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NDPHC Boosts National Grid With Additional 450MW Capacity

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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NDPHC Boosts National Grid With Additional 450MW Capacity

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has restored an additional 450 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity to Nigeria’s national grid following the completion of scheduled maintenance on the Geregu National Integrated Power Project (NIPP).

The four-week extended minor inspection, carried out by Siemens Energy, aimed at improving the plant’s operational reliability, performance, and efficiency.

According to NDPHC, the maintenance works are expected to extend the facility’s Equivalent Operating Hours and overall lifespan.

In a statement issued by the company’s Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije, the organisation’s progress in recovering previously dormant generation assets was highlighted.

She noted that within the past year, NDPHC successfully revived six major gas turbines across its power plants: GT4 at Calabar NIPP; GT1 at Omotosho II; GT1 and GT2 at Benin NIPP; GT4 at Sapele NIPP; and GT3 and GT4 at Alaoji NIPP, which are now on standby pending gas supply remediation.

“Collectively, these restored units add approximately 875MW to NDPHC’s mechanically available generation capacity, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s power generation potential,” she said.

Adighije also announced the commencement of restoration activities at the 225MW Gbarain NIPP plant, which has been out of operation since 2020.

Also Read: NDPHC to boost power supply to Delta community

Describing the move as a major milestone, she said; “it aligns with NDPHC’s strategy to revive dormant national assets and commercialise output to support industrial clusters within the Niger Delta.”

Despite persistent sector-wide challenges, Adighije said NDPHC has continued to achieve operational and financial breakthroughs.

“These include the recovery of 110 containers of critical turbine and HRSG components abandoned at Onne Port for more than nine years, progress on the Light Up Nigeria Agbara industrial power project, and the development of a 10MW embedded solar initiative in Kano,” she stressed.

Other achievements, Adighije said, include the completion of key transmission and distribution infrastructure in Borno and Delta States, as well as the successful execution of the Afam–Ikot Ekpene 330kV double-circuit transmission line.

According to her, financially, the company has recovered over $10 million in legacy debts from bilateral customers and secured $15 million in insurance payouts for the Alaoji plant fire incident.

“It also reached significant resolutions with ACCUGAS, leading to an amended gas supply agreement that reduces government exposure,” Adighije said.

To improve internal governance and staff welfare, NDPHC has introduced a procurement benchmarking desk, Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for performance assessment, and a management support allowance to mitigate the impact of fuel subsidy removal.

Adighije reiterated the company’s commitment to restoring dormant capacity, stabilising operations, and supporting national efforts toward a more reliable and sustainable electricity supply.

“The management of NDPHC remains committed to transparency, accountability, and constructive stakeholder engagement as we work toward unlocking universal access to electricity for homes and businesses across the country,” she added.

Ukraine Prepares New Peace Plan, Rejects Land Concessions 

Omowumi Samuel
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Ukraine Prepares New Peace Plan, Rejects Land Concessions 

Ukraine is preparing to present a revised peace plan to the White House, as it seeks to avoid making territorial concessions to Russia.

Kyiv is set to propose alternatives to the US after President Volodymyr Zelensky again ruled out surrendering land, saying he had no right to do so under Ukrainian or international law.

He made the comments during meetings with European and NATO leaders on Monday as part of a collective effort to discourage the United States from supporting a peace deal that involves major concessions from Ukraine and, in the view of its allies, could leave the country vulnerable to future aggression.

Zelensky’s ongoing diplomatic tour of Europe comes after days of intensive talks between US and Ukrainian negotiators over the weekend that failed to produce a deal Kyiv could agree to.

READ ALSO: Trump, Putin to Discuss Ukraine War in Hungary

The Ukrainian president revealed that his team could send a new proposal to the Americans as soon as Tuesday, AFP news agency reported.

On the subject of surrendering land, Zelensky said, “Russia is insisting that we give up territories, but we don’t want to cede anything.”

He continued: “We have no legal right to do so under Ukrainian law, our constitution and international law. And we don’t have any moral right either.”

Zelensky has long maintained that any changes to Ukraine’s borders would need to be authorised by a public referendum.

Zelensky singled out control of the eastern Donbas region and the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as being among the most sensitive issues.

The original leaked version of the US-backed plan proposed that Ukraine hand over total control of the Donbas to Russia, even though Kremlin forces have been unable to capture it in full after almost four years of war.

Leaders in Kyiv and across Europe have indicated there has been progress in refining that draft in recent weeks and have praised the Trump administration for seeking to mediate an end to the fighting.

 

BBC/Wumi

Nigeria, China Deepen Partnership in Rail Technology Development

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Nigeria, China Deepen Partnership in Rail Technology Development

Nigeria and China have deepened their collaboration in rail technology through a 15-day intensive seminar organised by China Railway Signal and Communication (CRSC) International.

The programme equipped Nigerian professionals with practical skills and insights into China’s advanced rail systems, bolstering the country’s railway modernisation efforts.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, CRSC International’s Deputy General Manager, Yin Yungong, said the programme, held from 20 November to 4 December, equipped participants with hands-on experience in China’s cutting-edge rail transit systems.

He expressed confidence that the newly acquired skills would translate into “practical contributions” to Nigeria’s rail industry.

“The programme was designed to deepen understanding of China’s rail transit technology with strong emphasis on practical application and problem-solving,” Yungong said.

He said that CRSC remained committed to supporting Nigeria through technical expertise and sustained collaboration.

Yungong highlighted ongoing partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Transportation, the Nigerian Railway Corporation, and the Federal University of Transportation, Daura (FUTD). Future initiatives may include joint research efforts, particularly the establishment of a Joint Intelligent Control Research Centre in Nigeria.

Also Read: ACCI Reaffirms Private Sector Support for Railway Development

Yungong also reaffirmed support for key national projects such as the Abuja–Kaduna Railway Upgrade and the Low-Altitude Security System.

FUTD Vice-Chancellor, Professor Umar Adam Katsayal, praised CRSC for hosting a “comprehensive and transformative” seminar that combined lectures, hands-on training, and technical visits to Beijing, Shanghai, and Suzhou.

Katsayal said the immersive experience provided valuable insights into China’s advances in railway and metro systems.

“The lectures, practical sessions, and site visits were truly fascinating and broadened our understanding of China’s scientific and technological progress,” hr said, commending CRSC’s hospitality and coordination.

The programme brought together senior university staff and other Nigerian stakeholders to explore China’s advanced rail technologies.

Both FUTD and CRSC affirmed that the knowledge gained would support Nigeria’s ambitions for rail modernisation, innovation, and long-term economic growth.

Nigerian Navy Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf of Guinea Security

Iyabode Jane Aluko
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Nigerian Navy Reaffirms Commitment to Gulf of Guinea Security

The Nigerian Navy has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the Gulf of Guinea, emphasising its role as a stabilising force in combating piracy and ensuring maritime security across the region.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the annual Sea exercise, Ex Eru Obodo, in Lagos, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas stated that the Navy’s sustained operations have contributed significantly to reducing piracy, securing vital shipping routes, and strengthening maritime governance within the Gulf of Guinea.

He noted that “these achievements reflect the Navy’s enhanced operational readiness and its continued collaboration with regional and international partners.”

Vice Admiral Abbas reaffirmed that the Nigerian Navy remained resolute in its mission to dominate the maritime domain, ensure freedom of navigation, and deter all forms of criminality at sea, stressing that the nation’s maritime security is non-negotiable.

He said that “Ex Eru Obodo will further boost the operational capabilities of naval personnel, while enhancing surveillance, response, and deterrence measures against emerging maritime threats.”

“Our readiness, strengthened through exercises like this, ensures that we stand as a reliable guardian of both Nigeria’s maritime interests and the broader security architecture of the Gulf of Guinea,” he said.

Vice Admiral Abbas noted that Ex Eru Obodo “is designed to sharpen that ability to its finest edge.”

According to him, this year’s exercise has been meticulously crafted to simulate complex, real-world scenarios.

“It will test our capabilities across a broad spectrum of naval warfare: from fleet manoeuvres and advanced gunnery to anti-piracy operations, illegal oil bunkering interdiction, search and rescue, and Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS).

“We will practise inter-agency cooperation with key stakeholders and test our logistics and combat sustainability far from our bases,” Vice Admiral Abbas said.

He emphasised that under the leadership and strategic guidance of the President and Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Navy stands fully prepared to undertake any mission assigned to it.

Also Read: Nigerian Navy Rescues Crew Members Off Calabar Waters

“To all participating ships, helicopters, special forces, and supporting units, this is more than a routine drill; see it as a battle practice. I charge you to operate with tactical rigour, procedural precision, and uncompromising discipline,” he said.

Vice Admiral Abbas urged them to push their platforms and themselves to the limit, identify gaps, learn from every evolution, and build the muscle memory required for victory in a real confrontation.

“Safety must remain paramount throughout all operations,” he said.

Vice Admiral Abbas described the exercise as a cornerstone of the Navy’s operational calendar, “a critical test of our readiness, and a bold declaration of our unwavering commitment to securing Nigeria’s maritime domain.”

He noted that the name Eru Obodo, a phrase from a local dialect meaning “Guardian of the Nation”,  is profoundly apt. It encapsulates the sacred mandate carried by the officers and ratings of the Nigerian Navy.

“You are the guardians of our blue territory, the protectors of our national economic lifelines, and the sentinels against all threats emanating from the sea,” Vice Admiral Abbas stated.

He stressed that the strategic importance of Nigeria’s maritime environment “cannot be overstated,” describing it as “the highway for our commerce, the source of immense natural resources, and a vital zone for national security.”

Vice Admiral Abbas commended the Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, the Exercise Planning Team, and all supporting staff for the detailed preparations that made the exercise possible.

“Your professionalism is the foundation upon which this exercise will succeed,” he said.

“To the good people of Nigeria, particularly our host communities and those in our coastal areas, we reassure you of our dedication to protecting your environment,” he said.

Vice Admiral Abbas noted that exercises like Ex Eru Obodo translate directly into a more secure Gulf of Guinea, safer waterways for fishermen and mariners, and a more stable environment for economic prosperity.

“Your support for the Nigerian Navy is invaluable.”

“To the Fleet: set sail, guard the nation, the Gulf of Guinea region, and make us proud!” he said.

US Congressman Hails Nigeria’s Positive Direction on Security

Ademola Adepoju
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US Congressman Hails Nigeria’s Positive Direction on Security

A member of the United States Congress, Representative Riley Moore, has expressed confidence that Nigeria is “moving in the right direction” in tackling its security challenges, following a series of engagements between a visiting U.S. congressional delegation and Nigerian officials.

Rep. Moore, who posted on his X handle @RepRileyMoore after a meeting with Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a growing commitment to curbing terrorism and protecting vulnerable communities.

He said the discussions with the NSA were “productive and positive”, adding that both sides examined concrete steps that, if fully executed, would significantly strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

“I want to thank National Security Advisor @NuhuRibadu for a productive and positive conversation with the US Congressional delegation to Nigeria.

“It is clear that there is an openness and willingness on the part of the Nigerian government to work with the United States to tackle these critical issues. Now, that openness has to translate to concrete action.”

According to him, the measures under consideration are capable of degrading terrorist networks in the Northeast and addressing killings, an issue he noted is of serious concern to both himself and U.S. President Donald Trump.

Rescue Of 100 Papiri Catholic School Pupils

Rep. Moore also lauded the Nigerian government for rescuing 100 abducted Catholic schoolchildren, which he described as “a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation” and a sign of alignment with President Tinubu’s emergency security directives.

He noted that Washington’s sense of urgency on Nigeria’s security challenges was “positively received”, expressing optimism about the emerging cooperative security framework between both countries.

There were concrete steps and actions discussed at length that, if fully executed, I believe will enhance security across the country for all Nigerians, disrupt and destroy terrorist organisations in the northeast and stop the killing of Christians (a specific concern for @POTUS and myself) – particularly in the Middle Belt of the country.

”I want to thank the Nigerian government and @officialABAT for rescuing the 100 innocent and precious Catholic school children.” This is a positive demonstration of the government’s increasing response to the security situation and shows commitment to the emergency declaration laid out by President Tinubu.

The US’ sense of urgency on our concerns was positively received. I feel that a cooperative security framework is within sight. We now established a joint task force between Nigeria and the US, which is a great example.

Peace be with you all. God bless the great people of Nigeria,” he said

He cited the newly established Nigeria–U.S. joint task force as a significant step toward deepening operational collaboration.

Rep. Moore emphasised that the Nigerian government has shown strong willingness to work closely with the United States, stressing that such openness must now translate into concrete, sustained action.

“There is much work still to be done, but things are moving in the right direction. I look forward to the next steps with the Nigerian government and the continued open dialogue,” he said, offering prayers for the peace and well-being of the Nigerian people.

NPFL: Nasarawa United Defeats Shooting Stars 1-0

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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NPFL: Nasarawa United Defeats Shooting Stars 1-0

Nasarawa United FC secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Shooting Stars in their Match day 16 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) encounter, at the at the Lafia Township Stadium in Lafia, Nasarawa State.

The match’s lone goal was scored by Moyi Hassan in the 66th minute to give Nasarawa United all three (3) points. The Solid Miners showed great determination and skill to secure the win.

With this victory, solid miners returned to the top of the NPFL table with 30 points, while Shooting Stars are seventh on the league table with 23 points.

In a post-match interview, head coach of Nasarawa United, Abubakar Arikya, expressed joy for getting the maximum points in the game to return top of the table.

He commended his players for playing to instructions and for winning the game to return the club to the top of the league table.

Monday’s NPFL results

Katsina United 0-1 Bendel Insurance

Nasarawa United 1-0 Shooting Stars.

Nigeria Records Fifth Consecutive Win After Beating Zambia

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Nigeria Records Fifth Consecutive Win After Beating Zambia

Nigeria’s Yellow Greens have recorded a fifth consecutive win at the West African Trophy cricket tournament after beating Zambia by 23 runs, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Zambia won the toss and asked Nigeria to bat. In the first innings, Nigeria scored 158 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 20 overs.

Veteran and Pace bowler Isaac Okpe, in the second innings, ensured Nigeria restricted the visitors to 135 all out in 19 overs.

Okpe’s five wicket-haul earned him the Player of the match honours.

After the game, an elated Okpe said he was happy to contribute to the team’s success.

“I must thank my team for their efforts. Without them, this award would not have been possible,” Okpe noted.

“I look forward to contributing my quota to the team and hopeful, we can win this tournament,’’

Nigeria will take on Rwanda on Tuesday in the four-nation tournament in Abuja.

FIFA Regulation Forces Postponement of Nigeria Vs Egypt Friendly

Omolara Blessing
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FIFA Regulation Forces Postponement of Nigeria Vs Egypt Friendly

The decision by FIFA that clubs can hold on to their players until 15th December 2025 before they are released for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, has necessitated the postponement of the pre-AFCON friendly between Nigeria and Egypt.

Seven-time winners Egypt and three-time winners Nigeria were scheduled to clash in a tune-up game in Cairo on 14th December, in line with an earlier regulation that ruled that players be released earlier.

The game has now been moved to 16th December as a result of the regulation.

Aside from the postponement, the game will now be a practice match in order to allow the two teams to make use of more than five substitutes in the encounter, which will kick off at 7pm (WAT), at the Cairo Stadium.

The Super Eagles are in Group C alongside 2004 champions Tunisia, 1978 runners-up Uganda and Tanzania. Nigeria’s first match is on 23rd December against Tanzania’s Taifa Stars at the Complexe Sportif de Fes.

Nigeria will tackle Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles (27th December) in the same venue and the Cranes of Uganda (30th December).

The Pharaohs, who hosted the finals in 2019, are in Group B alongside 1996 hosts and winners South Africa, 2010 hosts Angola, and Zimbabwe. Their matches will be at the Stade d’Agadir.

 

Electricity: Abia Flags Off Construction of Substation in Umuahia

Peace Piak Kanu
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Electricity: Abia Flags Off Construction of Substation in Umuahia

The Abia state government, in collaboration with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), has flagged off the construction of a 7.5 MVA, 33/11 kV injection substation in Umuahia, the state capital, as part of efforts to improve electricity supply.

Performing the groundbreaking ceremony, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, described the project as a transformative investment that will greatly enhance power availability and distribution reliability across the state.

Governor Otti noted that the initiative marked the start of a broader plan to modernise Abia’s power infrastructure and strengthen service delivery to residents and businesses.

The substation project is being executed under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), and its components include the construction of a 1km 33kV line, a 1.2km 11kV line, the installation of two 300kVA distribution transformers, and the development of a 2km low-tension network to improve last-mile electricity distribution.

He further disclosed that the Abia State Government had made provisions in the 2026 fiscal budget for the construction of another 7.5 MVA injection substation within the same axis. Upon completion, the two facilities will bring the total distribution capacity in the Ogurube Layout of Umuahia to 15 MVA.

The governor commended the federal government and NDPHC for selecting Abia for the intervention.

He also applauded ongoing power sector reforms by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stating that the new policies had broadened the national electricity landscape to allow greater state involvement, increased private sector investment, and stronger international collaboration.

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company Managing Director/CEO, Engineer Jennifer Adighije, represented at the event by the Executive Director, Networks, Engineer Bello Babayo Bello, reiterated the company’s commitment to delivering reliable and sustainable electricity infrastructure across Nigeria.

She said the Umuahia substation aligned with NDPHC’s mandate of empowering communities and fostering economic growth.

Stakeholders at the ceremony emphasised that the partnership between the Federal Government, NDPHC, and the Abia State Government underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in delivering critical infrastructure. When completed, the new substation is expected to improve power supply, stimulate small and medium-scale enterprises, support industrialisation, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents of Umuahia and neighbouring communities.

PIAK

Kebbi Donates Vehicles to Improve Sokoto–Badagry Highway Security

Peace Piak Kanu
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0
Kebbi Donates Vehicles to Improve Sokoto–Badagry Highway Security

The Kebbi State Government has donated 10 brand-new Hilux vehicles to strengthen security operations along the Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, a major infrastructure project spanning several states.

The vehicles were formally received by the Minister of Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, who commended the gesture of the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Dr Nasiru Idris.

Goronyo said the donation reflects the state government’s commitment to safeguarding personnel working along the highway. He explained that the Hilux vehicles would be deployed to provide security for workers stationed within the region.

He described the intervention as timely, noting that the project’s scale requires constant mobility, rapid response capacity, and strengthened patrol presence to deter threats. “This contribution by His Excellency, Dr Nasiru Idris, demonstrates genuine leadership and a deep understanding of the strategic importance of this highway,” Goronyo said. “Ensuring the safety of our workforce is paramount, and these vehicles will significantly enhance the efficiency of security personnel deployed across the project area.”

The Sokoto–Badagry Super Highway, envisioned as one of Nigeria’s transformative road networks, is expected to improve trade, open new economic corridors, and link key northern and southern regions.

With construction attracting large workforce movements and heavy equipment operations, ensuring stable security has been a top priority. Governor Idris, known for his pro-development stance, has repeatedly emphasised the need for inter-state collaboration and security reinforcement to support major federal and regional projects.

The donation aligns with Kebbi State’s role in contributing to national infrastructure advancement and guaranteeing the safety of workers and communities along the route.

Goronyo expressed appreciation to the Kebbi State Government and reaffirmed the project team’s commitment to delivering the highway to world-class standards. He added that the newly acquired vehicles would be deployed immediately to bolster surveillance and operational reach across the construction zones.

The gesture has been widely hailed as a proactive step that can boost morale, improve response time, and strengthen the overall security framework surrounding one of Nigeria’s most ambitious road projects.

PIAK

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