society
Nationwide Blackout Looms as N2.7tn Debt Halts Gas Supply to Power Plants
Nationwide Blackout Looms as N2.7tn Debt Halts Gas Supply to Power Plants
Nigeria is grappling with a severe electricity crisis as gas producers have suspended the supply of natural gas to power generation companies (GenCos) over unpaid debts, now exceeding N2.7 trillion. This decision has triggered widespread blackouts and further destabilized the country’s energy sector.
Dr. Joy Ogaji, Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies (APGC), revealed in an exclusive interview that the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) instructed gas producers to cease supply to indebted GenCos until outstanding payments are resolved.
“The gas suppliers have already stopped delivering to power-generating companies,” Ogaji stated. “This isn’t a sudden development; they have informed our GenCos that supply will not resume until the debts are settled.”
Mounting Debts and a Broken System
Earlier in the year, the Federal Government pledged to address these debts, with the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announcing plans to begin repayments by April. However, despite a N205 billion payment to GenCos in recent months, unresolved disputes between gas producers and the NMDPRA over a 0.5% wholesale levy have exacerbated the issue.
“Gas suppliers rely on payments to stay afloat, yet only a fraction of the invoices are being settled. For GenCos, 70% of costs are gas-related, and this unsustainable model is crippling the sector,” Ogaji added.
The debt crisis has led to cascading failures, including a national grid collapse on Wednesday, plunging Nigerians into darkness. Reports indicate the grid, which had peaked at 4,013 megawatts earlier in the day, dropped to zero by 2:00 PM. This marks the 12th grid collapse in 2024, sparking widespread frustration and calls for urgent action.
Consumer Advocacy and Calls for Reform
Kunle Olubiyo, President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, called for a forensic audit of the debt claims by gas producers, citing inconsistencies with sector realities. He also urged the government to fully privatize the power sector to eliminate inefficiencies.
“The power sector should be managed like a business, with proper financial discipline,” Olubiyo asserted. “We need enforceable penalties for non-compliance and credit mechanisms that ensure sustainability.”
Utility Companies Seek Solutions
Electricity distribution companies, including Abuja Disco and Jos Disco, confirmed the grid collapse in official statements, assuring customers of ongoing efforts to restore power.
“We are working closely with stakeholders to stabilize the grid and resume supply,” Abuja Disco stated. Jos Disco similarly emphasized its commitment to resuming operations as soon as possible.
A Way Forward?
With over 70% of Nigeria’s electricity reliant on gas-fired plants, the sector’s vulnerabilities are on full display. Industry stakeholders, including the APGC and government officials, have notified the presidency and other relevant authorities, but concrete solutions remain elusive.
As the nation contends with worsening blackouts, the urgent need for systemic reforms, debt resolution, and infrastructure upgrades is more apparent than ever.
society
Life Patron Gen. Buratai Congratulates Newly Elected Lady Captain of TYBGRCC
Life Patron Gen. Buratai Congratulates Newly Elected Lady Captain of TYBGRCC
ABUJA – The Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu as its Lady Captain.
The club’s Life Patron, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai (Rtd) CFR, former Chief of Army Staff, has extended his warm congratulations and full endorsement. “As the Life Patron, I am immensely proud to see a leader of your calibre step forward,” he stated. “Please be assured of my full and unwavering support throughout your tenure. I have every confidence that your leadership will be marked by significant achievements.”
The election, conducted by the club’s Board of Trustees and membership, highlights a unanimous confidence in Ms. Adamu’s vision and dedication to the sport and the club’s community.
In her acceptance address, the newly elected Lady Captain outlined a forward-looking agenda anchored on three key pillars: Unity, Development, and Inclusiveness. “I believe that golf is not just a sport but a powerful platform for friendship, discipline, mentorship, and community,” she stated, pledging to strengthen member bonds, encourage greater participation among ladies and youth, and enhance the club’s facilities.
Ms. Jumai Hajara Adamu, a respected member known for her active participation and organizational acumen, succeeds a line of distinguished past Lady Captains. She has pledged to build upon their legacy with transparency, teamwork, and accountability, ensuring every member feels heard and represented.
This appointment is seen as a significant step for the TYBGRCC, reinforcing its commitment to excellence, growth, and fostering a vibrant sporting community in the heart of the nation’s capital. The club anticipates a dynamic and prosperous term under her guidance.
About Tukur Yusufu Buratai Golf Resort and Country Club (TYBGRCC):
Located in Abuja, TYBGRCC is a premier golfing destination dedicated to promoting the sport of golf, fostering camaraderie, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle among its members and guests. It stands as a testament to world-class sporting and recreational facilities.
society
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
NAWOJ: SEKINAT, CHARITY GETS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists,(NAWOJ), Ogun State Chapter Executives has unanimously passed a vote of confidence on Chairman NAWOJ SEKINAT Salam and the Financial Secretary, Charity James, saying that, their leadership reflect the ideal and objectives of NAWOJ.
This was revealed in a communique issued at an Emergency meeting of the Executive held at the NUJ State Council, Iwe-Iroyin in Abeokuta.
The vote of confidence on the Leadership of NAWOJ was unanimously signed by all the five executive members that attended the meeting with the vice chairperson taking apology for official engagement outside the state capital.
According to the communique ” Consequently, NAWOJ Ogun State Chapter, reaffirms it’s unwavering support and confidence in the Chairperson and the Financial Secretary, Sekinat Salam and Charity James respectively, Urge them to continue in their commitment to purposeful leadership in the best interest of the association and the society at large”.
Speaking briefly with Journalists after the emergency Executive meeting, the Chairperson, Nigeria Association of Woman Journalists (NAWOJ), Com. Sekinat Salam, said the meeting was necessary as the news of her suspension was laughable and insulting because it is like a pot calling a kettle black in this case, saying that the Leadership of the State Council, Com. Wale Olanrewaju has no local standing to suspend her or any executive member, even he cannot be a judge in his own case.
According to her” The Leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Ogun State led by Wale Olanrewaju has always been misusing power without recourse to the constitution of this noble Union, hence has no local standing to suspend me or any executive member “.
She said only the Central Working Committee (CWC) has the constitutional rights to sanction or suspend any members found wanting after due process has been followed.
While calling on members to stay calm, Com. Sekinat Salam assured members of positive representation of NAWOJ at both the State and National level, adding the success recorded under her administration cannot be overemphasized.
She therefore called on the National leadership of NUJ to critically look into the matter, either by setting up independent committee to investigate the issues and resolve the matter as quickly as possible.
society
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
Adron Homes Chairman Congratulates Oyo State on 50 Years of Progress
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adron Homes and Properties Limited, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State as the state marks its 50th anniversary, describing the occasion as a celebration of resilience, cultural pride, and sustained progress.
He noted that since its creation, Oyo State has remained a strong contributor to Nigeria’s socio-economic and cultural development, emerging as a hub of commerce, education, and innovation.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a moment for reflection and renewed commitment by government, private sector players, traditional institutions, and citizens toward building a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Aare Emmanuelking commended the state’s ongoing transformation through investments in infrastructure, economic expansion, and human capital development, adding that sustainable growth is deliberate and must remain purpose-driven.
He also praised the leadership of the current administration while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders whose efforts laid the foundation for today’s Oyo State.
Reaffirming Adron Homes’ commitment to national development, he described Oyo State as a land of opportunity. He wished the state continued peace and prosperity, expressing confidence that the next fifty years will bring even greater achievements for the Pace Setter State and its people.
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