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FG Approves ₦4trn Debt Refinancing Plan for Power Sector

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Federal Government has approved a ₦4 trillion debt refinancing plan to settle legacy debts owed to 27 power generation companies (GenCos) for electricity supplied between 2015 and 2023.

The intervention is designed to restore liquidity in the power sector, boost investor confidence, and stabilise electricity supply across the country.

The debts, estimated at ₦4 trillion, arose from unpaid invoices by the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET). The backlog triggered a chain reaction of withheld gas supply, reduced generation capacity, and weak performance by distribution companies (DisCos).

Under the refinancing arrangement, the government will restructure and clear verified debts through a mix of bonds, treasury instruments, and phased cash payments.

Officials say the plan will provide relief to GenCos and gas suppliers, strengthen balance sheets, and attract fresh capital into the sector. It will also enable prompt payments to gas suppliers, improved plant maintenance, and expanded generation capacity, ultimately reducing outages and supporting economic productivity.

The Ministry of Power and the Debt Management Office (DMO) will manage the disbursements, with strict verification and auditing measures in place. Periodic updates will be published to ensure transparency and prevent a repeat of debt accumulation.

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JUST IN: FG Cancels Independence Day Parade

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has announced the cancellation of the 65th Independence Anniversary parade earlier scheduled for Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The decision was disclosed in a statement issued Monday night by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).

“The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm,” the statement read.Nigerian real estate

It added that all other activities lined up for the Independence Anniversary would go ahead as planned.

“The Government deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation,” Imohiosen said, noting that the Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support, and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and invited guests.

He further urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda aimed at making Nigeria a greater nation.

 

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Armed Robbers Kill ARISENEWS anchor in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The ARISE News has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of one of its staff, Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, who was killed during an armed robbery at her residence in Katampe, Abuja.

Announcing her death, ARISE News said in a statement signed by Hadiza Usman-Ajayi on behalf of management: “Sommie was not only a cherished member of the ARISE News family but also a vibrant voice that engaged and connected with our viewers.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her parents, siblings, extended family, friends, and loved ones at this difficult time.

“Her voice is now silent, but her spirit, passion and legacy will endure as part of our collective memory. We remain in shock and call for a speedy investigation, apprehension, and prosecution of the culprits.” the statement added.

Maduagwu, fondly called “Sommie” by colleagues, was 29 years old.

She joined ARISE News as a vibrant and engaging broadcaster whose work connected deeply with audiences.

Beyond her media career, she was also a trained lawyer and described as a professional, supportive colleague and dear friend to many within and outside the newsroom.

 

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2027: Jonathan will contest presidency, return to Aso Villa — Jerry Gana

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Former Minister of Information and Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, has disclosed that former President Goodluck Jonathan would contest the 2027 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Gana also expressed optimism that Jonathan would defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reclaim power after 10 years.

Recall that Jonathan, a sitting President was defeated by candiadate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) in the 2015 presidential election. His defeat ended PDP’s political dominance in the country after 16 years of the party being in power. Since then, the PDP has been battling with internal crisis and looking for ways to reclaim power.

Speaking to journalists shortly after the PDP Congress in Minna, Niger State, at the weekend ,Gana said Nigerians had experienced two other leaders after Jonathan and were now yearning for his return.

“In 2015, former President Goodluck Jonathan said his ambition was not worth the blood of Nigerians. After him, another President ruled for eight years, and now another has ruled for two years.

“Nigerians have seen the difference, and the difference is very clear. Nigerians are now asking us to bring back our friend, former President Goodluck Jonathan,” Gana said.

“I can confirm that Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will contest the presidential election in 2027 as PDP candidate, and we should be prepared to vote for him to return as President again,” he added.

 

 

 

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Wike endorses APC’s candidate for Abuja council chairmanship seat

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

FCT minister Nyesom Wike has declared support for Christopher Maikalangu, candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the February 2026 Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship election.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had last week cleared political parties to commence campaigns ahead of the council polls.

Maikalangu, who currently chairs AMAC, secured the APC ticket after polling 51 votes in the primary election held on June 26, 2025.

Speaking on Monday during the flag-off of road projects linking Tunga Madaki and eight other communities to the airport, Wike urged residents to rally behind the APC candidate.

He said: “Now that INEC has said area councils can go and campaign officially, you all know where we’re heading to.

“My dear people of Tunga Madaki, I have handed over Maikalangu to you. So that, when the election will be held in February, by June, Mr President will be here to inaugurate this road, and then we will all dance, and dance, and then Mr Maikalangu will come and do the needful after the election.”

The minister said President Bola Tinubu had approved full compensation for the communities affected by the construction of the second runway of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport.

He noted that the road projects being executed were part of the residents’ demands in exchange for land released for the runway.

“One of the things that the communities asked for was that they have to be connected, they have to be linked up with roads.

“It is quite unfair that they are releasing their land for a second runway, but yet they have no access to even go to the airport. It does not make sense.

“Mr President said, whatever the settlement asks for, give it to them. Today, the 29th of September 2025, we are here to the glory of God and to fulfil the promise made by Mr President to the people of Tunga Madaki settlement,” Wike said.

He said the completion of the project in June 2026 would transform the communities, describing Tinubu’s administration as “a listening government that cares for the people.”

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Dangote
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TUC Vows To To Join Strike If Negotiations Between Dangote, PENGASSAN Fail

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has placed its members on red alert amid the ongoing dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The TUC Chairman in Kano State, Comrade Mubarak Buba Yarima, disclosed this in an exclusive interview with reporters.

Yarima, a former member of PENGASSAN, said the union was prepared to join the strike if today’s Abuja meeting involving the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and the management of the refinery fails to yield a resolution.

“We have already placed our members on red alert. Once we receive a communiqué from PENGASSAN, we are ready to act. You cannot trample on workers’ rights and expect us to keep quiet,” he stated.

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Panic buying hits Abuja as NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA shut over PENGASSAN strike PANIC buying of petrol has spread across the Federal Capital Territory as the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) shut down operations at Nigeria’s key oil and gas regulatory institutions. Motorists were seen thronging fuel stations for panic buying in several parts of the city, including the Airport and Kubwa roads, while queues also stretched at Maple, Kugbo and Nyanyan areas of the nation’s capital . The industrial action, which commenced on Monday, paralysed activities at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA). According to Punch, at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving staff stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no entry was permitted in line with the union’s directive. Similar scenes played out at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District, where offices were deserted. Confirming the situation, PENGASSAN chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, said the strike recorded “100 per cent compliance,” barring both staff and visitors from accessing facilities. He added that the same level of compliance was achieved at the NNPCL and other agencies nationwide. The strike followed PENGASSAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) resolution over the dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by sacking workers for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners. “All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the NEC declared in a statement signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa. The resolution directed all international oil companies (IOCs) to cut crude and gas shipments to the plant. The move has already triggered fears of acute fuel scarcity and blackouts. Marketers warn that halting supply to Nigeria’s largest refinery will disrupt distribution, drive up prices, and destabilise the downstream market.

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Panic buying of petrol has spread across the Federal Capital Territory as the nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) shut down operations at Nigeria’s key oil and gas regulatory institutions.

Motorists were seen thronging fuel stations for panic buying in several parts of the city, including the Airport and Kubwa roads, while queues also stretched at Maple, Kugbo and Nyanyan areas of the nation’s capital .

The industrial action, which commenced on Monday, paralysed activities at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to Punch, at the NUPRC headquarters in Abuja, the main gate was firmly locked, leaving staff stranded outside. Security operatives confirmed that no entry was permitted in line with the union’s directive. Similar scenes played out at the NMDPRA office in the Central Business District, where offices were deserted.

Confirming the situation, PENGASSAN chairman at NMDPRA, Tony Iziogba, said the strike recorded “100 per cent compliance,” barring both staff and visitors from accessing facilities. He added that the same level of compliance was achieved at the NNPCL and other agencies nationwide.

The strike followed PENGASSAN’s National Executive Council (NEC) resolution over the dismissal of about 800 workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. The union accused the refinery of violating Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by sacking workers for joining the union and replacing them with foreigners.

“All processes involving gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery should be halted immediately,” the NEC declared in a statement signed by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa. The resolution directed all international oil companies (IOCs) to cut crude and gas shipments to the plant.

The move has already triggered fears of acute fuel scarcity and blackouts. Marketers warn that halting supply to Nigeria’s largest refinery will disrupt distribution, drive up prices, and destabilise the downstream market.

 

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Final-Year Thesis Now Compulsory Requirement for NYSC – FG

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved new regulations making the submission of academic thesis or project reports a mandatory requirement for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The directive, which takes effect from October 6, 2025, was conveyed through an enforcement circular signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.

The move is part of enforcing the National Education Repository and Databank (NERD) policy, which aims to digitise and preserve academic works across Nigeria’s institutions. The goal is to tackle certificate fraud, improve academic quality, and make sure every graduate’s work adds to Nigeria’s body of knowledge.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, said the policy also allows students and their lecturers to earn from their academic work, which will be stored in a national digital platform.

NERD spokesperson, Haula Galadima, explained that each submission must include the names of the student, supervisor(s), Head of Department, and the institution. “This will improve the quality of supervision and discourage poor academic work,” she said.

From March 30 every year, schools and organisations must submit compliance reports. Existing NYSC members or graduates mobilised before October 6 are not affected.

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JUST IN: Nigeria’s future brighter than its past – SGF boasts

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has declared that Nigeria’s future is brighter than its past as the country marks its 65th independence anniversary.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Akume described Independence Day as more than a ceremonial date, calling it “a profound opportunity for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people, celebrate our resilience, and renew our commitment to the ideals of unity, peace, and progress.”

He said Nigeria’s journey since 1960 had been marked by both triumphs and trials, but the “Nigerian spirit has remained unbroken.”

“This year’s celebration is anchored on the theme: ‘Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation.’ It reminds us that building a greater Nigeria is not the task of government alone but a responsibility for every citizen,” he said.

Akume praised the “visionary leadership” of President Bola Tinubu, noting that the Renewed Hope Agenda had become the guiding framework for national transformation.

He said his office plays a central role in ensuring the agenda translates into “a lived reality for Nigerians” by coordinating policies and strengthening inter-ministerial synergy.

“We are all aware of the economic reforms initiated by this administration. They are bold, sometimes difficult, but necessary steps aimed at stabilising our economy, restoring investor confidence, and laying a foundation for long-term growth,” he said.

 

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65th Independence: NSCDC deploys 4, 500 personnel for security in Abuja

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Dr. Olusola Odumosu, has ordered the deployment of 4, 500 Personnel across the nooks and crannies of the FCT ahead of this year’s Independence Day celebration.

The deployment is in a bid to ensure security of lives and property as well as Critical National Assets and Infrastructure in the FCT and it’s environs before, during and after the celebration.

A statement released Monday by the Command’s spokesperson, DSC Monica Ojobi, said the deployment of officers and men cuts across specialized departments and units such as Female Strike Force, Arms Squad, Operation Adakasu, Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI), Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Explosives(CBRNE).

The statement said: “There is also massive deployment to vulnerable locations and soft targets such as Shopping Malls, Recreational Centres, prayer grounds, Markets, Motor Parks, Amusement parks, City Gate, 3 Arms Zone, government buildings and areas housing Critical National Assets and Infrastructure.

“In a bit to ensure proactiveness and prevent emergency or unforseen circumstances, men of our under cover unit have already been deployed for covert operations and surveillance.

“Black spots like uncompleted buildings that harbour criminals are also covered to avert security breeches.”

The statement added that Odumosu gave matching orders to all Area Commanders and Divisional Officers to ensure their various Area Councils to be on top of their game and ensure their presence is felt to avoid security hitches.

“All hands must be on deck, I will not tolerate any form of breeches, ensure you deploy your personnel adequately”.

The FCT helmsman, charges all officers to be of good conduct and work in synergy with other security agencies and adhere strictly to the rules of engagement, avoid harassment and intimidation of any citizen as well as accidental discharge.

He accordingly assures residents of FCT of a safe celebration by ensuring a secured environment before, during and after the celebration.

Commandant Odumosu, urges residents of the FCT to be vigilant and report any suspicious movements, individual or group to any Security agency near them.

“my personnel are ready to ensure a peaceful celebration, you have a part to play too by being proactive”.

He warns criminals and vandals to stay off Critical National Assets and Infrastructure stating that NSCDC covert officers are all over the capital city and will not hesitate to bring any offender to justice.

“He wishes residents of the FCT a joyous 65th Independence Day celebration, urging them to continue to have faith in Nigeria as well as prayed for the well being of our Nation, Nigeria.”

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