged 21 to 30 remain the most affected group, though cases range from one to 90 years. The male-to-female ratio stands at 1:0.8.
The agency also disclosed that five healthcare workers were infected during the reporting week, highlighting concerns about infection prevention and control in health facilities.
Although suspected and confirmed cases are lower compared to the same period last year, the NCDC expressed concern over late presentation of patients and poor health-seeking behaviour, factors it said are contributing to the rising fatality rate.
The national Incident Management System has been activated to coordinate response efforts, while states have been urged to intensify community sensitisation and preventive measures to curb further spread.
FG Begins Nationwide Crackdown on Sachet Alcohol as Underage Drinking Surges
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) have launched a nationwide enforcement and sensitisation campaign on the ban of sachet alcoholic drinks following alarming data on rising underage alcohol consumption.
The campaign, flagged off Tuesday at NOA headquarters in Abuja in collaboration with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), seeks to curb access to cheap and easily concealed alcoholic beverages by minors.
NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye, cited findings from a 2021 national survey which revealed that 54.3 per cent of minors procure alcohol themselves, with nearly half purchasing sachets and small PET bottles from retailers.
The survey showed that 47.2 per cent of minors prefer sachet packs, while significant numbers also buy PET and glass bottles. It further revealed that many minors access alcohol through friends, social gatherings and even their parents’ homes.
On consumption trends, 63.2 per cent of minors drink occasionally, while 9.3 per cent consume alcohol daily. The study also recorded binge drinking among underaged respondents, with notable prevalence in Gombe, the Federal Capital Territory and Anambra states.
Adeyeye attributed the trend to peer pressure, parental influence, emotional distress, easy access and exposure to alcohol advertising.
She warned that underage drinking poses serious risks including brain damage, addiction, mental health disorders, poor academic performance, violence and road accidents.
She referenced a Senate resolution urging strict enforcement of the ban and expressed confidence that eliminating small, easily concealed pack sizes would significantly reduce underage access.
Also speaking at the event, NOA Director-General, Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the initiative as a united front to protect young Nigerians and promote responsible market practices.
He recalled that the Federal Government, through NAFDAC, banned the production and sale of alcoholic beverages in sachets, as well as in PET and glass bottles below 200 millilitres, effective January 1, 2026, as a public health intervention.
“Sachet alcohol is cheap, portable and easy to conceal. Prevention is better than cure,” Issa-Onilu said, stressing that government has a constitutional and moral duty to act before alcohol abuse causes deeper social and health crises.
Under the arrangement, NAFDAC will spearhead regulatory enforcement, FCCPC will ensure compliance with consumer protection standards, while NOA will drive grassroots sensitisation across its 818 offices in the 774 local government areas nationwide.
Both agencies called on parents, guardians, retailers and community leaders to support the enforcement drive to safeguard Nigeria’s youth and promote healthier communities nationwide.
Stop Selective Justice Against El-Rufai, Malami — ADC Blasts FG, Demands Equal Application of Law
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has accused the Federal Government of applying justice selectively in the ongoing legal cases involving former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
In a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the opposition party said it was concerned about what it described as uneven enforcement of the law against its members.
The ADC insisted that while no citizen is above the law, justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done without political bias.
“In a constitutional democracy where the law appears to operate selectively, it becomes imperative to insist firmly that justice must be applied evenly, transparently, and without political calculation,” the statement said.
The party expressed alarm over what it termed the rapid transfer of El-Rufai and Malami between law enforcement agencies while investigations were reportedly ongoing.
“When a citizen is moved from one detention facility to another before investigations are demonstrably concluded, it raises serious questions. Is detention being used as an investigative shortcut or as a means of pressure?” the ADC queried.
It argued that in a democracy governed by the rule of law, custody should follow credible and well-prepared charges, not precede them in a manner that creates the impression of pre-trial punishment.
The party also compared the cases involving its members with another high-profile matter involving allegations of passport forgery and international conspiracy, where the accused persons were granted bail and court proceedings commenced swiftly.
“If there is evidence against Abubakar Malami or Nasir El-Rufai, it should be presented transparently before the court. Nigerians will not accept a situation where enforcement appears to move with unusual speed against opposition figures while similar cases proceed at a gentler pace,” the statement added.
The ADC maintained that both Malami and El-Rufai are entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court of law.
The party vowed to stand by its members and ensure they are not denied their legal rights, while calling on authorities to clarify the status of investigations and adhere strictly to constitutional safeguards against arbitrary or prolonged detention.
“In moments like this, nations define themselves. Nigeria must be defined by equal application of the law, not by the whims of the executive,” the ADC stated.
Bwari–Kubwa Road Ready Before Year-End, Wike Vows
Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has reaffirmed that the ongoing Bwari–Kubwa road project will be completed before the end of 2026.
Wike gave the assurance on Tuesday during a thank-you visit to residents of Bwari Area Council, following the recent Area Council elections.
“The road we are doing from Bwari to Kubwa, we will finish it. This year, we will finish it,” he declared.
The minister said the visit was to appreciate the people for their support and loyalty to the administration of President Bola Tinubu, stressing that political promises must translate into visible development.
“The time has come for politicians to keep their promises. Under the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we will give Bwari the necessary support,” he said.
Wike recalled an earlier town hall engagement with traditional rulers, youths and women leaders, noting that the FCT Administration had responded to priority needs identified by the community.
“You asked for specific projects, and we promised to provide them. Governance is about agreement—you do your part, we do our part,” he stated.
He urged residents to remain discerning in their political choices, insisting that only leaders who understand the people’s needs should be elected to represent them.
“We will not send people who do not know you or understand where you live. We will send those who truly understand the people of Bwari,” Wike added.
The minister also pledged close collaboration with the Chairman-elect of Bwari Area Council, Joshua Ishaku, describing him as a young and capable leader.
“We are going to work with him. I want someone who understands me, and I will understand him. Joshua is that person,” he said.
In his remarks, Ishaku thanked the minister for the visit and commended his infrastructural strides across the FCT, assuring him of the council’s continued support for ongoing development initiatives.
The event was attended by traditional rulers, women groups, youth leaders and party supporters who gathered to receive the minister.
Nigeria, Canada Move to Seal Mining Pact as Alake Pushes for Faster Reforms
Nigeria is set to deepen bilateral ties with Canada in a renewed push to fast-track reforms in the mining sector, as the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, canvassed stronger collaboration to unlock investment and modernise the industry.
Alake made the call while hosting the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, in Abuja, stressing that Canada’s global leadership in mining technology and regulation positions it as a key partner in Nigeria’s reform agenda.
He said Nigeria is ready to leverage Canadian expertise to de-risk the mining environment, formalise artisanal operations, strengthen professional capacity and attract foreign direct investment. The minister also highlighted incentives designed to make the sector more attractive, including tax waivers on mining equipment and guaranteed repatriation of profits after statutory payments.
Reflecting on historical ties, Alake recalled Canada’s support for Nigeria during the pro-democracy struggle following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, noting that the solidarity helped galvanise international pressure that paved the way for the return to civil rule in 1999.
In response, Salvaggio commended Nigeria’s reform efforts and described the mining sector as a major area of opportunity for expanded trade. He noted that Nigeria is Canada’s second-largest trading partner in Africa and expressed confidence that bilateral trade could grow significantly in the coming years.
The envoy urged the Federal Government to revive and ratify the stalled Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (FIPA), saying it would boost investor confidence and strengthen investment security. He also pledged Canada’s readiness to expand technical support and capacity-building programmes for Nigerian mining professionals.
Alake assured that the agreement would be reviewed and expedited, reiterating President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to attracting foreign investment as a pathway to economic growth and job creation.
Both countries agreed to set up a joint working group to identify priority areas and develop clear timelines for implementing their renewed mining partnership.
Makinde: 65,000 Oyo Out-of-School Children Return to Classrooms
Governor Seyi Makinde has revealed that no fewer than 65,000 out-of-school children have been reintegrated into classrooms across Oyo State, marking a major boost for the education sector.
Makinde made the disclosure while receiving a delegation of the BESDA-AF Implementation Support Mission from the World Bank and the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) at the Executive Council Chamber, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
The governor said Oyo State has significantly benefitted from the Better Education Service Delivery for Additional Financing (BESDA-AF) programme, noting that the intervention has strengthened access to basic education and improved learning outcomes.
He commended the World Bank and UBEC for their structural and financial backing, assuring that his administration would continue to commit resources to maximise the benefits of the new funding cycle.
“The government and the people of Oyo State thank the World Bank and UBEC for counting Oyo State worthy to be part of this programme,” Makinde said.
He urged the visiting team to provide constructive feedback after their field inspections, pledging that the state would act promptly on recommendations aimed at further improving the education system.
Earlier, the UBEC team lead and National Programme Coordinator, Mayowa Aleshin, said the delegation was in the state to assess project implementation, identify challenges and make recommendations for improvement. He praised the state government’s support for the programme.
Also speaking, the World Bank team lead, Shinsaku Nomura, commended Makinde’s reforms in the education sector and efforts to expand access to quality learning at all levels.
Top government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and Commissioner for Education, Segun Olayiwola, were among those present at the meeting.
State Police: Kogi Backs Tinubu, Hails Move as Game-Changer for Security
The Kogi State Government has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s push for the establishment of State Police, describing it as a bold, generational reform capable of transforming Nigeria’s security architecture.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the state government commended the President for reaffirming his commitment to decentralised policing during a high-level meeting with governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to the statement, Tinubu stressed that State Police has become imperative in tackling the country’s evolving security challenges, noting that decentralised law enforcement would strengthen intelligence gathering, boost community-based responses and enhance internal security nationwide.
The Kogi government said the President’s stance aligns with ongoing deliberations at the National Assembly on the constitutional and legislative amendments required to actualise State Police, describing the move as strategic and forward-looking.
Fanwo stated that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo fully supports the initiative and is ready to collaborate with federal authorities to ensure its successful implementation.
He described the State Police proposal as a decisive intervention that could significantly curb insecurity, adding that it complements the administration’s broader economic and institutional reforms.
“As a government, we fully align with Mr President’s position and assure him, as well as the leadership of the National Assembly, of our readiness to cooperate with all relevant authorities to make State Police a reality,” the statement read.
The state government maintained that sustained synergy between federal and state governments would not only address immediate security threats but also lay a solid foundation for lasting peace, stability and development across the federation.
Reps Explode Over ‘Zero Capital Releases’, Grill Tinubu’s Economic Team
Tempers flared at the National Assembly as the House of Representatives blasted key members of President Bola Tinubu’s economic team over what lawmakers described as shocking zero releases for capital projects in the 2025 budget.
The House Committee on Appropriation summoned Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), Zach Adedeji, to explain the non-performance of the budget despite improved revenue figures.
Lawmakers queried why no capital funds had been released to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), grounding projects and crippling economic activities across sectors.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, said the interface was necessary to probe the non-release of funds for capital projects, even after the National Assembly approved a N1.15 trillion request from the executive to fund parts of the 2025 capital budget.
“In 2025 we achieved about N28 trillion revenue from a target of N25 trillion. Nigerians deserve to know why projects are not being funded despite this performance,” Bichi said.
But the session turned rowdy when lawmakers, apparently dissatisfied with the explanations offered, openly called on Edun and other members of the economic team to resign over alleged incompetence.
Defending the government’s position, Edun said the administration halted what he described as an “unsustainable” practice of printing money to service debts and meet obligations, noting that the government was transitioning to a more transparent fiscal system.
He explained that Nigeria’s debt profile rose significantly due to adjustments, including exchange rate reforms that moved the country from an opaque forex regime to a market-driven system.
On his part, Bagudu revealed that the National Assembly had earlier approved the rollover of 70 per cent of the 2025 capital budget into 2026, forming part of the current budget proposal before lawmakers. He also distanced his ministry from direct responsibility for budget implementation data, saying it relies on figures from the Office of the Accountant-General and the Ministry of Finance.
Meanwhile, NRS boss Adedeji insisted the agency exceeded its 2025 revenue target, generating N28.23 trillion against the N25.2 trillion projection.
The uproar followed earlier revelations by the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, who disclosed that his ministry received only N38 million out of the N286 billion allocated for 2025 — a situation many lawmakers described as alarming.
The crisis deepened in January when the Association of Indigenous Contractors in Nigeria barricaded the Finance Ministry, protesting the non-payment of over N4 trillion for contracts executed under the 2024 budget.
Bichi eventually restored calm, adjourning the sitting till Thursday and summoning the Minister of State for Finance to appear before the committee.
For many observers, the heated session underscored growing concerns over budget implementation and its impact on the nation’s struggling economy.