By Olu Arowolo Verheijen

It gives me great pleasure to deliver the opening address at this event. I thank the organizers and sponsors for the kind invitation to be with you today and to share my thoughts on the theme of “The Future of Energy: Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow.”

As Africans,we are at a point in our developmental process where energy access is critical in shaping the continent’s future. Our resources (including renewables) are abundant, yet over 75% of the population lack sufficient energy access.

As a continent seeking to change this narrative, we must ensure that energy ceases to be the limiting factor in Africa but rather becomes a tool for driving industrialization and development. One of the ways we can address this is through a productive energy workforce.

There is no doubt that the future we are moving into will be very different from where we are coming and what we are used to. It will take incredible amounts of human energy and a diversity of talent and expertise to enable us adapt to these rapidly evolving and often unpredictable scenarios and circumstances.

In summary:we are the ones who will determine the outcome of the delicate balance between energy security, affordability and sustainability for this continent.

I am here today to make the argument that one of the most important ways in which we can shape tomorrow’s African energy workforce is to look beyond the traditional places and welcome a new crop of talent, especially women, and young people, who possess a global perspective and reach and understand the context of the 21st century, and are equipped with the fresh perspectives and bold energy to design and implement radical new solutions to lingering problems.

While efforts to attract women into STEM and the energy sector are important, attraction alone isn’t enough, retention and advancement to senior levels are equally crucial.The real differentiator for women breaking through from mid-level to executive roles is sponsorship. Women need powerful advocates who actively support their growth and position them for opportunities and ensure their representation at the highest levels.

I would like to tell you a story – a personal story – about a bold experiment in Nigeria that illustrates my argument. On May 29, 2023, a new President assumed office in Nigeria.His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a man known for bold subnational reforms and innovation during his two terms as Governor of Nigeria’s most populous state and largest subnational economy.He set about building a team.

For his energy adviser,a cabinet-level position, he selected me,a young woman, technocrat, with no political ambitions. It was and is a bold experiment in many ways – picking young, female and putting her in space,and empowering her to be disruptive.

The President could have picked a more traditional choice in the Nigerian context: male, older, more political, more government experience. Let’s face it, I’m not the most likely candidate for such a role in the office of an African president. Previous presidential energy advisers in Nigeria have come from a very different mould. But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man driven to do things differently.

You can see this in the bold macroeconomic reforms that have come to define his time thus far in office. He takes this maxim very seriously: “If you want to see different results, you need to do things differently.”

For his all-important energy reforms – he bet on a young woman and her team of disruptors, in a sector dominated by men. That’s how I ended up as the Special Adviser on Energy, overseeing the design and coordination of reforms in the oil, gas and power sectors from the President’s office.

The President saw my capacity and competence, but even more importantly, he saw that I was bringing a unique experience, youthful, multifaceted, global, adventurous, disruptive.

I have worked in an International Oil Company, gone on to manage a pan-African portfolio of renewables investments, sat on the board of a 14-billion-dollar Development Finance Institution with footprints in every developing economy on the planet, among other roles. I have a global perspective that sees Nigeria not in isolation but in the context of competition for a global pool of funds that can always go elsewhere.

This is a story of sponsorship – a story of a veteran politician who has run Africa’s largest city economy, and is now running Africa’s most populous country.A man who is himself from a professional background in energy, taking a bet on a woman to lead the team to deliver his vision – the boldest energy sector reforms Nigeria has seen in decades.

This is about going beyond the usual lip service about inclusiveness and commitment to empowering women and young people, and my team does not take this privilege and opportunity for granted at all.

Because of this landmark bet on us,we are determined and pour everything into ensuring that this Presidency ends up far more consequential in reforming and repositioning Nigeria’s energy sector, than any other presidential administration since democracy returned to Nigeria twenty five years ago. And this is something that many more leaders on the African continent must do, going forward, and with a sense of urgency also. Sponsorship makes a great deal of difference.

It is what has allowed male leaders to dominate many leadership positions in public and private sector in Africa today.It is not because women are less qualified, or less available, or less endowed with what it takes to lead at the highest levels. No. It is simply that men have simply come to enjoy the longstanding serendipity of being more likely to be sponsored into influential positions. It is that simple. And it is now time for women to enjoy equal access to this, to being bet upon, to being given more chances.

As I said,it is not a debate about capacity or competence; women have proven themselves to be just as capable as men, whether in the energy sector or elsewhere. It is against the backdrop I have sketched out above that one must now see what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has done, creating this opportunity for me to make a difference, and providing the political will and machinery for my team to envision the most ambitious targets one can imagine, and to work hard day in day out to hit those targets.

The Future belongs to us so we are driven every moment by a sense of urgency to reshape that future. We are also driven by the desire to not let the President down or leave room for his daring bet to be questioned by anyone. We are doing this work for the President, who campaigned on a vision of reform and renewal, and very importantly,for the country. Nigeria cannot afford to continue underperforming against its immense potential.

We are also doing it for the multitudes of women and young people out there, who deserve to be sponsored into positions of impact and influence – who have what it takes to create unprecedented waves of reform. I am keenly aware very that the significance and impact of work will influence whether more people like us get a similar chance in the future.

I will close by outlining some of what our team at the Presidency been able to achieve, within the last 12 months. We have (i) clarified the regulatory roles to create an enabling environment for investments (ii) introduced reforms targeted at reducing high operational costs and project execution timelines (iii) introduced a clear set of fiscal incentives for Non-Associated Gas and Deep offshore Oil & Gas gas exploration and production.

This is the first time that Nigeria is outlining a fiscal framework for deepwater gas since basin exploration commenced in 1991.

Nigeria’s Petroleum Industry Act took twenty years to be passed into law and given Presidential assent, in 2021. We are now building on that foundation with an unprecedented sense of urgency, to completely rewrite the narrative of oil and gas investment in Nigeria. We are already seeing the fruit of our work.

Regulatory approvals are being expedited;major upstream investment decisions are being finalized. We have unlocked over $1 billion in investments across the value chain and by the middle of 2025 we expect to see FID on two more projects, including a multibillion billion-dollar deepwater exploration project, which will be the first of its kind in Nigeria in over a decade – one of many to come.

We see the abundant opportunities that lie ahead. We see a Nigeria that is a leading global producer and exporter of energy – whether its fossil fuels or renewables. We are not held back by the outdated approaches and assumptions of the past. We are open, daring, and eager to leave a legacy that will stand the test of time.

I will always be grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for giving me this opportunity, and I intend to pay it forward, in all the ways that I can,for multitudes of young women out there just waiting in the wings for their own chance to show what they are capable of doing. I hope that in every country across Africa, these stories will be replicated, and the gender gaps that have come to define our landscape will be aggressively narrowed and closed.

There is no doubt that the continent will be the better for it. Bringing the perspectives, capacity and the energy of its women, who make up half of the population, into the mix, is a requirement for building the Africa of our dreams.

Being the full address – The Future of Energy: Shaping the Workforce of Tomorrow – presented by Olu Arowolo Verheijen, Special Adviser on Energy to the President of Nigeria, Office of Energy, The Presidency,Federal Republic of Nigeria at the just-concluded African Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa,on November 5, 2024.

The performance of the NDDC in driving the development process in the Niger Delta region must have encouraged the National Assembly to approve the N1.911 trillion 2024 budget of the Commission promptly. The Appropriation Bill was passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives after due diligence.

The current NDDC’s leadership approach to development and collaboration is yielding bountiful results, as seen from the recent commissioning of five flagship projects in May this year.

Between May 18 and May 28, 2024, the NDDC commissioned the 9km Obehie-Oke-Ikpe road in Ukwa West LGA, Abia State; the 27.5 kilometre Ogbia -Nembe Road, constructed in partnership with Shell Petroleum Development Company, SPDC; the 1×15MVA 33/11KV electricity injection substation in Amufi, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area in Benin City, Edo State; the 45km double-circuit 33KV feeder line from Omotosho Power Station to Okitipupa, Ondo State and the NDDC 6km Iko-Atabrikang-Akata-Opulom-Ikot Inwang-Okoroutip-Iwochang Road and 600m Ibeno Bridge in Ibeno LGA, Akwa Ibom State.

These landmark projects,among the 92 infrastructure projects completed at the cost of N84 billion across the nine mandate states of the NDDC, speak of the impact the Commission is making in the quest to quicken the pace of development in Nigeria’s oil-rich region.

No doubt, regional development requires robust funding to effectively address specific and urgent development needs in the Niger Delta region. Adequate funding is critical to the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.

The 2024 appropriation was anchored on the theme: “Budget of Renewed Hope” in line with the Federal Government’s budget, and the proposal seeks to move the NDDC from transaction to transformation; above all, it is a product of participatory budgeting process that involves all the major stakeholders in the Niger Delta Region.

The 2024 budget plan to raise N1 trillion from development and commercial banks to complete 1,006 legacy projects across the region is pragmatic. It should be encouraged to succeed because it targets specific projects, including roads, bridges, electricity projects, school buildings, hospitals, shore protection, and reclamation.

These include the completion of Obehie-Azumini-Etim Ekpo Road, linking Abia to Akwa Ibom States valued at 39.8 billion; construction of Iko-Atabrikang-Akat-Opolom-Ikot Iwang-Okot Utip-Iwuo Achang Road with 70-metre span bridge valued at N18.9 billion; power station for Oron nation, comprising of 58km, 123Kv Double Circuit Transmission line from Eket to Oron in Akwa Ibom at N48.1 billion; construction of Otuogori-Otuegwe Bridge in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State valued at N29 billion.

Others are the construction of the Ogheye-koko-Escravos Road, Phase II in Delta State valued at N26 billion; the construction of Uzere-Patani Road in Delta State at the cost of N17 billion; the Construction of Okpella-North Ihie-Agerebode Road Phase II in Edo State at the cost of N31.9 billion; construction of the Ugbo-Oghoye Road, Phase I in Ilaje LGA of Ondo State at the cost of N70 billion and the construction of Ahoada-Abua-Degema road and Bridges in Rivers State at the cost of N27 billion.

Misleading Interpretation Of NDDC Budget

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for The Advancement of The Niger Delta Development published an open letter written to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Senate President and the Senate Committee Chairman on budget, mischievously quoting figures of the total project cost as the sums budgeted for 2024.

The letter, entitled,“NDDC Anti-Peoples Budget: Dissecting the Samuel Ogbuku 2024 Leaked Budget,” alleged, among other things, that the NDDC budget had “been a closely guarded document.”

Peoples’ Budget

The NDDC 2024 Budget is the People’s Budget. We engaged several stakeholders, from the State Budget Committees to the Partners for Sustainable Development. On August 21, 2023, we hosted a two-day 2024 Budget of Reconstruction Conference at Ibom Icon Hotel and Golf Resort in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

On that occasion, representatives of the State Governments, Oil Companies, Civil Society members, Development Partners and Federal Ministries met to review the budget proposals.

It is also important to note that both chambers of the National Assembly, the Senate and the House of Representatives, deliberated on the budget proposals and approved them expeditiously.

Allegations Vs The Truth

1. That N32 billion was budgeted for constructing the Ibeju-Lekki-Araromi-Ise-Akudo Road in Ondo State and wondered whether it was not in Lagos State. In their ignorance and haste to malign the NDDC, they forgot that the road’s main alignment is in Ondo State and that the 32 billion they quoted is the project’s total cost. In the 2024 budget, only 180 million was allocated to the project.

2. That N15 billion is budgeted for the Niger Delta Broadband Initiative to develop high-speed Internet across the Niger Delta region, Phase 1. Here, only N300 million is approved in the 2024 budget.

3. That N5 billion is budgeted for an NDDC Model ICT Centre in Oron town, Akwa Ibom State, with 1,500 solar-powered Systems. Again, this is false, as only N1.5 billion is provided for in the 2024 budget.

4. That N600 million will be spent to purchase and renew a Microsoft license and Internet subscription when only N180 million is in the budget.

5. That another N600 million will be used to upgrade and maintain the NDDC website. Only N120 million was provided here.

6. That N4 billion is budgeted for re-enactment and harmonisation of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master plan. Only N500 million is allocated for this project, broken into 85 lots.

7. That N6 billion is set aside for consultancy for review of the Niger Delta Regional Development Master Plan. This, again, is false as only N1 billion is allocated for this assignment split into 40 lots.

8. That N2 billion will be spent on a stakeholders’ conference on the review of the Niger Delta regional development master plan. What is in the budget for 2024 is 200 million.

9. That N17 billion is set aside to complete the NDDC Headquarters building, Phase 2. Only N3 billion is in the 2024 budget.

10. That N2.5 billion will be spent on the Forensic Audit of Accounts/Projects and Programmes of the NDDC from 2001 – 2019. Nothing is allocated for this in the 2024 budget.

11. That N1.5 billion is set aside to take inventory of youth groups in the Niger Delta region. This is far from the truth, as only N45 million is allocated for the exercise.

12. Another bogus allegation is that N50 billion will be spent on desilting. This is fallacious as this budget item has zero allocation.

13. That N30 billion will be spent clearing Invasive Species and water hyacinths. Again, this is totally false, as it also has zero allocation.

Accountability

The NDDC is aware of an increasing need to be seen as more accountable to the public and to conduct its affairs more transparently. Entrenching the tenets of accountability and transparency in its activities forms a part of the thrust of the new leadership embodied in its mantra of transiting from transaction to transformation.

We have established a robust Corporate Governance structure that fosters accountability and transparency. We have also developed clear and measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track progress towards goals.

To ensure that a new institutional culture anchored on sound ethics and good corporate governance is in place, we engaged KPMG, a reputable global business consultancy, to review and strengthen our corporate governance system and improve our internal processes and institutional protocols.

      Misguided Attack

Sadly, at a time the NDDC is pursuing innovative policies aimed at delivering services more efficiently to the people of the Niger Delta, some misguided groups appear intent on distracting the Commission by raising bogus allegations.

Clearly, the allegations by the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for The Advancement of The Niger Delta Development are misguided and flows largely from ignorance.

Seledi Thompson-Wakama,Director, Corporate Affairs,NDDC

“Freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor, it must be demanded by the oppressed” (Martin Luther King, Jnr).

Justice Walter Onnoghen who was unfairly disgraced out of office presumably as a crook by former dictator President, General Muhammadu Buhari, has just demonstrated this apophthegum through three appeals, namely CA/A/375/2019; CA/A/37/SC/2019 and CA/373C/2019.

He valiantly fought for his freedom through these three appeals against his April 18, 2019 outrageous conviction which was schemed by Buhari and his kitchen cabinet to humiliate Onnoghen out of the Bench so as to make CJN, his preferred candidate (Justice Tanko Mohammed), CJN (rtd.) on the eve of the 2019 presidential election.

Buhari knew he had performed dismally and would be rejected at the polls by angry and hungry Nigerians. So he went Judge-shopping. The rest as they say is history.  The legal saga of Justice Walter Onnoghen is not just the story of one man’s acquittal, but a larger commentary on the poor state of Nigeria’s judiciary and the ever-present tensions between political power wielders and judicial independence.

It is a story fit for a Grammy Award movie. His acquittal on 4th November, 2024, by the Court of Appeal in Abuja, marked a significant chapter in Nigeria’s legal history, casting a powerful shadow of doubt and curious spotlight on the principles of separation of power, due process, the sanctity of judicial independence and the perils inherent in political intervention.

The appeal that restored Justice Onnoghen’s hard-earned reputation and returned his assets to him is also a profound testament to the importance of procedural integrity and jurisdictional boundaries in any democratic society.

I had the opportunity in the nineties to appear before the brilliant Judex while he was a High Court Judge of the Cross River State Judiciary, Calabar.

I know he was a man of integrity and character. During the infamous Onnoghen’s trial by ordeal, I made many interventions. In one, I said:“A strong judiciary is one of the irreducible fundamental platforms for any meaningful constitutional democracy. If you terrorise, intimidate, harass and humiliate the judiciary, using strong hand and brute force, it is a stage set for bidding democracy farewell”- Mike Ozekhome, SAN(https://dailytrust.com/ozekhome-charges-judiciary-to-shut-down-courts-over-onnoghen/). (13th January, 2019).

In a world where the judiciary stands as the final arbiter of justice, Justice Onnoghen’s story is one of a victim who faced unprecedented tribulations, endured a long agonising path to redemption.

He ultimately emerged victorious. The appeal process that culminated in his acquittal is a reminder that justice may sometimes be delayed, but it can never be forever denied.

The verdict by the Court of Appeal represented a turning point in a legal drama that had captivated Nigerians and raised profound questions about the nature and quality of justice in the country.

On the 4th of November, 2024, a three-member panel led by Justice Abba Mohammed ruled in favour of the ex-CJN, Walter Onnoghen, acquitting him of the charges initially levied in 2019 by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) in 2019.

This decision not only vacated the earlier conviction but also ordered the unfreezing of all his bank accounts, thus restoring his financial freedom that had been denied him since the controversial trial began.

I have been overwhelmingly vindicated in all my angst and ventilations against the victimhood suffered by Onnoghen.

Hear me:“The CJN can be removed from office either if he has been convicted or if under section 291 of the constitution, the Senate affirms a request by the President to remove him by two-third majority vote” – Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/mike-ozekhome-reacts-to-allegations-against-cjn-onnoghen/zdx9del).(12th January, 2019).

The acquittal judgement was predicated on a legal principle central to the Nigerian jurisprudence which articulates around jurisdiction. The Court of Appeal asserted that the CCT had no authority in the first instance to try and convict Justice Onnoghen having not passed through the National Judicial Council (NJC).

This oversight,the appellate court argued,rendered the entire proceedings null and void. This requirement had been emphasized in Nigerian case law with decisions such as FRN v. NGANJIWA (2022) LPELR-58066(SC) and OPENE v. NJC & ORS (2011) LPELR-4795(CA), which clearly emphasise that judicial officers must first be vetted by the NJC before facing any criminal trial by a tribunal or court.

This process is designed to protect the judiciary and its judexes from strong-hand politicians and political interference, thus ensuring that judges are treated with the respect, dignity and due process that their offices richly     deserve.

I had angrily queried:“…Our system of justice being Anglo-Saxon based, which is accusatorial, meaning that the innocence of a person is presumed. It is different from the criminal justice system of the French model which is inquisitorial,wherein the guilt of an accused person is presumed. This doctrine has been encapsulated in section 36 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, that the person’s innocence is presumed until he has been proven guilty.

“Assuming for example that Senator Bukola Saraki had been forced to resign his office when charges were brought against him before the same Code of Conduct Tribunal almost three years ago, what would have happened and what would have been his fate when the Supreme Court eventually discharged and acquitted him of the charge,following judgements and earlier order of the Court of Appeal and the Code of Conduct Tribunal itself?

“If you ask me, I sense serious political undertones oozing from this so-called imminent arraignment of the noble CJN.

Question,when did they discover the alleged offence for which they now want to charge him on Monday? Was it just yesterday, was it last week, two weeks or six months ago? The CJN has been in office now for well over one year, how come that this misconduct or whatever offence that he is being alleged, was not seen up to now? How come, that it is just less than 40 days to the 2019 Presidential election, when the CJN is going to play the major role in constituting the Presidential election petition tribunal, that he is being moved against? Who is afraid of the Judiciary?  Who is afraid of Justice Onnoghen and his impartiality and straightforwardness?  How come we are reducing governance in Nigeria to one of impunity, one of despotism and one of absolutism. Don’t this people know that the world is laughing at us?

“Did we not see how Dino Melaye was yanked out from police hospital and taken to DSS quarters when he had no business or case with the DSS and DSS had no case against him. Did they not see Dino Melaye, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, sleeping in the open yesterday? Do they go on social media and do they watch international televisions? Do they know how the whole world is deriding us in this country?

“That governance has been reduced to mere witch-hunt, very opaque, very unaccountable, very un-transparent and very very fascist! Can’t they see that?”- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://www.pulse.ng/news/politics/mike-ozekhome-reacts-to-allegations-against-cjn-onnoghen/zdx9del). (12th January, 2019).

My intervention as far back as 2019 served as a reality-check, pointing out that removing a Chief Justice can never be a whimsical decision; it is bound by the checks and balances that keep our justice system watered.

My then reference to “impunity, despotism, and absolutism” hit like a huge hammer, evoking the imagery of a judiciary under siege of political transaintionists.

By drawing parallels with then Senators Saraki and Dino Melaye’s own public tribulations, I attempted to paint a vivid picture of a prostrate justice system afflicted by power jackbootism.

Justice Onnoghen’s acquittal is a clear victory for judicial integrity, independence and an affirmation that the judiciary cannot be used as a pawn on political chessboards. The ruling also reinforces the fact that procedural lapses, especially in matters bordering on citizens right and high-ranking judicial officers, are unacceptable and grossly violate the principle of fair trial.

As the Bible counsels in Proverbs 31:9, “Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” This verse captures the essence of due process, emphasizing that justice must be dispensed with fairness and respect for established procedures.

I did not mince words then in condemning the executive lawlessness unleashed on Onnoghen:”It must be pointed out that this latest step by the CCT… appears to be teleguided by the dictatorial Executive, especially the presidency” – Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://dailypost.ng/2019/02/13/ozekhome-gives-nine-reasons-cct-arrest-order-onnoghen-cannot-stand/).(14th February, 2019).

The ugly circumstances surrounding Justice Onnoghen’s initial trial and conviction by the CCT underscore the potential dangers when procedural norms are bypassed.

My passionate critique of the dastardly role played by the Buhari-led administration from 2015 to 2023 as regards Onnoghen’s trial by ordeal revealed the high stakes which were at play. By overstepping the NJC, I had warned then that unchecked executive power could encroach upon the independence of the judiciary which will ultimately undermine the very foundation of democracy.

Justice Walter Onnoghen’s acquittal by the Court of Appeal is not just a victory for one individual, but a landmark affirmation of a fundamental principle of law,that jurisdiction is the bedrock of any valid legal proceeding.

Without proper jurisdiction, any judgement rendered is, as many legal scholars have agreed on, will merely be an exercise in futility. This principle is enshrined in our legal jurisprudence to protect the sanctity of judicial offices and prevent arbitrary persecution.

The Court of Appeal’s decision to vacate Justice Walter Onnoghen’s conviction reaffirmed this core legal tenet, sending a clear message that the judiciary is not a toothless bulldog and tool to be wielded by the executive or any other arm of government.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” – Martin Luther King Jr. The Nigerian legal framework, supported by landmark cases such as FRN v. NGANJIWA (Supra) and OPENE v. NJC & ORS (Supra), outlines that the NJC must first investigate and make recommendations regarding any allegations against judicial officers before any trial can commence at the CCT.

This process serves as a bulwark against arbitrary trials, ensuring that judges are not subjected to undue pressure or political intimidation.

I had also then warned about the dangers posed whenever these procedural safeguards are disregarded:“The CCT was unrelenting: it discarded its earlier precedents; ignored court rulings barring it from trying Onnoghen. It was the case of the falcon not hearing the falconer”- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://www.thecable.ng/ozekhome-onnoghen-resigned-because-the-cabal-had-sealed-his-fate/). (6th April, 2019).

Thus, five years ago (2019), I was nothing short of prophetic.I had foreseen the critical blunders and overreaches that would compromise the integrity of the judiciary in the Onnoghen saga.

My warnings were very clear then about the dangerous precedent that was being set in bypassing due process and using the judiciary as a tool for political manoeuvring. As events have now unfolded, my observations then have proven me to be a visionary critic who critiques (not criticises) a justice system that was then on the brink.

I had cautioned against the erosion of judicial independence in the face of executive influence. I had given nine reasons why the CCT’s arrest order on and trial of Justice Onnoghen could not stand.See: (https://dailypost.ng/2019/02/13/ozekhome-gives-nine-reasons-cct-arrest-order-onnoghen-cannot-stand/).

My list was not just a check-list of procedural irregularities; it was also an indictment of a system seemingly hijacked by political buccaneers. Each point landed like a blow, revealing layers of oversight that were by-passed; up to the requirement for humane treatment under the ACJA that was ignored.

I meticulously built my case, demonstrating that Onnoghen’s trials were not just about one man, but about the sanctity of the judicial process itself. It was persecution, not prosecution.

My vivid metaphor of the then CJN being “mob-lynched,” painted a grotesque picture of a judiciary cornered by hidoues forces intent on humiliation rather than achieving justice.

Justice Onnoghen’s acquittal by the Court of Appeal thus serves as a reaffirmation of judicial independence, reminding all branches of government that the rule of law cannot be compromised for political expediency.

As the Bible says in Psalm 82:3,“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”

These words resonate deeply in the context of Onnoghen’s trial, encapsulating the judiciary’s duty to protect the innocent from unwarranted persecution and uphold the principles of justice.

Justice Walter Onnoghen’s journey from indictment to acquittal reflects a deeper narrative about the political undertones that permeated his trial. His suspension by then President Muhammadu Buhari which took place only weeks before the 2019 presidential election, had raised significant concerns about the timing and motivations behind the charges.

Many saw it as an attempt to influence the judiciary ahead of a critical election, a sentiment I shared and eloquently captured in “Onnoghen… knew that his fate had been pre-determined by the cabal, signed, sealed and delivered”- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://www.thecable.ng/ozekhome-onnoghen-resigned-because-the-cabal-had-sealed-his-fate/). (6th April, 2019)

The timing of the charges,as well as the swiftness with which Onnoghen was brought to trial, laid validation to public perception that Justice Onnoghen was merely targeted for his position and influence within the judiciary.

Like I put it then, “Many facts bear this simple deduction out. The petitioner, an NGO, actually committed the Freudian slip by anchoring its petition on ‘bearing in mind the imminence of the 2019 general elections’” – Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://dailytrust.com/ozekhome-charges-judiciary-to-shut-down-courts-over-onnoghen/). (13th January, 2019).

The Bible,in Proverbs 21:15, declares, “When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous but terror to evildoers.”

The acquittal of Justice Onnoghen,in this light,is therefore not just a personal victory but a broader triumph for all who value justice and integrity.

Like I noted then,“Justice Onnoghen’s removal was also an attempt by the executive arm of government to have a firm control of the nation’s judiciary”- Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN (https://dailypost.ng/2019/02/13/ozekhome-gives-nine-reasons-cct-arrest-order-onnoghen-cannot-stand/).(13th February, 2019).

Ultimately,Justice Walter Onnoghen’s acquittal is a landmark victory for judicial independence and a testament to the enduring principles of justice and due process. His journey from indictment to acquittal serves as a potent reminder that the rule of law must remain inviolable, even in the face of political pressures.

Onnoghen’s case will remain a watershed moment in Nigeria’s legal history, a vivid reminder that the judiciary’s role is to safeguard the rule of law, protect citizens’ rights and ensure that democracy even when faced with formidable forces of political influence, triumphs.

It should be able to skillfully navigate through the ever present interplay of centripetal and centrifugal forces.

As Nigeria continues to evolve as a work-in-progress, Justice Onnoghen’s exoneration stands as a powerful reminder to us all that, in the words of Proverbs 21:3, “To do what is right and just is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.”

Congratulations, Milord. Enjoy your hard won-back integrity, honour and dignity.

By Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa,SAN

In 2019, I wrote a piece narrating the harrowing experience of customers with virtually all the banks in Nigeria. A friend of mine who is a seasoned banker by all accounts, read it and came to me to explain the challenges of the banking system.

The following week on September 24, 2019, I wrote a Rejoinder titled Banking with Less Tears. The sordid situation of bank customers has worsened as they now bank with blood. Everything has crashed and no one is in charge at all. Some banks claimed to have upgraded their networks recently, even though it has now turned out to be a downgrade.

Since then,these banks have taken over the funds of their customers, and put them at the receiving end. You are not allowed to view your statement of account, you do not know your balance and you cannot even trace or trail your transactions.

It is that bad.You just accept what the banks tell you, as if we are in some animal kingdom where there is no law and order.It has become a wicked game of chance, at times putting the lives of customers at risk in emergency cases.

Permit me to share a scenario with you. It is the end of the month and I needed to pay the salary of members of staff who have worked diligently throughout the month. My banking App was acting crazy showing me that the system could not process my request or that my session had expired and so I kept trying until a few minutes later, I started receiving debit alerts in multiples, indicating that the same transactions that the bank claimed had failed actually succeeded in multiple trials.

I then had to start tracing all my recipients one after the other to get them to confirm the multiple transfers and to make refunds to me. Then another ugly scenario occurred.

A particular transaction was posted as successful from my end and I was promptly debited but the beneficiary did not receive value for the transfer. We were advised by the bank to wait for some days and we waited.

The bank sent us Session Number, which was to indicate that the transaction was successful, but the recipient still did not receive value for the transfer. Day ten, still no value and the bank began to tell stories of what happened in the Garden of Eden, of how Eve gave Adam the forbidden fruit and how Satan was expelled from heaven.

In this cruel and wicked plot of system or network upgrade, some Nigerian banks have now perfected the crooked style of fleecing their customers, joggling transactions at will and denying people of the use and enjoyment of their hard-earned resources.

I have lost countless transactions that cannot be traced at all. It is nothing but premeditated fraud, cleverly hatched with the connivance of the supervising authorities, who all turn the blind eye.

The reality is that banking business in Nigeria has become a pain for the majority of our people. And this should not be so at all, if the relevant authorities wake up to assert their regulatory powers under the law.

From my own personal experience and the cases that I have handled, I do believe that banks in Nigeria are having a field day feasting on their customers. I’ve seen and handled cases, where great dreams, robust projects and laudable visions, have been shattered and eclipsed by banks, in the name of loans or other facilities.

The corruption in the banks is mind-boggling,with billions of Naira ending up in the pockets of bankers. This cannot and should not be allowed to continue.Every financial institution must be compelled to operate in a transparent and an accountable fashion, they should grant their customers access to their funds and avail them of all banking transactions as and when due.

No bank should be allowed to keep to itself the details of banking transactions of its customers. The bank-customer relationship is fiduciary in nature, planted on the solid foundation of trust and confidence.

Any and all funds held in trust by the bank for a customer should not be subject to secret, whimsical and subjective dealings. It is not enough for the Central Bank of Nigeria to ask customers to escalate breaches by the banks to the CBN.

These sharp practices are prevalent with almost all the banks so they are widespread and should be within the knowledge of CBN. The open and hidden bank charges have no end, they come in different patterns and they have no limits until the account is ultimately liquidated.

You walk into the bank or the bank walks into your office, to open an account. The account opening package is deliberately drafted in such a way that you would need prayers to fill them. The terms and conditions of the relationship are so lengthy and boring that you’re just left with no option than to accept them the way they are.

Then by month end you get to know what you really signed in for, when the debit alerts start hitting your mailbox as follows: “Stamp Duty Charge”, “Account Maintenance Charge”, “Monthly Maintenance Charge”, “SMS Charge”, “ATM Maintenance Charge”, etc.

Meanwhile,you do not get any debit alert of Cost of Transaction (COT) charges, usually very outrageous, but normally concealed.

Pray, what other transaction did you open the account for, if not to cover all your financial dealings? And why the duplicitous charges? I opened an account with a bank with some thousands of naira. I decided to keep the money for some time just so I could have it again in future. In the months to follow, I was hit with charges upon charges, even when I did not operate the account to withdraw from it.

As of today, the account is virtually empty and drained, through heavy monthly maintenance charges and other sundry deductions. I have left the account intact, waiting for the day the entire money would finish and then proceed to serve the bank court notice for all the fraudulent deductions.

For well over three or four years now, that bank account has not been rendered dormant for the purpose of their monthly deductions, but if you have anything urgent to use the account for, you’ll be told to go and activate it, meanwhile the monthly deductions are automatic in favour of the bank, even when it is said to be inactive.

Now we are told not to carry cash but all theATMs are dry and empty and you are forced to buy Naira in Nigeria. Many times, the POS machines decline transactions, debit your account and then force you to still go and look for cash anyhow, in order to trade. Then you are told to go to your bank to document a five thousand naira transaction or wait for automatic reversal, which in some cases never comes.

I have lost a lot of money in this process as when I weigh the cost of going to the bank, the time to be wasted and what I stand to lose thereby, I just allow the bank to walk away with the money, at times running into thousands of naira.

And you can very well imagine that this goes on in all the banks, whereby on a daily basis, customers are being fleeced of their hard-earned resources by these smart alecs.

News recently broke of a bank that had accumulated close to eighty billion Naira of such funds, only for one of its trusted members of staff to elope with the fund to another land. Bank customers are forever at the receiving end as the banks are not ready to lift a finger to assist anyone but to keep declaring bogus profits every year.

A particular bank is always reported as being the very best of them all in the media and I then wonder what statistics are being used in reaching these conclusions that do not tally with the facts of what we experience with that particular bank everyday.

Lately, the banks have become more daring, draconian and greedy, making arbitrary deductions from the accounts of their customers.

Here is another of such fraudulent scenarios. A bank approached a customer to deliver credit cards programmed for foreign currency transactions. The customer is to travel, use the ATM cards for his transactions abroad and then come back to reimburse with the bank the Naira equivalent.

On getting to his destination, the ATM card did not work, despite all efforts made. Meanwhile, the bank is busy sending debit notes to the customer upon the said ATM card that has never been used at all.

I have read the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act and also the Central Bank of Nigeria Act and I verily believe that CBN has only let the banks loose on their hapless customers and to get away with all manner of fraudulent activities.

The stories are so mind-boggling, of cases of unauthorized withdrawals from the accounts of customers, of insider trading, round trips and such other financial frauds, that go unpunished.

The banks are in custody of the account and the money, deploying technology against their customers and smiling away whilst the customer is in sorrow and penury. It is ungodly and very unfair that CBN has for so long allowed this monster to fester. No banking licence should be allowed to thrive upon any proven case of fraud.

None at all. In the same way that customers have been sent to their early graves and business men and women have been led to commit suicide on account of very strange and inexplicable liquidations, so also should no bank be allowed to trade or survive on fraud and mischief. The existing laws in Nigeria require CBN to act to protect bank customers.

The bank is an institution, some have been in existence for years, declaring bogus profits at the expense of their customers. Why should any institution grant a one-year loan upon very excessive interest rates and still expect the customer to pay it back in one year?

What kind of business will such a person execute, in a country where there is no infrastructure to support businesses and enterprisesand where the entire profit is consumed by generators and diesel?

This should not continue and I urge all relevant authorities to intervene urgently, to save our people. Enough of banking with tears and blood.

Over the weekend, residents of Ilorin, the Kwara State capital,were confronted with a new order from the Kwara State government restricting certain categories of vehicles from using the Ahmadu Bello Way, a major route that connects Government House, various government offices, the popular Challenge area,and also serves as an alternate road for commercial vehicles to reach Tanke,GRA, Fate,Basin,and other areas within the metropolis. 

The effects of climate change are now at everyone’s doorstep, whether they are aware of it or not.Many reports have shown that climate change is significantly impacting Nigeria’s environment, economy, and public health.

These impacts are generally driven by increased temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, desertification, rising sea levels, and more frequent extreme weather events like floods and droughts.

Environmental and human phenomena resulting from climate change affect all spheres of Nigerian society, but youth are the most impacted because they rely on affected environments more than any other group.

While Nigerian youth are the most vulnerable to climate change, they are also the group that can most effectively tackle it because of their huge numbers and their future needs.

How Can Youth Be Engaged to Tackle Climate Change?

Climate change advocates and researchers, including government and non-governmental agencies, can engage youth to raise awareness in society about the need to address climate change and tackle its impacts. Youth are the most active members of society and the majority, whether educated or uneducated.

Most Nigerian youths can now easily transmit or receive information through social media and other means of modern communications. So, empowering youth and mobilising them to use social media and other modern communications tools can have a huge impact on awareness and campaigns on the effects of climate change.

Another way to effectively involve youth in the fight against climate change is through agriculture. Youth can be trained and equipped to engage in sustainable farming practices that protect the environment while providing productive employment. In this way, young people can play a vital role in environmentally friendly farming while earning an income.

If the government and climate organisations train youth in eco-friendly farming and provide the necessary inputs and funding, many young people will turn to sustainable practices, recognising them as both a source of income and a means of helping the environment.

This approach could engage young people in both urban and rural areas, contributing to climate change mitigation, environmental protection, job creation, and food security in Nigeria.

Another approach is to protect the environment while generating wealth by involving youth in a well-designed economic tree-planting scheme. A designated area in a community could be set aside for planting economic trees.

For instance,a plot of 20–30 trees could be allotted to one or two young people to nurse until maturity. When the trees are ready for harvesting, ownership would be transferred to the youth.

Equally, Nigerian cities and towns can be turned green with this approach. This program would generally protect the environment, create jobs, and promote sustainability.

Nigeria has fertile soil for the cultivation of many economic and other trees; most Nigerian youths, whether educated or not, are enthusiastic about generating wealth via farming; thus, such a scheme will be successful and sustainable.

Many young Nigerians are tech enthusiasts, and technology can be a powerful way to engage them in climate change efforts. For example, youth can be trained in climate change advocacy through clean energy simple tools, where some young people are now active in the area.

Additionally, young people can be trained to fabricate tools for renewable energy, creating jobs in the process. This could include making simple windmills or engaging in manufacturing, retailing, and installing solar stoves and wind-powered electricity systems.

Though according to a report in the Global Innovation Index 2024, the renewable energy sector is facing a challenge of the reduction of prices of fossil fuels from their 2022 peak and the escalating demand for natural resources and manufactured materials, nevertheless, there is a growing awareness and acceptance of solar and wind energy in Nigeria, especially with the removal of the fuel subsidies and the epileptic electricity supply effecting both the urban and rural Nigeria.

If these aforementioned approaches are applied by governments and non-governmental organisations, it will be a great help in fighting climate change using the youth as the focal point.

By implementing these approaches, governments and non-governmental organisations can significantly enhance efforts to combat climate change, positioning youth as the central drivers of this movement.

Engaging young people not only amplifies innovative solutions but also ensures a sustainable, long-term commitment to environmental protection. This strategy leverages the passion, energy, and unique perspectives of the younger generation to create impactful change for future generations.

Zayyad I. Muhammad writes from Abuja, 08036070980, zaymohd@yahoo.com

Was it right to try minors for waving the national flags of other countries? Was this an act that constitutes a criminal offence? Was there mens rea (intention) and actus reus (physical consummation of the intention)?

These are some of the questions generated by the recent arraignment of minors that rightly generated national ruckus. Let us briefly interrogate these questions.

Treason is defined in section 410 of the Penal Code as “levying war against the State” with the intention of “over-awing the (President)”. It is punishable with death.

Treasonable felony (or “crimes”), on the other hand (as defined in section 412 of the Penal Code), manifests in, amongst others, an overt act done with the intention of either compelling the government to effect a change of policy, to intimidate, or to overawe the Legislature or to instigate a foreigner to invade Nigeria. It is punishable with life imprisonment.

It must be noted that while the Penal Code applies in the Northern part of Nigeria, the Criminal Code (and it’s variants) applies in the South. Provisions similar to those under the Penal Code also exist in the South.

It appears to me too far-fetched to charge a person with treason simply for merely waving a foreign flag in Nigeria, without more. There must be something overt, capable of igniting the intention, otherwise it will amount to criminalising a person’s  right to freedom of speech and expression which is guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution.

Instigating our military (or that of another country) to overthrow the government would clearly constitute such an act; but nothing of the sort was shown in the case of the minors.

It must be pointed out that no law prohibits the prosecution of a person for violating any law – including treason or treasonable felony – unless he or she is less than 7 years old or if, between the ages of 7 and 12, he lacks the requisite maturity and capacity to understand the nature and consequences of his or her acts. See Section 50 of the Penal Code.

Subject to such express exceptions provided, such a person of less than 18 years of age should only be arraigned before a Family Court established under the Child Rights Act or Law (defined as a High Court judge or Magistrate sitting with 2 assessors); but certainly not while they are exercising their regular jurisdiction.

All persons except court staff, the accused, their counsel and family members are excluded from such proceedings under sections 149, 150, 151, 152 and 162 of the Child Rights Act which is in force in Abuja. Similar provisions exist in the Child Rights Laws of various States that have domesticated the Act.

It therefore follows that the Police should have charged the ‘underage’ defendants in either Kaduna or Kano under the relevant laws of those States instead of dragging them to Abuja. The trial in Abuja was farcical and contrary to   law. It was right and proper that same was discontinued.

Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq., 

Tourism is a powerful driver of economic growth,social development, and cultural exchange worldwide.It showcases the essence of destinations, inviting global travelers to experience unique landscapes, historical landmarks, cuisines, and traditions.

Yet,one of the most essential pillars of this industry is often overlooked: transportation. Without a robust, accessible, and efficient transportation infrastructure, the tourism industry cannot thrive. Transportation is indeed the backbone of tourism, a critical link between the destinations and the travelers who wish to explore them.

The connection between transportation and tourism is like a siamese issue or the essence of the soul and the body .

The soul needs the body to survive while the body needs the soul to thrive.

Transportation enables the movement of people from their homes to tourism destinations and facilitates exploration within those locations. It transforms the idea of travel into reality, making it possible for tourists to reach urban and rural areas alike, thereby unlocking opportunities for economies on both ends of the spectrum.

From flights and railways to buses, cars, and even bicycle paths, the network of transportation allows tourism destinations to reach a global audience, bridging distances and cultures.

In countries where transportation is efficient, affordable, and reliable, tourism flourishes. An excellent example of this connection is the success of high-speed rail in Europe, the ICE – Train of 250 kmph which has significantly boosted intra-regional tourism in Europe.

Similarly,air travel networks allow island nations, often reliant on tourism, to maintain strong connections with the rest of the world.Tourists are drawn not only to the allure of a place but to the convenience and comfort of reaching it.

Efficient Transportation contributes to rapid tourism growth,improving transportation infrastructure is vital to unleashing the tourism potential of rural and underdeveloped areas.

Many cultural sites, natural reserves, and heritage locations remain under-visited due to poor road networks and limited access options. By investing in better roads, more efficient public transportation, and air connections, we not only increase local accessibility but also appeal to international tourists eager to explore less-traveled destinations.

The transformative power of transportation in Ekiti State is particularly relevant, as the state boasts rich historical landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and vibrant festivals. Initiatives like the , Ekiti State Festival of Arts ,EKIFEST ,Ekiti Cultural Tourism Carnival, ECTC,Udiroko Festival , Okorobo Festival highlight the potential of tourism to bring in diverse visitors. 

However, to accommodate and attract larger numbers,Governor of the State H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has state prioritized transportation development.

The Ekiti State Cargo Airport would soon be in operation, roads leading to tourism sites are being rehabilitated ,well-maintained to  enabling the seamless movement of tourists between attractions such as Ikogosi Warm Springs, Ero Dam, and our scenic rolling hills.

The economic impact of Transportation on Tourism can never be over flogged.

The tourism economy is complex, as it involves various stakeholders from hoteliers to local artisans, restaurants, and retail businesses. Transportation integrates these stakeholders, linking them together in a system that enhances the visitor experience. 

Accessible transportation increases tourist spending, extends visitor stay periods, and fosters the discovery of lesser-known attractions. When tourists can navigate easily and explore more regions, local economies benefit from their extended presence, as spending on accommodation, dining, and shopping increases.

Moreover,transportation infrastructure development creates jobs, not only within the tourism sector but also in construction, maintenance, and management roles. Investment in transportation is, therefore, a means to stimulate local economies, as it leads to job creation and the circulation of wealth in communities that may otherwise remain isolated.

In modern tourism development, it’s crucial to align transportation with sustainability goals. The ecological impact of tourism is a concern that must be addressed through greener transportation solutions,thank God , Nigeria is talking and walking on eco- friendly transportation system,gas propelled vehicles,electric buses and cars , eco-friendly rail systems, and policies that encourage carpooling and non-motorized travel where feasible.

These solutions can help reduce carbon emissions, protect natural resources, and preserve the environment that tourists come to enjoy.

In Ekiti State, the State Governor ,H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is promoting environmentally friendly transportation options. The state has acquired CNG vehicles and a CNG conversion center has been opened in Ekiti State .

Also,some of the government’s buses being used as palliative items are being converted to CNG.This is adding  value to the tourism experience of visitors who are increasingly seek destinations committed to sustainable practices. The state is  leveraging in  eco-tourism by integrating this green transport options to create a sustainable tourism model, aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship.

For Nigeria to fully harness its tourism potential, transportation must remain a top priority. Collaborative efforts between federal, state, and local governments, as well as private sector partnerships, can catalyze the development of modern transportation systems, making Nigeria more accessible, attractive, and competitive on the global tourism map.

In Ekiti State, the State Governor  ,H.E. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji is committed to exploring innovative solutions to improve accessibility, enhance the visitor experience, and make tourism a cornerstone of our economy.

As the tourism industry continues to evolve, transportation must adapt to meet new challenges and trends, ensuring that visitors enjoy seamless, comfortable, and sustainable travel experiences.

At the Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development,we recognize transportation as a foundational element of our tourism strategy and remain dedicated to creating pathways that will bring travelers from around the world closer to the beauty and heritage of Ekiti.

Transportation is not just a means to an end in the tourism industry; it is the very foundation that upholds it. Through continued investment and innovation in transportation infrastructure, we can unlock new possibilities for tourism, fostering economic resilience and cultural pride in Nigeria’s vibrant landscapes.

…..this article is written by Wale Ojo-Lanre Esq Director General Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism Development in honour of Mr Kayode Olagunju, Assistant Chief  Corps Marshall ,(rtd) of the Federal Road Safety Corps ,FRSC ,who visited Ekiti State Bureau of Tourism and Chief Abiodun Ogunsanwo,President , Institute of Tourism Professionals in Nigeria, ITPN  and promoter Tourism Transportation Summit.

By Abubakar Iliyasu

The recent power outage in about 19 northern states as a result of the vandalised towers of the Shiroro-Mando 330kV transmission line followed by the fault on the Ugwuaji-Makurdi 330kV line have undoubtedly caused significant disruptions across the region.

However,amidst these challenges, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to addressing the situation.

Minister Adelabu’s proactive approach to the crisis is commendable. He has been actively engaging withstakeholders, including distribution and transmission companies, to identify the root causes of the outages and devise effective solutions.

The result of these engagements was evident after a press briefing along with the TCN management which led to the announcement of a firm date for the restoration of supply to the affected states. His emphasis on transparency and open communication with the public has ensured that Nigerians are kept informed about the situation and the steps being taken to resolve it.

Indeed as he promised,residents of the affected states heaved a sigh of relief when supply was restored days ahead of the set date.

Minister Adelabu’s leadership during this challenging period has instilled hope in Nigerians that things can change for the better in the sector. His unwavering dedication to resolving the crisis is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians.

Not resting on his oars after perfecting plans for the restoration,  he immediately embarked on a working visit to Kano and Kaduna states to sympathise with the people for the losses suffered by families and businesses and assure them of government’s plans to forestall a repeat of such prolonged outage.

He also seized the opportunity to engage and have a heart to heart conversation with the leadership of Kano and Kaduna discos and those of the TCN stations in the state. He reckons that without the two major players in the value chain working in collaboration, bottlenecks that hinder progress in efficient power supply can never be addressed.

Away from the supply crisis in the North, the Minister’s focus on exploring alternative power sources, such as renewable energy, showcases his forward-thinking vision for a sustainable and reliable power sector.

By prioritizing investments in renewable energy projects,he is not only addressing the current crisis but also laying the foundation for a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy future.

Another key initiative by the Minister of Power is the dogged implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens Deal conceived by the President Buhari administration.

This initiative aims to upgrade and expand the country’s electricity grid, improve service delivery, and increase the overall electricity generation capacity in Nigeria. The PPI is expected to add more than 25 gigawatts of electricity to the national grid and significantly reduce the power deficit in the country.

Furthermore,the Minister of Power has been working to increase investments in the power sector by creating a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors.

By implementing policies that promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the sector, the Minister aims to attract more investments that will help to increase electricity generation capacity and improve service delivery.

Overall,the efforts of the Minister of Power to improve the power sector in Nigeria are commendable. With the implementation of the PPI, efforts to reduce losses, and initiatives to attract investments,the Minister is on the right track towards achieving the goal of providing reliable and affordable electricity to all Nigerian citizens.

It is hoped that these efforts will lead to a significant improvement in the power sector and ultimately contribute to the economic development and growth of the country.

Abubakar Iliyasu,a public affairs commentator, wrote from Minna.