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Protesters carrying Russian flag mostly from Niger Republic – Prof Akinterinwa
Protesters carrying Russian flag mostly from Niger Republic – Prof Akinterinwa
Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, has claimed that individuals carrying the ‘Russian’ flag during the nationwide hardship protest in Kano are primarily from Niger Republic. According to him, these foreigners are displaying the Russian flag to express their dissatisfaction with the Nigerian government’s and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), chaired by President Bola Tinubu, stance against the military coup in Niger.
The display of the Russian flag, which began on Thursday and intensified by Monday in Kano, has led to a crackdown on those orchestrating the trend. A man believed to be producing the flags was among those arrested by security agents.
He stated, “Those who are carrying the Russian flag, what does it mean to them? I’m not sure they know anything beyond the fact that they are supporting Russia rather than the West. Are the carriers Nigerians from Kano? My position is that, far from it, they are not likely to be Nigerians. Only when you consider them Nigerians can you seriously be more concerned about the implications.
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“There is a porous border between Nigeria and Niger, and you have the same ethnic community on both sides of the border; there is no true border between Nigeria and Niger. Consequently, all those who are carrying the Russian flag are basically from Niger. They only came to Kano. These are foreigners taking advantage to tell the government of Nigeria that Nigeriens are in support of the military junta.”
The diplomat further warned that this situation could escalate tensions between Nigeria and Ukraine, which is currently at war with Russia, potentially drawing Nigeria into a broader crisis.
He elaborated, “The government of Nigeria is not likely to be taken seriously by Niger because they see Nigeria as a disappointment. There is a need to explore citizen diplomacy, whereby citizens of the two countries come together and resolve not to be divided by foreign interests.
“The Russian flag is a notice to Tinubu government to be more conscious. It’s a warning. Ukraine is at war with Russia, but does not have a war with Mali. But knowing full well that Wagner (a Russian mercenary) is a major war ally for Russia, Ukraine decided to take a war to Mali.
“By implication, they (Israelis) are saying anywhere you find Russia, we can go there and attack. Suppose people are carrying Russian flags in Nigeria. In that case, we can expect the anger of the Ukrainian government as well, the same way Israel is attacking its enemies anywhere in the world. So, we need to tread more cautiously,” he added.
Protesters carrying Russian flag mostly from Niger Republic – Prof Akinterinwa
News
BREAKING: Tinubu Allegedly Shakes Up Cabinet, Removes Wale Edun, Ahmed Dangiwa
BREAKING: Tinubu Allegedly Shakes Up Cabinet, Removes Wale Edun, Ahmed Dangiwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly approved a minor cabinet reshuffle involving key changes in the Federal Executive Council (FEC), including the removal of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, alongside the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa.
The development was said to have been contained in a memo signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, directing immediate transition processes across the affected ministries.
Wale Edun, Dangiwa Relieved of Ministerial Duties
According to the reported directive, Wale Edun has been asked to hand over duties at the Ministry of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. Similarly, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa is to vacate his position as Minister of Housing and Urban Development.
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The memo reportedly instructed that all handover processes be concluded on or before close of business on Thursday, April 23, 2026, ensuring a smooth administrative transition within the affected ministries.
Succession Arrangements and Ministerial Changes
The document further stated that Mr. Taiwo Oyedele has been named as the incoming Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, following Edun’s exit.
In the housing ministry, Dr. Muttaqha Rabe Darma has reportedly been nominated as Minister-designate for the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, pending formal confirmation procedures. Until then, Dangiwa has been directed to hand over to the Minister of State within the ministry.
Presidency Explains Reason for Reshuffle
Explaining the development, SGF George Akume was quoted as saying the changes are aimed at improving cohesion, synergy in governance, and economic delivery under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He added that President Tinubu acted within his constitutional powers under Sections 147 and 148 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), emphasizing that cabinet adjustments remain part of ongoing efforts to improve governance efficiency.
Presidential Appreciation and Next Steps
The memo also reportedly conveyed President Tinubu’s appreciation to outgoing ministers for their service to the nation, while wishing them success in their future engagements. It further indicated that the President assured Nigerians and cabinet members that government reinvigoration efforts will continue periodically.
BREAKING: Tinubu Allegedly Shakes Up Cabinet, Removes Wale Edun, Ahmed Dangiwa
News
Power Firm to Hold Virtual Stakeholder Meeting on Rainy Season Electrical Safety
Power Firm to Hold Virtual Stakeholder Meeting on Rainy Season Electrical Safety
A power distribution company has announced plans to hold its April Virtual Stakeholder Engagement aimed at educating customers on safety measures during the rainy season.
In a notice issued to customers, the company said the virtual session would focus on the dangers associated with exposed electrical wires, flooded installations, and the increased risk of electric shock that often accompanies heavy rainfall.
The engagement, scheduled for Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., will be held via Microsoft Teams, allowing participants to join remotely.
According to the company, the initiative is part of efforts to promote public safety and reduce electricity-related accidents during the rainy season, when infrastructure is more vulnerable and risks are heightened.
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Beyond safety concerns, the session will also provide practical tips to help customers navigate the season safely, including guidance on energy efficiency to reduce consumption and costs.
The company further disclosed that it would share updates on its waste-management support initiatives targeted at public schools, as part of its broader corporate social responsibility programmes.
Customers and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the session to gain valuable insights and contribute to discussions aimed at improving safety and sustainability in communities.
The company reiterated its commitment to customer welfare, urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended safety practices during the rainy season.
Power Firm to Hold Virtual Stakeholder Meeting on Rainy Season Electrical Safety
News
NERC: Only 15 States Fully Regulating Electricity Markets Under New Law
NERC: Only 15 States Fully Regulating Electricity Markets Under New Law
Twenty-one states, including Rivers State and Kano State, have yet to assume full regulatory control of their electricity markets nearly three years after the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, even as 15 states have successfully transitioned to independent electricity regulation under Nigeria’s decentralised power framework.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) confirmed that the 15 states that have completed the transition now operate their own electricity markets, handling tariff regulation, licensing, investment promotion, and consumer protection within their jurisdictions.
The reform is part of the broader implementation of the Electricity Act 2023, which decentralises Nigeria’s power sector by empowering states to regulate generation, transmission, and distribution within their territories after meeting legal and institutional requirements.
15 states now operating independent electricity markets
According to NERC, 15 states have fully completed the transition process and are now independently regulating their electricity sectors. These states include Enugu, Ekiti, Ondo, Imo, Oyo, Edo, Kogi, Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Plateau, Abia, Nasarawa, Anambra, and Bayelsa.
The commission explained that the transition began in October 2024 with Enugu and Ekiti, followed shortly by Ondo. The process gained momentum in 2025, with states such as Lagos, Oyo, Ogun, and Edo completing their transitions. More recent entries include Nasarawa, Anambra, and Bayelsa in early 2026.
Under the new structure, these states now oversee intrastate electricity regulation, including issuing licenses, enforcing technical standards, setting local tariffs, and protecting electricity consumers.
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21 states yet to complete transition
However, 21 states are yet to complete the process of taking over regulatory control of their electricity markets. These include Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara, Osun, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Energy experts say the delay could slow down the expected benefits of the Nigeria electricity sector reform, including improved power supply, localised tariff structures, and increased investment in mini-grids and embedded generation projects.
They also warn that uneven implementation could widen disparities in electricity access and investment across states.
What the Electricity Act 2023 provides
Under the Electricity Act 2023, once a state completes its transition, it establishes its own electricity regulatory commission responsible for overseeing all intra-state electricity operations.
The national regulator, NERC, retains oversight of interstate electricity trade and the national grid system.
State regulators are expected to drive local electricity market development by encouraging private investment, supporting renewable energy projects, and ensuring service quality standards across distribution networks.
However, NERC noted that some states that have declared transition still need to fully operationalise their regulatory institutions.
Federal government push for decentralisation
The Federal Government has repeatedly encouraged states to accelerate adoption of the reform, describing decentralisation as essential to solving Nigeria’s long-standing electricity challenges.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said Nigeria’s size and population make centralised electricity management ineffective.
He explained that the Electricity Act allows states to participate in all segments of the power sector value chain, including generation, transmission, distribution, and supporting services.
Adelabu also stressed the importance of collaboration between federal and state regulators to ensure alignment between wholesale and retail electricity markets.
He added that state participation is especially critical in off-grid electrification and rural power projects, where flexible local regulation can improve access and attract investment.
Outlook for Nigeria’s power reform
Stakeholders say the success of Nigeria’s electricity decentralisation reform will depend on how quickly the remaining 21 states establish functional regulatory frameworks and fully activate their electricity markets.
They warn that delays may limit investment inflows and slow down efforts to improve electricity supply reliability across the country.
Despite the uneven progress, the Electricity Act 2023 remains one of the most significant structural reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, aimed at creating a more competitive and efficient electricity market.
NERC: Only 15 States Fully Regulating Electricity Markets Under New Law
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