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Insecurity in Nigeria: US Lawmaker Accuses Matawalle of Attempt to Silence Global Scrutiny

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A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels
A United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels

Insecurity in Nigeria: US Lawmaker Accuses Matawalle of Attempt to Silence Global Scrutiny

A fresh controversy has erupted over Nigeria insecurity, drawing international attention after a United States lawmaker, Kimberly Daniels, accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, of attempting to suppress global scrutiny of ongoing violence across parts of the country.

Daniels, a member of the Florida House of Representatives and Chairwoman of the United World Congress of Diplomats, made the allegations during a Facebook Live broadcast, where she claimed there were coordinated efforts linked to the minister to influence American officials and control the narrative surrounding the security crisis in Nigeria.

According to Daniels, her earlier statements highlighting what she described as targeted killings in Nigeria, particularly affecting Christian communities, triggered pressure from individuals she alleged were associated with Matawalle. She said these efforts included attempts to discredit her report, circulate counter-narratives, and lobby U.S.-based elected officials to publicly oppose her position. Daniels further alleged that an unnamed American lawmaker was “persuaded” to defend Nigeria’s defence leadership, raising concerns about possible external influence on U.S. political voices.

“I am speaking on behalf of people who say they are under attack,” Daniels stated, emphasizing that her intervention was intended to call for investigation into the violence in Northern Nigeria rather than make outright accusations. She insisted that no amount of pressure would silence her, citing her constitutional right to speak on international human rights issues.

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The controversy stems from a report released on April 14, 2026, by Daniels under the UN-WCD, which spotlighted escalating insecurity in Northern Nigeria, particularly in the North-Central and North-West regions. The report referenced attacks during the Easter period in Plateau, Kaduna, and Nasarawa states, noting what it described as a widening gap between government assurances and the realities faced by communities on the ground.

In addition to documenting the Nigeria killings crisis, the report questioned the credibility of the current defence leadership and recommended a review of the country’s security architecture. It specifically called on Bola Tinubu to consider redeploying Matawalle and initiating a transparent investigation into both the security situation and the allegations of influence operations.

Daniels maintained that her findings were based on testimonies from affected communities, contributions from members of the Nigerian diaspora, and intelligence gathered through the UN-WCD’s multinational network spanning the United States, Nigeria, Ghana, the United Kingdom, and Canada. She stressed that the aim was to promote accountability and draw global attention to the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, not to interfere with the country’s sovereignty.

As of now, Matawalle has not issued an official response to the allegations. However, the development has sparked debate within political and diplomatic circles, with some Nigerian stakeholders cautioning against foreign involvement in domestic security matters, while others argue that international attention could help address the Nigeria security crisis more effectively.

The situation underscores growing global concern over banditry in Nigeria, insurgency, and communal violence, as well as increasing scrutiny of how Nigeria’s defence leadership is handling the crisis. It also highlights the expanding influence of diaspora voices and foreign lawmakers in shaping international narratives around Nigeria’s internal security challenges.

Insecurity in Nigeria: US Lawmaker Accuses Matawalle of Attempt to Silence Global Scrutiny

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BREAKING: Tinubu Allegedly Shakes Up Cabinet, Removes Wale Edun, Ahmed Dangiwa

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Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun
Wale Edun

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

 

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Power Firm to Hold Virtual Stakeholder Meeting on Rainy Season Electrical Safety

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Ikeja Electric

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

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NERC: Only 15 States Fully Regulating Electricity Markets Under New Law

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Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)

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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