Gloria Essien Abuja

The House of Representatives Committee on Mineral Exploitation, Security and Anti-Money Laundering has invited the Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Dele Alake, and the Director-General of the Nigeria Mining Cadastre Office to appear before it.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr. Sanni Egidi Abdulraheem, gave the directive at the resumed meeting of the Committee in Abuja.

He said: “The Committee has directed the Secretariat to write the minister and DG of Nigeria Mining Cadastre to appear before the Committee on scheduled dates for each of the two organisations, if possible with EFCC and other anti-graft agencies.”

Mr. Abdulraheem said that the Committee will, as part of its work plan, pay working visits to all MDAs covered by its mandate; physically inspect all mineral exploitation centres; invite a number of selected MDAs and put its findings to report back to the House.

He also said that the Committee was mandated to, among other things, “conduct a comprehensive investigation into the scale, patterns, actors and modalities of illegal mineral exploitation across the Federation, with a view to identifying causes, consequences and extent of associated revenue.

“Examine the operational roles, effectiveness, and challenges of security agencies deployed to mineral-bearing areas-particularly the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mining Marshals, and other relevant formations assess their capacity to secure mining sites and protect national assets.

“Investigate the security implications of illegal Mining activities, including their links to Organised crime, communal conflicts, environmental degradation, and threats to national stability.

“Undertake an appraisal of the legal and regulatory framework governing mineral exploitation in Nigeria, with a view to identifying gaps, overlaps, and enforcement deficiencies, and make recommendations for legislative amendments or new enactments where necessary.

“Probe the financial flows associated with illegal mineral extraction, including mechanisms through which proceeds are laundered, concealed, or transferred, and identify roles of individuals, networks, and institutions in facilitating such illicit transactions.

“Interfere with relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Solid Minerals, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Security Agencies, State governments, traditional institutions, and licenced mining operators-to obtain submissions, documents, data, and expert opinions.

“Assess the adequacy of current Anti-Money Laundering measures within the solid minerals sector and recommend strengthened oversight mechanisms, compliance standards, and enforcement actions to curb illicit financial flows.

“Recommend strategies to block revenue Leakages, enhance transparency in mineral value chains, and ensure that the exploitation of mineral resources contributes maximally and legitimately to national development.

“Conduct public hearings and stakeholders engagements to gather evidence, facilitate transparency, and build national consensus on measures to address illegal Mining and its attendant security and financial risks.

“Submit a detailed report to the House within the stipulated time frame, containing findings, conclusions, and actionable recommendations for legislative, policy, administrative, and security interventions,” he said.

Adding that the committee will perform any other functions as may be assigned by the House in furtherance of its mandate.

Nigeria has recorded a major advancement in regional energy integration following the successful execution of a full-scale grid synchronisation test with the West African Power Pool (WAPP).

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu announced the breakthrough during a media briefing in Abuja.

The landmark test, conducted on 8 November 2025, marked the first time in history that Nigeria’s electricity grid operated in a unified and stable configuration with the interconnected West African sub-region.

The synchronisation, which ran for four uninterrupted hours from 05:04 a.m. to 09:04 a.m., enabled seamless power flow between Nigeria, along with its connected lines to Niger Republic, Benin and Togo, and the wider WAPP network covering Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Senegal, The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Mali.

A Regional Milestone

Adelabu noted that this is the first successful large-scale synchronisation since 2007, when a similar attempt collapsed after just seven minutes.

He said; “the 2025 success was driven by strengthened technical capacity, improved system monitoring, harmonised operating procedures, and real-time coordination between the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) and the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre.’

“This achievement ranks among the most significant milestones in the history of WAPP,” Adelabu said.

He further said that it proves West Africa is “now technically capable of operating as a unified power bloc.”

Boost for Grid Stability 

The Minister explained that “full regional integration, once permanently established, would improve Nigeria’s grid stability by enabling cross-border support during shortages and allowing Nigeria to export power when capacity permits.”

He said the test strengthens confidence in Nigeria’s technical competence despite ongoing challenges such as gas shortages and vandalism.

According to him, the development positions Nigeria as a credible player in the emerging West African Electricity Market, unlocking opportunities for competitive energy trade, foreign exchange earnings and greater private sector investment.

Independent power producers, he noted, are more likely to invest in markets with regional stability and guaranteed off-take arrangements.

Adelabu explained that the long-term benefits will be felt domestically through improved electricity reliability, which underpins hospitals, water infrastructure, digital networks and industrial operations.

“Ongoing transmission projects such as the North-Core line, Ajegunle 330 kV Substation, Kaduna Kano upgrades and the Gwagwalada Gurara connection are expected to enhance the benefits of regional integration once fully completed,” he said.

The Minister cautioned that synchronisation is not an immediate solution to all challenges within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, describing it instead as a ”foundational step toward long-term sustainable improvement.”

He stressed the need for continued investment, stricter regulation, improved maintenance culture, reliable gas supply and deeper regional collaboration.

“This achievement marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s electricity sector.

“Our system is now aligned with international standards and positioned to advance into an era of stability, collaboration and economic opportunity.”

NISO 

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Independent System Operator, Abdu Mohammed-Bello (name repeated as originally provided), said the engagement marked a major milestone in the organisation’s operational takeoff as an independent and neutral system and market operator.

He outlined NISO’s mandate to ensure open access to the transmission grid, administer the market transparently and enforce compliance with the Market Rules, Grid Code and related regulatory standards.

Mohammed-Bello also highlighted the recent successful synchronisation with the WAPP system, commending the Ministry of Power, NERC, TCN, Gencos, DisCos, gas suppliers and other stakeholders for enabling “four uninterrupted hours of harmonised regional grid operations.”

He said “the achievement positions Nigeria as a regional power hub, opening new opportunities for electricity trading and foreign exchange earnings.’

The NISO chief reaffirmed that the success of the evolving power market depends on transparency, neutrality, strict adherence to rules and strong multi-stakeholder cooperation.

He called on policymakers, regulators, operators and development partners to sustain collaboration as Nigeria moves toward a more accountable, reliable and competitive electricity sector.

The forum, themed “Building a Resilient and Competitive Electricity Market The Role of NISO”, seeks to deepen collaboration, strengthen operational discipline, address vulnerabilities in grid and market operations and build consensus on reforms needed to enhance investor and consumer confidence.

The Niger State Government has called for stronger global climate alliances and increased investment to help safeguard over six million residents facing escalating environmental threats.

The Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, who represented Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, made the call at the ongoing COP30 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Belém, Brazil. 

Speaking at the Nigerian Pavilion, Garba emphasised that Niger State is not merely seeking support but offering a strategic partnership to advance Africa’s global climate commitments.

“Investing in Niger State means investing in the resilience of over six million people, in food security, and in the protection of critical ecosystems that sustain Nigeria’s environmental balance,” he said. 

The Deputy Governor noted that Niger State is ready to facilitate investment through transparent governance frameworks, land access policies, and collaborative monitoring mechanisms.

He described Niger State as a land endowed with rich natural resources, fertile agricultural landscapes, and a population determined to build a sustainable and climate-smart future.

Garba highlighted the state’s Green Sustainable Agenda, noting that climate actions are embedded across governance sectors—including agriculture, forestry, energy, water resources, waste management, and sustainable livelihoods. 

According to him, “The roadmap aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Africa’s broader call for equitable climate finance and fair partnerships.”

The Deputy Governor further stressed that despite the state’s proactive approach, implementing renewable energy initiatives, afforestation programmes, climate-smart agriculture, and youth-led waste-to-wealth enterprises—financial constraints have limited the scale of these efforts. 

He urged development partners, climate funds, and private investors to collaborate with Niger State in mobilising climate finance through concessional funding, carbon market access, and blended financing mechanisms.

He said; “We have the vision and the commitment. What we seek are partnerships that unlock the resources needed to build a resilient, low-carbon, and prosperous future for our people.”

Garba also emphasised the importance of technology transfer and innovation in driving low-carbon development. 

“Niger State seeks collaboration with research institutions, development partners, and climate investors to promote clean energy, digital climate information systems, and modern agricultural technologies,” he said.

Garba said that the Youth Party is central to the state’s green transformation.

According to him, equipping young people with the right tools, training, and technology can create jobs, foster green entrepreneurship, and sustain climate-smart value chains.

“Niger State is seeking partnerships to establish green innovation hubs, renewable energy clusters, and digital monitoring systems for effective climate action tracking.”

 The Deputy Governor cited the direct impacts of climate change on local communities, including unpredictable rainfall, floods, droughts, desert encroachment, and declining crop yields. 

He said; “Niger State has initiated community-based adaptation programs that integrate indigenous knowledge with modern scientific solutions, such as land restoration projects, irrigation support, and early-warning systems for farmers.”

By Temitope Mustapha, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has extended his congratulations to former President Goodluck Jonathan on the occasion of his 68th birthday.

He joined family members, friends, and political associates in acknowledging and celebrating the significant contributions former President Jonathan made to Nigeria’s nation-building process.

In a congratulatory message issued on Thursday by the Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu noted that Dr. Jonathan’s enduring statesmanship continues to inspire leaders across the continent, even as he undertakes demanding international diplomatic assignments, particularly in advancing democratic culture and values in Africa.

The Nigerian leader noted the simplicity and humility that define Dr. Jonathan’s style of leadership, particularly his demonstration of statesmanship during the 2015 presidential election, which strengthened Nigeria’s democracy and gave the nation a pride of place.

The President further recalled his various meetings with the former President, and the support and counsel that made Dr. Jonathan’s ascent possible, particularly in 2010, and the presidential election of 2011.

President Tinubu prayed for the well-being of the former President, his wife, Patience, and the rest of his family.