Nigeria's power sector faces 11-year investment drought due to policy inconsistency
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, stated that Nigeria has not financed any new major power plant in 11 years, attributing this to policy inconsistency, weak infrastructure development, and the discontinuation of a financing framework. Speaking at the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics 2026 conference, Nnaji explained that a government-backed partial risk guarantee instrument, designed to de-risk investments and attract global financing, was abruptly halted after a change in administration. This framework, which had successfully financed projects like the Azura Edo power plant, was established during his tenure with former Minister of Finance Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. Nnaji emphasized that this decision sent a negative signal to investors, freezing large-scale financing in the sector. He also highlighted the need for Nigeria to leverage its vast natural gas reserves, predicting it will be the dominant energy source for the next two decades, despite current infrastructure deficits and gas supply shortages affecting existing assets like NLNG. Nnaji further pointed to the Mambilla hydropower project as an example of Nigeria's inability to execute strategic projects due to a lack of political will. Hassan Mahmud, President of the Nigerian Association for Energy Economics, added that Africa's energy challenge is one of execution, not resource scarcity, noting that Nigeria's installed generation capacity is significantly underutilized due to gas supply, infrastructu
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Premier League clubs Bournemouth and Brighton are reportedly monitoring Millwall winger Femi Azeez following his strong performance in the Championship. The 24-year-old has registered nine goals and eight assists in 34 appearances this season, earning him a spot in the Championship Team of the Season. Foot Mercato indicates that interest in Azeez is growing ahead of the summer transfer window, with his future at Millwall uncertain despite the club's promotion push. Additionally, Azeez has decided to represent Nigeria internationally, despite being eligible for England and Spain. Born in England to a Nigerian father and Spanish mother, he qualifies for all three nations but has not played for England or Spain at youth level, simplifying his commitment to Nigeria under FIFA rules. The Nigeria Football Federation has reportedly contacted Azeez and his representatives to integrate him into the national team for upcoming international engagements.
The Women in Out-of-Home Advertising Network WOHAN hosted an International Women’s Day 2026 event in Lagos, focusing on women's health and professional advancement. The event, themed “Give to Gain — Empower Her, Elevate All: Power, Progress, and the Urgent Call for Women’s Wellness,” gathered industry leaders, medical experts, and policy advocates. Participants emphasized that sustained progress for women across sectors depends significantly on prioritizing their health. Bunmi Oke, in her keynote address, stated that "The rise of the woman professional is not a trend. It is a correction," urging a shift from limiting stereotypes. Adeola Odesanya, Chairperson of WOHAN, highlighted women's contributions of "care, accountability and wholeness" as essential for sustainable leadership. Tolulope Medebem, President of the Experiential Marketers Association of Nigeria, noted women's evolution "from execution to influence" in marketing communications and encouraged embracing leadership. Discussions also focused on health concerns, with Oluyemi Taiwo, Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Orile-Agege General Hospital, warning that declining health among women could undermine their economic contributions. Key health challenges identified included cardiovascular disease, hypertension, late cancer detection, reproductive health complications, and increasing mental health pressures. Speakers advocated for preventive healthcare, regular screenings, improved awareness, and lifestyl
Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, was seen at a Galatasaray match, reportedly for discussions regarding Nigeria international Victor Osimhen. Osimhen, known for his prolific form with Galatasaray and considered a top forward, has attracted significant interest from European clubs, including Arsenal. The London club is reportedly seeking to enhance its attacking efficiency despite a strong season. Berta's meeting with Galatasaray president Dursun Özbek in Turkey has drawn public attention, with Turkish journalist Serkan Korkmaz asserting that Arsenal's interest is specifically in Osimhen. Korkmaz stated on X that the Arsenal sporting director and Özbek met, dismissing other claims about the meeting's agenda. These developments could excite Arsenal supporters, as the club's attacking performance has faced criticism this season. Osimhen recently delivered a strong performance, scoring in Galatasaray's 3-0 victory over Fenerbahçe, a match reportedly attended by scouts from several major European clubs. He has recorded 13 goals and four assists in 20 league appearances this season, following a previous campaign with 37 goals in 41 matches.
Nigerian winger Zadok Yohanna, who plays for AIK, is reportedly being monitored by Tottenham Hotspur. The 18-year-old joined AIK last summer from Ikon Allah FC in Kaduna and has made an impression this season, scoring four goals and providing three assists in 15 appearances. Spurs scouts were in Sweden to watch Yohanna play in AIK's recent match against Degerfors IF. Yohanna, who started on the right flank and played the full 90 minutes, stated he was unaware of the scouts and is focused on AIK. Degerfors IF manager Henok Goitom praised Yohanna's performance, noting that his team implemented specific tactics to contain him. Yohanna signed with AIK on June 29, 2025, with a contract extending until December 2029. He debuted on August 17, 2025, and scored his first two goals for AIK on March 9, 2026, in a Swedish Cup match. His first league goal came on April 5, 2026, in AIK's Allsvenskan season opener.