USAID to invest N115bn in Nigeria’s power sector – Newstrends
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USAID to invest N115bn in Nigeria’s power sector

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USAID to invest N115bn in Nigeria’s power sector

The United States Agency for International Development and the Federal Ministry of Power signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to secure Nigeria’s commitment to electricity sector reforms, market transparency, liquidity, and expanding access to affordable power.

The MOU was signed by USAID/Nigeria Mission Director, Melissa Jones, and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Mahmuda Mamman, to support the implementation of an N115.2bn US government grant-funded technical assistance programme intended to support power sector development and reforms in Nigeria. Both parties announced this in a statement issued in Abuja by the power ministry.

More than 85 million Nigerians have no access to grid power, and many have suffered from unreliable power supply. Given these challenges, many Nigerian families and businesses depend on expensive, emission-intensive petrol and diesel backup generators.

The Nigerian power sector’s long-standing challenges impair industrial growth and economic competitiveness, rural development, health and education sector performance, as well as the nation’s overall economic growth and development.

Jones reiterated the US government’s commitment to advancing electrification in Nigeria.

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She said, “Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and to provide a framework for our partnerships with other key actors, including state and Local Governments, electricity generation and distribution sectors and the off-grid sector. It is laudable and timely.”

The US government’s Power Africa Coordinator, Richard Nelson, observed the signing ceremony, during his first official visit to Nigeria.

“Nigeria is at the core of Power Africa’s strategy. I look forward to elevating our partnership to advance Nigeria’s progress towards our shared goal of ensuring access to reliable, sustainable affordable power for all,” he stated.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, expressed gratitude for USAID’s continued support, emphasising the collaboration’s transformative potential.

“This partnership with USAID is a significant milestone in the journey towards achieving a sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all Nigerians. Together, we will tackle the longstanding challenges in the power sector, ensuring transparency, enhancing market liquidity, and accelerating our transition to clean energy solutions,” he stated.

The statement stated that USAID works to mitigate these challenges through the Power Africa Initiative, a US government-led partnership that harnesses the collective resources of public and private sectors to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa.

It said through the Power Africa Initiative, over 33 million Nigerians have been connected, about $4.5bn have been mobilised for on-grid and off-grid power projects in Nigeria, and over 200 private companies in the off-grid sector have received assistance.

“This initiative will strengthen policy frameworks, enhance regulatory capacities, and encourage private sector participation, ultimately driving the nation towards its clean energy and net zero carbon emissions targets.

“The ministry is committed to ensuring these interventions deliver tangible benefits to all Nigerians, promoting economic growth and sustainable development,” it stated.

USAID to invest N115bn in Nigeria’s power sector

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Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido

President Bola Tinubu has been accused of not being forthright about the true state of Nigeria under his administration.

Former Jigawa State Governor and senior Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member, Sule Lamido, made the accusation while speaking on the BBC Hausa programme Gane Mini Hanya.

Lamido criticized both Tinubu and former President Muhammadu Buhari for what he described as a lack of transparency in governance.

“Buhari’s and Tinubu’s governments are not being transparent with Nigerians unlike during the time when PDP was in power where everything was transparent and open to all Nigerians,” Lamido said.

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He accused the two administrations of relying on propaganda rather than providing citizens with accurate information.

Lamido also expressed concerns over President Tinubu’s recent loan requests, questioning the logic behind them. “If Nigerians are being told the truth then there is nothing wrong with that, but how would you budget N30tn, generate N50tn and then request loan when you have a surplus of N20tn,” he said, referencing last year’s budget.

He described the situation as “reckless” and “selfish,” adding, “This recklessness and clear-cut selfishness is not done anywhere in the world, but yet you find (some) Nigerians supporting it. Visit social media and see how APC is being criticised, being referred to as calamity, yet you find some protecting it.”

Tinubu not telling Nigerians the truth, says Sule Lamido

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Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]

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Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced the commencement of its recruitment exercise, assuring Nigerians that the process is entirely free and fair.

The agency has cautioned the public to be vigilant against scammers who may attempt to exploit unsuspecting applicants during the recruitment period.

Applications are invited for positions in the Superintendent, Inspector, and Customs Assistant cadres as part of the Service’s plan to recruit 3,927 officers in 2025.

This initiative is aimed at enhancing trade facilitation and supporting Nigeria’s economic recovery efforts.

“Our recruitment is entirely free and fair. At no stage do we charge fees. Anyone requesting payment is a scammer,” the agency emphasized, urging applicants to be wary of fraudulent schemes.

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The NCS outlined eligibility criteria, stating that applicants must be Nigerian citizens by birth, possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), and have no criminal record or ongoing investigations.

Academic qualifications for the three cadres are as follows:

Superintendent Cadre: A university degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) along with an NYSC discharge or exemption certificate.

Inspectorate Cadre: A National Diploma (ND) or Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from an accredited institution.

Customs Assistant Cadre: At least an O’Level certificate (WAEC or NECO).

In addition to these qualifications, the NCS stressed that all applicants must be physically and mentally fit, providing evidence of medical fitness from a recognized government hospital.

Nigeria Customs Service begins 2025 recruitment [How to apply]

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Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size

President Bola Tinubu on Monday unequivocally responded to critics who described his cabinet as “bloated” by saying he is unprepared to reduce the size of his 48-man cabinet.

“I am not ready to shrink” the size of my cabinet, Tinubu said during a media chat at his Bourdillon residence in the highbrow Ikoyi area of Lagos State.

“I am not prepared to bring down the size of my cabinet,” the former Lagos governor said, arguing that “efficiency” has been at the core of his selection of ministers.

The president also said he has no regret removing the petrol subsidy in May 2023, saying Nigeria cannot continue to be Father Christmas to neighbouring countries.

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“I don’t have any regrets whatsoever in removing petrol subsidy. We are spending our future, we were just deceiving ourselves, that reform was necessary,” he told reporters.

Tinubu appointed 48 ministers in August 2023, three months after his inauguration. The Senate immediately screened and confirmed the ministers. One of the ministers, Betta Edu, was suspended in January while another, Simon Lalong, moved to the Senate.

There were calls for the President to reshuffle his cabinet as many Nigerians have not been impressed by the performance of some of the ministers, especially in the face of unprecedented inflation, excruciating economic situation and rising insecurity.

In October 2024, Tinubu re-assigned 10 ministers to new ministerial portfolios and appointed seven new ministers for Senate confirmation. He also sacked five of his ministers but critics insist that the President’s cabinet remains large, especially with the creation of a Livestock Ministry with a minister.

 

Tinubu to critics: I won’t reduce my cabinet size

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