By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned that Nigeria’s emerging state electricity markets could create uncertainty for investors if they operate under different regulatory standards, calling for a harmonised consumer protection framework across the country.

The commission also urged stronger collaboration among federal and state electricity regulators, cautioning that fragmented regulation could weaken consumer protection and discourage investment as the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 gathers momentum.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the FCCPC, Tunji Bello, made the call on Thursday at a stakeholders’ engagement on consumer protection and regulatory cooperation in Nigeria’s electricity sector, held at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.

The meeting brought together officials of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and state electricity regulatory commissions following the establishment of sub-national electricity markets under the Electricity Act 2023.

Bello described the legislation as one of the most significant reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, noting that it had transformed the regulatory landscape by empowering states to establish independent electricity regulatory commissions.

He, however, stressed that the success of the reforms would depend on collaboration among regulators rather than institutional rivalry.

“The success of this framework will depend not only on the effectiveness of each regulator, but also on how well we work together. Consumers experience electricity as one system. When supply is interrupted, or a bill appears incorrect, they are not concerned about which regulator has jurisdiction,” Bello said.

He explained that while NERC regulates the electricity industry, NEMSA enforces technical standards, state commissions oversee intrastate electricity markets, and the FCCPC provides economy-wide consumer protection and competition oversight.

According to him, these responsibilities are complementary and must be effectively coordinated to ensure consumers receive consistent protection nationwide.

Bello cited the suspension of the proposed replacement of obsolete Unistar prepaid meters in 2024 as a successful example of regulatory collaboration, noting that the FCCPC worked with NERC, NEMSA and electricity distribution companies to halt the exercise until regulatory requirements were met.

“The order guaranteed that consumers would not bear the cost of replacing obsolete meters, would not experience interruption of electricity supply during the replacement exercise, and would not be subjected to estimated billing because of delays in implementation,” he said.

He urged regulators to maintain a unified approach, stressing that electricity consumers should enjoy the same level of protection irrespective of their location.

Also speaking, NERC’s Assistant Director and Head of Consumer Protection Department, Anthony Essien, said decentralisation of the electricity market had made cooperation among regulators more critical than ever.

He warned that investors could face significant challenges if individual states adopted different regulatory standards.

“It would not be easy, especially looking at investors coming in and having different standards across 36 states. But if we come together and foster a unified and well-thought-out effort to bring forward laws, it would further strengthen our mandates across the different states,” Essien said.

The Chairman of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Chijioke Okonkwo, described the engagement as timely, saying it would enable state regulators to exchange ideas and collectively address emerging challenges.

Similarly, Chairman of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Prof. Frank Nwoye Okafor, said greater regulatory coordination would reduce uncertainty for investors operating across multiple states.

“The biggest nightmare for an investor is trying to figure out 36 different rules. But if we have this sort of coordination, then we start singing from the same hymn sheet,” Okafor said.

The Electricity Act 2023 ended decades of exclusive federal control of Nigeria’s electricity sector by empowering states to establish and regulate their own electricity markets after meeting constitutional and regulatory requirements.

The reforms have so far led to the establishment of 16 state electricity regulatory commissions. However, industry stakeholders continue to warn that inconsistent regulations across states could increase compliance costs for investors and weaken consumer protection, underscoring the need for stronger regulatory coordination nationwide.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) reduced the stop rate on its one-year Treasury bill at Wednesday’s primary market auction after receiving overwhelming investor demand, signalling sustained appetite for longer-dated government securities.

Auction results showed that investors submitted bids worth about N3.62 trillion against the N700 billion offered across the 91-day, 182-day and 364-day maturities.

The strongest demand came for the 364-day Treasury bill, which attracted N3.38 trillion in subscriptions for an offer size of N500 billion, representing an oversubscription of nearly seven times.

Despite the initial offer, the apex bank allotted about N1.25 trillion across the three tenors, with more than N1.02 trillion allocated to the one-year instrument alone.

The stop rate on the 364-day bill declined to 17.35 per cent, down from 17.66 per cent at the previous auction, a drop of 31 basis points. Bid rates for the tenor ranged between 16.98 per cent and 20.00 per cent, indicating investors’ willingness to accept lower yields in exchange for longer-term returns.

For the 91-day Treasury bill maturing on October 29, 2026, the CBN offered N100 billion, received subscriptions worth N135.74 billion, and allotted N130.72 billion. The stop rate remained unchanged at 16.30 per cent, while bid rates ranged from 15.97 per cent to 17.50 per cent.

Similarly, the 182-day bill due on January 28, 2027, recorded subscriptions of N104.74 billion against an offer of N100 billion. The apex bank allotted N99.18 billion, maintaining the stop rate at 16.50 per cent, despite bid rates ranging between 16.00 per cent and 25.00 per cent.

The latest auction continues a trend observed throughout July, with institutional investors concentrating heavily on the one-year instrument. The 364-day bill attracted N2.87 trillion in bids at the July 15 auction and N1.86 trillion at the July 8 sale, underscoring persistent demand for longer-term government securities.

Analysts said the decline in the one-year stop rate reflects improved liquidity within the financial system, enabling investors to accept lower returns while the CBN continues to issue larger volumes of Treasury bills to mop up excess liquidity and support the Federal Government’s financing needs under its expanded third-quarter issuance programme.

Wednesday’s auction was the final Treasury bill sale for July and forms part of the CBN’s N5.8 trillion gross Treasury bill issuance programme for the third quarter of 2026.

Although yields remain attractive across all maturities, the one-year Treasury bill continues to offer the highest return, with its effective yield remaining close to 21 per cent, reinforcing its position as the preferred investment option for institutional investors.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Commuters and motorists were stranded for several hours on Thursday after flooding submerged a section of the Benin-Ore-Ijebu Ode Expressway in the Ore axis of Odigbo Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The heavy rainfall, which lasted for several hours, also triggered flooding in parts of Ondo town, Odigbo, Irele, Ode-Aye and Igbokoda, destroying properties worth millions of naira as homes and vehicles were submerged. No fatalities were recorded.

A resident of Ore, who identified himself simply as Segun, said the flooding caused a severe traffic gridlock on the expressway, forcing many motorists to divert through the longer Okitipupa-Akinfosile-Omotosho route.

“The traffic logjam on the expressway was too much today. The road had been taken over by flood, while some motorists who knew another route passed through the Okitipupa-Akinfosile-Omotosho road, which is a very long journey. Some travellers were stranded and were lamenting,” he said.

A commercial driver, Joshua Oladele, described the situation as traumatic and called on the government to take urgent action to prevent a recurrence.

“Everyone was stuck. No one imagined that this highway would be this affected by floods. An urgent intervention is needed before more havoc is wreaked,” he said.

Residents of the affected communities also appealed to the Ondo State Government and relevant agencies to address the recurring flooding that disrupts livelihoods and damages property during the rainy season.

Reacting to the incident, the Ondo State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Tob Loko, expressed regret over the flooding and assured residents that the government would take immediate steps to mitigate the situation.

He explained that several flood-prone locations across the state had already been identified and mapped for intervention, adding that recent videos and photographs had revealed additional areas requiring urgent assessment.

“It may not be possible to reach all affected areas at the same time, but the state government remains committed to addressing the challenge through coordinated, strategic and sustained efforts,” the commissioner said.

Loko disclosed that amphibious excavators were being deployed through the Office of the Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Ecological Control to strategic locations for emergency clearing of drainage channels and other flood control activities.

He also urged residents to promptly report flooding and other environmental concerns to the Ministry of Environment and relevant agencies, stressing that public cooperation is essential to effectively tackle the recurring menace.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has sealed several shops and business premises along the Tejuosho-Ojuelegba corridor over the persistent indiscriminate dumping of refuse on road medians in violation of the state’s environmental sanitation laws.

The enforcement operation, carried out on Thursday by LAWMA’s Waste Investigation Surveillance and Enforcement team, followed repeated warnings and continued non-compliance by traders whose waste disposal practices were said to be undermining environmental sanitation efforts and defacing public infrastructure.

In a statement issued by the agency’s Director of Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, the Managing Director of LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said the action was necessary to restore environmental order, protect public health and enforce compliance with waste management regulations across the state.

“The affected shops and market stalls will remain sealed until the traders comply fully with the prescribed sanitation requirements and the authority is satisfied that adequate measures have been put in place to prevent a recurrence,” Gbadegesin said.

He noted that despite sustained public enlightenment campaigns and engagement with traders and market leaders, indiscriminate waste disposal had continued, leaving the agency with no option but to enforce the provisions of the Lagos State environmental laws.

“Road medians, drainage channels and other public spaces are not designated waste disposal points. LAWMA will continue to take decisive enforcement action against individuals and businesses found engaging in acts capable of degrading the environment,” he stated.

The LAWMA boss urged traders, market associations and residents to patronise their designated Private Sector Participation (PSP) waste operators, dispose of refuse responsibly and support the government’s efforts to maintain a clean and healthy environment.

Gbadegesin added that the authority would continue to combine public enlightenment with strict enforcement to improve environmental compliance and enhance the quality of life of residents across Lagos State.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The South African Government has arrested about 80 members of vigilante groups allegedly involved in xenophobic attacks and other criminal activities targeting migrants across the country.

The Consul-General of South Africa to Nigeria, Prof. Bobby Moroe, disclosed this on Wednesday during the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Forum held in Lagos.

Speaking on the theme, “The Future of Nigeria-South Africa Relations: Advancing Bilateral Cooperation in a Changing World,” Moroe said the arrests were made across five to six provinces as authorities intensified efforts to restore order and prosecute those taking the law into their own hands.

He stressed that the South African Government does not support attacks on migrants, noting that the country’s Constitution guarantees protection for both documented and undocumented migrants.

“In South Africa, we have witnessed acts of criminality by vigilante groups calling for illegal migrants to return home and taking the law into their own hands.

“But let me be clear on behalf of my government that the South African Constitution protects both regular and irregular migrants,” Moroe said.

He emphasised that only law enforcement and immigration authorities are legally empowered to enforce immigration laws.

“Only competent law enforcement agencies and immigration officers have the legal standing to deal with migration issues,” he added.

The envoy dismissed claims that the South African Government was orchestrating attacks against Nigerians and other foreign nationals, describing such allegations as false.

“In Nigeria, we have seen direct reprisals and pushbacks as a direct response to what is perceived as an onslaught by the South African government against migrants. I can tell you for free, this is fake news.

“These acts of criminality by groups taking the law into their own hands do not represent the sentiments of South Africans.

“The government condemns all acts of criminality and violations of human rights against any individual, whether a South African national or a foreigner, because the Constitution protects everybody. No individual in South Africa is allowed to take the law into their own hands,” he said.

Moroe disclosed that law enforcement agencies were working to stabilise the situation, noting that approximately 80 suspected members of the vigilante groups had already been arrested and would face prosecution.

“We are working daily to stabilise the environment and bring perpetrators to book. About 80 people involved in these acts of criminality and members of vigilante groups have been arrested in about five to six provinces, and the law is taking its due course,” he said.

The Consul-General also called for stronger bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa, highlighting the 32 years of uninterrupted diplomatic ties between both countries and acknowledging Nigeria’s support during South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Ije Jidenma, represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Ajibola Olomola, reaffirmed the chamber’s commitment to deepening trade, investment and commercial cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.

The forum was attended by business leaders and representatives of key organisations, including South African Airways, MTN Nigeria, the Nigeria Association of Tour Operators and other private sector stakeholders.

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Agency Report

Mexican authorities have arrested the alleged mastermind behind the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, whose killing in November 2025 sparked widespread outrage across the country.

Mexico’s Security Secretary, Omar Garcia Harfuch, announced on Thursday that the suspect, identified as Ramon Angel “N,” also known as “R1,” was apprehended after months of intelligence gathering in a joint operation involving police and military special forces.

According to Harfuch, the suspect led an armed criminal cell linked to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and allegedly orchestrated the killing of Manzo.

Manzo, the mayor of Uruapan in the violence-plagued state of Michoacán, was shot dead while spending time with his family during the traditional Day of the Dead celebration.

The cowboy hat-wearing mayor had earned widespread admiration for his outspoken stance against organised crime. He frequently accompanied police officers on security operations and used social media to criticise the country’s security policies, earning a reputation among supporters as a modern-day Robin Hood.

Before his death, Manzo publicly accused President Claudia Sheinbaum and the Michoacán State Government of failing to curb escalating violence in the region.

Announcing the arrest on X, Harfuch said the suspect headed one of the most violent CJNG-affiliated criminal groups operating across several municipalities in Michoacán and neighbouring Jalisco State.

He added that the organisation is allegedly responsible for extortion, drug trafficking and multiple homicides, activities that have significantly affected businesses, farmers and residents in the region.

Authorities said the arrest marks the 31st made in connection with the investigation into Manzo’s assassination.

Mexico has continued to grapple with widespread violence linked to organised crime. According to official figures, more than 130,000 people have been reported missing or forcibly disappeared since the country’s war on drug cartels began in 2006.

AFP

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, has expressed concern over the declining relevance of graduates produced by Nigerian tertiary institutions, attributing the trend to a widening disconnect between academia and industry.

The monarch said many graduates lack the knowledge and practical skills required by employers, making it increasingly difficult for industries to recruit candidates who can effectively meet workplace demands.

Oba Matemilola spoke on Thursday in Abeokuta during the unveiling of a 10 Gigabits-per-second fibre optic infrastructure and smart campus initiative at Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), implemented in partnership with the Advanced Technological Incubation and Research Centre.

He said the initiative is aimed at bridging the long-standing gap between the classroom and industry by promoting practical learning, research, innovation and the commercialisation of research outputs.

“One of the key problems we have, particularly in Nigeria, is that our institutions are not properly equipped to carry out research the way it should be done, compared with our counterparts in the West and South Asia.

“With that, we are rapidly losing ground. Through this research work, we hope to compete with the rest of the world,” the monarch said.

Oba Matemilola noted that the weak relationship between industries and tertiary institutions has reduced opportunities for collaboration, as many organisations no longer see sufficient value in research produced by Nigerian institutions.

“That’s one of the reasons why many of the big companies in Nigeria do not relate to what we usually describe as the ‘town and gown’ relationship. The gap that has been created between the town and gown is because many industries do not find relevance in the work being done in our institutions,” he added.

He expressed optimism that the new digital infrastructure would expose students to hands-on learning, strengthen research capacity and encourage the development of solutions to real-life industrial challenges.

The traditional ruler further described the 10Gbps fibre optic infrastructure as a transformative project capable of positioning MAPOLY among the most technologically advanced tertiary institutions in West Africa if effectively utilised.

Earlier, the Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Dr Babatunde Jolaoso, described the initiative as a major milestone that would improve the institution’s research capabilities, digital learning environment and global competitiveness.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Dozens of residents were seen scooping fuel from a leaking tanker at the City Gate area of Asaba, Delta State, despite the risk of a possible explosion.

Videos circulating on X on Thursday showed men and women rushing to the scene with buckets, jerrycans and other containers to collect fuel spilling from the tanker.

The incident reportedly occurred after the tanker developed a leak, attracting a large crowd within a short time as residents scrambled to collect the fuel.

The situation has sparked renewed concerns over public safety, given the recurring tragedies associated with fuel scooping in Nigeria.

Several fuel tanker spill incidents across the country have ended in devastating explosions, claiming lives and destroying property after residents gathered to collect leaking fuel.

As of the time of filing this report, there was no official statement from emergency response agencies or the Delta State Government regarding the incident, and no casualties had been reported. Authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the leak and take appropriate measures to prevent any further danger.

See video below:

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure re-election in the 2027 presidential election, describing the contest as “a coronation, not an election.”

Keyamo made the remarks on Thursday while speaking on Politics Today, a programme on Channels Television, where he defended the performance of the Tinubu administration and dismissed the chances of the opposition.

The All Progressives Congress chieftain said the party’s recent electoral victories demonstrated Nigerians’ continued support for the APC.

“We have won in Ekiti now. We told them to vote, they voted. FCT they voted, we won,” he said.

Asked whether he was concerned about the prospects of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi in the 2027 presidential race, Keyamo said he did not see either posing a serious threat to the ruling party.

“I’m looking around, between you and me, where will Obi’s votes come from? I can’t see it,” he said.

When asked if Atiku represented a challenge to the APC, the minister replied, “Which Atiku? Nightmare who?” before laughing.

Keyamo maintained that President Tinubu’s return to office was virtually assured, citing what he described as demographic realities.

“I want to make a profound statement as a closing statement. Not out of arrogance, not out of overconfidence, but out of pure demographic calculations: the 2027 election is a coronation, not an election.

“I repeat don’t take me out of context out of pure demographic calculations, it’s a coronation,” he said.

President Tinubu is expected to seek a second term on the APC platform in the 2027 presidential election alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima.

His anticipated challengers include Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, with the 2027 poll expected to be keenly contested among the country’s major political parties.

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Federal Government has adopted Kaduna State’s household mapping model as the national framework for identifying out-of-school children, marking a shift from estimate-based planning to data-driven interventions aimed at returning millions of children to classrooms across Nigeria.

The decision was announced on Thursday by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, following a meeting with Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, according to a statement issued by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Ikharo Attah.

Under the new approach, the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the National Bureau of Statistics, will conduct a nationwide household mapping exercise across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to determine the exact number of out-of-school children, their locations and the households they belong to.

According to the ministry, the exercise will replace the long-standing reliance on broad estimates with verified household-level data, enabling governments to design targeted interventions and deploy resources more effectively.

Describing the initiative as a major milestone in addressing one of Nigeria’s most pressing education challenges, Alausa said the exercise would provide accurate information to guide government policies.

“With this exercise, we now know where these children are and the households they belong to. That gives us the opportunity to work closely with the Kaduna State Government to bring them back to school,” he said.

The minister noted that education planning had for years relied largely on projections that failed to accurately identify the locations of out-of-school children.

He cited Kaduna State as an example, explaining that while previous estimates put the number of out-of-school children in the state at about 585,000, the household mapping exercise conducted by the state government revealed that the actual figure was fewer than 200,000.

Alausa commended Governor Uba Sani for pioneering the initiative, describing it as a model that has improved education planning through accurate and verifiable data.

“The Federal Ministry of Education is already working with the National Bureau of Statistics to replicate the same methodology nationwide,” he said.

He expressed confidence that the nationwide exercise would enable the government to plan more effectively, allocate resources efficiently and monitor progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children across the country.

The minister added that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and would strengthen collaboration with state governments and development partners.

“The nationwide household mapping exercise will provide the accurate data needed to support practical solutions, strengthen collaboration with state governments and development partners, and ensure that more out-of-school children are identified, enrolled and retained in school,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani commended Alausa and the Minister of State for Education for the ongoing reforms in the education sector, describing their leadership as inspiring to state governments.

He also praised President Tinubu for prioritising education, saying the Federal Government’s commitment had created momentum for meaningful reforms nationwide.

Sani reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to improve access to quality education, adding that education remains one of the most important investments any government can make.

He expressed satisfaction that Kaduna’s household mapping initiative had now been adopted as the national model for identifying out-of-school children.

Nigeria has one of the largest populations of out-of-school children globally, with poverty, insecurity, socio-cultural barriers and inadequate educational infrastructure contributing significantly to the challenge.

The Federal Government has identified expanding access to education as a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda, introducing reforms including the Nigerian Education Data Initiative, school infrastructure upgrades, the student loan programme, curriculum reforms and other measures aimed at strengthening data-driven education planning.

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