NEWS

Mainpower Seeks Suspension of New Tariff Order

Published

11 months ago

August 20, 2025

Aproko

The Mainpower Electricity Distribution Company has filed a formal petition before the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to immediate suspend its new tariff order pending the hearing/determination of its petition.

The Spokesman of Mainpower, Mr Emeka Ezeh, in a statement on Wednesday in Enugu, said that the petition, dated Aug.14, 2025, was a fallout of the new tariff reduction order by the EERC.

Ezeh said that the new tariff reduction order by the EERC took effect from Aug. 1, 2025.

It would be recalled that the EERC had in the said order, reduced tariff for Band A customers from N209/kwh to N160.40/kwh, while freezing Bands B-C.

The latest development was roundly condemned by both the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Generation Companies (Gencos), other Distribution Companies (Discos) as well as the Federal Ministry of Power.

The spokesman said that all the stakeholders had described the tariff reduction order as unsustainable, urging the EERC to put a halt to it, but the Commission “doubled down”.

“Mainpower has now approached the Commission formally, seeking an immediate suspension of the order pending the hearing and determination of its petition.

“The petition, supported with a four-paragraph affidavit, was signed by Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, Managing Director/CEO, Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited.

“It is expressly asking for ‘a review of order No. EERC/2025/003: Tariff Order for Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited 2025’, to avoid loss of revenue due to downward review of tariff.”

He said that the EERC is the sole-respondent to the petition, which was brought pursuant To Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended).

“Also in pursuant of Sections 11,12, 13, 20, 21, 33, 34 and 35 of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission Regulation (Regulation No. EERC-R-001, Business Rules).

“Regulation, 2024, Section 4.1.(C) & Schedule 1 of Regulation No. EERC/R004: Enugu State Regulatory Commission: Methodology for Tariff Regulation, 2024 and Under the inherent jurisdiction of the Commission.

“Mainpower stated in the petition that the tariff order published by the Respondent on Friday, July 18, 2025, for the Disco was not agreed by the parties.

“The same did not comply with the Regulation No. EERC/R004: Enugu State Regulatory Commission: Methodology for Tariff Regulation, 2024 (Methodology for Tariff),” he said.

According to him, the petitioner averred that Section 4.1(c) provides that: “In order to avoid ‘Gold-Plating’ in the tariff using rate of return regulation, the licensee shall be required to review cost with the Commission.

He said, “It is the cost agreed with the Commission that shall be allowed for the operator to use in the tariff model for the determination of price that shall apply in contracts.

“This is because the value chain of electricity business in Enugu State shall be subject to contracts and prices shall be determined based on the applicable methodology published by the Commission in its website. (d) The review process for the cost shall be as prescribed in the Schedules to these Regulations”.

“It went further to state that ‘The Methodology for Tariff further provided in Schedule 1 thereof that: “Where the Commission does not reach an agreement on cost with the applicant within the twenty-one (21) days, the Commission shall subject the process to a formal hearing as stipulated in the Commission’s Business Rules.

“The Petitioner stated that after submission of the required data by the Petitioner, the Respondent invited the Petitioner to a 3-day engagement meeting to agree on the various parameters for the tariff via its letter with Ref. No. EERC/CO/2025/0086 dated 30th June, 2025 for engagements on 2nd to 4th July, 2025.”

The spokesman said that the petitioner (mainpower) disclosed that it never came to an agreement with the Respondent on certain key parameters with huge sensitivity effect.

“The Petitioner further revealed that during the engagement meetings from 2nd to 4th July, 2025, and at the end of the engagement meeting on the 4th July, 2025, the understanding with Respondent was that the process as enunciated in the Methodology of Tariff would be followed.

“And that both parties would reach an agreement on the said parameters mentioned above or hold a formal hearing as provided in Schedule 1 of the Methodology of Tariff.

“The Petitioner was surprised that the Respondent without agreement on these important and tariff-sensitive parameters proceeded to conclude the tariffs and publish the Tariff Order on Friday, 18th July, 2025.

“The Petitioner states that despite the incident mentioned in paragraph 9 above, it further engaged the Respondent and parties agreed to have a meeting on 25th July, 2025 to address the concerns of the Petitioner especially as this will threaten the Vesting Contract arrangement between the Petitioner’s Holding Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Plc (EEDC) and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET) from where Petitioner receives its supply of electricity.

“After the presentations by the Petitioner on that 25th July, 2025, the Respondent reverted via a letter with Ref. No. EERC/CO/2025/0105 dated 30th July, 2025 but received via email on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 3p.m. maintaining the implementation of the Tariff Order on 1st August, 2025. We shall found on the copy of the email sent by the Commission and the Presentation to the Commission made on 25th July, 2025,” he said.

While urging that the tariff order be reserved, the petitioner (Mainpower) stated that if implemented, it would cause irreversible adverse business impact on it.

Ezeh outlined some of the impacts to Mainpower, which included: “Financial Impact (Aug – Dec 2025): The tariff creates an average monthly revenue shortfall of between N1.3 billion and N1.5 billion, resulting in a cumulative gap of about N6.98 billion over five months.

He said that compliance with NBET and Market Operator (MO) settlement obligations is expected to drop significantly, from current levels of about 97 per cent to an estimated 81 per cent by the end of 2025. The outcome is a business sustainability risk.

“Disconnection of Supply to MainPower: The electricity supplied to the Enugu State Electricity Market flows from the Vesting Contract entered into between EEDC and NBET which tariff as approved by NERC is N209/kwh for Band A whilst the Bands B to C is N67/kwh.

“If Mainpower is not able to meet up with its remittances obligation which in turn affects that of EEDC, this will inevitably lead to the Disconnection of the Supply to Mainpower.

“Investment Impact: MainPower’s planned capital expenditure programme, valued at N33.2 billion and covering network expansion, feeder automation, and the installation of 350,000 smart meters, is at risk under the new tariff.

“If metering rollout is halted, over 42% of customers will remain unmetered beyond Q1 2026, perpetuating inefficiencies and revenue leakages.

“Operational Impact: Reduced funding will limit the company’s ability to maintain and repair critical infrastructure, increasing the likelihood of outages and customer complaints. Additionally, dissatisfaction with service levels is expected to drive more customers toward self-generation, further eroding revenue.

“Strategic and Reputational Impact: The undervaluation of MainPower’s asset base weakens the company’s balance sheet and reduces investor confidence, directly impacting its ability to attract capital for future projects.

“There is also a heightened risk of industrial action if the company struggles to meet payroll and vendor obligations, potentially damaging its reputation and operational stability.”

Ezeh said that Mainpower prayed for an order of the Commission suspending the application of the Tariff Order pending the determination of its case, as well as an order of the Commission for a review to approve either Scenario 1 of N206.80/Kwh or Scenario 2 of N194.54/Kwh as contained in its petition.

Related Topics:MainPower New Tariff Order Seeks Suspension

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HEALTH

After Oko Hostel Tragedy, Sen. Uche Ekwunife Calls for Tougher Building Safety Enforcement (See details)

Published

12 hours ago

July 29, 2026

Vincent Okoye

The Most Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, CON, has expressed deep sadness over the tragic collapse of a student hostel in Oko, Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State, which claimed lives and left several others injured.

In a statement issued following the incident, Senator Ekwunife extended her heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, describing the loss of lives as a painful tragedy for the bereaved families, the Oko community, and Anambra State as a whole.

She also expressed concern for those who survived the collapse and are currently receiving medical treatment, praying for their quick and complete recovery.

While commending the efforts of rescue workers, security personnel, healthcare providers, volunteers, and community members involved in the emergency response, the former senator urged them to sustain the search-and-rescue operation until every missing person is accounted for.

Senator Ekwunife further called on the appropriate authorities to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the cause of the building collapse. She stressed that establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident is crucial not only for ensuring accountability but also for preventing similar tragedies in the future.

She also advocated stricter monitoring and enforcement of building regulations across Anambra State, emphasizing that adherence to approved construction standards and professional guidelines must be treated as a critical public safety responsibility rather than a mere administrative requirement.

According to her, stronger enforcement by relevant regulatory agencies would significantly reduce the risk of building failures and help safeguard lives and property.

Senator Ekwunife concluded by praying for the peaceful repose of the souls of those who lost their lives, divine comfort for their grieving families, and speedy healing for those injured in the unfortunate incident.

The statement was signed by Tony Ezike, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator Uche Ekwunife.

FOREIGN NEWS

Boat Trip Ends in Horror as 20 Die, Majority Nigerians

Published

7 days ago

July 23, 2026

Aprokorepublic

A boat accident in the Republic of Cameroon has claimed at least 20 lives, including 18 Nigerians travelling to a community in Adamawa
State.

The boat, said to have been travelling from Garoua in Cameroon to Yola in Nigeria, capsized after encountering a violent storm late
Monday night, it was learnt on Tuesday evening.

Witnesses said the boat, which was carrying more than 50 passengers, was also heavily loaded with iron rods and other building materials
meant for Dasin, a village in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

They recounted that the boat was caught in a severe storm around midnight, causing it to overturn. Initial estimates indicated that about
30 people might have died, but local authorities have so far confirmed that about 20 victims have been killed.

Among the deceased, the 18 identified as Nigerians have been buried in Wuro Bokki community in Fufore LGA, according to reliable sources,
while search and rescue operations continue for passengers who are yet to be accounted for.

Divers from both Cameroon and Nigeria are said to be involved in the search, while many survivors are receiving treatment at hospitals in border communities.

Aprokorepublic

NEWS

“I Pray For It” — Gov. Sule Drops Bombshell on 2027 Ticket

Published

7 days ago

July 23, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nasarawa Governor Backs Christian-Christian Presidential Ticket governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has expressed hope that Nigeria will one day produce a Christian-Christian presidential ticket that can win at the polls.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Sule dismissed claims that the ruling APC’s Muslim-Muslim ticket amounted to religious exclusion.

He argued that Nigeria was overdue for a Christian-Christian pairing, noting that past Muslim-Muslim tickets had succeeded electorally.

“I pray that one day Nigeria will have a Christian-Christian ticket, and it will win. That’s what I pray to see,” Sule said.

He recalled the 1993 election in which Chief Moshood Abiola ran on a Muslim-Muslim ticket, stressing that such arrangements had historically delivered victory.

Sule added that opposition voices like Rabiu Kwankwaso’s concerns were expected, but insisted no APC governor had ever described the party’s ticket as divisive.

Citing Sections 14 and 15 of the constitution, Sule emphasized that federal character provisions guarantee inclusiveness across ethnicity and geography, but do not reference religion.

He highlighted his own deputy, Emmanuel Akabe, a Christian, as evidence that competence, not religious balancing, guided his choice.

“Our state is different from Nigeria. You cannot take a particular state. Take Enugu, for instance, it has a Christian-Christian arrangement. Take Bayelsa, it’s Christian-Christian,” he explained.

Sule maintained that political arrangements vary by state realities, but reiterated his belief that a Christian-Christian presidential ticket could succeed nationally.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

Shock Proposal? Senator Pushes Bill to Recognize Native Doctors’ Role in Connecting With Ancestors

Published

7 days ago

July 23, 2026

Aprokorepublic

Garba Maidoki, senator representing Kebbi south, has called for the inclusion of traditional medicine in a bill seeking to overhaul
Nigeria’s food and drug regulatory framework.

He argues that indigenous healing practices remain relevant, particularly in rural communities.

The senator spoke on Tuesday during debate on a bill seeking to repeal the Food, Drug and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act and the
Food and Drug Act, and replace them with a single legal framework for regulating food, medicines and other products that affect public health.

‘MOST RURAL DWELLERS RELY ON TRADITIONAL MEDICINE’

Speaking in support of the bill sponsored by Sadiq Umar, senator representing Kwara north, Maidoki said the legislation should also
recognise traditional medicine.

“I rise to also support this motion ably sponsored by Senator Suleiman Sadiq. This motion, as my colleague said, is apt, is timely,
and is in good faith to modernise the practice of food and drug registration in Nigeria,” he said.

“But Mr. President, I want to bring to your attention that even though this is modernised, we have not seen anything on this bill
concerning traditional medicine.

“Concerning traditional medicine, sir, most of our rural dwellers, most of them rely mostly on this traditional medicine.

“And I think it is high time that we have a law that also allows traditional medicine to be implemented.

“Holistically, if this is done, we will also reduce the cost of importation of drugs from foreign nations, and we will rely mostly on our
own indigenous herbs and medication by our own native doctors.”

Maidoki said incorporating traditional medicine into the legal framework would reduce dependence on imported medicines.

He added that the bill’s sponsor, a pharmacist, should work towards integrating traditional practitioners into the country’s healthcare
system.

“I think if this is done, the pharmacist Senator Suleiman will be able to incorporate these people and make this holistic,” he said.

The lawmaker said some ailments are better treated with herbal remedies than orthodox medicine.

“Even some of us that are senators, sometimes we rely, we go to herbal medicine to help us with one ailment or the other, which sometimes
the modern medicine has no answer. Like if your ancestors decide to talk to you, you need a native doctor to intercede on your behalf,” he added.

Maidoki’s remarks elicited laughter in the senate chamber.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio responded in a light-hearted manner.

“Thank you, Distinguished Senator Garba. The native doctor will intercede between you and the ancestor,” he said.

“It’s actually baffling that this was part of the African religion, but when the white people came, they now told us that we don’t need
our ancestors, but I think from what you are saying, you are still using your ancestors.”

The bill later passed second reading after receiving the support of lawmakers.

If enacted, the legislation will repeal two existing food and drug laws and establish a unified regulatory framework covering food,
medicines, vaccines, medical devices and other products that affect public health.

Aprokorepublic

NEWS

One Condition: Oluremi Reveals What She’ll Wear If Husband Is Re-Elected

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Godwin Chi

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has promised to embrace traditional Igbo attire by wearing an Akwete wrapper if her husband, President Bola Tinubu, secures a second term in office.

She made the remark during her maiden visit to the Akwete Weaving Cooperative Village in Abia State on Tuesday, where she also announced a ₦2 billion donation to support the revitalisation of the weaving industry.

“If God brings my husband in a second time, I’ll be wearing a buba and wrapper made from Akwete. I am going to be wearing that because it is very soft breathable cotton,” she said, praising the generational skill transfer among local weavers.

The First Lady commended the women of the cooperative for preserving the craft and urged Nigerians to patronise locally made textiles as a way of boosting indigenous craftsmanship and rural livelihoods.

She explained that her visit was informal, aimed at spending time with the women rather than delivering a scripted speech.

Tinubu also expressed gratitude to Abia State Governor Alex Otti, describing him as “a good man,” and recalled her earlier efforts to connect with his wife to learn more about the weaving tradition.

Her pledge highlights the administration’s broader push to promote Nigerian-made products and preserve cultural heritage, while offering direct financial support to strengthen the weaving industry.

Aprokorepublic

FOREIGN NEWS

A New Era? US and Saudi Arabia Near Landmark 30-Year Nuclear Agreement

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The United States is set to announce a landmark 30-year nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia, aimed at establishing a civilian nuclear program in the kingdom, according to reports from US media outlets.

The deal, expected to be unveiled Wednesday, comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

The New York Times cited US officials confirming that the Trump administration would formally sign and announce the agreement, which is projected to generate billions of dollars for the US nuclear industry.

According to the Wall Street Journal, the pact could allow US companies to build a uranium enrichment facility in Saudi Arabia.

However, the proposal has drawn opposition from US lawmakers across party lines and Israeli officials, who fear the program could be diverted toward developing nuclear weapons.

While the deal will be submitted to Congress, its approval is not required for implementation. Washington has also sought to link the nuclear agreement to broader strategic goals, including Saudi Arabia’s potential normalization of ties with Israel and a US-Saudi defense pact.

Saudi Arabia has long insisted on its right to pursue a civilian nuclear program, similar to the UAE, which signed a nuclear deal with Washington in 2009 but does not enrich uranium.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Manila, declined to confirm the deal but assured that Washington would not enter any agreement that risks nuclear proliferation.

The announcement comes as the US war with Iran continues to destabilize the region, with Yemen’s Houthi rebels threatening to blockade Saudi ports, a move that could disrupt global oil supplies.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

Nigeria Remains Africa’s Population Giant as New 2026 Figures Emerge

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s most populous country, with an estimated population of 242.4 million people in 2026, according to new figures from Worldometer.

The estimate places Nigeria ahead of Ethiopia (138.9 million) and Egypt (120.1 million), which rank second and third respectively.

Africa as a whole remains the world’s fastest-growing continent, with its population projected to surpass 2.5 billion by 2050, driven by youthful demographics, high fertility rates, and improved healthcare.

Nigeria’s last official census was conducted in 2006, when the population stood at 140.4 million. Since then, growth has been tracked through projections, with the World Bank estimating a 2.1% growth rate in 2025.

The country’s median age of 18 years and fertility rate of 4.2 children per woman continue to fuel rapid expansion.

Africa’s Top 10 Most Populous Countries (2026)Nigeria – 242.4 million, Ethiopia -138.9 million, Egypt, 120.1 million, Democratic Republic of Congo, — 116.5 million,Tanzania — 72.6 million, South Africa — 65.5 million, Kenya — 58.6 million, Sudan — 53.3 million, Uganda — 52.8 million, Algeria — 48 million.

Experts say Africa’s rising population will reshape markets, investment flows, and labour dynamics, with Nigeria expected to remain a central driver of the continent’s economic growth in the coming decades.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

ICPC Uncovers 908 Ghost Workers — Guess Which Agency Tops the Fraud List

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has uncovered 908 ghost workers across several federal ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), recovering about ₦942 million allegedly siphoned through fraudulent payroll schemes.

ICPC Chairman Musa Aliyu disclosed that the discovery followed a probe launched in 2024 after irregularities were detected in pension payments.

The investigation revealed widespread payroll manipulation, with fictitious names inserted into salary systems to divert public funds.Aliyu alleged that some senior officials enrolled relatives and associates on government payrolls, pocketing their salaries.

In one case, a suspect reportedly placed his wife, son, and mother-in-law on the payroll while also collecting salaries of 12 other workers.

The investigation covered at least 50 federal MDAs, with the Nigeria Police Force recording the highest number of ghost workers at 570.

Other affected institutions include:

National Water Resources Authority — 80 ghost workersFederal Ministry of Works — 56

Ministry of Foreign Affairs — 24

Ministry of Defence — 19

Ministry of Power — 17Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment — 17

Federal Ministry of Health — 15

Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation — 12

Aliyu added that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and the Ministry of Interior were also implicated, though the number of ghost workers in those institutions is still under review.

The ICPC says investigations are ongoing, with efforts focused on strengthening payroll integrity and ensuring accountability across government agencies.

Aprokorepublic

Gbasgbos

After Weeks of Speculation, Ogun Assembly Reaches Verdict on Oluomo

Published

1 week ago

July 22, 2026

Aprokorepublic

The Ogun State House of Assembly has officially exonerated former Speaker Olakunle Oluomo of embezzlement allegations tied to his removal from office in 2024.

During Wednesday’s plenary at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, lawmakers adopted a resolution that commuted Oluomo’s impeachment to a resignation.

The decision followed the presentation of a report by the Committee of the Whole House, delivered by Deputy Speaker Mrs. Lateefat Ajayi.

The report stemmed from a motion Oluomo submitted on March 31, requesting either exoneration or evidence to substantiate the allegation.

After reviewing available records, the House concluded that embezzlement was not part of the removal notice served on him and could not be proven.

Ajayi’s motion for adoption was seconded by Mr. Yusuf Amosun and unanimously approved by voice vote.

The Assembly cited Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), affirming Oluomo’s right to fair hearing.In its resolution, the House withdrew the embezzlement allegation, stating it would no longer form part of the reasons for his removal.

Lawmakers further resolved to overturn the impeachment and record his exit as a resignation, describing the move as necessary for unity and harmony among members.

Aprokorepublic