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World Bank Plans Additional $750m Grant To Support Nigeria Electrification Project
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2 years agoon
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The World Bank has disclosed that it was considering supporting the Nigeria Electrification Project, NEP, with another $750 million grant.
The initial $350 million NEP grant ends in August, 2023. The NEP seeks to bridge the energy access deficit by providing electricity to households, MSMEs, educational and healthcare facilities in unserved and underserved rural communities through the deployment of mini-grids, Solar Home Systems, captive power plants, and productive use appliances. The mini-grid component of the project has a $48 million allocation.
World Bank Director of Strategy and Operations, Western/Central African Region, Ms Elizabeth Huybens who disclosed this when she inspected two 60 kilowatt solar-powered mini-grids in Kilankwa I and Kilankwa II communities in Kwali LGA, Federal Capital Territory, said she was impressed by the system put in place by the project.
READ ALSO: DisCos Formally Issue Notice Of Electricity Tariff Hike
The mini-grids which were built under the performance-based grant of NEP were founded by the World Bank.
Ms Huybens explained that access to electricity was a priority goal for the World Bank as it was one of the fastest routes to get people out of poverty.
According to her, “These mini-grids really will help Nigeria provide access to electricity to many more people faster than it could have done with just extending the national grid. I’m very impressed that the system of mini-grids in small communities works and that there is also the foresight how one can optimize the use of the electricity generated to expand productive activities in the community like this rice mill we have just seen.
“We believe that access to electricity for all is one of the most important goals to pursue for any country because without electricity, it’s very hard to think about how communities can really live, if you don’t have electricity, kids cannot study at night. Nobody can have a refrigerator.
READ ALSO: Electricity Tariff Hike: NLC, TUC, CSOs Blow Hot
“We cannot move towards electric vehicles if we don’t have electricity. In fact, you cannot even charge your cell phone without electricity, right. So it’s hard for me to think about modern life without electricity. It’s hard for me to think about reducing poverty without access to electricity. And since the World Bank’s overarching goal is to help countries eradicate poverty, we need to help countries provide access to electricity to their populations.”
On plans to expand the project, she said: “The first Nigeria electrification project that we see at work here, which I believe was $350 million, is coming to a close and so we are preparing a successor project that will be $750 million.
“So we are definitely expanding our support to something that we think is really critical and on which, by the way, Nigeria is leading the world with this sort of small grid development”, she added.
She expressed the hope that the setting up of mini-grids across the country through the NEP would reduce the reliance of petrol-powered generators used by households and businesses, especially in the face of the recent removal of subsidies on petrol.
Giving a technical detail of the project, Managing Director of the Rural Electrification Agency, REA, Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad explained that about 300 homes and businesses are connected to the 60KW mini-grid.
READ ALSO: SERAP Sues Buhari Over Failure To ‘Reverse Unlawful Electricity Tariff Hike’
“This is a performance grant-based project of the World Bank. The project is serving about 300 connections, it has been operational for some time now. So we are privileged to have come here with the director from the World Bank to see how it is performing.
“We are working on productive use and ensuring that we have energy-efficient equipment connected to the minigrid”, he stated.
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Tinubu Appoints Prof. Akinfeleye, Others To Varsities’ Governing Councils
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2 hours agoon
August 12, 2025By
Editor
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Chisom Obih to the Governing Council of Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State.
Obih’s appointment follows the death of a member of the council.
Tinubu also appointed Prof. Ralph Akinfeleye, a renowned communications specialist, to the Governing Council of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State.
This was disclosed in a press statement on Tuesday signed by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New MD For Bank Of Agriculture
The statement noted that Akinfeleye is the former Head of the Department of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos and the Chairman of the Centre of Excellence in Multimedia and Cinematography/Unilag Radio 103.1 FM and Television.
“Formerly a member of the Governing Council of Yakubu Gowon University of Abuja, Akinfeleye replaces Mr. Wahab Owokoniran, who was appointed Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Federal University of Transport, Daura, Katsina State,” it said.
The statement also said that the President named Prof. Ibrahim Adamu Yakasai as the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences and Technology, Tsafe, Zamfara State.
READ ALSO:Tinubu Appoints New NABTEB Registrar, UBEC Chairman, Others
The President appointed Mr. Hamisu Yusuf Yelwa as the university’s registrar, Usman Nakazalle Sanusi as the Bursar, and Dr. Shehu Aminu Liman as the Librarian.
“A retired Colonel from the Nigerian Army, Prof. Yakasai, is the Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Bayero University in Kano. He is also the chairman of the Committee of Provosts of Colleges of Medicine in Nigeria and a governing council member at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, Benue State.
“He obtained an MBBS at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. He later won a scholarship from the European Economic Commission to do his postgraduate studies in the United Kingdom, where he obtained a membership to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and a fellowship at the same prestigious college.
READ ALSO:2027: Tinubu Has Done Much For N’Delta, Deserves Our Support — Otuaro
“Prof. Yakasai obtained a Master’s in Medical Education at the University of Winchester and subsequently went to the USA to pursue the Fellowship of the International College of Surgeons, FICS (USA), and the Fellowship of the American College of Surgeons.
“He also served as the Director-General of the Hospitals Management Board, Kano State,” it added.
News
Peter Obi Questions Due Process In Ibom Air Passenger’s Lifetime Ban
Published
2 hours agoon
August 12, 2025By
Editor
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the lifetime flight ban imposed by the Airline Operators of Nigeria and Ibom Air on passenger Comfort Emmanson for alleged misconduct, as stated in his X post on Tuesday.
Obi criticised Nigeria’s justice system, likening it to a “spider’s web” that ensnares the weak while allowing the powerful to escape, and questioned the fairness and due process behind Emmanson’s sanction.
The incident, captured in videos shared on X on August 10, 2025, showed Emmanson, a woman in her twenties, angrily confronting an Ibom Air flight attendant and airport security officials.
In response, Ibom Air restricted her travel, and the AON placed her on a lifetime no-fly list, describing her actions as one of the “most severe cases of unruly behaviour” in 2025, leading to her remand in Kirikiri Correctional Centre until October 6.
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On Monday, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority director of public affairs and consumer protection, Mike Achimugu, said that while the airline had the right to pursue prosecution, the parties could still settle out of court if they agreed to, allowing for possible withdrawal of the case.
The former Anambra governor questioned the process that led to Emmanson’s sanction, asking whether all avenues for justice and compassionate resolution had been exhausted.
Obi said it was a “tragic irony” that a young woman could be barred for life while “those in positions of authority perpetrate far greater offences that harm the nation deeply, yet move freely in comfort, shielded from consequences”.
“This morning, I woke up to learn that the passenger, the young Ms Comfort Emmanson in her twenties, has been banned from flying for life — once again showing how our system works, proving the truth of Anacharsis’s words that ‘the law is like a spider’s web: it catches the weak, while the powerful break through with ease’,” Obi wrote.
READ ALSO:Presidency In Nigeria Should Be Five-year Single Tenure — Peter Obi
“There is something systemically wrong and unjust about this authoritarian decision.
“What due process was followed overnight, leading to this sanction? Have we exhausted the avenues of justice and compassionate resolution in this matter?
“It is a tragic irony that a young lady in her twenties can be banned for life, while we — her parents — commit worse crimes against humanity and are celebrated.
“Those in positions of authority perpetrate far greater offences that harm the nation deeply, yet move freely in comfort, shielded from consequences.
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“In Ms Emmanson’s case, the authorities acted with lightning speed, but the same urgency is absent when dealing with the influential and politically connected.
“If this young woman, who indeed acted wrongly, now seeks to apologise, who will hear her cry in a country where the pain of the poor is invisible and the dignity of the less privileged is often disregarded? Justice must be consistent, or it becomes oppression in disguise.”
Restating the need for compassion and rehabilitation, Obi said, “power must never determine who is punished”.
READ ALSO:How APC Can Be Defeated In 2027 – Peter Obi
The incident happened days after a row at the domestic terminal of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, involving Wasiu Ayinde, a popular Fuji musician.
The musician was placed on a no-fly list, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
The NCAA also petitioned the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Inspector-General of police to investigate the incident.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode, has approved the upgrade of the Legal Section of the Nigeria Police Force to the Directorate of Legal Services.
Egbetokun said the move was aimed at creating a clear institutional identity for the Force’s legal operations, strengthening cohesion, and securing recognition across both domestic and international jurisdictions.
In a statement on Tuesday, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the new directorate would be the apex legal arm of the force, responsible for the coordination and delivery of legal services..
According to the statement, Adejobi said the responsibilities will include legal training, comprehensive policy review, and structured engagement with prosecutorial bodies, the judiciary, and other relevant stakeholders in the justice sector.
READ ALSO:NIMC Announces Upgrade Of NIN Enrolment Portal For Nigerians In Diaspora
He said, “In line with the ongoing strategic reforms aimed at strengthening institutional capacity and enhancing operational efficiency across all departments of the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police has approved the elevation of the Legal Section of the Force to the Directorate of Legal Services.
“The Directorate will serve as the apex legal arm of the Nigeria Police Force, responsible for the coordination and delivery of legal services, including legal training, comprehensive policy review, and structured engagement with prosecutorial bodies, the judiciary, and other relevant stakeholders in the justice sector.
“The move is designed to create a clear institutional identity for the Force’s legal operations, strengthen cohesion, and secure recognition across both domestic and international jurisdictions.”
READ ALSO:IGP Decorates Six New DIGs, One AIG
The IG also announced the appointment of Assistant Inspector-General Ohiozoba O. Ehiede as the pioneer Director of the Directorate of Legal Services.
“AIG Ehiede brings with him a wealth of experience, proven leadership, and a distinguished record of service, which are expected to drive the Directorate’s mandate with excellence,” Adejobi quoted the IGP as saying.
“This upgrade reflects the Nigeria Police Force’s renewed commitment to aligning its operations with global law enforcement standards and ensuring that legal processes within the Force meet the highest levels of professionalism, transparency, and efficiency. By consolidating its legal structures under a directorate framework, the Force aims to improve its prosecutorial prowess to meet the international best policing standards, ” the statement added.
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