The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has approved a fresh $500 million loan to boost electricity access in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the AfDB said the loan would finance the first phase of the Economic Governance and Energy Transition Support Program (EGET-SP), a new programme aimed at accelerating transformation of the country’s electricity infrastructure and improving access to cleaner sources of energy in the country.
It will also help close the financing gap in the budget for 2024/25 fiscal year, specifically supporting the implementation of Nigeria’s new Electricity Act and the Nigeria Energy Transition Plan.
The statement read: “These initiatives are designed to decentralize the electricity supply industry and attract investments from subnational governments and the private sector.
“Nigeria launched its energy transition plan in August 2022, and in June 2023, passed the new Electricity Act. The plan envisions the development of 250 GW of installed electricity capacity by 2050, with 90% of this capacity being renewable.
“The energy transition plan envisions the development, by 2050, of 250 GW of installed electricity capacity, 90% of which will be renewable. It will provide clean cooking access to the bulk of the population by 2030, using liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), biogas, biofuels like ethanol, and electric cook stoves.
“The Economic Governance and Energy Transition Support Program will also support the implementation of these policies, helping deliver much-needed upgrades of Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure, and fast-tracking the country’s efforts to transition millions of households and businesses to cleaner and renewable sources of energy.
“The Bank Group’s $500m support to the Federal Government of Nigeria is the latest in a series of initiatives aimed at supporting the country’s economic growth, poverty reduction, and climate action efforts.”
By: Babajide Okeowo
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AfDB approves $500m loan to boost electricity access in Nigeria
Kyari/Farouk: Lawmakers warn investigative committee against partiality
Fifty members of the House of Representatives have voiced their support for Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL), and Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The lawmakers criticized the calls for their removal, labeling such demands as premature and counterproductive.
Led by Hon Billy Famous Osawaru of Edo State, the lawmakers condemned the calls for Kyari and Farouk’s dismissal while an investigation into the oil sector’s crisis is still ongoing.
They stated that this move goes against the established parliamentary culture of allowing a fair and thorough investigation before making any decisions.
Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon Philip Agbese, had previously urged President Bola Tinubu to dismiss Kyari, accusing him of stifling economic growth due to the ongoing crisis in the oil sector.
Agbese also called for the removal of Farouk Ahmed and other officials appointed by the previous administration.
Osawaru, in response, stated during a press briefing that it is inappropriate to demand the removal of government officials before an investigation concludes.
He stated the importance of granting all parties involved the right to a fair hearing and urged the investigative committee to remain impartial.
“Nigerians will recall that the hike in fuel prices and associated challenges are fundamental concerns.
“The House of Representatives, through its resolutions, mandated the joint committee on Midstream and Downstream Petroleum to investigate issues in the oil and gas sector.
“We are aware that the investigation is ongoing and that no final decision has been reached.
“However, our attention has been drawn to some media reports calling for the removal of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL and the Chief Executive Officer of NMDPRA while the above investigation is subsisting,” Osawaru stated.
Osawaru further urged Nigerians to be patient and law-abiding as they await the outcome of the investigation, assuring that a better Nigeria is the ultimate goal.
The lawmakers also addressed the ongoing nationwide protests, expressing concern for the well-being of Nigerians.
They commended the National Assembly, particularly the House of Representatives under the leadership of Right Honorable Tajudeen Abbas, for convening a youth dialogue aimed at easing tensions.
The lawmakers praised the protesters for their conduct and appealed for calm, urging all Nigerians to end the protests.
“Today, August 1, 2024, no fewer than 50 members of the House of Representatives who are deeply concerned about the ongoing protests have converged to further appraise the situation as it affects the well-being of Nigerians.
“We appeal for calm while imploring all Nigerians to bring the protests to an end,” Osawaru pleaded.
Kyari/Farouk: Lawmakers warn investigative committee against partiality
Police urge Plateau protesters to maintain existing peace
The Commissioner of Police in Plateau State, Olugbemiga Adesina, has urged protesters in the state to maintain the existing peace.
In a statement on Thursday issued on his behalf by the Spokesman for the police Command, Alabo Alfred, the Commissioner made the call after the first phase of EndBadGovernance protests ended on a peaceful note in Jos, the state capital.
Alabo appealed to protesters to support and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies as they provide adequate security to lives and property.
The statement reads, “As the nationwide End Bad Governance protest is ongoing, the Commissioner of Police Plateau Command, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, PSC, reiterates the need for the protest to be peaceful in Plateau State.
“The CP who appeals to protesters to support and cooperate with the Police and other security agencies as they provide adequate security to lives and property also reminded them of their duty as good citizens to identify and report any unscrupulous elements amongst genuine protesters.
“The Plateau Police Chief implores the protesters to maintain their peaceful protest posture and ensure that no lives are lost and property destroyed as a result of their demonstration, as the Police will take appropriate lawful measures to deal decisively with anyone found exhibiting violence or threatening peace in the State.
“The CP encourages residents of the State to report any suspicious activities
“Members of the general public are also advised to report any misconduct of our officers within the State”
Our Correspondent reported that hundreds of residents in Jos, including several groups and associations, on Thursday, joined the ongoing protest in the country
Although there was no reported case of of any untoward incident during the first day of the protest, the protesters had vowed to continue with the protest until the demands of the masses for better living conditions were achieved.
EndBadGovernance: Abians heed Otti’s appeals, shun protest
The national protest against hunger and hardship, which took place in several states across the nation today, did not see participation in Abia State, as most residents stayed at home while a few went about their normal businesses.
Though there were initial fears that the protest might occur in Umuahia and Aba or be hijacked, both cities remained calm as residents refrained from gathering to stage the protest.
In Aba, most residents stayed indoors or locked their shops, refusing to take to the streets in protest. Scant movement of people and vehicles was also observed.
In Umuahia, the state capital, there was calm around the city. Residents who came out were not harassed or molested, even though many shops remained closed.
Isi Gate, the busiest part of the city, was not at its peak, with only a few transporters and traders working while others stayed home.
Banks in Umuahia did not offer services to the few customers who arrived, as security personnel advised them to use other available banking channels.
Government offices continued normal business, although many offices were not filled to capacity by mid-morning, as staff from distant areas struggled to reach work on time.
A commercial bus driver at Isi Gate, Shedrack Nkemjika, who spoke to TVN, expressed relief that Abia residents did not engage in open protest.
According to Nkemjika: “Enemies of Abia and Ndigbo would have capitalized on any open protest to cause problems. We are in hardship. We are hungry, but I think we did the best thing by not joining.”
TVN recalls that Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, addressed the people on Tuesday during a live radio broadcast, appealing to them, especially the youths, to avoid destroying lives and property in the name of protests.
Otti urged traditional rulers, community leaders and parents to persuade their children to maintain peace and order in their quest for a better Nigeria.
EndBadGovernance: Abians heed Otti’s appeals, shun protest
Hoodlums loot shops, burn NSCDC van during protest in Katsina
Some protesters taking part in the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria in Daura, Katsina State, on Thursday, made bonfire near the residence of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
This was as hoodlums in their numbers hijacked the hunger protest in some parts of the state.
Our correspondent gathered that some persons were injured and property destroyed in the process.
In Katsina, the state capital, protesters wielding placards with various inscriptions stormed the Government House to register their grievances.
However, before the arrival of the protesters at the Government House, some hoodlums reportedly hijacked the process, looting shops and vandalising property.
In the Katsina metropolitan area, the protest turned violent as police shoot teargas at the protesters looting and burning of vehicles belonging to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps.
Violence erupted when protesters gathered at the Modoji Road roundabout, near the Government House in Katsina, and attempted to force their way into the premises to meet with the Acting Governor.
However, security forces pushed back against the protesters, who were trying to interrupt an emergency meeting between the Acting Governor, civil society representatives, and members of the media.
Protesting residents made bonfires near the former President’s residence in Daura.
The protesters were chanting in Hausa, “Hunger wants to kill us,” and “We don’t want”.
Efforts to speak to the Katsina State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Abubakar Sadiq, proved abortive at the time of publication.
Similarly, According Online reports that commercial activities in and around Katsina State metropolitan areas were grounded over the protest.
According Online reports that banks, markets, filling stations, motor parks and offices were shut while major roads and streets were deserted, unlike the usual vehicular movements and pedestrians.
Earlier, a leader of the protesters, Umar Jibrin, told journalists that they embarked on the protest for the government to tackle hunger, insecurity and restore fuel subsidy.
He said many Nigerians, especially Northerners, were dying as a result of hunger and insecurity occasioned by the activities of terrorists.
“There are a lot of people who are dying because of hunger and insecurity. We embarked on this protest for the government to address these challenges.
“We are calling on the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to restore fuel subsidy and tackle the issue of naira devaluation,” he said.
Burna Boy surrenders ‘African Giant’ title to Falz after shunning #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests
Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has handed over his acclaimed African Giant title to his colleague, Folarin Falana, aka Falz the Bahd Guy.
Burna Boy disclosed this on X.com on Thursday as he broke silence on why he distanced himself from the ongoing #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
In his tweet, the singer stated that the fight in him died in 2020 during the ENDSARS protest, when some protesters made calls to boycott his music.
“The fight in me died on this day. Ogun go doggy, anybody wey call my name this time around,” Burna Boy wrote, reacting to an old video from October 2020, where some protesters were heard shouting, “Don’t play Burna o, we don’t want Burna.”
Burna Boy’s post sparked reactions from X users who called him out in the comment section over his silence in the ongoing protest.
Tweeting anonymously as #boymanager0, an X.com user commented, “Oga, shut up. Because they did you bad doesn’t mean you should give up. U taught us to keep fighting in your songs, but u dey here dey cap nonsense.”
“I taught you to keep fighting your oppressors, but you chose to fight me,” Burna Boy replied.
Tweeting as #Xperience_Snr, another user wrote, “They didn’t just wake up and started shouting… “No Burna Boy, We No Want Burna Boy, Cancel” that chant came as a huge disappointment from lots of Nigerians because you’d constantly thrown us under the bus abroad and during election and protest. You were quiet.”
Some users also questioned Burna’s self-proclaimed ‘African Giant’ title.
“Are you not supposed to be the Giant of Africa like you claimed you are? But when it is time to lend your voice, you will suddenly become ant of Africa,” #Tooshugary4U wrote.
Similarly, another user, #jr_barry, wrote, “Because you wan ghost and you de call yourself African giant.”
In his response, Burna Boy declared, “I don hand am over to Falz bros,” seemingly relinquishing the title to fellow musician, Falz.
#EndBadGovernance protesters loot truckload of rice in Edo
Protesters on Thursday looted a truckload of rice at the Urora community in the Ikpoba-okha local government area of Edo State.
The protesters found the vehicle parked on a road as they protested in the community.
One of them to journalists the rice was released to the state by the Federal Government but was allegedly diverted by government officials.
They vowed to search for all locations where the federal government palliatives for Edo State were hidden.
READ ALSO: Four killed, 34 injured as Boko Haram insurgents infiltrate #EndBadGovernance protesters in Borno
The protesters also recorded video of the looting from the unidentified truck.
However, the state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, in a statement denied that the rice belonged to the state.
Nehikhare alleged that the videos making the rounds about the looting were parts of a desperate attempt to score cheap political points by opposition parties.
He said: “The Edo State Government has received information about the looting of bags of rice from an unidentified truck and private residences in parts of Benin City in the wake of the ‘EndBadBGovernance protests.
“The videos making the rounds are said to have emanated from the Urora axis of Ikpoba Hill, Benin, and the government does not have a warehouse in that location.”
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EndBadGovernance: Hoodlums attack, beat lone protestor in Ondo
A lone protester was on Thursday beaten to a pulp by hoodlums in Akure, Ondo State.
He was attacked at the popular NEPA roundabout when he was trying to lure some people to join him in the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest.
TVN reports that residents of the state shunned the protest, with security personnel manning each of the junctions in Akure metropolis to forestall a breakdown of law and order.
According to a source, the protester, who arrived at the junction, packed his car without knowing that some commercial motorcyclists had resolved to deal with anyone trying to disrupt their business.
The source stated that, “the young man who arrived in his car parked at the roundabout.
“After waiting for some minutes, he increased the music playing in his car, and thereafter, he came down and placed a placard on his windscreen.
“One of the Okada riders moved towards the car to read what was written on the placard.
“After reading what was on it, he signalled the rest of his people, who descended on the guy.
“When he was asked some questions, they pounced on him.
“They really beat the guy, but he was fortunate to quickly get into his car and zoomed off.”
EndBadGovernance: Hoodlums attack, beat lone protestor in Ondo
JUST IN: Security agencies have uncovered Senator sponsoring #EndBadGovernance protest
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, says security agents have received intelligence of a Senator sponsoring the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protests against the government.
The minister stated this at a press briefing, following a security meeting with heads of security agencies in Abuja, on Thursday.
According Online reports that the scheduled protests began today in Abuja and in several parts of the country despite calls by government officials for citizens to shun the protests.
Wike said the Senator, whom he said would be invited in due time for questioning by relevant agencies, took security agents with him to deliver food to the protesters.
“Now we also have intelligence that a senator had to invite some security agencies to lead some of them to go and provide food for the protesters. That is sponsorship.
“A senator providing food for protesters. At the appropriate time, security agencies will invite the senator and find out how you will be sponsoring this kind of thing against the government of the day,” he said.
The minister again called for protesters to obey the court order restricting them to the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, noting the violence and killings that had occurred in other parts of the country on the first day of the protest.
He disclosed that the security agencies also had intelligence that miscreants planned to hijack the protest to destroy properties tomorrow, stating, however, that security operatives would not allow it.
“We believe that this is a democratic government and so we must act according to the rule of law. We also believe that this protest is their entitlement so that the government can address the issues raised. Obeying the rule of law is obeying court orders.
“You saw what happened today when some people tried to move into Eagle Square. Miscreants may not have succeeded in what they wanted to do, but we have intelligence that they are coming out tomorrow to destroy property that will lead to loss of lives.
“The security agencies will not allow that. Every protester, please, go to the MKO Abiola stadium and do your protest. That is what the court said,” he declared.
Zamfara APC condemns attempted attack on Matawalle’s residence by protesters
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State has condemned an attempt by some protesters to attack the residence of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, in Gusau.
In a statement issued on Thursday in Gusau by its Publicity Secretary in the state, Yusuf Idris, the party lamented that thugs were positioned to destroy its members’ properties during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest in the state.
The statement read: “We observed that many thugs were strategically deployed to attack and destroy personalities and properties of the APC members.
“It is very unfortunate that on the first day of the protests, the protesters attempted to attack the former Governor Bello Matawalle’s personal residence.”
The party recalled that Matawalle’s residence was burgled by some thugs in 2023 and urged security operatives to prevent reoccurrence.
“Luckily, the quick intervention of the security personnel who blocked the protesters from destroying the minister’s house saved the situation.
“We commend the security agencies in the state for being proactive.
“Those political thugs, most likely implementing the directives of their leaders, would have razed down the minister’s house and property.
“They also attacked the residence of Senator Sahabi Yau at his hometown of Kaura Namoda, where they destroyed many valuables and damaged his Toyota Hilux van in the name of peaceful protests.
“We have earlier forecast the possible hijacking of the protests by the hoodlums and other miscreants in the state which they actualized.
“We wish to implore security agencies in the state to give our members and all well-meaning citizens the desired protection of lives and property.
“We are calling on youths not to allow themselves to be used by bad politicians, especially as the nationwide protest is supposed to be peaceful and address concerns in the country.
“The protest which is a constitutional right of Nigerians should be peaceful and without any threat to life and property,” the statement added.
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