NLC Pushes for Unified Energy Ministry, Rejects ₦6 Trillion GENCO Bailout - Newstrends
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NLC Pushes for Unified Energy Ministry, Rejects ₦6 Trillion GENCO Bailout

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President of the NLC, Comrade Joseph Ajaero
President of the NLC, Comrade Joseph Ajaero

NLC Pushes for Unified Energy Ministry, Rejects ₦6 Trillion GENCO Bailout

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has renewed its call for far-reaching reforms in Nigeria’s energy sector, urging the Federal Government to merge the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources into a single Ministry of Energy as part of efforts to address the country’s persistent electricity crisis.

In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour union described the current structure of Nigeria’s energy governance as fragmented and inefficient, arguing that it has contributed to decades of underperformance in power generation, electricity distribution, and energy management.

The NLC also rejected the proposed ₦6 trillion bailout for power generation companies (GENCOs), describing it as a short-term fix that fails to address the deeper structural problems plaguing the sector. According to the union, repeated financial interventions without systemic reform risk perpetuating inefficiencies and rewarding poor performance.

The union maintained that Nigeria’s energy challenges are interconnected, particularly in the area of gas supply, which is critical to thermal power plants that generate a significant portion of the country’s electricity. It argued that separating power and petroleum oversight into different ministries creates coordination gaps that hinder effective planning and implementation.

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By advocating for a unified Ministry of Energy, the NLC said government would be better positioned to coordinate policies across the entire energy value chain—from upstream petroleum production to electricity generation and distribution—under a single institutional framework.

The labour body further argued that a consolidated ministry would improve accountability by ensuring that one authority is responsible for outcomes in the sector, rather than the current situation where responsibilities are divided and often result in blame-shifting between agencies.

The NLC also emphasized the importance of prioritizing domestic energy needs, stating that Nigeria’s abundant gas resources should be directed primarily toward powering industries and households rather than being exported or underutilized. It added that better utilization of these resources would support industrial growth, job creation, and broader economic development.

On electricity pricing, the union criticized the current tariff structure, particularly the cost-reflective tariff model, arguing that it places an unfair burden on consumers. It called for a more balanced approach that ensures Nigerians pay fair rates for actual service delivery rather than inefficiencies within the system.

The NLC also expressed concern over what it described as the failure of Nigeria’s electricity privatization model introduced in 2013. It argued that the privatization of the power sector has not delivered the expected improvements in reliability and access, citing persistent outages, infrastructure deficits, and high costs.

In addition, the union called for the suspension of the proposed GENCO bailout and urged the Federal Government to instead convene a national stakeholders’ summit. The proposed summit, according to the NLC, should focus on developing a comprehensive energy reform roadmap that prioritizes public interest, transparency, and sustainable investment in power infrastructure.

Nigeria’s power sector continues to face major challenges, including inadequate generation capacity, weak transmission networks, frequent grid collapses, and inconsistent gas supply. These issues have contributed to unreliable electricity access for millions of households and businesses across the country.

The NLC maintained that a unified approach to energy governance would help streamline decision-making, improve efficiency, and strengthen long-term planning. It insisted that energy should be treated as a critical public resource essential to national development rather than a purely commercial commodity.

The union concluded by urging the Federal Government to act decisively in restructuring the sector, warning that without bold reforms, Nigeria’s energy crisis will continue to hinder economic progress and worsen living conditions for citizens.

NLC Pushes for Unified Energy Ministry, Rejects ₦6 Trillion GENCO Bailout

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VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy

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Eniola Sisi Alagbo and her husband Akeem Adesola
Eniola Sisi Alagbo and her husband Akeem Adesola

VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy

Popular herbal vendor and social media personality Eniola Sisialagbo has reportedly secured a new endorsement deal just days after she trended online over a viral private bedroom video controversy that sparked widespread reactions across social media. The development follows days of intense online discussions after a clip surfaced showing a private moment involving Sisialagbo, her husband Eniola Fagbemi (Akeem Adesola), and another woman. In the footage, Sisialagbo was seen recording the encounter, which quickly spread across social platforms and generated significant public attention.

The viral video triggered heavy backlash online, with many users questioning her personal conduct and public image as a herbal wellness brand promoter. Following the circulation of the clip, Sisialagbo issued an emotional public apology to her mother, family members, fellow herb sellers, and Nigerians at large, expressing regret over the incident and asking for forgiveness. She also reportedly said the situation affected her emotionally, as she struggled with the pressure and attention that followed the controversy.

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Her husband also reacted publicly to the incident, taking responsibility for the situation and describing it as regrettable and embarrassing. His response added further attention to the already trending topic, which continued to dominate conversations across social media platforms for several days.

In a new development on May 6, 2026, a video circulating online reportedly showed Sisialagbo securing a new endorsement deal with a company identified as NWC Education, a firm said to specialise in visa processing and study-abroad support services. The clip has since attracted renewed online attention, with users debating the timing of the endorsement in relation to the recent controversy.

Although the endorsement has not been independently verified by all parties involved, reports suggest the deal is centred on promoting education and international study opportunities for prospective applicants. The development has continued to generate mixed reactions online, with some users describing it as a sign of resilience, while others argue it raises questions about public perception and brand association.

Despite the controversy, Sisialagbo has remained active on social media, continuing to engage with followers and share content as discussions around her personal life and professional brand continue to trend.

VIDEO: Sisi Alagbo Secures Endorsement Deal After Viral Threesome Video Controversy

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Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash

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WAEC Releases 2026 WASSCE Timetable for School Candidates 

Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash

The Osun State Government, in partnership with consulting firm Electronic Collections Group (ECG), has rewarded 31 outstanding students from the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) examination with scholarships and cash prizes at the maiden Imole SSCE Scholarship Award Ceremony. The event, held on Wednesday at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Hall, Osun State University, Osogbo, was organised by ECG in collaboration with the Osun State Ministry of Education. It also featured recognition for teachers and schools whose students performed exceptionally well, with educational materials and cash gifts distributed as part of the award package.

Each of the best students from Osun’s 30 local government areas received ₦100,000, while the overall best student was awarded ₦1 million. Teachers who taught the students across the nine WAEC subjects were also recognised, with each receiving ₦50,000, while their respective schools benefited from educational support packages aimed at improving learning facilities and academic performance. Officials said the initiative was designed to promote academic excellence, reward hard work, and strengthen competition among students in public secondary schools across the state.

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Governor Ademola Adeleke, who addressed students, teachers, school administrators, and local government chairmen at the ceremony, said the programme was aimed at raising a generation that would be guided by knowledge and purpose. “To our awardees, you are that light. But your light must shine beyond this stage, into your future,” the governor said. He commended teachers, education officials, and administrators for their role in shaping students’ character and academic success, noting that his administration remains committed to recognising excellence from the grassroots to higher levels.

Adeleke also stated that Osun’s education performance had improved since he assumed office, claiming that the state moved from lower rankings to 7th position nationally in education performance within his first year. He said, “The education policy of the governor is working despite the challenges,” adding that his administration will continue to prioritise education development across all levels.

The governor also used the occasion to caution residents against vote buying ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State. He alleged that some political actors were attempting to influence voters with money and urged citizens to reject inducements. “Osun is at an unusual time ahead of the August 15 election. Those who hijacked and diverted over ₦300 billion Osun local government funds are desperate,” he said. He added, “I charge Osun people to reject Greek gifts, to shun proceeds of crime and use their votes to sustain continuity.”

Coordinator of ECG, Akinmade Akintoye, said the scholarship initiative would become an annual programme aimed at encouraging academic excellence among students and teachers across Osun State. He urged schools to remain committed to nurturing future leaders despite societal distractions. “We implore schools not to relent. This is just their stepping stone; the sky is going to be their limit,” he said. Organisers also confirmed that the list of award recipients was obtained directly from the WAEC headquarters, ensuring transparency and credibility in the selection process.

Osun Rewards 31 Top WAEC Students With Scholarships, Cash

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Tinubu Approves ₦250bn for Student Hostel Construction Nationwide – Alausa

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Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa

Tinubu Approves ₦250bn for Student Hostel Construction Nationwide – Alausa

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, says President Bola Tinubu has approved ₦250 billion for the construction of student hostels across tertiary institutions in Nigeria as part of efforts to address the country’s long-standing student accommodation crisis. Alausa made the disclosure on Wednesday in Abuja during the inauguration of governing boards, principal officers, and chief executives of agencies under the Federal Ministry of Education. He explained that the intervention represents the first major, dedicated federal investment targeted specifically at improving hostel facilities in universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

The minister stated that the funding will be deployed to at least 50 tertiary institutions, with each institution expected to receive about ₦2 billion for the construction of hostels Feacapable of accommodating at least 500 students. He added that an additional ₦90 billion will be channelled through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements to support hostel development in 24 federal institutions, with each facility expected to provide between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces. According to him, “We have several of those schools whose constructions have already started cumulatively, ₦250 billion in 2026 to provide student accommodation alone.”

Alausa further disclosed that the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) will provide ₦1 billion counterpart funding per institution, while private investors are expected to contribute about ₦4 billion each under the PPP framework. He said the initiative is designed to expand access to safe and affordable student housing in Nigerian tertiary institutions, reduce overcrowding in hostels, and improve overall welfare and learning conditions.

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The minister noted that the project directly targets long-standing accommodation deficits in institutions such as Lagos State University (LASU) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) among others. He stressed that the administration is now prioritising implementation-driven reforms that focus on measurable outcomes rather than policy announcements alone. Alausa also commended President Tinubu for what he described as a “missionary approach” to governance, saying the Renewed Hope Agenda has strengthened investment in education and human capital development. He added that the education sector has received the highest budgetary allocation in Nigeria for two consecutive years, reflecting government focus on education reform in Nigeria.

Beyond the hostel project, Alausa announced additional investments including ₦130 billion for engineering and technology workshops and ₦120 billion for upgrading medical schools nationwide. He charged newly inaugurated board members of education agencies to ensure accountability, transparency, and improved institutional performance across the sector.

The event also featured the inauguration of several governing council members and agency heads across key education institutions. Among those inaugurated were Prof. Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the NBTE Governing Board, Prof. Modupe Adelabu as Chairman of the NECO Governing Board, and David Shofoyeke as Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA). Others include Prof. Garba Shuaib, Prof. Kabiru Dungurawa, Dr Bongfa Bonfa, Prof. Tijani Kalli, and Mr Abba Goni, among others appointed to various councils and administrative positions across federal tertiary institutions.

Chairman of the NBTE Governing Board, Prof. Babatunde Salako, pledged commitment to transparency, institutional strengthening, and aligning Nigeria’s education system with national economic needs. The Federal Ministry of Education says the new interventions are part of a broader strategy to improve infrastructure, reduce student hardship, and reposition Nigeria’s tertiary education system for long-term competitiveness.

Tinubu Approves ₦250bn for Student Hostel Construction Nationwide – Alausa

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