24-hour power supply: FG seeks private sector support for $10bn funding gap

The Federal Government of Nigeria has stated that it needs a $10 billion investment through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) over the next five to ten years to achieve a 24-hour power supply nationwide.

Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu disclosed this during a courtesy visit from Dr. Jobson Ewalefoh, Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).

Adelabu emphasized that the government alone cannot afford the $10 billion investment due to other pressing funding needs.

He highlighted the importance of engaging the private sector while maintaining government interests, stating, “The government cannot do it alone… we need to do this in collaboration with the private sector, and the best way is through concession.”

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Dr. Ewalefoh echoed this sentiment, noting that a PPP approach is crucial to enhancing Nigeria’s power sector, which is essential for the nation’s economic development.

He explained that addressing the sector’s challenges requires funding beyond what the government can provide alone. The ICRC aims to support private sector investment through its regulatory processes to meet the $10 billion target, ultimately improving regular electricity access.

Ewalefoh praised the minister’s expertise in the sector and President Bola Tinubu’s choice to appoint him.

He also mentioned the ICRC’s 6-point policy directive designed to streamline PPP processes, adding that the commission is committed to maintaining strict regulatory standards to ensure capable investment partners without delays.

24-hour power supply: FG seeks private sector support for $10bn funding gap

Lagos govt revokes allocations of unoccupied housing units

By Dada Jackson

Lagos State Government has revoked housing units allocated to subscribers but unoccupied for over two years.

The unoccupied units are said to be constituting nuisance in some of the housing estates due to unkept premises, poor maintenance schedule and other negative consequences.

This was disclosed by the state Commissioner for Housing, Hon. Moruf Akinderu-Fatai, during a visit to enforce the directive of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at one of the Lagos State housing estates Sangotedo, Lekki.

He said the revocation was a directive of the state governor based on empirical evidences that most allottees kept the housing units under lock and key while the state continued to feel the pressure of prospective subscribers who need them.

The commissioner inspected some of the sealed blocks and flats and stated that the exercise was done irrespective of whether the allottee made full payment or applied under the Rent-To-Own scheme.

Hon Akinderu-Fatai Saïd, “Lagos State Government Housing Units are meant for those who actually need them and not speculators.”

He stressed that the various initiatives of the Sanwo-Olu-led administration to increase the housing stock of the state would not be sacrificed for the interest of the privileged few.

The Commissioner said, “Applying for a Rent-To-Own scheme presupposes the allottee is in desperate need of accommodation. Why should such allotted flats be left unoccupied after two years?”

He reiterated that the state government would not allow its investment and state-of-the-art housing infrastructure to rot away while genuine home seekers lament.

The commissioner reaffirmed that the ministry “will refund such allottees and reallocate the housing units to other Lagosians who are ready to put the houses to use immediately”.

The commissioner stated that the rule in the letter of allocation given to allottees indicates “allocated housing estate flats should be occupied three months after allocation and keys released to beneficiaries”.

The estates have shared facilities that should be maintained with the contribution of all allottees.

In the last five years the administration of Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has commissioned 21 housing estates through direct intervention and public private partnerships.

The housing estates spread across the state are provided with infrastructure facilities for decent living.

Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack

Early Wednesday morning, gunmen attacked an army checkpoint in Ekenobizi, a border community between Abia and Imo states, located in Umuopara, Umuahia South Local Government Area.

The assailants reportedly arrived around 6:18 a.m. in a white Lexus SUV (model 350/400) and launched an assault that resulted in the deaths of two soldiers.

A military source, who wished to remain anonymous, provided details of the incident but could not confirm the exact number of attackers involved.

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Confirming the incident in a press release on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA said: “In the early hours of today, 13 November 2024, troops of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, deployed at a checkpoint along the Umuahia – Owerri Road in Umuahia South Local Government Area of Abia State, came under attack by the irredentist group Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.

“During the attack, the gallant troops were able to repel the assault, forcing the attackers to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds, abandoning one Sienna and one Lexus Jeep used in the attack. However, in the ensuing firefight, two soldiers paid the supreme price.”

The Joint Task Force appealed to residents of the South East, particularly those in Abia State, for credible information to help track down the fleeing attackers and combat criminal elements in the region.

The force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property in line with global best practices and the rules of engagement.

Gunmen kill two soldiers in Abia checkpoint attack