metro
States reject Electricity Amendment Bill over N5tn subsidy debt
States reject Electricity Amendment Bill over N5tn subsidy debt
The Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria (FOCPEN) has cautioned that the proposed Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, under consideration by the Senate, will saddle electricity consumers with over N5tn in unpaid subsidies.
This, they said, would threaten affordability and deepen inequity in electricity access across the country.
FOCPEN, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman and Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy in Cross River State, Prince Eka Williams, and its Secretary and Commissioner for Power, Renewable Energy and Transport in Benue State, Barrister Omale Omale, said the bill, if passed, would worsen the financial strain on both consumers and the government.
“By this provision, the amendment bill would also transfer over N5tn in unpaid subsidies to electricity consumers, worsening affordability and equity in electricity access,” the statement read.
The Forum argued that the bill mandates the establishment of new federal agencies and funds such as the Power Consumer Assistance Fund (PCAF), whose administrative and operational costs would be passed directly to consumers via tariff surcharges.
They warned that this provision effectively entrenches a subsidy regime, even in states that have implemented cost-reflective tariffs tied to improved service delivery.
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“The imposition of additional financial burden on electricity customers already struggling with high electricity tariffs for Band A service is unacceptable. Especially when States are actively pursuing reforms to create sustainable electricity markets,” the forum stated.
Highlighting fiscal concerns, FOCPEN stressed that the reintroduction of a centralised subsidy structure contradicts current government efforts to phase out wasteful subsidies.
According to the forum, electricity subsidies cost the federal government N1.94tn in 2024 alone, and total accumulated subsidies have surpassed N5tn funds which remain unpaid and continue to undermine the viability of the power sector.
“At a time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is striving to end unsustainable and wasteful energy subsidies, the electricity amendment bill 2025 surprisingly seeks to entrench a subsidy regime,” the commissioners said.
FOCPEN further argued that the proposed bill comes at a time when the 2023 Electricity Act is still in its early stages of implementation.
Many states, the group noted, have only just begun to operationalize their electricity laws and establish state-level electricity markets in line with the decentralised framework introduced by the 2023 Act.
The Forum has, therefore, called on the National Assembly to halt further deliberations on the bill.
It warned that its passage could derail the ongoing reform agenda and place additional financial burdens on both the federal and state governments, as well as already overburdened electricity consumers.
States reject Electricity Amendment Bill over N5tn subsidy debt
metro
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
The Delta State Police Command has made a significant breakthrough in the investigation into the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu in Anambra State, arresting key suspects linked to the case.
Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe disclosed on Sunday that operatives of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), acting on credible intelligence, apprehended 25-year-old security guard Godwin Mngumi on 6 December 2025. Mngumi allegedly murdered the retired judge, and authorities also recovered the deceased’s mobile phone from him.
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According to Edafe, Mngumi confessed to inviting a friend, Nnaji Obalum, and another accomplice — who remains at large — to the residence where the crime was committed. Obalum has since been arrested, while a manhunt continues for the third suspect.
The arrests mark a major step forward in the effort to bring all perpetrators of the high-profile murder to justice.
Delta State Police Arrest Suspects in Killing of Retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu
metro
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
The Delta State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police CP Olufemi Abaniwonda, has made significant strides in its ongoing campaign against cultism and violent crimes. Recent operations, including an intelligence-led arms recovery in Abraka and the arraignment of 18 suspects, highlight the command’s intensified enforcement efforts across the state.
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Spokesperson SP Bright Edafe said on Saturday that the CP-Special Assignment Team (CP-SAT), under ASP Julius Robinson, executed a successful operation on December 6, 2025, targeting cult-related activities and the proliferation of illegal firearms. Acting on credible intelligence, officers conducted a coordinated search at No. 2 Umeghe Community, Abraka, the residence of Isiakpere Friday, 67.
The move underscores the Delta State Police’s commitment to restoring safety and security in communities affected by criminal and cult-related activities.
Delta State Police Recover Arms, Arraign 18 Suspects in Crackdown on Cultism, Violent Crimes
metro
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
The Nigerian Army has temporarily frozen both statutory and voluntary retirements for certain officers, including Generals, following the nationwide security emergency declared by President Bola Tinubu. The decision aims to bolster manpower as the country faces a surge in kidnappings and worsening insecurity.
The move comes after more than 600 abduction cases were reported in November 2025, including the kidnapping of over 300 students in Niger State, 38 worshippers in Kwara State, and 25 students in Kebbi State.
An internal circular dated December 3 and signed by Maj. Gen. E. I. Okoro on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff cited provisions in the Harmonised Terms and Conditions of Service Officers (HTACOS) 2024, allowing service extensions “in the interest of the service.” The memo explains that officers usually retire upon reaching age limits, completing 35 years of service, or failing promotion/conversion boards, but these rules can be overridden during national emergencies.
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The suspension affects officers who have:
- Failed promotion examinations three times
- Been passed over repeatedly at promotion boards
- Reached rank age limits
- Failed conversion boards thrice
- Completed 35 years of service
Officers granted extensions will remain in service but will not be eligible for further promotions, courses, secondments, or extra-regimental appointments. Those unwilling to continue can still proceed with standard exit procedures.
Commanders have been instructed to communicate the directive and manage morale across units, with the policy to be reviewed once national security conditions improve.
Nigerian Army Suspends Retirements for Officers Amid Nationwide Security Emergency
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