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EFCC silent amid conflicting claims of alleged interrogation, resignation of NNPCL Boss

Mustapha USMAN
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EFCC silent amid conflicting claims of alleged interrogation, resignation of NNPCL Boss

THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has so far declined to comment or release a statement regarding allegations that its operatives, alongside personnel from the State Security Services (SSS), abducted and coerced Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), into resigning from his position.

A report alleged that Ojulari was seized on Friday night, August 1, and taken to a secret location in Abuja, where EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and SSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi allegedly coerced him into signing a resignation letter. 

The ICIR contacted the commission’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, to verify some of these claims. However, he did not answer calls to his phone, and messages sent via SMS and WhatsApp were not responded to.

The commission is also is yet to release any official statement regarding the specific allegations of forced resignation or abduction since Friday, as of press time.

Meanwhile, earlier today, on Sunday, August 3, it was reported that a senior official of the anti-graft agency confirmed that a petition was submitted to the commission seeking an investigation into the NNPCL boss.  But the official, who requested anonymity, dismissed reports of abduction as “fake news.”

This was as the Presidency dismissed the allegations, with Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga affirming on Saturday that Bayo Ojulari remains the substantive Group Chief Executive Officer of the NNPCL. 

No official statement had been released as of press time by the national oil company-the NNPCL

Several controversies

There have been growing controversies in recent weeks over corruption allegations at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL). The latest may be linked to an alleged $21 million (N34.65 billion) corruption scandal allegedly involving Ojulari.

Some groups, including OilWatch Nigeria, Workers’ Rights Alliance, and Concerned Citizens Watch, called for Ojulari’s immediate arrest and prosecution.

At a press briefing near the headquarters of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja on July 31, the coalition accused Ojulari of economic sabotage and gross misconduct.

Also, recall that Ojulari, appointed on April 4, 2025, appeared before the Senate Public Accounts Committee, where he was questioned over audit queries involving an unaccounted N210 trillion sum covering the period from 2017 to 2023. 

Ojulari was given three weeks to respond to 19 audit-related questions stemming from financial statements prepared by the Auditor-General’s office.

In April, shortly after he was appointed as the NNPCL chief executive officer, some top officials of NNPCL, including the Managing Director of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited (PHRC), Ibrahim Onoja; the Managing Director of Warri Refining and Petrochemical Company Limited (WRPC), Efifia Chu, and the Managing Director of Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company (KRPC), Mustafa Sugungun, were removed from office.

BREAKING: Nigeria defeats Mali to win fifth consecutive women’s afrobasket title

Mustapha USMAN
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BREAKING: Nigeria defeats Mali to win fifth consecutive women’s afrobasket title

NIGERIA’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, has claimed their fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket title after defeating Mali 78–64 in a thrilling final on Sunday, August 3, at the Palais des Sports Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

While the victory again cemented Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s basketball, it has also earned them automatic qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin.

Coming into the match, both sides had faced each other six times in AfroBasket tournaments since 2011, splitting victories evenly. 

Sunday’s final, however, swung in favour of the defending champions, who showed superior qualities.

D’Tigress maintained control in the major part of the game. The win continues the team’s impressive unbeaten streak in the continental tournament and highlighted Nigeria’s growing dominance in African women’s basketball.

Nigeria topped Group D in the preliminary rounds, then defeated Cameroon in the quarterfinals before edging past Senegal 75–68 in a tough semifinal. 

Mali, on the other hand, went unbeaten in Group B and cruised past Cameroon and South Sudan to reach the final.

Heading into the final, Nigeria had the tournament’s best offensive average (77.5 points per game), while Mali led in rebounds and assists. 

The victory came a week after the Super Falcons of Nigeria won the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) in Casablanca, to make it 10 trophies in the competition’s history.

WAFCON winners
WAFCON winners

The ICIR reported that at a reception held on Monday, July 28, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players and 11 technical crew members. 

Each player also received a cash prize of the naira equivalent of $100,000, while the technical team members were awarded $50,000 each. 

In addition, the president directed the allocation of three-bedroom apartments to all recipients in the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Housing Estate.

Obi repeats one-term pledge, calls for accountable leadership

Fatimah QUADRI
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Obi repeats one-term pledge, calls for accountable leadership

PETER Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has reiterated his commitment to a single four-year term if elected president.

He emphasised that true leadership should be measured by impact rather than duration in office.

In a post shared on Sunday, August 3, via his X account, Obi cited global icons like Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, and Nelson Mandela as examples of leaders who made lasting contributions despite their brief time in power.

“One of the greatest American Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, served only four years, yet his legacy endures as a model of principled leadership,” Obi stated.

Another iconic figure, John F. Kennedy, did not even complete a full term, yet his vision and ideals continue to inspire generations.

In Africa, Nelson Mandela, revered globally as a symbol of justice and reconciliation, chose to serve only one term as President of South Africa, despite immense public pressure to stay longer,” Obi noted in the statement.

Obi reaffirmed his commitment to serve only one term if elected president, describing the decision as a deliberate act of leadership aimed at emphasising that political power should serve the people rather than personal interests. He argued that history has shown how extended tenures in office often lead to corruption, particularly among African leaders.

He stressed that leadership success is not measured by how long one stays in office, but by purposeful and accountable service. Obi maintained that his vow to serve for just four years remains firm and unchangeable.

Obi stated that his one-term pledge was not a political stunt but a conviction backed by his track record in Anambra State, where he claimed to have delivered on specific, measurable promises without straying from his commitments.

Responding to recent criticism, he acknowledged that some detractors had questioned his sincerity, one going as far as suggesting he needed a psychiatric evaluation, while another argued that even swearing by a shrine wouldn’t make his promise believable.

“I understand the basis of their scepticism. They are judging me by their standards, where political promises are made to be broken. But they forget, or perhaps choose to ignore, that Peter Obi is not cut from that cloth.

“Forty-eight months is enough for any leader who is focused and prepared to make a meaningful difference. I do not intend to stay a day longer,” he added.

Obi outlined his key priorities if elected president, emphasising plans to reform governance, address insecurity through effective resource management, and enhance education and healthcare systems. He also pledged support for small businesses and a shift toward a productive economy powered by agriculture, technology, and manufacturing.

He stressed that these were not idealistic ambitions but practical and achievable objectives within a single four-year term.

Keyamo defends N712bn Lagos airport overhaul, says no foreign loan involved

Mustapha USMAN
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Keyamo defends N712bn Lagos airport overhaul, says no foreign loan involved

MINISTER of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has explained that the N712.3 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu for the overhaul of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, will not be funded through any foreign loan.

His clarification followed public concerns triggered by the approval and the debt implications after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved what the minister described as the largest aviation infrastructure upgrade in Nigeria’s recent history.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 3, Keyamo explained that the entire project would be financed through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, a government initiative funded by savings from fuel subsidy removal.

On Thursday, July 31, Tinubu approved N712.3 billion for the comprehensive upgrade of the airport as part of the effort to revamp the aviation sector in the country under the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

According to the minister, the project represents the first complete overhaul of the old terminal building at Lagos airport since it was built.

“This is not a patchwork. We’re stripping the building down to its carcass and rebuilding with full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing works,” he said.

The report, which highlighted the involvement of the Chinese construction giant CCECC and the award of a N24.3 billion contract to expand the domestic wing apron, sparked public debate and fears of renewed debt exposure.

He also highlighted that the contract was awarded to CCECC, the Chinese company that previously handled the construction of Terminal 2 at the airport. 

While noting that the project is expected to be completed in 22 months, the minister said that the project scope covers apron expansion, as well as the construction of access roads and bridges within the airport premises.

However, the approval of the amount raised public concerns about corruption and fears of renewed debt exposure.

In response, Keyamo, on Sunday, clarified that the funding of the project will not involve any new foreign loans.

“In all, Nigerians will be proud of what we are going to deliver. And take note, this will not be done by a loan from anywhere, but by the Renewed Hope infrastructure Development Fund, which is one of the gains made from the removal of subsidies,” he said.

According to the minister, Terminal One has become structurally degraded due to years of neglect and traffic levels that have long exceeded its intended capacity. 

He said the government intends to completely strip down the aging terminal, removing even the roof and rebuilding a modern, smart facility that meets international standards and can handle increased passenger volumes.

“What we simply want to do is to strip down that building, including the entire roof (leaving only the carcass), then re-design/reconfigure it & build a brand-new airport for the nation to meet modern, international standards that can also cater for the increased traffic. Both wings D and E would be affected. 

“As for the new Terminal (Two), we got approval to expand the building and the Apron (where aircraft park for boarding and disembarkation) to accommodate more aircraft, including wide-body aircraft. That is not all; we are constructing two new independent ring roads in and out of the airport (one for departure and one for arrival) and a bridge that will take travellers directly to the upper floor of Terminal Two Departure lounge, instead of lifting our luggage on the escalators when we are departing. It is a design error we intend to correct,” he added.

IPI gives Bago 48 hours to reopen Badeggi fm

Fatimah QUADRI
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IPI gives Bago 48 hours to reopen Badeggi fm

THE International Press Institute (IPI) Nigeria has condemned the closure of Badeggi  FM in Niger State, and warned the state government of sanctions, which include being categorised as a repressor of press freedom in Nigeria.

IPI described the station radio closure as a blatant violation of press freedom and a worrying escalation in media repression under Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago’s administration.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 3, and signed by its President, Musikilu Mojeed, and Legal Adviser, Tobi Soniyi, IPI Nigeria issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the governor to reverse the closure or risk being listed in its “Book of Infamy”—a public registry of individuals accused of repressing media freedom in Nigeria.

The ICIR had earlier reported that Governor Bago ordered the shutdown of Badegi FM during an expanded meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Minna on August 1. The directive was allegedly triggered by the station’s broadcast of critical commentary about the state government.

The station, a privately owned outlet, was reportedly sealed by officials of the Niger State Urban Development Board shortly after the governor’s pronouncement. Media advocates, journalists, and civil society organisations swiftly condemned the action, warning that it marked a dangerous precedent for press freedom in the state.

IPI Nigeria described the governor’s decision as another crackdown on freedom of expression and media freedom by the current administration, and said the closure directly contradicts constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of the press.

“If Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago fails to unconditionally reverse this illegal suspension within the next 48 hours, IPI Nigeria will be left with no choice but to include his name in our Book of Infamy,” the statement read.

The Book of Infamy was launched in April 2022 and is updated regularly with names shared with international embassies, media rights bodies, and human rights organisations.

The institute also cited a pattern of repression against journalists in Niger State, including the January 2025 detention of Peoples Daily correspondent Yakubu Mustapha and the alleged assault on Voice of America reporter Mustapha Nasiru Batsari by a commissioner in the state government in November 2023.

“These incidents point to a sustained attempt to intimidate and silence independent journalism.We will use the records to ensure that those listed are held accountable—one way or another,” the group said.

The group also emphasised the importance of media pluralism and the public’s right to access diverse sources of information.

“Governor Bago’s administration must uphold the inalienable rights of the people of Niger State, including their rights to free expression, access to information, and freedom of the press,” the statement read in part.

 

 

Atalanta blocking my transfer move despite prior agreement, says Ademola Lookman

Mustapha USMAN
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Atalanta blocking my transfer move despite prior agreement, says Ademola Lookman

SUPER Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has accused Atalanta of blocking his transfer move, despite what he claimed was a clear agreement that he would be allowed to leave the club if a suitable offer arrived.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 3, Lookman confirmed he has formally submitted a transfer request after what he described as ‘many months of broken promises’ and ‘poor treatment’ by the club’s management.

The 27-year-old winger, who has been strongly linked with a move to the Italian Serie A club Inter Milan in recent weeks, said he has remained loyal to Atalanta over the past three seasons but now feels it is time to pursue a new adventure.

“Over the past three years at Atalanta, l’ve given everything. Not just as a footballer, but as a person. I’ve always worn the shirt with pride and tried to represent this club and the city of Bergamo with heart, passion, and dedication.

“I came here with the hope of helping this special club grow, and together, we’ve created memories that will stay with me forever. Winning the Europa League and standing shoulder to shoulder with my teammates that night in Dublin, celebrating with our fans, was one of the proudest moments of my career so far. It still gives me goosebumps thinking about it,” he wrote in a statement posted on his X handle today.

According to reports, Inter had identified Lookman as a key attacking target following his sensational form in the previous seasons with Atlanta, which included a hat-trick in the UEFA Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen. 

Talks had reportedly progressed, but Atalanta’s reluctance to sanction the move has now put the transfer in doubt. 

On August 1, Fabrizio Romano, one of the best football transfer journalists, reported that, “Atalanta have just informed Inter about their decision to reject €42m plus €3m add-ons bid for Ademola Lookman.”

Lookman has also been reported to have agreed on personal terms with Inter Milan.

According to reports, Atalanta has several times insisted on €50m valuation for Lookman. 

Speaking on Lookman’s proposed move from the club, Atalanta’s CEO Luca Percassi has reportedly said, “Lookman wants to leave since long time ago. We have a proposal from Inter, but it’s us deciding timing and valuation for our players”.

“We have a good relationship and we will consider the proposal with our timing”.

Speaking further on his dispute to leave, Lookman expressed deep gratitude to Atalanta fans for their support and memories, saying the bond they created would remain special. 

However, he stressed that the club has been blocking his transfer despite prior agreement.

“There have been numerous clubs approached Atalanta in the past, and I have previously always stayed loyal. However, the ownership of the club has been in agreement that now is the right time, and the club was clear with me that if a fair offer came in, they would allow me to move.

“Despite now receiving an offer in alignment with what I believe had been discussed, sadly, the club is blocking the opportunity for reasons I do not understand.

“As a result, and after many months of broken promises and what I feel has been poor treatment towards me as both a human being and as a professional footballer, sadly, I feel I have no choice but to speak out for what I believe is right, and I feel that enough is enough. I can confirm I have now handed in a formal transfer request,” he wrote.

Since joining Atalanta in 2022 from RB Leipzig, Lookman has made 118 appearances across all competitions for the Bergamo-based side, scoring 52 goals and providing several assists. 

One of his standout moments came in May 2024 when he netted a historic hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen, securing Atalanta’s first-ever European title.

Outrage grows over Badeggi radio shutdown as minister, editors, voice concerns

Fatimah QUADRI
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Outrage grows over Badeggi radio shutdown as minister, editors, voice concerns

NIGER State Governor, Umaru Bago, has come under heavy criticism for ordering the closure of the privately owned Badeggi Radio FM, a move widely condemned as a direct assault on press freedom and democratic principles.

The ICIR reported that the governor issued the order during an expanded All Progressive Congress (APC) caucus meeting at the Government House in Minna, accusing the station of inciting violence and stirring public unrest.

He instructed security forces to seal off the station, recommended the revocation of its broadcasting licence, and ordered that its owner, Shuaibu Badeggi, be profiled.

Reports also indicate that the state government has marked the station’s building for demolition.

Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) denounced the action, stating that Governor Bago overstepped his constitutional authority.

In a statement issued on Saturday, August 2, and jointly signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild said the arbitrary closure of media outlets is reminiscent of Nigeria’s military era and warned that such actions pose a serious threat to democracy and the rule of law.

“Governor Bago acted outside his powers; the power to sanction or revoke licences of broadcast stations lies solely with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC), following due investigation, not by executive fiat,” the statement said.

Citing Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the NGE reminded public officials that freedom of expression and press freedom are constitutionally protected.

“This action is censorship, plain and simple. The premises should be unsealed immediately while proper investigations proceed,” the statement added.

NGE further called for the immediate reopening of Badeggi Radio, stressing that a free and independent press is vital to any functioning democracy while urging that the station be allowed to resume operations, with any investigations carried out lawfully and transparently.

Commenting in a similar vein, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation also weighed in. In a statement issued on Saturday, August 2, by the Minister’s Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Minister Mohammed Idris emphasised that concerns about unethical broadcasting should be handled by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), which is the legally recognised regulatory body.

“The suspension of broadcasting licenses falls within the purview of the NBC as stipulated by law,” the Minister said, urging all parties to remain calm and submit to due process. “NBC has the necessary mechanisms to resolve this issue fairly and impartially.”

Similarly, in a statement released on Saturday, August 2, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) President Afam Osigwe asserted that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) holds the legal mandate to regulate or shut down broadcast stations in the country.

He criticised Governor Bago’s actions as “executive rascality of the highest order,” describing them as a clear abuse of power that threatens constitutional democracy.

Osigwe further cautioned security agencies against enforcing illegal directives, stressing that Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution upholds freedom of expression, including the right to establish and operate media organisations.

“The governor lacks the constitutional or legal authority to revoke broadcast licenses or shut down any media establishment. Only the NBC has the statutory mandate to regulate broadcasting, subject to due process.

“We call on Governor Bago to immediately withdraw this directive and refrain from further unconstitutional acts,” the statement said.

The NBA urged all tiers of government to respect the rule of law, operate within constitutional limits, and safeguard press freedom. It emphasised that a free and independent media is not merely a privilege but a constitutional right and a fundamental pillar of any democratic society.

The backlash over the closure of Badeggi Radio FM adds to a growing list of press freedom concerns previously highlighted by The ICIR and other civil society organisations.

Over the years, The ICIR has consistently reported on rising threats to media independence in Nigeria, including the arbitrary detention of journalists, censorship, intimidation by state actors, and the misuse of regulatory powers to silence dissenting voices.

In multiple investigations and advocacy campaigns, The ICIR has underscored the need for stronger legal protections for journalists and media houses, urging authorities at all levels to uphold constitutional provisions and international obligations guaranteeing freedom of expression.

This latest development, once again, raises alarm over the fragility of press freedom in Nigeria and reinforces the urgent need for institutional checks to prevent executive overreach and ensure media practitioners can operate without fear or interference.

Tinubu, Obi praise D’Tigress after comeback win over Senegal

Fatimah QUADRI
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Tinubu, Obi praise D’Tigress after comeback win over Senegal

PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for reaching the final of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.

Nigeria’s D’Tigress advanced to the final of the 2025 Afrobasket after a hard-fought victory over Senegal on Saturday, August 2.

In a tightly contested match at the Palais des Sports de Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the Nigerian side triumphed 75–68.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August 3, by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President commended the team for their resilience and continued dominance in African women’s basketball.

“I have observed the discipline, focus, and team spirit consistently displayed by D’Tigress throughout this tournament—qualities that have brought honour to our nation and earned respect for our players and coaches worldwide,” Tinubu said.

The game lived up to its billing as a clash of heavyweights, with D’Tigress narrowly taking the first quarter 22–17 in a high-tempo battle.

Despite Senegal’s strong and determined performance, Nigeria held their ground and edged the second quarter 21–20 to maintain their lead.

D’Tigress struggled in the third quarter, as Senegal staged a strong comeback with a commanding 21–9 run that shifted the momentum in their favour.

With seven minutes remaining, Senegal took a 68–62 lead, setting the stage for a tense and fiercely contested fight for a spot in the final.

The President also lauded the team for qualifying for the 2026 Federation of International Basketball Association (FIBA) Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments set for March 2026.

He gave special recognition to the head coach Rena Wakama, praising her leadership and dedication to the team’s success.

He noted that, as the team’s first female head coach, Wakama’s experience, both as a former player and now from the sidelines, continues to inspire D’Tigress to reach new heights in the competitive world of basketball.

Similarly, presidential candidate and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has lauded Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, for their impressive comeback win against Senegal in the semi-finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket tournament.

In a statement posted on X on Saturday, Obi applauded the team’s resilience and undefeated streak, calling their performance a proud moment for the nation.

“Congratulations, D’Tigress. You gave an incredible semi-final performance. I watched with all smiles and so much pride as you came from behind in the third quarter to show true dominance and secure your place in the finals,”Obi stated on his social media handle.

“You have made Nigeria proud yet again. A ten-year unbeaten streak is nothing but dominance. As you prepare for the finals, we are all with you, cheering you to make history once again. Finish what you started. Nigeria stands with you. Bring the trophy home,” he added.

Despite the setback, Nigeria’s D’Tigress mounted a remarkable comeback, outscoring Senegal 23–10 in the final quarter to seal a 75–68 victory.

Earlier, D’Tigress had cruised into the semi-finals of the 2025 FIBA Women’s AfroBasket with a dominant 83–47 win over Cameroon on Thursday night.

With their semi-final qualification, Nigeria, along with Mali, Senegal, and South Sudan, have all earned spots in the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup qualifying tournaments set for March.

The four African teams will join 20 others, including Brazil, Argentina, the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and Colombia, who will represent the Americas, in the global qualifiers.

One rescued as three-storey building collapses in Abuja’s Lifecamp area

Mustapha USMAN
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One rescued as three-storey building collapses in Abuja’s Lifecamp area

THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command have rescued a 27-year-old Aliyu Salisu from the rubble of a collapsed building in the Lifecamp area of Abuja, nearly 10 hours after the structure gave way on Friday evening.

Salisu was subsequently taken to Cedar Crest Hospital, Gudu, for medical evaluation and comprehensive medical care

The Command, in a statement on Sunday, August 3, said it received a distress call around 6:15 p.m. on August 2, reporting the collapse of a three-storey building.

The statement noted that in response to the call, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Lifecamp Division led a multi-agency rescue operation, cordoning off the site while working in collaboration with the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the FCT Administration’s Development Control Department, Zeberced Construction Company, and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

“At about 4:00 AM on 3rd August 2025, rescue teams successfully extricated Aliyu Salisu, a 27-year-old male and citizen of Niger Republic, the lone victim who had remained trapped in the rubble for close to ten hours of life saving operation. He was immediately rushed to Cedar Crest Hospital, Gudu, for medical evaluation and comprehensive medical  care. He’s currently responding to treatment,” the statement read. 

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ajao S. Adewale, who was said to be at the site to supervise the rescue efforts, applauded the professionalism and prompt action of all responders, including NEMA, FCTA officials, construction companies, and community members who assisted.

He further advised residents to remain vigilant and report any emergencies or suspicious activities to the police through the Command’s control lines: 0803 200 3913 and 0806 158 1938.

NERC transfers market regulatory oversight to Nasarawa electricity commission

Mustapha USMAN
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NERC transfers market regulatory oversight to Nasarawa electricity commission

THE Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has formally transferred regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Nasarawa State to the newly created Nasarawa State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NASERC).

The commission noted that this was compliance with the amended Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electricity Act 2023.

The transfer, which was announced in an official order issued by NERC, on Saturday, August 2, directed Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) to incorporate a new subsidiary, AEDC SubCo, within 60 days from August 4, 2025, to handle intrastate electricity supply and distribution in Nasarawa. 

The sub-company is expected to obtain an operating licence from NASERC, which will now oversee all electricity activities within the state’s borders.

It also noted that the new directives are to be fully transferred to the Nasarawa commission by February 3, 2026.

The ICIR reports that the handover was on the heel of the decentralisation introduced by the Electricity Act 2023, which allows Nigerian states to set up their own electricity markets, regulate intrastate supply, and license local players. 

The Act, which marked a shift from the federal government’s exclusive control over electricity, previously enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, however, retains NERC authority over interstate and international electricity generation, transmission, trading, and system operations. 

Under the amended Act, it is required to transfer regulatory authority to any state that formally establishes a regulatory body and requests the transfer.

With this, Nasarawa joined some states, such as Lagos and Edo States, to take over the state’s electricity mandate following the constitutional amendment. 

In December 2024, NERC transferred the regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Lagos State to the newly established Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Some months earlier in August 2024, the commission officially announced the transfer of regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Edo State to the Edo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.

The order instructed the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to establish a subsidiary, known as BEDC SubCo, which will take over the responsibilities for intrastate electricity supply and distribution within Edo State

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