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Lekki: Groups threaten fresh protest, give FG 15-day ultimatum
A coalition of four civil society groups has given the Federal Government and the Army 15 days to fish out soldiers that shot peaceful protesters at Lekki tollgate in Lagos, to avert another protest.
The groups threaten to lead a mother of protests across the nation should they fail to grant the request within the given time.
The groups are Campaign for Democracy (CD), Human Rights, Liberty Access and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE), Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) and Igbo Elders Forum (IEF)
They berated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for what they termed “double standard” of allegedly inviting soldiers, denying knowledge of who invited them and setting up panel to probe killings.
Suspected soldiers had reportedly opened fire on #EndSARS protesters gathered at the Lekki tollgate where they had been converging in Lagos campaigning against police brutality, injustice and bad governance.
The army initially denied being part of the incident. But it said on Tuesday that it got involved because the Lagos State Government invited it to enforce the state-imposed curfew and restore order.
Publicity Secretary of the CD and Chairman CD, South East Zone, Dede Uzor A.Uzor, said if the ultimatum expired without meeting the demand, it would be an invitation to “another mother of all protests that will shake the foundation of Nigeria.”
The groups condemned the Lagos government and the Army for pretending not to know the people behind the shooting.
They stated, “The protest was peaceful and very well organised until some suspected thugs sponsored by people with vested interest in government started attacking them and instigating before the soldiers of the Nigerian Army were drafted to open fire…
“This kind of shooting and killing of protesting civilians does not happen in a any democratic government, so we are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, to within 15 days, fish out Army officers that were responsible for the shooting of the protesters at Lekki tollgate, an open day murder of innocent Nigerians.
“If at the expiration of 15 days from now to November 1 the soldiers who carried out the despicable shooting are not shown to Nigerians, we will organise the mother of all protests that Nigerians have never seen in its history to show to the world that Nigeria is not a Banana republic and Nigerians are not happy that their citizens are being killed like rats.
“We want to condemn the despicable and day light murder of unarmed #EndSARS protesters at Lekki Toll gate Lagos, by the soldiers of the Nigerian Army on the invitation by the Lagos State Government.
“We must tell the world that Nigerians have rights, they are not ants and rats that could be killed without anybody questioning the killers. You cannot continue to kill people who are clamouring for rule of law and constitutionality, equity and justice that will benefit everybody on the country and just go free.”
Meanwhile, the Amnesty International, in its latest timeline, said its investigation confirmed that the army and police killed peaceful protesters in Lagos.
Its Country Director in Nigeria, Osai Ojigho, accused the government of attempting to cover up the shooting at the tollgate.
He said, “This timeline collates video and photograph footage to confirm that army vehicles left the Bonny Camp – a military base approximately a seven-minute drive from the Lekki Toll Gate at 18:29 local time on 20 October.
“This timeline collates video and photograph footage to confirm that army vehicles left the Bonny Camp – a military base approximately a seven-minute drive from the Lekki tollgate at 18:29 local time on 20 October.
“The vehicles are tracked to the Toll Gate. At around 18:45 the Nigerian military opened fire on the protesters.”
It also stated, “What happened at Lekki tollgate has all the traits of the Nigerian authorities’ pattern of a cover-up whenever their defence and security forces commit unlawful killings.
“The initial denial of the involvement of soldiers in the shooting was followed by the shameful denial of the loss of lives as a result of the military’s attack against the protests. Many people are still missing since the day of the incident, and credible evidence shows that the military prevented ambulances from reaching the severely injured in the aftermath.”
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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
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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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