metro
FG promises nationwide 20-hour daily power supply by 2027
FG promises nationwide 20-hour daily power supply by 2027
The Federal Government has set an ambitious goal to provide Nigerians with 20 hours of daily electricity by 2027. However, this plan is contingent upon securing adequate investment in the nation’s oil and gas industry, which, according to officials, is currently underperforming.
Olu Verheijen, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, made this announcement during her speech at the Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa. The statement was shared by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Publicity at the State House, on Thursday.
“By 2027, Nigeria aims to ensure 20 hours of electricity daily for consumers in urban areas and industrial hubs,” Verheijen revealed.
Verheijen’s remarks come amidst the persistent challenges faced by Nigeria’s national power grid, which continues to suffer frequent collapses, resulting in widespread blackouts. The most recent collapse occurred on Tuesday, marking the 10th such incident in 2024 alone. The Federal Government has cited outdated infrastructure, lack of proper maintenance, and insufficient investment as primary reasons behind these grid failures.
Despite an installed generation capacity of around 12,500 megawatts, Nigeria often produces far less, leaving many regions without stable power supply.
At the Energy Week, Verheijen also highlighted the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reform the power sector and extend electricity access to the 86 million Nigerians currently without reliable power. She outlined plans to improve revenue collection, reduce losses through the deployment of seven million smart meters, and expand off-grid solutions to remote areas.
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Verheijen expressed confidence that Nigeria is poised for economic growth, particularly following macroeconomic reforms such as the removal of the petrol subsidy and foreign exchange liberalization. “Under President Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria is championing reforms to unlock its vast economic potential and create jobs,” she said, urging global partners to invest in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Verheijen also noted Nigeria’s underperformance in oil and gas production, despite possessing vast reserves. She compared Nigeria’s output to that of Brazil, which holds just 30 percent of Nigeria’s oil reserves but produces 131 percent more oil. “Despite our abundant resources, we have underperformed against our potential. Brazil holds only 30 percent of Nigeria’s oil reserves but produces 131 percent more. This is largely due to under-investment,” she remarked.
Since 2016, Nigeria has attracted only 4 percent of Africa’s total oil and gas investments, while less resource-rich countries in the continent have seen higher levels of investment. Verheijen also pointed out that between 2013, when Nigeria’s last deepwater project reached Final Investment Decision (FID), and now, international oil companies have committed over $82 billion to deepwater projects in other countries.
Acknowledging these challenges, Verheijen highlighted President Tinubu’s efforts to enact reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s energy sector and attracting more investment. She pointed to the introduction of fiscal incentives for deep offshore and non-associated gas projects, marking the first time Nigeria has introduced a specific fiscal framework for deepwater gas.
In partnership with the National Security Adviser’s office, Verheijen’s team has worked to streamline security measures for the oil and gas sector, as well as to reduce lengthy project timelines and high operational costs. “Our target is to shorten the contracting timelines from an extensive 38 months to just 135 days, while also working to eliminate the 40 percent cost premium that currently exists within the Nigerian petroleum industry,” she noted.
The government’s reforms are also opening up opportunities in midstream and downstream sectors, including investments in compressed natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, and electric vehicles. These initiatives align with the broader Presidential Gas for Growth Initiative, which aims to reduce the use of petrol and diesel in heavy transport, decentralized power generation, and cooking.
Verheijen also confirmed that over $1 billion has already been unlocked in investments across Nigeria’s energy value chain, with expectations of more major projects by mid-2025. The government is also facilitating the transfer of onshore and shallow water assets to local companies, while supporting the transition of international oil companies to deep offshore and integrated gas ventures.
“We have unlocked over $1 billion in investments across the value chain, and by mid-2025, we expect to see FID on two more projects, including a multibillion-dollar deepwater exploration project, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria in over a decade,” Verheijen concluded.
FG promises nationwide 20-hour daily power supply by 2027
metro
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has announced the gruesome murder of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo by unknown assailants.
Rev Fr Okonkwo, who is also a pharmacist, was shot dead in Ihiala on Boxing Day.
The killing of the clergyman came barely two weeks after the abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala and their whereabouts have remained unknown.
A statement signed by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Raphael Ezeonu said Fr. Tobias was killed between 7 pm and 8 pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
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The statement described the incident as a devastating loss but expressed faith in divine consolation.
Born on August 11, 1984, Fr. Tobias was ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015.
At the time of his death, he was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family.
The Diocese said funeral arrangements of Fr Okonkwo will be announced in due course.
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
metro
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
The Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, on Friday said President Bola Tinubu had not disappointed Nigerians.
The cleric said this during the Juma’at prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, with President Tinubu in attendance.
“We are proud of you. I remember that we encouraged people to vote for you during the campaigns.
” We thank God that you have not disappointed us.
“We know you are capable. We know you have the sagacity. We know you are competent.
“We believe and pray that you are not going to disappoint us.
” May Allah continue to be with you. Allah has entrusted Nigeria to you and will ask you for this trust,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be grateful to Allah during times of fortune and be patient during adversity.
He reminded the faithful that unwavering hope and faith were essential to believers, even in challenging circumstances.
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He assured the president of the steadfast prayers and support of Muslim faithful as he governed the nation.
The cleric urged the president to remember accountability and responsibility to the people, saying responsibility was to the people while accountability was to Allah.
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ” The most beloved of all people to Allah is the righteous and just leader.’
“We have seen righteousness in you and fairness and justice in you. Please keep it up and sustain it.
“You bear one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, Ahmed, someone who does what is praiseworthy.
” This name has been reflected in your past actions and we hope it will reflect in your actions now.”
The Juma’at prayer was the president’s first public outing since attending prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque on Dec. 20.
The president arrived in Nigeria’s commercial capital on Dec. 18 after presenting the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.
In honour of victims of the stampedes in Oyo and Anambra States as well as the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed lives, Tinubu had cancelled his public engagements.
On Dec. 23, the president hosted the maiden Presidential Media Chat at his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive Residence in Ikoyi.
As part of the Christmas and holiday festivities, he also received private visitors daily.
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
metro
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
The New African magazine has unveiled a list of 100 individuals who have made significant impacts across politics, business, science, sports, and civil society in 2024.
This year’s edition takes an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the individuals who are both on the continent and abroad, explained Anver Versi, editor of the London-based magazine.
Her statement reads, “We need this because I cannot recall the world being so polarised, so divided, so stone-faced in the face of terrible man-made atrocities.
“The 100 Most Influential Africans of 2024 edition of New African offers an in-depth look at the lives and achievements of the extraordinary individuals shaping the African narrative on the continent and abroad.
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“Their stories serve as a source of inspiration and a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the African spirit.”
See full list and categories below…
Politics and Public Service
- Bassirou Diomaye Faye
- Kemi Badenoch
- Muhammad Ali Pate
- Claver Gatete
- Ali Mohamed
- King Mohamed VI
- Ronald Lamola
- Yemi Osinbajo
- Nardos Bekele-Thomas
- Ibrahima Cheikh Diong
Business
11. Robins Tchale-Watchou
12. Fatima Tambajang
13. Dr. Sidi Ould Tah
14. Samaila Zubairu
15. Thierno-Habib Hann
16. Akinwumi Adesina
17. Tariye Gbadegesin
18. Adebayo Ogunlesi
19. Wale Tinubu
20. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede
21. Prof. Benedict Okey Oramah
22. Moulay Hafid Elalamy
23. Olugbenga Agboola
24. Alain Ebobissé
25. Tunde Olanrewaju
26. Nassef Sawiris
27. Aliko Dangote
28. Ismael Belkhayat
29. Hassatou Diop N’Sele
30. Jeremy Awori
31. Manuel Moses
32. Hassanein Hiridjee
33. Rene Awambeng
Civil Society
34. Joseph Moses Oleshangay
35. Mohamed Adow
36. Michael Kakande
37. Ndidi Okonkwo Nwuneli
38. William Asiko
39. Eva Omaghomi
40. Nelson Amenya
41. Helmy Abouleish
42. Binaifer Nowrojee
Science & Academia
43. Elhadj As Sy
44. Chinasa T. Okolo
45. Tshilidzi Marwala
46. Prof. Colleen Masimirembwa
47. Prof. Moses Obimbo Madadi
48. Rediet Abebe
49. Rachid Guerraoui
50. Abdoulaye Diabaté
51. Joy Buolamwini
52. Abeba Birhane
Opinion Shapers
53. Miatta Fahnbulleh
54. Olajide Olatunji
55. Carlos Lopes
56. Zain Verjee
57. John-Allan Namu
58. Vera Songwe
59. Nesrine Malik
60. Tayo Aina
61. Thebe Ikalafeng
62. Mavis Owusu-Gyamfi
63. Hannah Ryder
64. Ayman Mohyeldin
65. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard
Creative
66. Zineb Sedira
67. Rita Mawuena Benissan
68. Iansmith Mwenda
69. Idris Elba
70. Ken Wakia
71. Adejoké Bakare
72. Ayra Starr
73. Selma Feriani
74. DJ Edu
75. Eugene Mbugua
76. Chigozie Obioma
77. Kamel Daoud
78. Tesfaye Urgessa
79. Mehdi Qotbi
80. DBN Gogo
81. Yinka Ilori
82. Amina Lola Shoneyin
83. Ekow Eshun
84. Zhong FeiFei
85. Mati Diop
86. Hassan Hajjaj
87. Koyo Kouoh
88. Mo Harawe
89. Victoria Kimani
Sports
90. Patrice Motsepe
91. Letsile Tebogo
92. Imane Khelif
93. Tunde Onakoya
94. Gelson Fernandes
95. Oumar ‘Reug Reug’ Kane
96. Biniam Girmay
97. Ademola Lookman
98. Ruth Chepng’etich
99. Omar Berrada
100. Sifan Hassan
Dangote, Tinubu, Lookman named among 100 most influential Africans in 2024 (Full list)
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