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Nigeria Secures UN-Backed Study to Boost Critical Minerals and Solar Power Industry

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Nigeria has secured a United Nations-backed study to develop a critical minerals roadmap, marking a major milestone in its quest to maximize the solid minerals value chain from extraction to beneficiation.

The study, funded by the Global Council for Critical Minerals, emerged as a key outcome of Solid Minerals Development Minister, Dr. Dele Alake’s engagements at the Mining Indaba 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa.

According to a statement by Mr. Segun Tomori, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister, the study will be conducted by UC Davis, with support from Core International, and will set global best practices for Nigeria’s minerals development.

Driving Nigeria’s Renewable Energy Goals

The study aims to:
✅ Assess Nigeria’s critical mineral resources and reserves
✅ Set international benchmarks for value addition and processing
✅ Enhance local industrial production of solar power components

One of the major expected benefits is reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported solar power products, which will result in foreign exchange savings and stimulate the growth of the domestic renewable energy sector.

Alake: Time to Stop Importing Solar Power Products

Speaking with Mr. Divyam Nagpal, Principal Specialist for Renewable Energy at Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), Dr. Alake stressed Nigeria’s need to prioritize local production of solar power products.

“Since we have the materials for solar power production, we should vigorously pursue policies that stop the importation of solar products and instead localize production in Nigeria. Our market is vast, already serving the West African sub-region, making local manufacturing a viable and strategic investment,” he stated.

Creating a Secure and Investor-Friendly Mining Sector

Dr. Alake reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s commitment to improving the investment climate in the mining sector.

“We are implementing a new security architecture to ensure the safety of investors and mining sites. Additionally, we have revised the Community Development Agreement to guarantee that local communities benefit maximally from these investments. This ensures a win-win situation for investors, host communities, and the Nigerian economy,” he said.

The Minister noted that a more secure and business-friendly environment would help attract foreign direct investment, increase royalty payments, and ensure regulatory compliance within the solid minerals sector.

Strengthening Global Partnerships

Mr. Nagpal emphasized that Nigeria’s critical minerals roadmap will play a crucial role in shaping policy and unlocking the full potential of the country’s mining sector. He also invited Dr. Alake to the Sustainable Energy for All Programme in Barbados, a high-profile event focused on energy security, equity, and development.

With this development, Nigeria is positioning itself as a key player in the global critical minerals and clean energy markets, paving the way for industrial growth, energy security, and economic transformation.

Senate Mocks PDP Crisis as Senator Nwoko Defects to APC

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) became a subject of mockery in the Senate on Wednesday, as lawmakers from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) proposed setting up an ad hoc committee to investigate the internal conflicts plaguing the opposition party.

This development follows the defection of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko (Delta North) from the PDP to the APC, citing persistent leadership struggles within the party.

Nwoko: PDP Crisis Threatens Democracy

Announcing his defection, Senator Nwoko said his decision was made after “deep reflection and extensive consultations” with his constituents and political associates.

“The PDP, which once stood as a formidable platform for democratic participation and national development, has unfortunately been engulfed in persistent crises, ranging from internal divisions to a lack of clear leadership and direction. These unresolved conflicts have weakened its ability to function as an effective opposition, thereby threatening the very fabric of our democracy,” Nwoko stated.

He warned that Nigeria risks sliding into a dangerous one-party system if the PDP’s crisis is not urgently addressed, urging the Senate to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the root causes of the party’s internal implosion.

Senate Leadership Reacts

The proposal for an investigation was met with fierce opposition from Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro (Benue South), who argued that Nwoko’s defection was unconstitutional, as the 1999 Constitution does not permit defection unless a political party is in crisis.

However, Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele countered this claim, pointing out that the PDP is already entangled in legal battles over its national leadership. He argued that this constituted sufficient grounds for Nwoko’s defection.

Moro, in response, insisted that the PDP had already secured a court ruling affirming Sam Anyanwu as the party’s authentic National Secretary, as well as a stay of execution on an Appeal Court judgment against him.

Akpabio Declines Setting Up Ad Hoc Committee

Despite the heated debate, Senate President Godswill Akpabio declined to set up the proposed ad hoc committee, citing ongoing court cases on the PDP crisis as the reason.

With this latest defection and the increasing turmoil within the PDP, the Senate’s reaction underscores the deepening struggles of Nigeria’s main opposition party, raising concerns over the future of multi-party democracy in the country.

Reps Committee Chair Applauds Gas Distribution Licenses, Supports FG’s Clean Energy Initiative

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Ugochinyere, has commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing Gas Distribution Licenses (GDLs) to 10 companies, describing it as a major step toward achieving the “Gas for All Homes” agenda.

The move, Ugochinyere noted, aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to expand gas accessibility, promote clean energy, and reduce reliance on firewood and cooking stoves.

1.5 Billion Cubic Feet of Gas for Distribution

At the Gas Distribution Licence Award ceremony in Abuja, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, revealed that the agency received 30 applications, out of which 10 companies were approved.

The awarded licenses cover the distribution of 1.5 billion standard cubic feet/day of gas through a 1,200-kilometer gas pipeline network, a move expected to boost domestic gas supply and energy access.

Supporting Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition

In a statement, Ugochinyere emphasized the importance of expanding clean energy solutions for Nigerian households.

“The NMDPRA’s issuance of Gas Distribution Licenses is a bold step in actualizing the Gas for All Homes agenda, targeted at addressing energy challenges faced by Nigerians across all social strata,” he stated.

He highlighted that the initiative includes:

  • Distribution of free gas cylinders to one million homes nationwide
  • Annual conversion of 250,000 households to clean cooking gas by 2030
  • Promotion of clean cooking energy and reduction of harmful fuel reliance

Legislative Oversight and Accountability

Ugochinyere assured that lawmakers, especially those in downstream petroleum committees, will provide strict oversight to ensure the initiative benefits Nigerians.

“This is a worthy initiative, and we pledge our support, but with strict supervision, to ensure that Nigerians benefit from it and that it does not become merely another government patronage scheme,” he affirmed.

With this step, Nigeria is advancing its clean energy transition, ensuring that gas-powered cooking becomes a sustainable alternative for millions of households.

FG Launches National Strategic Plan to Eliminate Cholera by 2029

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the National Strategic Plan of Action on Cholera Control (NSPACC) 2025–2029, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at eliminating cholera as a public health threat.

The plan, launched in Abuja by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in collaboration with the Federal Ministries of Environment, Water Resources & Sanitation, and Health & Social Welfare, aligns with the Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC) roadmap to eliminate the disease in at least 20 countries, including Nigeria, by 2030.

A Milestone in Cholera Control

Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, represented by Permanent Secretary Richard Pheelangwah, described the NSPACC as a major milestone in Nigeria’s fight against cholera.

“This plan underscores our commitment to meeting global Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) standards, which are crucial for cholera prevention and control,” he stated.

He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to improve access to safe drinking water and sanitation, particularly in communities prone to cholera outbreaks.

Health and Environment Ministries Pledge Support

Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, represented by Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom, stressed that eliminating cholera requires a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach.

Similarly, Minister of Environment, Mahmud Kambari, noted that the NSPACC launch represents a critical step in Nigeria’s broader fight against infectious diseases, pledging the Ministry’s support for nationwide implementation.

NCDC’s Commitment to Prevention

In his address, NCDC Director-General Dr. Jide Idris, represented by Dr. Sikiru Badaru, highlighted that the NSPACC focuses on prevention rather than reactive outbreak response.

“This strategy incorporates robust surveillance systems, coordinated health and WASH interventions, and active community engagement, particularly in cholera hotspot locations,” he stated.

Stakeholders Urged to Drive Implementation

Government agencies, development partners, civil society, and private sector players have been called upon to take ownership of the plan and ensure its success.

With the NSPACC in place, Nigeria is poised to make significant strides in reducing cholera incidence and mortality, improving public health, and achieving its global health targets by 2030.

Senate Approves Removal of Three Resident Electoral Commissioners Over Electoral Misconduct

By
Roland Edet
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0

The Senate has approved the termination of the appointment of three Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) from Abia, Adamawa, and Sokoto States over alleged electoral infractions during the 2023 general elections.

The decision follows an Executive Communication from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, requesting the Senate to invoke Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to officially remove:

  • Dr. Nura Ali – Sokoto State REC
  • Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari – Adamawa State REC
  • Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu – Abia State REC

Allegations Against the RECs

The three electoral officials were suspended in 2023 following reports of misconduct, which included:

  • Dr. Nura Ali was indicted by the Department of State Services (DSS) for allegedly compromising the 2023 Presidential and National Assembly elections. He reportedly confessed to receiving $150,000 from politicians.
  • Barrister Hudu Yunusa Ari was suspended by former President Muhammadu Buhari after he illegally declared the Adamawa governorship election results, usurping the power of the Returning Officer.
  • Prof. Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu was accused of mishandling election logistics, abandoning the Governorship and State Assembly elections, and refusing to reschedule supplementary elections.

Senate’s Justification for Removal

Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the removal aligns with the Senate’s constitutional duty to uphold electoral integrity and strengthen corporate governance in Nigeria.

“By virtue of Section 157(1) of the 1999 Constitution, the Senate is empowered to embark on this legislative process, ensuring the removal of the suspended Resident Electoral Commissioners,” Akpabio stated.

He emphasized that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is one of the institutions subject to this constitutional provision, making the decision legally binding.

With the Senate’s approval supported by a two-thirds majority, the resolution will now be forwarded to President Tinubu for final action, officially sealing the fate of the three RECs.

This move is seen as part of the 10th Senate’s commitment to electoral accountability and ensuring that electoral officials uphold the rule of law and democratic principles in Nigeria.

FRSC Cracks Down on Car Theft, Recovers 73 Stolen Vehicles in 2024

By
Roland Edet
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0

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has dealt a major blow to car theft syndicates across Nigeria, recovering 73 stolen vehicles in 2024 through the National Vehicle Identification Scheme (NVIS) Portal.

According to Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Public Education Officer, this achievement underscores the FRSC’s commitment to national security, intelligence gathering, and road safety.

How the Vehicles Were Recovered

The stolen vehicles were identified and retrieved during intelligence-driven operations, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies at the point of registration.

The 73 recovered vehicles include:

  • 21 Toyota Corolla
  • 17 Toyota Camry
  • 6 Lexus 350
  • 6 Toyota Sienna
  • 4 Toyota Highlander
  • 3 Lexus ES350
  • 1 Toyota Hilux, 1 Toyota RAV4, 1 Toyota Venza, 1 Toyota Celica, 1 Pontiac Vibe, and several others.

FRSC’s Commitment to Security

Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed praised the personnel for their bravery, professionalism, and dedication, reaffirming the Corps’ resolve to rid the country of criminal elements threatening public safety.

“The FRSC will continue to work tirelessly to not only save innocent lives but also protect the economic interests of Nigerians,” he stated.

He urged vehicle owners to ensure they provide **accurate information during

National Assembly to Pass N54.2 Trillion 2025 Budget on February 8

By
Saladin Babagana
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0

The National Assembly is set to pass the 2025 budget proposal on February 8, following President Bola Tinubu’s request for an additional N4.5 trillion, bringing the total budget size to N54.2 trillion.

The President had initially presented a N49.7 trillion budget to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, 2024. However, in separate letters to both legislative chambers on Wednesday, he announced the increase based on additional revenues generated by key government agencies.

According to the letter read in the Senate by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, the budget increase is attributed to:

  • N1.4 trillion from the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
  • N1.2 trillion from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)
  • N1.8 trillion from other Government-Owned Agencies

In response, Senate President Akpabio directed the request to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for immediate consideration, assuring that the final budget would be passed before the end of the month.

The 2025 budget is expected to prioritize economic growth, infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and security, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

Tinubu Departs for France Ahead of AU Summit in Ethiop

By
Uche Kingsley
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0

President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Paris, France, on a private visit ahead of his participation in the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu will meet with French President Emmanuel Macron before proceeding to Addis Ababa early next week.

The 46th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council and the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of AU Heads of State are scheduled to take place from February 12 to 16, 2025.

As the Chairperson of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Tinubu is expected to engage in high-level discussions on Africa’s economic integration, security, and development strategies during the summit.

Further details on his engagements in France and Ethiopia are expected in the coming days.

FCTA Inaugurates National Health Fellows Committee to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has inaugurated the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee as part of a nationwide initiative to recruit Health Fellows under the National Health Fellows Programme, approved by President Bola Tinubu. This programme seeks to engage young professionals in the health sector across all 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.

The initiative is a key component of the Human Capital Opportunity for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Programme, aimed at building a sustainable healthcare workforce by attracting young talents and early-career professionals to drive healthcare reforms.

A Strategic Investment in Human Resources for Health

Speaking at the inauguration, the Mandate Secretary of Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, described the programme as a critical investment in Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“As the Federal Government continues to upgrade existing Primary Health Care (PHC) centers and establish new ones, these fellows will play a crucial role in ensuring healthcare delivery at the grassroots level,” Dr. Fasawe said.

She emphasized that the recruited fellows would be responsible for monitoring PHC activities, providing feedback to the government, and supporting public health initiatives.

Dr. Fasawe also urged committee members to ensure a fair and transparent selection process so that only the most qualified candidates are chosen. The selected fellows will undergo training in leadership, public health, financial management, and monitoring and evaluation to equip them for their roles.

Boosting Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

The Permanent Secretary of HSES, Dr. Baba Gana Adam, who serves as Vice Chairman of the committee, commended the initiative as a major step toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“This programme is a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality healthcare services,” he stated.

Dr. Adam also praised the FCT Administration, under the leadership of Minister Nyesom Wike, for prioritizing healthcare as a key development agenda in Abuja.

WHO’s Role and Selection Process

The FCT State Coordinator for the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Kumshida Yakubu Balami, outlined the WHO’s support and guidelines for the programme’s successful implementation.

Dr. Balami stated that the WHO mandates the formation of a seven-member selection committee, which the FCT has fully complied with. The appointed members include:

  • Dr. Dan Gadzama
  • Dr. Teresa Nwachukwu (SWAP Desk Officer)
  • Dr. Aderonke Akande
  • Mrs. Maimuna Abdullahi
  • Mr. Danladi Chiya

The committee is responsible for screening candidates, overseeing the selection process, and submitting a semi-final list to the SWAP Coordinator’s Office for approval.

Shaping the Future of Healthcare in Nigeria

The inauguration of the FCT National Health Fellows Selection Committee is a significant milestone in Nigeria’s health sector reform. By investing in young professionals, the government aims to strengthen healthcare service delivery, improve public health outcomes, and create a new generation of health leaders.

As Nigeria continues to push for sustainable health sector reforms, stakeholders remain hopeful that this initiative will transform healthcare accessibility and efficiency across the country.

ADC Laments APC’s Leadership Failure, Begins Training for 2027 Elections

By
Shehu Danladi
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0

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that since 2015, the ruling party has failed to provide purposeful leadership for Nigeria.

ADC National Chairman, Dr. Ralphs Okey Nwosu, made this remark on Tuesday during a leadership training session in Abuja, emphasizing that leadership remains Nigeria’s biggest challenge.

Training Transformational Leaders for 2027

Nwosu disclosed that the ADC has embarked on a series of leadership training programs to develop transformational leaders ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“Nigeria needs devotional and committed leaders with the fear of God. A leader must be humble, have integrity, and lead by example,” he stated.

He added that leadership is not just about holding positions but about taking responsibility. The training, he explained, will incorporate perspectives from both Christian and Muslim teachings to shape leaders who can serve Nigeria effectively.

APC Lacked Vision, Says ADC Deputy Secretary

The ADC’s Deputy National Secretary, Dr. Nkem Ukandu, also spoke at the event, stressing that Nigeria needs visionary leaders who can drive transformational change.

He blamed the APC’s failure on its lack of a clear vision when it took power in 2015.

“Many leaders fail due to lack of purpose, resilience, or integrity. APC came to power without a vision, and that is why its administration failed,” he stated.

Ukandu emphasized the need for leaders who embody the “Joseph Model”—referring to the biblical figure Joseph, who demonstrated wisdom, resilience, and the ability to solve societal problems.

“A leader must have a dream, like Joseph, whose vision eventually came to pass. Martin Luther King Jr. had a dream, and today, racial discrimination in America has significantly reduced,” he added.

Call for Organic Leadership Selection

Ukandu lamented that Nigeria’s leadership selection process has not been organic.

“Few party delegates gather to choose candidates, and the electorate is left with limited options. Leadership in Nigeria is positional and based on influence rather than merit,” he said.

He reiterated that true leadership is about influence, resilience, and solving real-world challenges, urging Nigerians to support a leadership model that prioritizes vision, responsibility, and integrity.

With the ADC positioning itself as a credible alternative for 2027, the party hopes its leadership training initiative will equip future leaders with the right values to reshape Nigeria’s governance and development trajectory.

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