馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Niger State's solar energy initiative draws investor confidence and aims to boost industrialization
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago's solar energy initiative has been lauded by stakeholders for its potential to transform the state into a leading industrial destination and improve electricity supply. The project, which includes a 100-megawatt solar power plant, aims to provide an alternative electricity source for residents and industries, thereby boosting internally generated revenue and attracting investors. The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, commended Governor Bago's "industrial statesmanship" for allocating 500 hectares of land for the project, foreseeing significant economic development and investment. The governor emphasized that the initiative leverages the state's gas resources and vast land, in addition to its four hydropower dams. The Federal Executive Council has approved a $160 million financing package for the Niger State Solar Energy Development Project, comprising a $150 million facility from the Islamic Development Bank and $10 million from the Niger State Government. This project is expected to expand electricity access, particularly in rural communities, and support Nigeria's renewable energy drive. The Niger State Government has already deployed solar mini-grids and other renewable energy solutions, providing 24-hour solar power to over 180 communities that previously lacked consistent electricity. Key public institutions have also transitioned to independent solar systems. The Abuja Steel Mills Limited, a subsidiary of the African Industries Group, i
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Must ReadThe Nigerian Senate is moving forward with legislation that would require global social media companies operating in the country to establish physical offices. This proposal, sponsored by Ned Nwoko Delta North, seeks to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act, 2023, to enforce this requirement. During a public hearing in Abuja, stakeholders largely supported the bill. The Senate also backed a separate bill to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, sponsored by Yemi Adaramodu Ekiti South. Shuaib Salisu Ogun Central, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, stated that both bills aim to strengthen Nigeria鈥檚 digital economy and technological advancement. President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, represented by Deputy Senate Leader Lola Ashiru Kwara South, described the proposals as significant. Nwoko clarified that the social media bill is not intended to stifle operations or target technology companies but rather to promote accountability and deeper engagement, encouraging them to become "true corporate citizens." He cited examples of countries like the United Kingdom, India, and South Africa, which have attracted global tech firms to establish local offices for various functions, including engineering, AI research, and regulatory compliance, leading to job creation, increased tax revenues, and technology transfer. Nwoko argued that Nigeria, as Africa's largest digital market, should also benefit from similar investments and o
The Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Abdulrazak Umar, Yunusa Musa, and Shamsu Adamu Sani to life imprisonment for their involvement in the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The men pleaded guilty to terrorism-related charges, including conspiracy, aiding kidnapping, concealing information about terrorists, and professing membership in the proscribed Darul Salam sect, an affiliate of the Ansaru terrorist group. The judge, Justice Salim Ibrahim, ordered the life sentence to commence from their arrest date. The prosecution accused the defendants of conspiring with others to kidnap pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire LGA between January and May 2026. The abduction, which occurred on May 15, 2026, involved 39 pupils and six teachers from three schools. The victims were rescued on July 10 after a coordinated operation by security agencies. President Bola Tinubu, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced the dismantling of the kidnappers' network and the arrest of several suspects. While the convicts' counsel sought leniency, citing them as first-time offenders who showed remorse, the prosecution opposed, arguing they concealed crucial information. The Elesinele of Esinele, Oba Tajudeen Adeoye, and a local resident, Kausara, expressed disappointment with the judgment, suggesting a death sentence would be more appropriate given the severity of the crime and the deaths of security perso
Three minors, aged between four and 15, from Awun community in Oro-Ago, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have been released after residents reportedly paid a N60 million ransom to their kidnappers. The children were abducted from their home in February while their father, Olajide Buraimoh, was absent. Community sources indicated that the ransom was raised through contributions from local residents and indigenes living abroad, following extensive negotiations. The kidnappers also demanded food items, including rice, groundnut oil, spaghetti, semovita, beer, and seasoning sauce. The fundraising effort was coordinated via the Awun community's WhatsApp platform. A pregnant woman abducted with the children was released last week, while the minors remained captive until Monday. A resident named Ismail described the significant emotional and financial impact on the community. When contacted, Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, stated he was unaware of the abduction or any ransom payment.