Ikeja Electric says residents and businesses across Lagos are experiencing reduced electricity supply following a nationwide drop in power generation.

The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Mr Kingsley Okotie, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

Okotie attributed the development to insufficient gas supply to thermal power plants, the country’s major source of electricity generation.

“The ongoing reduction in electricity supply is largely due to a nationwide drop in power generation, caused by limited gas supply to thermal power plants.

“This has significantly reduced the energy available on the national grid and, consequently, the allocation to Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies,” he said.

He noted that the shortfall had affected electricity distribution to customers, resulting in intermittent outages and load shedding across its network.

Okotie, however, assured customers of the company’s commitment to equitable and efficient distribution of the limited power available.

“The management regrets the inconvenience caused and appreciates the patience and understanding of our customers during this period.

“We remain committed to distributing the available power as efficiently and equitably as possible,” he said.

The spokesman urged customers to remain patient as efforts continued at the national level to improve gas supply and stabilise power generation.

NAN reports that the development has worsened electricity challenges in Lagos, with residents and businesses lamenting poor supply.

Some residents, who spoke in separate interviews with NAN, said the situation had increased their dependence on generators and raised operating costs.

Mrs Kemi Adebayo, a frozen food trader, said she relied heavily on generators to preserve her goods.

“I run my generator more than I use public power. If there is no light, my goods spoil. If I use fuel, I lose profit. Either way, I am losing,” she said.

Mr Sani Ibrahim, a welder, described the situation as unsustainable.

“We spend more on diesel than on raw materials. Sometimes, customers leave because we cannot deliver on time,” he said.

Also, Mrs Roseline George, a civil servant, said erratic power supply had worsened the impact of rising temperatures.

“It has been very hot, and there is no constant electricity supply. We rely on rechargeable fans and drink plenty of water,” she said.

However, experts say persistent challenges, including gas supply shortages, recurring grid disturbances, and sectoral debts, continue to limit electricity generation in the country.

They warn that unreliable power supply could further constrain productivity and economic growth if not urgently addressed

(NAN)

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Vice President Kashim Shettima has dismissed the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as an “empty bone” that lacks substance and urged Nigerians not to align with the opposition party.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Gusau Trade Fair Complex in Zamfara State, while addressing a large crowd of All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters during the reception of Governor Dauda Lawal into the ruling party, Shettima said the ADC has nothing meaningful to offer the country.

“Do you know that ADC? It has nothing to offer for you, therefore you shall not go there,” he told the gathering.

He likened the party to “an empty bone” that “neither has bone marrow nor flesh on it,” adding that it lacks the qualities needed to deliver for Nigerians.

The Vice President’s remarks came as he led a high-profile delegation of APC governors and leaders to formally welcome Governor Lawal and thousands of his supporters from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the APC fold.

The event drew a massive crowd and brought activities in the Zamfara State capital to a standstill.

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The Federal Ministry of Education is intensifying efforts to attract private sector and international investments to drive comprehensive education reform across Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press release issued by the ministry on March 24, 2026, following a CEO Breakfast Roundtable held in Lagos.

Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on boosting productivity, innovation, and inclusive growth.

The roundtable convened stakeholders from both public and private sectors to explore innovative financing options and deepen collaboration under the Nigeria Education Sector Renewal Initiative.

Alausa acknowledged progress in policy reforms, digitisation, and partnerships, but noted that significant challenges such as out-of-school children, learning gaps, and skills shortages remain.

He highlighted ongoing efforts to expand technical and vocational education and training (TVET), enhance teacher capacity, reintegrate out-of-school children, and scale up digital infrastructure.

“The engagement is part of ongoing efforts to mobilise investment and strengthen collaboration for sustainable education reform,” the statement added.

Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the meeting as a critical step in deepening partnerships across the education sector.

Development partners, including the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) and the United Kingdom, reaffirmed their support.

Italy also announced plans to host the fifth GPE Replenishment Conference in Rome.Stakeholders at the roundtable endorsed new financing models and a Basic Education Investment Framework.

The Airtel Africa Foundation indicated support for digital learning and connectivity initiatives.

The ministry announced the establishment of a Public-Private Education Technical Working Group to drive implementation and coordinate investments.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to improving learning outcomes through sustained partnerships and accountability.

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Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, on Tuesday regained control of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) national secretariat in Abuja after it was briefly occupied by a rival faction.

A video circulating on social media showed MC Oluomo inspecting the premises and assessing the extent of damage to property following the incident.

The development is the latest twist in the protracted leadership crisis rocking the union. On Monday, a faction led by Tajudeen Baruwa had taken over the secretariat, claiming the move was backed by judgments from a lower court and the Court of Appeal.

Baruwa described the takeover as peaceful and in compliance with court orders after waiting two years for enforcement.

He, however, alleged that one of his supporters was attacked by the opposing faction and hospitalised.In a swift response on Tuesday, MC Oluomo’s team reclaimed the facility.

In an official statement, he insisted that he remains the legitimate National President of the NURTW, noting that he was not a defendant in the said judgment, which has since been appealed with a stay of execution granted.

“The situation is under the control of security agencies,” the statement added.MC Oluomo urged all union members to remain calm, peaceful, and law-abiding while the matter is resolved through the courts.

The leadership tussle between the two factions has been ongoing for years, with both sides laying claim to the presidency of the influential transport union.

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Oyo State Police Command has revealed that it has arrested no fewer than six suspected armed robbers.

The suspects, according to the police, were apprehended at a hotel located in the 7UP/Academy area of Ibadan, the state capital.

Public Relations Officer of the command, Olayinka Ayanlade, made the disclosure in a statement made on Tuesday.

Ayanlade added that several items were recovered from the suspects as exhibits.

He further stated that the operation was successfully carried out following accurate information received from members of the public.

Ayanlade also maintained that the suspects would be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

He said, “Acting swiftly on the intelligence received, the operatives launched a well-coordinated sting operation and stormed the location, leading to the arrest of six suspects. The arrested individuals are Kelvin Daniel, Idris Ramon, Christopher Solomon, Mohamed Telim, Taored Aderibigbe, and Adekunle Tolani.

“Following the arrest, the following exhibits were recovered from the suspects: eighteen mobile phones, one Opay ATM card, one National Identification Number (NIN) card, and one tricycle with registration number OYO SHK 508 QP, identified as the operational vehicle used by the syndicate.

“In light of the foregoing, the Command reassures members of the public that investigations are ongoing and all suspects will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations. Further developments will be communicated in due course.”

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The federal government has selected 65 student innovators
from a total of 30,639 applicants across 404 tertiary institutions nationwide
to advance to the final stage of the student venture capital grant (SVCG).

The scheme, introduced in November 2025 in collaboration
with the Bank of Industry (BoI), aims to provide up to N50 million in
non-dilutive funding to student-led ventures that have reached the
commercialisation stage.

In a statement issued on Monday, Folasade Boriowo, director
of press and public relations at the federal ministry of education, said the
initiative was designed to support young entrepreneurs in scaling their ideas,
creating jobs, and boosting the economy.

Boriowo added that the programme is a key initiative of
President Bola Tinubu’s administration, noting that the shortlisted candidates
are developing solutions in sectors critical to national development.

According to her, Tunji Alausa, minister of education,
described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the next generation of
innovators and job creators.

She added that the minister expressed optimism about the
creativity and ambition demonstrated by the finalists, noting that reaching the
final stage marks a significant milestone.

“The minister also stressed that the selection process was
rigorous and transparent, adding that the programme is helping to build a
pipeline of entrepreneurs who will contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth,”
Boriowo said.

She said applications were first subjected to AI-driven
screening to determine eligibility and alignment with the programme’s
objectives, followed by human review.

“Entries that passed this stage were then evaluated by a
panel comprising representatives from government, academia, industry, and the
investment community, using criteria such as scalability, feasibility, founder
capability, and impact potential,” she added.

“The 65 finalists are expected to participate in an
intensive venture development bootcamp between March 26 and 29.

“Activities will include pitch presentations, workshops,
live assessments, and investor feedback aimed at strengthening their ventures.

The final grant recipients will be selected based on
application scores, bootcamp performance, and recommendations from the
evaluation panel.

“The programme will conclude on March 29, 2026, with an
awards ceremony where beneficiaries of the N50 million funding will be
officially announced.”

Student venture capital grant

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Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has raised a strong alarm that Nigeria could lose parts of Borno State and the entire North-East region to terrorist groups if urgent action is not taken.

The former Senate Leader urged the federal government to immediately double its efforts in fully equipping the Nigerian Army with sophisticated arms and ammunition to effectively combat insurgency and banditry.

Ndume made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday, citing recent attacks by Boko Haram and ISWAP, including coordinated assaults in Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, where soldiers were killed and troops were reportedly overwhelmed due to lack of adequate ammunition.

“The military was initially overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the terrorist groups,” he said, adding that soldiers sometimes had to retreat from positions like Ngoshe and Pulka because they lacked sufficient firepower.

Ndume stressed that without decisive action to properly arm and support the troops, the territorial integrity of Borno and the North-East remains at serious risk.

He called on the federal government to intensify support for the military, including providing modern weapons and resources needed to reclaim and secure the affected areas.

The warning comes amid renewed insurgent activities in parts of Borno, with terrorists continuing hit-and-run tactics and targeting both military formations and civilian communities.

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The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has dismissed as false a viral report alleging that the scheme operates a ‘ransom clause’ and exposes corps members to banditry, as fears over security and postings intensify across the country.

The rebuttal comes amid growing unease among families of corps members, with recent incidents and online narratives amplifying safety concerns.

The NYSC says it is stepping in to set the record straight and reassure Nigerians that corps members are not left exposed.

The position was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Caroline Embu, Director of Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the NYSC management.

“The Management and Staff of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) have noted with serious concern the circulation of a misleading and alarmist write-up titled ‘Urgent: The NYSC Death Trap Our Graduates Are Being Sold to Bandits,’” the statement said.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Youth Service Corps categorically states that there is no provision whatsoever for any ‘ransom clause’ in the NYSC Act, Bye-laws, or any official publication of the Scheme. This claim is entirely fictitious and should be disregarded in its entirety.”

At the centre of the controversy is the case of Musa Usman Abba, which the NYSC says has been wrongly linked to the scheme.

“Furthermore, the Scheme deeply empathises with Mr. Musa Usman Abba and his family over the unfortunate incident, and we share in their concern during this difficult time… While this situation is distressing, it is important to clarify that he is not a serving Corps Member, having completed his national service in 2023,” the NYSC clarified.

Amid the heightened concerns, the Scheme said it continues to work closely with security agencies to protect corps members nationwide.

“On the issue of security, recognised as a broader national challenge, the NYSC works in close collaboration with relevant security agencies to safeguard Corps Members before, during, and after orientation exercises.

“Corps Members posted to areas assessed as high-risk are provided with adequate security arrangements, including military escorts. This proactive approach has been consistently implemented since 2024 in the North West and much earlier in some parts of the North East,” the statement added.

The Scheme also pointed to adjustments made in response to evolving threats.

“Additionally, in line with its duty of care, the Scheme has taken decisive steps to relocate orientation camps in states such as Kebbi, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Gombe, and Plateau to safer locations, ensuring the protection of both Corps Members and camp officials,” it said.

Reaffirming its duty of care, the NYSC highlighted welfare provisions for corps members.

“The NYSC remains a responsible and responsive institution that places the highest premium on the welfare, safety, and well-being of Corps Members and staff.”

“In demonstration of this commitment, the Scheme has maintained a long-standing Memorandum of Understanding with Capital Express Assurance Limited since 2004, providing life insurance coverage for all Corps Members… Notably, this insurance coverage extends up to three weeks after the completion of service, in addition to their enrolment under the National Health Insurance Scheme,” it explained.

The NYSC faulted the publication for failing to seek its response before going public.

It warned that repeated misinformation could deepen fear and weaken trust in public institutions.

“The Scheme has been targeted on several occasions by purveyors of fake news and misinformation, making it imperative for the media and the general public to remain vigilant,” the statement warned.

Reaffirming its mandate, the NYSC said it remains committed to national unity and the safety of corps members.

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Former Kogi West senator, Dino Melaye, has expressed concern about Nigeria’s electricity sector, stressing that the country’s power problems are due to poor governance and not just technical issues.

In a statement he posted on X, Melaye said that even though Nigeria has been producing electricity for more than a century, the country still has low power output and often faces power outages.

“Nigeria has been generating electricity since 1896. That’s 130 years. Today, in March 2026, the national grid just dropped to 3,940 megawatts. For 220 million people,” he said.

He looked at how Nigeria did compared to other African countries and pointed out big differences, noting that South Africa produces more than 48,000 megawatts of electricity to power 60 million people.

“Egypt has around 11,000 MW installed capacity for 110 million. Nigeria? About 13,000MW installed. On a good day, we can only move about 4,000 to 5,000MW through the grid. The rest just sits there. Wasted,” he added.

Melaye also mentioned that there have been many instances of the power grid failing and difficulties with the infrastructure in the sector.

“The grid collapsed 12 times in 2024 alone. In the same year, 128 transmission towers were damaged by vandals,” he said.

He said the government used N8.8 billion just to fix them, while further citing data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), highlighting ongoing instability.

“From 2010 up until 2022, NERC noted at least 222 instances where parts of the power grid either partially or completely stopped working. He said that’s about one every three weeks for 12 years in a row. He said that bringing key power plants back online after a collapse is very expensive. Every time the power grid fails, it costs Nigeria around $25 million to restart just three power plants: Azura, Delta, and Shiroro. That’s N42.5 billion. Per collapse. For just three plants,” he said.

Melaye also pointed to mounting debts in the power sector. “As of February 2026, the power sector owes generation companies a total of N6.8 trillion. Growing by N200 billion every single month. By the end of March, it will reach N7 trillion.

“In 2023, 767 manufacturing companies shut down. 335 more became distressed. 18,000 jobs gone. In the first half of 2025, manufacturers spent N676.6 billion on backup power, but they still couldn’t cover all their needs. Another 18,935 jobs lost,” he said.

“The World Bank estimates economic losses caused by power outages. The World Bank says that power cuts in Nigeria cost the country about $29 billion each year. That’s about 10% of GDP. Every year,” he added.

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