Business
Five Lagos Communities To Enjoy Solar Energy Soon
Five Lagos Communities To Enjoy Solar Energy Soon
By Ifeoma Ikem
No fewer than 12,500 residents in five communities at the Epe axis in Lagos State would benefit from solar mini energy project embarked upon by the Lagos State Government; A4&T Power Solutions Limited and Ikeja Electric PLC. The ground breaking ceremony of the interconnected solar mini grid was done recently.
The jubilation at the event was understandable for the reason that when the 0.88MW (scalable to up to 2MW) interconnected solar mini grid, will be completed, it will provide energy for the communities in Epe, Eredo Local Government Area of the State.
The project is being developed by A4&T Power Solutions Limited, in partnership with Ikeja Electric PLC. The project is a product of the Interconnected Minigrid Access Scheme (IMAS) program.
The Lagos State Governor , Babajide- Sanwo-Olu who described the project as laudable and first of its kind ,said it was a step in the right direction, towards bridging the energy gap, and enabling universal sustainable energy access in Lagos State.
“The Lagos State Government, via its Off-Grid Electrification Strategy and Action Plan, has set a target to achieve 1GW of Solar PV generation by 2030 and collaborative efforts of players in the sector, such as being witnessed today between A4&T Power Solutions Limited, and Ikeja Electric PLC, will help to accelerate the achievement of this target.
The Governor, who was represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Energy & Mineral Resources, Engr. Olalere Odusote, said,” In line with its T.H.E.M.E.S agenda of making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, the Babatunde Olusola Sanwo-Olu administration is dedicated to fostering investment in the electricity sector towards achieving an optimal energy mix,and will continue to support, encourage, and partner with forward-thinking corporate entities to further promote, and deepen sustainable off-grid electrification in the State”
Mr. Odusote, thanked A4&T Power Solutions Limited, and its development partners for choosing the state as the investment destination,and commended the management of Ikeja Electric PLC for its dedication, and demonstrated efforts, towards improving electricity supply in unserved and underserved communities across the state.
Odusote reiterated the commitment of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu ( BOS) administration to supporting collaborative efforts aimed at accelerating sustainable energy access across the State as it continues to provide forward thinking leadership, and the enabling environment towards facilitating improved electricity supply for its continuously increasing populace.
On his own, Special Adviser to Lagos State on Innovation and Technology, Mr Tubosun Alake, said that the initiative would support the advancement of digital transformation, and provide alternative energy options for digital businesses within the state, and lauded the initiative.
Head of Business Development Ikeja Electric (IE), Ms Obianuju Okweze, while giving her goodwill message on behalf of the IE DISCO, expressed the company’s commitment to serving underserved customers, and reducing the over-dependence on the grid.
The Epe mini-grid power plant will be powered by Solar and Gas, which will improve the energy mix and it is expected to benefit approximately 12,500 people,while reducing tons of CO2 emissions yearly.
Chairman, Board of Directors A4&T, Mr Victor Afolabi, expressed the delight for what the stakeholders were doing about the project. He shared that the organization’s strategic objective is to continue to raise the bar of innovation in the industry through integrated utilities.
The CEO of A4&T Power Solutions, Mr Ayo Ademilua, provided an in-depth insight into the structure of the Hybrid Interconnected mini-grid plant. The CEO hinted on some unique modern technologies like Electric Vehicle charging station to power Electric motorcycles; Three Wheelers (popularly known as keke marwa), and Electric vehicles that would be demonstrated in the communities to further promote cleaner environment and reduction of carbon footprint in the state.
“This landmark project is the first of its kind in Lagos and marks a new era in sustainable energy solutions in Nigeria. it is set to make a lasting impact on the clean energy landscape of Nigeria as A4&T Power Solutions is poised to lead in bringing electricity to Nigeria’s unserved & underserved communities towards creating a brighter, cleaner and more sustainable future.
The project is a product of the Interconnected Minigrid Access Scheme (IMAS) programmes.
The IMAS programme is aims at connecting approximately 27,600 households and impacting over 138,000 Nigerians. The programme is led by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), under the Federal Government of Nigeria Ministry of Power with funded support from the European Union and the German Government through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).
Nigeria’s Inflation Drops to 15.10% as NBS Reports Deflationary Trend
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Nigeria’s headline inflation rate declined to 15.10 per cent in January 2026, marking a significant drop from 27.61 per cent recorded in January 2025, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released by the National Bureau of Statistics.
The report also showed that month-on-month inflation recorded a deflationary trend of –2.88 per cent, representing a 3.42 percentage-point decrease compared to December 2025. Analysts say the development signals easing price pressures across key sectors of the economy.
Food inflation stood at 8.89 per cent year-on-year, down from 29.63 per cent in January 2025. On a month-on-month basis, food prices declined by 6.02 per cent, reflecting lower costs in several staple commodities.
The data suggests a sustained downward trajectory in inflation over the past 12 months, pointing to improving macroeconomic stability.
The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently attributed recent economic adjustments to ongoing fiscal and monetary reforms aimed at stabilising prices, boosting agricultural output, and strengthening domestic supply chains.
Economic analysts note that while the latest figures indicate progress, sustaining the downward trend will depend on continued policy discipline, exchange rate stability, and improvements in food production and distribution.
The January report provides one of the clearest indications yet that inflationary pressures, which surged in early 2025, may be moderating.
Alpha Morgan to Host 19th Economic Review Webinar
In an economy shaped by constant shifts, the edge often belongs to those with the right information.
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026, Alpha Morgan Bank will host the 19th edition of its Economic Review Webinar, a high-level thought leadership session designed to equip businesses, investors, and individuals with timely financial and economic insight.
The session, which will hold live on Zoom at 10:00am WAT and will feature economist Bismarck Rewane, who will examine the key signals influencing Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026, including policy trends, market movements, and global developments shaping the local landscape.
With a consistent track record of delivering clarity in uncertain times, the Alpha Morgan Economic Review continues to provide practical context for decision-making in a dynamic environment.
Registration for the 19th Alpha Morgan Economic Review is free and can be completed via https://bit.ly/registeramerseries19
It is a bi-monthly platform that is open to the public and is held virtually.
Visit www.alphamorganbank to know more.
GTBank Launches Quick Airtime Loan at 2.95%
Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (GTBank), the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, Africa’s leading financial services group, today announced the launch of Quick Airtime Loan, an innovative digital solution that gives customers instant access to airtime when they run out of call credit and have limited funds in their bank accounts, ensuring customers can stay connected when it matters most.
In today’s always-on world, running out of airtime is more than a minor inconvenience. It can mean missed opportunities, disrupted plans, and lost connections, often at the very moment when funds are tight, and options are limited. Quick Airtime Loan was created to solve this problem, offering customers instant access to airtime on credit, directly from their bank. With Quick Airtime Loan, eligible GTBank customers can access from ₦100 and up to ₦10,000 by dialing *737*90#. Available across all major mobile networks in Nigeria, the service will soon expand to include data loans, further strengthening its proposition as a reliable on-demand platform.
For years, the airtime credit market has been dominated by Telcos, where charges for this service are at 15%. GTBank is now changing the narrative by offering a customer-centric, bank-led digital alternative priced at 2.95%. Built on transparency, convenience and affordability, Quick Airtime Loan has the potential to broaden access to airtime, deliver meaningful cost savings for millions of Nigerians, and redefine how financial services show up in everyday life, not just in banking moments.
Commenting on the product launch, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd, said: “Quick Airtime Loan reflects GTBank’s continued focus on delivering digital solutions that are relevant, accessible, and built around real customer needs. The solution underscores the power of a connected financial ecosystem, combining GTBank’s digital reach and lending expertise with the capabilities of HabariPay to deliver a smooth, end-to-end experience. By leveraging unique strengths across the Group, we are able to accelerate innovation, strengthen execution, and deliver a more integrated customer experience across all our service channels.”
Importantly, Quick Airtime Loan highlights GTCO’s evolution as a fully diversified financial services group. Leveraging HabariPay’s Squad, the solution reinforces the Group’s ecosystem proposition by bringing together banking, payment technology, and digital channels to deliver intuitive, one-stop experiences for customers.
With this new product launch, Guaranty Trust Bank is extending its legacy of pioneering digital-first solutions that have redefined customer access to financial services across the industry, building on the proven strength of its widely adopted QuickCredit offering and the convenience of the Bank’s iconic *737# USSD Banking platform.
About Guaranty Trust Bank
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) is the flagship banking franchise of GTCO Plc, a leading financial services group with a strong presence across Africa and the United Kingdom. The Bank is widely recognized for its leadership in digital banking, customer experience, and innovative financial solutions that deliver value to individuals, businesses, and communities.
About HabariPay
HabariPay is the payments fintech subsidiary of GTCO Plc, focused on enabling fast, secure, and accessible digital payments for individuals and businesses. By integrating payments and digital technology, HabariPay supports innovative services that make everyday financial interactions simpler and more seamless.
Enquiries:
GTCO
Group Corporate Communication
[email protected]
+234-1-2715227
www.gtcoplc.com
-
celebrity radar - gossips6 months agoWhy Babangida’s Hilltop Home Became Nigeria’s Political “Mecca”
-
society6 months agoPower is a Loan, Not a Possession: The Sacred Duty of Planting People
-
society5 months agoReligion: Africa’s Oldest Weapon of Enslavement and the Forgotten Truth
-
news6 months agoTHE APPOINTMENT OF WASIU AYINDE BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AS AN AMBASSADOR SOUNDS EMBARRASSING