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Lagos Governor Rewards Outstanding Public Servants

Peace Piak Kanu
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Lagos Governor Rewards Outstanding Public Servants

The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has rewarded public servants in the state with brand new sedan cars and cash prizes for outstanding performance in the discharge of their duties in 2025.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the announcement at a special luncheon held in honour of the 2025 Outstanding Public Servants at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, where he reiterated his administration’s commitment to recognising excellence, professionalism and dedication within the civil service.

Governor Sanwo-Olu announced cash rewards of ₦5 million each for five exceptional officers selected from a pool of civil servants across the state.

In addition, five senior officers also emerged through a raffle draw to receive brand new cars in recognition of their exemplary service.

The award recipients were drawn from 177 public servants shortlisted from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies, comprising 78 junior and 99 senior officers, following what officials described as “a rigorous and transparent selection process.”

Beyond the top awardees, the Govenror also extended cash rewards to other honourees, with 73 junior officers receiving ₦500,000 each, while 94 senior officers were awarded ₦1 million each.

Addressing the gathering, Governor Sanwo-Olu commended the recipients for their dedication and urged them to sustain excellence while committing themselves to continuous self-development.

“Once you identify your skill, you must continue to develop and refine it. Never allow it to decline,” he said, stressing that consistent improvement and perseverance remain the foundation for long-term success and recognition in public service.

Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that competence becomes evident when responsibility calls, saying preparation and discipline ultimately distinguish those ready for greater opportunities.

“So, the Head of Service has given all five awardees in the junior category ₦5 million each. And because he is the Head of Service and my teammate, I do not want to compete with him,” the Governor said.

He said; “Therefore, to every other person in the junior category, I will give ₦500,000. And for everyone in the senior category, let us give them ₦1 million each.”

The Governor also announced the appointment of Mrs Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa, former Director-General of the Lagos State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, as a Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Public Service.

Governor Sanwo-Olu described the appointment as “a recognition of her leadership qualities and contributions to institutional reforms and innovation within the state.”

For his part, the Head of Service of Lagos State, Mr Bode Agoro, said the luncheon marked the grand finale of the 2025 Public Service Week, which featured activities including medical screenings, fitness walks, donations to children with disabilities, long-service awards, a government lecture and talent competitions.

Mr Agoro disclosed that the 177 honourees were selected from 312 nominations received statewide after a thorough assessment process.

He charged the award recipients to justify the confidence reposed in them by remaining diligent, responsible and committed to duty, noting that the recognition placed a greater responsibility on them to serve as role models within the civil service.

The Head of Service also expressed appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his sustained support for public servants and his commitment to improving welfare and motivation across the Lagos State Public Service.

PIAK

 

 

Blind School Alumni Seek Disability Rights Enforcement

Rita Obiora
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Blind School Alumni Seek Disability Rights Enforcement

A newly formed advocacy group representing Alumni of the FCT School for the Blind Children in Jabi, Abuja has launched a public appeal, calling on the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to strengthen its support for special needs education and fully uphold disability rights legislation.

The group, the Jabi Old Visually Impaired Students Association (JOVISA), raised the concerns during its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Abuja on Monday, where members decried the erosion of free education at the FCT’s only school for the blind, alongside the near absence of post-primary education and employment opportunities for visually impaired persons.

The Chairperson of the Association, Ms Jumai Monday said JOVISA was formed to confront long-standing social and economic barriers, including rising school dropouts, exclusion, and discrimination faced by persons living with visual impairment.

She said; “There are some of our members who dropped out of school maybe because they don’t have someone to sponsor them and some because of discrimination or they don’t have someone to speak out for them…So our being here is to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves with one voice as an association.”

Mrs Monday urged the government to provide free education, scholarships, and job opportunities for their members.

Free Education Compromised

The FCT School for the Blind Children in Jabi has remained the only government primary institution dedicated to visually impaired students in Nigeria’s capital since its establishment in Zuba in 1991, highlighting a critical inadequacy in the FCT’s educational infrastructure more than three decades later.

Alumni raised concerns that the school’s long-standing status of offering tuition-free education has been eroded, placing a financial burden on poor families.

A lawyer and one of the oldest alumni, Mr. Theophilus Odaudu, stated that the decline in government interest is disturbing.

“We are witnessing a sort of decline in the interest that the government is having in the school such that we hear now that the tuition which used to be free for students is no more so,” he said.

Mr. Odaudu clarified that students are now being asked to contribute financially which he described as a major setback, especially since the school, being under Universal Basic Education, should be entirely free.

A Gap in Continuing Care

The Association also pointed to a significant gap in the FCT’s inclusive education system. After completing primary education at Jabi, visually impaired students face limited options.

“When people graduate they need secondary schools that are inclusive, schools where they are able to learn with relevant facilities available for them to continue their education. At the moment, we don’t have a lot of them in the FCT,” Mr. Odaudu explained.

He noted that the FCT Administration currently provides insufficient inclusive secondary schools, with the Government Secondary School (GSS) Kwali being the only known facility accommodating blind students.

Furthermore, the FCT School for the Blind’s strict admissions policy leaves newly blind adults without essential rehabilitation and training support.

“Older persons with disabilities above the age of 16 are no longer accepted in the school,” Mr. Odaudu said, stressing that “There is no alternative for adult persons with blindness in the FCT as it stands and we feel that that needs to be fixed.”

Demand for Disability Act Enforcement

JOVISA’s key demand is for the FCT and Federal Governments to fully implement the Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities (Prohibition) Act, especially regarding job placement. The alumni argue that systemic bias prevents qualified visually impaired graduates from securing employment.

“When people are done with studies, the next thing is to seek employment and we feel that the government is also not doing so much in terms of employing persons with blindness in the society,” Mr. Odaudu insisted.

He said; “More persons with disabilities, especially those with blindness, should be given employment opportunities where they are qualified to function.”

The Chairman of the Contact and Mobilisation Committee, Mr. Gabriel Emualosi, affirmed the association’s determination to drive this change by acting as a permanent advocate for all members.

“We are going to be an advocate for all the students who are there in this school now and also help our members in the society, especially when it comes to being recognised for employment and other critical issues,” Mr. Emualosi added..

Reps Move to Tackle Rising Drug Abuse Crisis

Peace Piak Kanu
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Reps Move to Tackle Rising Drug Abuse Crisis
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, has identified drug abuse as a serious threat to Nigeria’s national security and socio-economic development, underscoring the urgent need for coordinated action to address the growing challenge.

Mr Abbas made this known while declaring open a public hearing organised by the House Ad-Hoc Committee on Drug Trafficking and Abuse in Abuja.

He said the hearing marked a decisive step by the National Assembly to confront one of the most pressing national emergencies, particularly its devastating impact on young people and communities across the country.

“Nigeria is facing a dangerous and rapidly escalating crisis, one that cuts across every family, community and geopolitical zone. Drug trafficking and substance abuse are destroying young lives, weakening national productivity and undermining social stability. Counterfeit and substandard pharmaceuticals are claiming innocent victims, while harmful and unregistered alcoholic beverages are flooding our markets,” he said.

He said there was a rising addiction to cocaine-based cough syrups across Nigeria.

The Speaker noted that systemic failures in regulation had allowed illicit drugs to flood the country.

Represented at the event by Mr Paul Kalejaye, Mr Abbas called on stakeholders at the public hearing to collaborate closely with the Ad-Hoc Committee.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Ad-Hoc Committee on Drug Trafficking and Alcohol Abuse, Mr Oluwatimehin Adelegbe, said the committee was responding to a national emergency that threatened the soul of Nigeria.

“Substance abuse, illicit drug trafficking, unregulated pharmaceutical distribution, predatory alcohol marketing, and aggressive tobacco promotion have converged into a dangerous crisis. This crisis is stealing the health of our youth, weakening our labour force, destabilising our communities, and undermining our collective future,” he stated.

Mr Adelegbe said the national reality could no longer be ignored, noting that cannabis was now smoked freely on the streets like cigarettes in many parts of the country.

“Our mission is clear: to investigate, to protect, to reform, and ultimately, to save lives,” he said.

The chairman also said cheap and hazardous alcoholic mixtures were destroying young men and women in motor parks, campuses, and marketplaces.

“Tobacco companies continue to exploit loopholes to target minors through flavours, informal retail channels, and deceptive marketing,” he said.

“Substandard pharmaceuticals, fake spirits, and unregistered products flood our markets unchecked. Our ports, airports, and borders remain vulnerable to trafficking syndicates who exploit weak enforcement systems. Entire communities have been crippled by addiction, crime, and preventable deaths,” he added.

“Nigeria is losing too many lives, too many futures, too many families,” he said.

“As lawmakers, we must rise to the responsibility placed upon us. The Nigerian people expect answers, solutions, and firm action, not excuses,” Mr Adelegbe said.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Muhammed Ali Pate, commended the House of Representatives for the initiative.

He also decried the alarming rate of drug use among young people in Nigeria.

Stakeholders at the public hearing made suggestions on strategies to curb drug abuse nationwide.

PIAK

NAF Commissions Project To Boost Community Development In Rivers

Mosunmola Ore
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NAF Commissions Project To Boost Community Development In Rivers

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commissioned a Special Intervention Project (SIP) in Beeri, Khana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The project aimed at improving the welfare and socio-economic well-being of the host community in furtherance of its commitment to delivering impactful and sustainable social services nationwide.

 

In statement, the Director of Public Relations and Information Air Force Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame disclosed that the project, executed by Air Vice Marshal BL Keenam (Rtd) under the directive of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), reflects the Service’s people-centred approach to national development and strengthened civil–military relations.

According to him, “the intervention comprised the construction of a 500-seating capacity School Assembly Hall at Beeri High School, alongside the flag-off of a 3-day medical outreach for indigenes of the Beeri community.”

“The newly constructed assembly hall addresses the long-standing absence of a standard multipurpose facility for academic assemblies, examinations, and school activities, which were previously conducted outdoors irrespective of weather conditions”, he said.

Ejodame noted that the facility is expected to significantly enhance the school’s learning environment by providing a safe, spacious, and functional venue for academic and extracurricular engagements.

Complementing the educational infrastructure upgrade, the 3-day medical outreach was initiated to improve access to essential healthcare services for community members, particularly vulnerable groups.

The outreach features comprehensive medical screening, distribution of drugs and medicated eyeglasses, as well as the provision of crutches and walking aids.

“The initiative is designed to facilitate early detection of illnesses, address pressing medical needs, and reduce the healthcare burden on families within the Beeri community,” Ejodame added.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the Air Staff, the Chief of Civil–Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, described the initiative as “a deliberate non-kinetic effort aimed at strengthening trust between the Armed Forces and the civil populace.”

Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet said that “these projects are designed to directly touch the lives of ordinary Nigerians, reinforce goodwill, and complement our kinetic operations by fostering cooperation that is essential for sustainable national security.”

He further urged the people of Beeri to continue supporting security agencies through timely and credible intelligence, assuring that the NAF would remain steadfast in its constitutional mandate to protect lives and property across the nation.

In his remarks, the project facilitator, Air Vice Marshal BL Keenam (Rtd), expressed deep appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for the opportunity to give back to his community.

Keenam stated that “this project is not only a fulfilment of a personal desire to contribute to my roots, but also a demonstration of the Nigerian Air Force’s enduring commitment to education, healthcare, and community development.”

He added that the Assembly hall and medical outreach would leave a lasting legacy for Beeri, while the Royal Father of the community commended the NAF for addressing long-standing educational and healthcare challenges and wished the CAS continued success in his leadership endeavours.

The commissioning ceremony, coordinated by the Civil–Military Relations (CMR) Branch in line with its mandate to oversee CAS-SIP activities, attracted several dignitaries. These included the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Training Command (FOC NAVTRAC), retired senior officers from the three Armed Services, the Chairperson of the Defence Intelligence Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs Jane Undiandeye, the Royal Father of Beeri Community, and other distinguished guests, reflecting the broad stakeholder interest in the initiative.

Nigeria Charges CIPPON to Prioritise Partnership To Enhance National Growth

Mosunmola Ore
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Nigeria Charges CIPPON to Prioritise Partnership To Enhance National Growth

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has called on the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) to prioritise partnership with the public and private sectors to enhance national growth and innovation for the benefit of the country.

The Information Minister made the call during the inauguration of the new President and Governing Council Members of the Institute in Abuja, Nigeria.

Idris, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Chinasa Ogbodo, explained that their selection reflects confidence in their professionalism, integrity and capacity to advance the standards of the printing profession.

According to him, the printing industry remains a critical pillar of national development, supporting information dissemination, education, governance, commerce and cultural preservation.

“In our era of rapid digital transformation, professional printers are called upon to innovate, uphold quality and maintain ethical standards while adapting to new technologies and sustainability demands. The Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation recognises the vital role of professional bodies such as your institute in promoting best practices, capacity building and national orientation”, he noted
He further urged newly inaugurated executives to lead with inclusivity and accountability to foster development.

“We expect this council to strengthen professional regulation, encourage skills development, protect intellectual property and position the Nigerian printing industry to compete favourably at both regional and global levels. As you assume office, I urge you to lead inclusiveness, accountability and foster collaboration with government, the private sector and educational institutions to drive growth and innovation within the industry,” he added.

On his part, the President and Chairman of the Council of the Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON), Mr Clement Koko-T, reaffirmed commitment to building new foundations, making CIPPON a world-class professional body recognised for excellence in printing and other industries.

“We will advocate the creation of the Office of the Printer General of the Federation and for the 36 states, including FCT, or the Printers Commission, which will oversee the development of the printing industry. It will also ensure that the industry is given the recognition it deserves and placed at the proper scheme of affairs. We will advocate for the inclusion of printing as a creative industry in the scheme of things and also work with universities and regulatory bodies to introduce printing technology or printing management at the degree level in Nigerian universities. We will organise a summit to discuss the way forward in the printing and allied industries in Nigeria within the first quarter. The summit will bring together stakeholders, industry leaders, industry players and regulatory bodies to chart a course for the development of the industry,” he said.

Mr Koko-T explained that the current situation in the institute requires all hands to be on deck to move the institute forward. He further urged all members to work together to promote professionalism, innovation and excellence in the printing industry.

“We are all aware of what has befallen us all these years. Unity is the way to go. If anyone is aggrieved for whatever reason, present it to the table, and let’s look for a solution,” he added.

 

 

Swansea Designated Cultural Hub for African Diaspora

mazino dickson
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Swansea Designated Cultural Hub for African Diaspora

Swansea has been designated as a fast-rising cultural hub for the Nigerian and wider African diaspora in the United Kingdom.

This follows the successful launch of the Legacy Voice Experience, a creative initiative focused on amplifying under-represented voices in the arts.

The inaugural event, held in Lagos, South-West Nigeria, was aimed at positioning the Welsh city as a centre for diaspora-led cultural regeneration, drawing attention to the growing influence of Nigerian and African creatives in shaping the UK’s contemporary cultural landscape.

Curated by founder and Creative Director, Olusola Ige, the Legacy Voice Experience featured spoken word, live performances, and immersive storytelling. All participating artists were drawn from underrepresented communities, with a strong presence of Nigerian and African diaspora creatives whose work reflected shared histories, identities, and transnational experiences.

Speaking at the event, Olusola said the initiative was intentionally designed to establish Swansea as a platform for diaspora expression and cultural legacy.

“By amplifying Nigerian, African, and other underrepresented diaspora voices, we are building a cultural legacy in Swansea that inspires pride of place and contributes to the UK’s global cultural story,” he said.

Audience engagement played a central role in the programme, with organisers encouraging active participation to reinforce values of inclusivity and co-creation. Performances addressed themes such as identity, resilience, and belonging, while African diaspora contributions highlighted the UK’s role as a meeting point for global cultural exchange.

Organisers described the inaugural edition as the foundation of a long-term cultural movement.

They noted that future programmes will focus on community regeneration, sustained promotion of Nigerian and African diaspora voices, and embedding inclusivity within the cultural fabric of Wales and the wider UK.

The Legacy Voice Experience reflects a broader trend across the United Kingdom, where cultural regeneration is increasingly defined not only by physical infrastructure but by the deliberate elevation of Nigerian, African, and other historically excluded voices within mainstream cultural and creative platforms.

Mazino Dickson

NMA Honours Governor AbdulRazaq with Excellence Award

Kamila Bello
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NMA Honours Governor AbdulRazaq with Excellence Award

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has conferred an Award of Excellent Service on the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in recognition of his administration’s outstanding contributions to healthcare delivery and human capital development in the state.

The award was presented during the NMA National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Representing the governor at the prestigious event, the state commissioner for health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, received the award on his behalf and expressed appreciation to the leadership of the NMA for acknowledging the governor’s tireless efforts toward improving the health system in Kwara State.

Dr El-Imam noted that “The administration has recorded landmark achievements in strengthening healthcare infrastructure, expanding access to quality medical services, and prioritising the welfare of health workers.”

She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustaining reforms that will continue to elevate the state’s health indicators and enhance the well-being of all residents.

The Commissioner further acknowledged that Governor AbdulRazaq’s reforms have continued to earn accolades across the country, positioning Kwara State as one of the leading states in healthcare innovation and growth.

The NMA Chairman, Kwara Branch, Prof. Abdulrahman Afolabi, praised the Governor’s visionary leadership and encouraged continued investment in the health sector for the benefit of the citizens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lagos State Promises More Empowerment For Women In Agriculture

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Lagos State Promises More Empowerment For Women In Agriculture

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to give continuous support to women across the state, particularly those within the agricultural space.

The government believes empowering women regardless of their tribe, religion, or political affiliation would engender development and enhance the path to food sufficiency.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Systems, Ms Abisola Olusanya, stated this during the 2025 Food and Nutrition/Women in Agriculture and Nutrition Field Day organised by the Lagos State Agricultural Development Authority (LSADA) in Agege, Lagos.

Speaking on the theme of the event, “Enhancing Food and Nutrition through Urban Farming Initiatives”, Ms Olusanya, who was represented by the Director of Agribusiness, Mrs Aramide Ganzallo, explained that the distribution of essential agricultural inputs underscores the government’s dual commitment, which is promoting urban farming for robust food security and empowering women in the sector.

“The distribution of key inputs—including seeds, smoking kilns, and snail parent stock—serves not only to strengthen food security but also bears eloquent testimony to the State Government’s resolve to support and empower the women in agriculture who often work diligently without commensurate recognition,” the Commissioner stated.

Ms Olusanya congratulated the beneficiaries, with the assurance that they would also receive comprehensive training on how to effectively utilise and optimise the agricultural inputs provided.

Women’s role

In her remarks, Director of the Women in Agriculture Department of the agency, Mrs Justina Balogun, affirmed the significant role women play, noting that they constitute the majority in the agricultural sector.

According to her, “The need to continually empower and expand the capacity of women in agriculture is the foundational reason for the consistent hosting of this programme.” 

She further reiterated that the 2025 edition of the program is specifically aimed at addressing and solving the prevalent processing challenges currently faced by women in the industry.

Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the timely intervention and support while expressing hope that the gesture would encourage many women in agriculture to expand and do more.

 

Olusola Akintonde

REA, NBS Sign MoU for Nationwide Energy Survey

Oluwasola Akintonde
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REA, NBS Sign MoU for Nationwide Energy Survey

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) and the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly conduct a comprehensive National Energy Survey using the Multi-Tier Tracking Framework (MTF) in a significant step toward strengthening evidence-based energy planning in Nigeria.

The agreement formalises a strategic collaboration between the two federal government agencies to deliver high-quality, analytical energy data that will support policy formulation and investment decisions across Nigeria’s power and energy sector.

The survey will be implemented under the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP) of the World Bank.

The MoU was signed in Abuja by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of REA, Dr Abba Aliyu, and the Statistician-General of the Federation/Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Prince Adeyemi Adeniran.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr Aliyu described the partnership as a critical milestone in advancing data-driven rural electrification planning.

He noted that the collaboration will generate granular and credible data on electricity access, affordability, and off-grid energy solutions across the country.

“This collaboration will provide granular, credible data on electricity access, affordability, and off-grid energy solutions across Nigeria. The findings will directly inform national electrification initiatives such as the National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (NESIP), while also strengthening investor confidence in the sector,” he said.

The Statistician-General of the Federation and Chief Executive Officer of NBS, Prince Adeniran, emphasised the importance of robust statistical standards in national surveys, reaffirming NBS’s commitment to ensuring quality and reliability.

He said NBS is pleased to provide technical oversight, sampling expertise, and quality assurance to ensure that the survey adheres to global best practices. Reliable data is fundamental to effective policy and sustainable development.

According to him, under the MoU, REA and NBS will work collaboratively to:

Assess energy access at household, community, enterprise, and public institution levels using the Multi-Tier Framework.

Examine household energy affordability, expenditure patterns, and willingness to pay for grid and off-grid solutions, and analyse access to and usage of off-grid technologies, including solar home systems, mini-grids, and clean cooking solutions.

“REA will also serve as a key implementation and policy partner, providing sectoral expertise, stakeholder engagement, public awareness, and alignment with Nigeria’s rural electrification priorities”

“NBS will provide regulatory approval, sampling frames, methodological validation, technical supervision, and capacity building for enumerators to ensure data quality and credibility”

“The World Bank, through ESMAP, will fund and provide technical oversight for the survey and engage a qualified survey firm responsible for field data collection, analysis, and reporting”

Duration and Expected Impact
The MoU will remain in force for 18 months from the date of signing. Data generated from the survey is expected to support national energy planning, improve programme targeting, guide private sector investments, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition toward universal access to electricity and clean cooking solutions.

The partnership underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration, improving the availability of reliable energy data, and advancing sustainable electrification for rural and underserved communities nationwide.

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is the implementing agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Federal Ministry of Power, tasked with electrifying unserved and underserved communities to catalyse economic growth and improve quality of life.

Established under Section 127 of the Electricity Act 2023, REA implements several flagship initiatives, including the Rural Electrification Fund (REF), Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES), Energizing Education Programme (EEP), Energizing Economies Initiative (EEI), Solar Power Naija (SPN), and other national and international clean energy programmes.

The Agency also plays a key role in creating an enabling environment for private sector-led electrification through feasibility studies, energy audits, enumeration, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement.

 

Olusola Akintonde

Reps Summon Management of States Discos Over N100bn Payment Default

Oluwasola Akintonde
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Reps Summon Management of States Discos Over N100bn Payment Default

The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has summoned the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), and Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) over outstanding debts estimated at more than N100 billion owed to the Federation Account.

At a public hearing in Abuja, the committee gave the three electricity distribution companies (Discos) a 72-hour ultimatum to appear before it or face sanctions for legislative contempt.

The committee, chaired by Representative Bamidele Salam, issued the directive after noting that the affected Discos had failed to honour several previous invitations.

The resolution followed consideration of an interim report presented by the chairman of the subcommittee, Mr Mark Chidi Obetta.

Recall that on August 20, 2025, the PAC summoned 11 electricity distribution companies over a cumulative debt of ₦2.6 trillion owed to the Federation Account.

However, the management of IBEDC, BEDC, and PHEDC has consistently failed to appear before the committee to account for their outstanding liabilities, as detailed in the Auditor-General’s reports for the 2021 and 2022 financial years.

The committee condemned what it described as deliberate acts of legislative contempt by the three Discos and warned that stiff sanctions would be imposed should they fail to appear before the committee on Thursday, December 18, 2025.

Speaking at the hearing, Chairman of the committee Mr Salam expressed deep concern over the long-standing nature of the debts, noting that some of the liabilities have remained unpaid for over a decade.

He stressed the need for urgent and decisive action to recover the funds and ensure they are properly accounted for in the interest of the Nigerian government and the public.

The committee subsequently reiterated its directive, giving the management of the affected Discos until Thursday, 18th December 2025, to appear and provide explanations for the outstanding payments.

 

Olusola Akintonde

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