Economy
Abia Governor Alex Otti Signs Electricity Bill Into Law

Abia Governor Alex Otti Signs Electricity Bill Into Law
Abia governor Alex Otti signs electricity bill into law. The governor said the integrated power initiative now stands as a model for power infrastructure in Nigeria.
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has signed the Abia State Electricity Bill into law, setting the stage for a new era of energy regulation, investment protection, and power expansion in the state.
Speaking after signing the bill into law on Monday in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area, Mr Otti said the legislation, which emanated from the Executive, received swift but thorough passage by the Abia House of Assembly.
“This law will ensure that we protect the investments made by Aba Power while granting the government the latitude to regulate.
“It is a document that will stand the test of time, protecting existing and prospective investors in the energy sector,” he said.
The governor said the bill benefited from the expertise of 15 international power experts from the United States, Canada, Southeast Asia, and Europe, who contributed pro bono.
He added that the state engaged Banwo & Ighodalo, a top-tier Nigerian law firm, to refine the legal framework of the bill before it was signed into law.
According to him, Abia has a unique electricity framework, with a ring-fenced power system that covers Aba South, Aba North, Osisioma,Obingwa, Ugwunagbo, Ukwa East, Ukwa West, IsialaNgwa South and Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Areas (LGAs).
He said the state has Aba Power Ltd., an independent integrated power initiative, covering generation, transmission, and distribution, which had been in development for two decades.
The governor said the integrated power initiative now stands as a model for power infrastructure in Nigeria.
Mr Otti said with the law in place, the government had started making efforts to integrate the remaining eight LGAs of Abia into a new Umuahia Ring-Fence, ensuring stable electricity across the state.
He said the legislation prioritises renewable energy solutions, positioning Abia as a leader in sustainable power initiatives.
Mr Otti disclosed that discussions were underway with Geometric Power, the parent company of Aba Power Ltd., to expand electricity distribution beyond Aba.
He added that plans were underway to establish the Abia State Electricity Regulatory Authority (ASERA) to ensure that the sector remains efficient and investor-friendly.
Mr Otti commended the 8th Abia State House of Assembly for its diligence and expertise in reviewing and passing the bill.
He said the law had positioned the state as a choice destination for private investment in power generation, ensuring a more stable and efficient electricity supply for businesses and residents.
Mr Otti also hinted at the potential for Abia to supply electricity to other Southeastern states, generating additional revenue for the state.
The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Emmanuel Emeruwa, said that power plays a vital role in the achievement of development strides in the state.
Mr Emeruwa said:” We understand the rebuilding agenda of the present administration that is why we are working hand in glove with the Executive arm of the government.”
Also, the commissioner for power and public utility, Ikechukwu Monday, said the law would be aimed at creating a robust and reliable power market in the state.
Mr Monday said the law, which aligns with the Electricity Act 2023, would enable Abia to establish its own regulatory framework and attract investment in the power sector.
He described the legislation as a product of extensive collaboration with global stakeholders and experts, tailored to the unique electricity ecosystem of Abia.
“Notably, Abia is one of the few states in Nigeria with a ring-fenced power zone covering nine local government areas, allowing for off-grid operations.
“Additionally, the state hosts two distribution companies: Aba Power Ltd. and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company,” he said.
He noted that the law had been designed to promote local participation and manpower development in the power sector.

Alex Otti
“Abia people are highly skilled, and this law ensures that we build the capacity needed to support not just the state’s power industry but also contribute to the global energy workforce,” he said.
He added that the law addresses critical issues such as vandalism, energy theft, and investment security, which have long hindered power sector growth.
Mr Monday also said that it makes clear provisions for investor protection, as the government hopes to create a more attractive business environment for local and foreign stakeholders.
He said the legislation incorporates gender mainstreaming, ensuring inclusivity and diversity in Abia’s power sector in line with global best practices.
Mr Monday said that ASERA would oversee the implementation of the new electricity market framework and the process of setting up the agency would be completed within the next six to twelve months.
“This authority will be responsible for driving the development of Abia’s electricity market, ensuring compliance with regulations, and facilitating investment in the sector,” he added.
Economy
Sanwo-Olu Swears In 8 New Permanent Secretaries

Sanwo-Olu Swears In 8 New Permanent Secretaries
Sanwo-Olu swears in 8 new permanent secretaries. With this batch, Mr Sanwo-Olu has sworn in 111 permanent secretaries—the highest in the state’s history.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has sworn in eight newly appointed permanent secretaries, urging them to embrace the THEMES Plus developmental agenda with vigour.
The governor gave the charge during the swearing-in ceremony on Thursday at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja.
Mr Sanwo-Olu described the new appointees as drivers of innovation, tasked with formulating policies to improve the lives of Lagos residents.
“As you take office, embrace the development agenda with renewed energy, working towards sustainable progress and prosperity for all Lagosians,” Mr Sanwo-Olu advised.
He reiterated that Lagos State prioritises excellence to ensure the best hands tackle social and economic challenges facing the state.
“With your elevation comes greater responsibility and expectation. You are entrusted with public service and must lead by example at all times.
“We expect nothing less than excellence, which has earned you this position through your hard work and dedication,” the governor said.
Mr Sanwo-Olu emphasised that governance is a collective effort, urging collaboration with colleagues and citizens for effective service delivery.
“Engage with feedback, respond constructively to criticism, and always prioritise the public good over personal interests,” he stated.

Sanwo-Olu
The head of service, Bode Agoro, said the appointments aim to revitalise civil service structures for the benefit of Lagos residents.
The new permanent secretaries include Abiola Idowu, Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency, and Olarewaju Adebanjo, Citizens Mediation Bureau.
Others are Olarenwaju Bajulaye, Ministry of Arts, Culture and Tourism; Also Mahmood, Ministry of Finance; Wasiu Agbabiaka, Civil Service Commission.
Gbolahan Oki, Urban Development, Ministry of Physical Planning, and others were also sworn in and assigned to various portfolios
With this batch, Mr Sanwo-Olu has sworn in 111 permanent secretaries—the highest in the state’s history.
Economy
NYSC To Pay Corps Members N77,000 Monthly From March Says DG

NYSC To Pay Corps Members N77,000 Monthly From March Says DG
NYSC to pay Corps members N77,000 monthly from March says DG. The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, has announced that corps members will receive an increased monthly allowance of N77,000 starting March 2025.
Speaking in Abuja, Nafiu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to corps members’ welfare, assuring them of timely payments.

NYSC
He praised the NYSC’s role in promoting national unity and urged members to remain dedicated and disciplined.
“With effect from March, you will receive Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira as your monthly allowance. The nation and the scheme appreciate your service,” he stated.
Corps members expressed gratitude for the increment, commending the NYSC management for its efforts.
Crime
High Court Rejects EFCC’s Additional Proof Evidence On Emefiele

High Court Rejects EFCC’s Additional Proof Evidence On Emefiele
High Court rejects EFCC’s additional proof evidence on Emefiele. Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court Abuja, has rejected the additional proof of evidence brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against a former governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, in the alleged procurement fraud trial brought against him.
Delivering ruling in a motion on notice filed by Emefiele to object to the action of the EFCC, Justice Muazu held that the Commission had on February 12, 2024, first filed additional proof of evidence against the former CBN governor to accommodate the evidence of a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha and one Bamayi Haruna Mairiga.
The judge, who noted that the charge against Emefiele was filed since August 14, 2023 and his plea taking on November 16, 2023, said that the action of the EFCC would amount to denial of fair trial because the former governor of CBN was not confronted with the new evidence during investigation as required by law.
Justice Muazu further added that the action of EFCC amounted to trial by ambush and a clear case of fishing for evidence in the trial that commenced since November 28, 2023.
Justice Muazu pointed out that allowing the additional proof of evidence after the charge had been amended severally was prejudicial to the defendant, as his right to fair hearing is being breached.

Emefiele
The judge held that the position of the law is that the charge was filed upon the completion of investigation and prima facie case established against any defendant in a criminal matter, adding that in the instant case, the contrary is the case.
The judge however, declined to strike out the charge for being a product of incomplete or ongoing investigation and therefore speculative as claimed by Emefiele.
Justice Muaza said that the charge cannot be struck down because both the defendant and the prosecution had joined issues with each other and trial almost completed.
-
Akwa Ibom2 months ago
The Apostolic Church Gets New Territorial Chairman, Exco
-
Akwa Ibom2 months ago
Umo Eno Commences Payment Of 80,000 Naira Minimum Wage With Arrears
-
News2 months ago
List Of 42 Executive Orders Of Trump
-
Politics2 months ago
President Trump Changes Divorce Law, No 50% Property Shares
-
News1 month ago
The Apostolic Church Gets New National President, Executive
-
Health care1 week ago
NiMet Warns FCT, Other 18 States Of Impending Heat Stress, Advises Safety Measures
-
Economy2 months ago
Tinubu Allocated N940 Billion To TETfund In 2025 Budget
-
Economy2 months ago
Enugu-Onitsha Expressway: Many Feared Dead, 8 Vehicles Burnt In Tanker Explosion