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DisCos Remit ₦381bn to NBET and Market Operator in Q3 2025 Despite Stronger Customer Collections

By
Ola Akinola
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Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies (DisCos) transferred a total of ₦381.29 billion to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) and the Market Operator (MO) during the third quarter of 2025. This figure represents a slight decline from the previous quarter, even as revenue from customers improved.

According to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the DisCos faced a combined upstream invoice of ₦400.48 billion. This included ₦323.70 billion in adjusted generation costs from NBET and ₦76.77 billion in transmission and administrative fees from the MO. After remittances, an outstanding balance of ₦19.18 billion remained.

The Q3 2025 report indicates an overall remittance rate of 95.21%, down marginally from 95.65% in Q2. This occurred despite a 4.04% drop in the total invoice (from ₦417.35 billion).

NERC stated: “The remittance performance of 95.21 per cent indicates that while liquidity in the market remains relatively strong, there is still a consistent backlog that needs to be cleared to sustain upstream obligations.”

Of the remitted amount, ₦308.25 billion went to NBET for generation costs, and ₦73.03 billion to the MO for transmission and related services.

Improved billing and collections drove these results. DisCos issued bills totaling ₦706.61 billion against energy worth ₦854.53 billion, achieving a billing efficiency of 82.69% (up from 81.61% in Q2). They collected ₦570.25 billion, boosting collection efficiency to 80.70% from 76.07% previously—a gain of 4.63 percentage points.

However, NERC noted that these collection improvements did not fully boost upstream remittances.

High Aggregate Technical, Commercial, and Collection (ATC&C) losses continue to strain market liquidity. The average ATC&C loss across the 11 DisCos was 33.27% in Q3, exceeding the 2025 Multi-Year Tariff Order benchmark of 20.54% by 12.73 points. This equated to ₦108.75 billion in unrecovered revenue.

NERC warned: “The sustained under-performance of several DisCos on ATC&C remains a key risk to full market settlement, even in quarters where headline remittance performance exceeds 95 per cent.”

The report also highlights poor remittance from international bilateral customers. They paid only $7.125 million out of $18.69 million invoiced (38.09%), while domestic bilateral customers achieved 87.61% (₦3.19 billion out of ₦3.64 billion).

NERC emphasized that better compliance across all customers, alongside ongoing federal subsidies covering about 59% of generation costs via frozen tariffs, is essential for stabilizing cash flows in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

Highway Clampdown: Lagos Taskforce Arrests 32 “Omotaku” Street Urchins in Major Clean-Up Operation

By
Roland Edet
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The Lagos State Taskforce on Tuesday arrested 32 suspected street urchins, popularly known as “Omotaku,” during a major highway enforcement operation across key roads on the Island and Mainland.

The exercise, conducted on January 6, 2026, targeted individuals who obstruct traffic, harass motorists, and pose a public safety risk, as part of the Taskforce’s ongoing efforts to restore order on Lagos highways.

Areas covered included Apongbon, Fadeyi, Jibowu, Yaba Phase 1, Lagos Island, Palmgrove, Ojuelegba, Surulere, and other adjoining corridors. The suspects were reportedly stopping articulated vehicles such as petroleum tankers, trailers, lorries, trucks, and private cars without lawful justification.

Some of the arrested individuals were also found in possession of substances suspected to be hard drugs, including Indian hemp. They have been charged to court for prosecution.

Chairman of the Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Adetayo Akerele, commended the operation, saying, “This exercise restored sanity to the affected areas. We will continue to comb all parts of the state to apprehend individuals engaged in activities that endanger lives and disrupt traffic flow.”

The Taskforce emphasized its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining order on Lagos roads, vowing to sustain similar operations across the state.

Dangote Refinery Denies Shutdown, Assures Nigerians of Uninterrupted Fuel Supply

By
Saladin Babagana
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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has dismissed reports that it is shutting down, assuring Nigerians that its operations remain fully intact and production is uninterrupted.

In a statement dated January 5, 2026, the refinery described circulating claims of a shutdown as “false and misleading,” urging the public to disregard unverified information.

The company clarified that routine maintenance is ongoing on select units, but stressed that this does not affect overall production or the supply of fuel to the domestic market.

According to the statement, Dangote Refinery continues to supply between 40 million and 50 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily in January and February, depending on market demand. On January 4 alone, the refinery produced 50 million litres and evacuated 48 million litres of PMS, maintaining stocks sufficient for over 20 days of national consumption.

The management also reaffirmed its ex-gantry price of N699 per litre of PMS, available to all marketers and bulk consumers without discrimination.

Dangote Refinery urged oil marketers and Nigerians to patronise locally refined products, assuring consistent, high-quality fuel supplies to support price stability and national energy security.

“Reports suggesting a shutdown are misleading and capable of creating unnecessary panic in the downstream market,” the company warned, urging reliance only on credible information.

The refinery reiterated its commitment to steady supply, price stability, and the protection of Nigeria’s energy security.

Lassa Fever Toll Hits 206 as NCDC Confirms 1,119 Infections Nationwide

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Nigeria has recorded 1,119 confirmed cases of Lassa fever with 206 deaths, representing a Case Fatality Rate (CFR) of 18.4 per cent, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has disclosed.

The figures were contained in the Lassa Fever Situation Report for Epidemiological Week 51, covering December 15 to 21, 2025, released by the agency.

According to the report, confirmed cases declined from 28 in Epidemiological Week 50 to 21 in Week 52, with new infections reported in Edo, Bauchi, Kogi, Ebonyi, Plateau, Ondo and Taraba states.

The NCDC said a total of 21 states across 105 local government areas have recorded at least one confirmed case, noting that about 88 per cent of all infections were concentrated in Ondo, Bauchi, Taraba and Edo states.

The agency identified persons aged between 21 and 30 years as the most affected group, while adding that no new infection among healthcare workers was recorded during the period under review.

Although both suspected and confirmed cases were lower compared to the same period in 2024, the NCDC expressed concern over the rising fatality rate, attributing it largely to late presentation at health facilities and poor health-seeking behaviour.

The agency also listed high treatment costs, poor environmental sanitation and low awareness in high-burden communities as major challenges contributing to deaths from the disease.

It urged state governments to intensify year-round community sensitisation on Lassa fever prevention, while advising healthcare workers to maintain a high index of suspicion, ensure early diagnosis and promptly refer suspected cases for treatment.

The NCDC reaffirmed its commitment, in collaboration with partners, to strengthening state capacity to prevent, detect and effectively respond to Lassa fever outbreaks across the country.

₦90bn Allowance Hike: FG Clears Air on Doctors’ Strike, Says No Sector Is Neglected

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Government has explained the ongoing face-off with the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), insisting that the disagreement stems from structural and policy constraints rather than neglect, as it disclosed the recent approval of a ₦90 billion annual increase in health workers’ allowances.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the clarification on Tuesday during an interview on AIT’s Kaakaki programme, where he outlined measures taken by the Tinubu administration to address the concerns of resident doctors and prevent recurring strikes in the health sector.

Salako said the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to uninterrupted healthcare delivery, but noted that government must balance salary demands with other pressing national responsibilities, including education, security and infrastructure, within limited resources.

According to him, the administration demonstrated its goodwill in November 2025 by approving an upward review of professional allowances for health workers, a move that added nearly ₦90 billion to government expenditure annually.

He explained that the revised allowances cover call duty, shift duty, non-clinical duty and rural posting allowances, and were reached through joint negotiations involving all professional groups in the health sector.

The minister noted that past engagements with health workers were often fragmented, with individual professional bodies negotiating separately, a situation that resulted in conflicting agreements and frequent industrial actions. To address this, he said the ministry adopted a collective bargaining framework bringing together doctors, nurses, laboratory scientists and other health workers.

On NARD’s demands, Salako revealed that negotiations had made progress, with the association’s requests reduced from 19 to nine, although some outstanding issues remain constrained by civil service rules and approved schemes of service.

He clarified that the demand for specialist allowance by resident doctors could not be met, explaining that resident doctors are specialists-in-training, while specialist allowances are reserved for consultants under existing regulations.

Salako added that the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission advised against extending the allowance to resident doctors, warning that such a move could trigger similar claims from other health professionals undergoing specialist training.

He also dismissed claims that government was inactive on certification matters, stating that the National Postgraduate Medical College does not issue certificates after Part I examinations, a policy beyond the ministry’s authority to alter.

Addressing the controversy over the disengagement of five resident doctors in Lokoja, the minister said due civil service procedures were followed. He disclosed that a ministerial review committee recommended the reinstatement of two doctors, reprimand for two others, and a fresh disciplinary hearing for one, in line with due process.

While acknowledging public concern over frequent strikes in the health sector, Salako noted that industrial actions by doctors are not unique to Nigeria, citing similar disputes in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and other stakeholders, remains committed to sustained dialogue to stabilise the health sector, ensure industrial harmony and prevent future disruptions to healthcare services.

Tinubu Support Saved Rivers in 2023 — Elders Hail Wike

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Chairman of the Rivers Elders Council, Chief Ferdinand Alabraba, has declared that the decision of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, to back President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election was a lifeline that kept Rivers State politically afloat.

Alabraba made the assertion on Tuesday in Abonnema, Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State, during Wike’s thank-you visit to the area.

The elder statesman described Wike as a dominant force in Nigeria’s contemporary politics, praising his courage, political foresight and pragmatic leadership style.

According to him, Wike took two far-reaching decisions in 2023 that significantly altered Rivers State’s political trajectory, foremost among them the emergence of an Ijaw governor after 24 years.

“When you were concluding your tenure, your thoughts were for Rivers State. You took two critical decisions. First, you sacrificed everything, fought many battles and enthroned a successor from the Ijaw ethnic nationality — a crown that eluded the Ijaw people for 24 years,” Alabraba said.

He described the apparent lack of appreciation from Governor Siminalayi Fubara as an aberration, stressing that ingratitude was alien to the Ijaw people.

“What we are seeing in Rivers State today is an aberration. The Ijaw, as rightly said by others, are not ungrateful people,” he stated.

Alabraba identified Wike’s second defining decision as his choice to align Rivers State with Tinubu’s presidential bid in 2023, even while retaining control of other elective positions within his party.

“That singular decision is what has kept Rivers State afloat today,” he emphasised.

He assured Wike of sustained support from Rivers people, noting that the state’s political direction ahead of the 2027 general elections was already clear.

“Let me assure you, Rivers people know where to go. With Wike, 2027 under the Renewed Hope agenda is the way to go,” Alabraba declared.

In his response, Wike thanked Rivers people for standing by him in 2023, despite the widespread doubts that trailed Tinubu’s candidacy at the time.

Speaking on the political situation in the state, the former governor said he was determined to correct what he described as a mistake made in 2023, while openly pledging his support for Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“Here, we have shut the door. No other person other than Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” Wike said.

Tinubu Means Well for Rivers — Wike Applauds Abe, Kobani’s Appointments into Key Oil Agencies

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Monday hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Senator Magnus Abe and Mr. Kenneth Kobani into strategic positions in Nigeria’s oil and gas regulatory agencies, describing the move as a clear testament to the President’s goodwill and affection for the people of Rivers State.

Wike spoke during his thank-you visit to Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he celebrated the nomination of Abe as Board Chairman of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and Kobani as a non-executive member of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to the FCT minister, the appointments underscore President Tinubu’s commitment to fairness, inclusiveness and equity, noting that Rivers State had never enjoyed such extensive federal recognition since its creation.

“Just as we are coming, we have two nominations for appointment by Mr. President—Magnus Abe and Kenneth Kobani,” Wike said. “This shows that President Tinubu keeps his promises and honours his agreements. We are standing by the truth, and the truth will always set us free.”

He added that the Tinubu administration has given Rivers State an unprecedented number of federal appointments, urging the people to continue to support the President, particularly as preparations begin for the 2027 general elections.

Wike described the latest nominations as proof of Tinubu’s “genuine love” for Rivers people, stressing that such gestures would deepen the state’s confidence in the current administration.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Abe, a two-term senator who represented Rivers South-East Senatorial District, previously served as a board member of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and currently chairs the National Agency for the Great Green Wall.

Kobani, also an indigene of Rivers State, is a former Minister of State for Trade under ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and served as Secretary to the Rivers State Government during Wike’s tenure as governor.

Earlier, the Chairman of Ogu/Bolo Local Government Area, Mr. Vincent Nemieoboka, described Wike as a key driver of development in the area, commending him for facilitating numerous federal and state appointments for indigenes of the council.

Nemieoboka assured the minister of the continued loyalty and support of the people, pledging that Ogu/Bolo would stand firmly with him in 2027.

Similarly, Ambassador Mourine Tamuno, Managing Director of Abuja Investment Company Limited and an indigene of the area, thanked Wike for creating opportunities for sons and daughters of Ogu/Bolo, assuring him of the unwavering support of women and youths in the local government area.

Oyigbo Has Stood Still Since 2023, Akawor Accuses Fubara of Abandoning Development

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Former Ambassador to South Korea and Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors in Rivers State, Mr Desmond Akawor, has accused Governor Siminalayi Fubara of stalling development in Oyigbo Local Government Area since assuming office in 2023.

Akawor made the allegation on Monday during a thank-you visit by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, to Oyigbo Local Government Area.

He said residents of the area voted for Governor Fubara with the expectation that he would sustain and expand the developmental projects initiated under Wike’s administration, but lamented that the local government had recorded no tangible progress since the change of leadership.

“Permit me to speak frankly. If these things are not said now, they may never be said,” Akawor declared. “We elected Governor Siminalayi Fubara believing that Oyigbo would continue to enjoy meaningful development. Sadly, development in Oyigbo has stalled; we have not moved an inch forward.”

According to him, the only noticeable benefit the area has received under the current administration is the appointment of a commissioner, a development he said fell far short of the expectations of the people.

“The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a commissioner’s slot, which was given to me. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people,” he said.

Akawor also raised concerns over the reported N600 billion in the state treasury, insisting that Oyigbo must not be sidelined in the utilisation of state resources.

He warned that any allocation of funds across political or regional groupings must include Oyigbo, stressing that fairness, not favouritism, should guide government spending.

“We are not asking for favours; we are asking for fairness. Those who neither contributed nor supported the process cannot continue to dominate the benefits,” he said, adding that stakeholders from the area had unanimously agreed on the demand.

The former ambassador further commended Wike for what he described as the liberation of Oyigbo from the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), saying his intervention restored normalcy and ended weekly lockdowns in the area.

“Without your intervention, our communities would have remained under lockdown every Monday,” Akawor said. “You restored peace and ensured that no Rivers person was profiled or harassed. For that alone, we are deeply grateful.”

He concluded by thanking Wike for the confidence reposed in him through his mobilisation role, reaffirming the continued support of the people of Oyigbo for the minister.

Akwashiki’s Death a National Loss — Al-Makura, ALGON Lament

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Former Governor of Nasarawa State and Senator representing Nasarawa South, Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, on Monday described the death of former Senator Godiya Akwashiki as a profound and immeasurable loss to Nasarawa State and Nigeria.

Al-Makura spoke in Abuja during a condolence visit to the residence of the late senator’s family, where he paid glowing tribute to Akwashiki’s political journey, loyalty and commitment to public service.

“Today is one of my saddest days,” Al-Makura said. “With the demise of Distinguished Senator Godiya Akwashiki, the loss is not only to Nasarawa State or his senatorial constituency, but to Nigeria as a whole. To say the loss is profound is even an understatement.”

He noted that although the late senator had been bedridden for over two years and could not actively participate in Senate proceedings, his legacy of service and dedication remained enduring.

“Our consolation is that Senator Godiya was a faithful politician, a committed partner and a very loyal leader—loyal to his seniors and to his followers,” he said.

Tracing Akwashiki’s political rise, Al-Makura recalled that the late senator emerged as Majority Leader of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly in 2011 at his first attempt.

“At that time, I was governor. His performance was such that you would think he had spent many years in the Assembly,” he said, adding that Akwashiki played a critical role in the success of his administration.

According to him, Akwashiki later returned to the Assembly during his second term as governor and served as Deputy Speaker, where he again distinguished himself.

“He discharged his responsibilities to the admiration of his constituents, the government and all stakeholders. It became clear that he had the capacity for higher responsibilities, which was why I supported his bid for the Senate,” Al-Makura said.

He added that they both served in the Ninth Senate from 2019, where Akwashiki proved himself through his contributions at plenary sessions, executive meetings and oversight functions.

“He was a worthy representative of his people. His loyalty stood out. Such loyalty is rare in politics,” he noted.

Al-Makura further said Akwashiki’s constituency projects cut across all wards in Nasarawa, Akwanga and Wamba local government areas, stressing that his impact transcended party lines.

“Whether APC, SDP or otherwise, his people will miss him. He touched every ward, and his support base remained strong even during his health challenges,” he said.

Describing the late senator as a close friend and political ally, Al-Makura said his replacement would not come easily.

“I have lost a friend, a political soul and an associate whose replacement will not be easy to find,” he said, praying for God’s comfort for the family and supporters left behind.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Nasarawa State chapter, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, described Akwashiki’s death as a devastating loss to Nasarawa North Senatorial District and the nation.

“The leaders have said it all. Senator Godiya Akwashiki was very committed to his people and very dear to our hearts,” Andaha said. “Since the return to democracy in 1999, we have not had such excellent representation as the one provided by this distinguished senator.”

While acknowledging the pain of the loss, Andaha said faith offered some consolation.

“As believers, we know that one day we shall return to our Creator. But that does not reduce the pain of losing a leader who performed exceptionally well,” he said.

Andaha, who is also the Executive Chairman of Akwanga Local Government Area, extended condolences to the late senator’s family, the people of Nasarawa North Senatorial District, the Nasarawa State Government, the National Assembly and Nigerians at large.

“We have lost a great leader, a friend and a strong political ally—someone who truly gave his best in representing his people,” he said, urging residents to uphold the values of service and dedication exemplified by the late senator.

Meanwhile, a senatorial aspirant in Nasarawa North, Duba Dodo, also described Akwashiki’s death as an unfortunate loss to both Nasarawa State and the nation, noting that his contributions to lawmaking and constituency development would be deeply missed.

Leave Rivers Alone or Get Burnt’ — Wike Warns APC National Secretary

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Wike, on Monday issued a strong warning to the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, to steer clear of Rivers State politics, declaring the state a “no-go area” for political interference.

Wike delivered the warning during his thank-you visit to Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, where he cautioned the APC chieftain against making what he described as reckless comments about the state and its political leadership.

“Take this message to your National Secretary: leave Rivers State alone,” Wike said. “Go and ask those who tried it before. Don’t take our support for Mr President for granted. You have to be careful with the statements you make.”

The former Rivers State governor accused some APC leaders of exploiting the alleged N600 billion left in the state’s coffers to make inflammatory remarks.

“Because you hear we have N600 billion, you come here, you collect, and then you open your mouth to talk anyhow,” he said. “This state is a no-go area. If your hand burns, no be me burn am.”

Wike’s remarks followed comments attributed to the APC Vice Chairman (South-South), Victor Giadom, who reportedly referred to Governor Siminalayi Fubara as the “so-called governor” of Rivers State and claimed the governor could not secure a second term without Wike’s backing.

Reacting earlier, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru had described Giadom’s comments as “unfortunate,” stressing that the office of a governor must be respected regardless of political differences.

“The office of the governor is an exalted position, and whoever occupies it must be respected, irrespective of political affiliation,” Basiru wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Renewed Hope Ambassador for Rivers State, Ambassador Desmond Akawor, blamed Governor Fubara for what he described as stalled development in Oyigbo Local Government Area.

According to Akawor, Oyigbo has witnessed little or no developmental progress since the governor’s inauguration, despite reports of substantial funds available to the state.

“Development in Oyigbo has stalled. We have not moved an inch forward,” he said. “The only tangible benefit Oyigbo has received is a commissioner slot. Beyond that, nothing substantial has come to our people.”

He called on the state government to ensure fairness in the allocation of resources, insisting that Oyigbo must not be sidelined.

“We are not asking for favours; we are asking for fairness. Oyigbo people must get their fair share,” Akawor added.

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