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Power tariffs reversal push by Labour hits brickwall

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  • Panel members disagree on gas subsidy for GenCos
  • Keyamo: we are making progress

Labour’s push for the reversal of hike in electricity tariffs may have hit the brickwall.

This is because of the high cost of gas – the critical component used by the Generating Companies (GenCos) to power their plants.

The GenCos sell power to the Distribution Companies (DisCos) which take it to the end-users.

Highly-placed sources close to the committee set up by the Federal Government to look into the pricing of electricity said there has been no agreement among committee members as to whether gas is subsidised or not.

Labour threatens to call workers out on strike to protest last month electricity tariffs.

The setting up of a seven-man committee to review the electricity tariffs is the product of negotiation to starve off the industrial action.

The government also compelled the DisCos to put on hold for two weeks, the new tariffs to enable the committee to meet and submit a report.

The deadline for the committee expires this weekend.

The Technical Committee is made up of Minister of State for Labour and Employment Festus Keyamo, (Chairman); Minister of State Power, Godwin Jedy-Agba – member; Chairman, National Electricity Regulatory Commission, Prof. James Momoh – member and the Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Infrastructure, Ahmad Rufai Zakari as Secretary.

Others are: Dr. Onoho’Omhen Ebhohimhen – member (NLC); Deputy President of the NLC and Secretary-General, Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade Joe Ajaero – member; Comrade Chris Okonkwo – member (TUC) and a representative of Power Distribution Companies (DisCos) – member.

It was gathered that one of the recommendations on the table is a further halt in the implementation of the new tariffs beyond the  two weeks.

The source said: “We have not really concluded. We will conclude this week, but the conclusion of the work of the committee this weekend cannot give us what Nigerians are looking for. It is not a factor that you just wake up and say it is this amount and it is not this amount. There are some other determinants.

“Let me give you this without making reference to the work of the committee. The greater chunk of the money is spent on gas. Gas is their main source of generation. They had to now dollarise gas before they now price it at the GenCos.

“If GenCos now allegedly buy gas in dollar, then they now pass the dollar price to consumers.

“If we are able to address this matter by looking at policy directives especially on gas pricing, if we go through that process, then definitely we are going to puncture the issue of tariff no matter what they are going to pay.

But where we are having serious divergence is on the issue of whether actually there was  subsidy. Some of us said there is no subsidy but the government is claiming there is subsidy.

“These are still not things you can do within two weeks. So, the work of the committee may take more time to look at it critically. We are trying to see if there is anything we can do in order to submit our report within two weeks deadline.

“But the job that will lead to a reversal is not a job of two weeks. Some of them require policy direction.

“We will revert to the house at the end of the two weeks to submit our report. If they succeed on sitting in this freeze (suspend the implementation of the tariff) until the final report is done, fine.

“If we are able to get this minor relief until the final report is done, fine. That is what we are working on for now. We are still working but we have not fully agreed on anything to push out to the people now.”

The source said the two weeks given to the committee to work on the issue was not enough.

“We are working tomorrow through the weekend. We have done a lot of reading and consultations with stakeholders. We need to tidy up our report and submit and take another directive.

“You can’t do within two weeks and say reverse. If you know how  these people are buying gas, the question will be — should they buy it at this rate? We will find out. We also need to look at the policy in the oil and gas sector in terms of dollarising gas before.

On the need to further suspend the implementation of the new tariff, another source said: “Those are things we have not agreed upon. These things are on the table, options are on the table. Before the weekend we will concretise those options.

“Even those things you are saying now we have not agreed on them until they are ratified by our bosses. But options are on the table.”

Keyamo declined to comment on the work of the committee when contacted last night.

He said: “We are making progress. When the larger house meets, most likely this weekend, the details of the communique may be made known but like I said we are making progress, the details I cannot reveal now but we are making progress.”

The Seven-man Technical Sub-committee to review the increase in electricity tariff by the Federal Government was inaugurated on September 28.

The committee had its first sitting at the minister’s conference room last month.

The committee was set up at the end of a marathon meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour to avert last month’s planned strike.

The committee is expected to examine the justifications for the new policy in view of the need for the validation of the basis for the new cost reflective tariff as a result of the conflicting information from the field which appeared different from the data presented to justify the new policy by NERC and metering deployment challenges.

The other mandates of the committee are as follows:

  • To look at the different Electricity Distribution Company (DISCOs) and their different electricity tariff vis-à-vis NERC order and mandate.
  • Examine and advise government on the issues that have hindered the deployment of the six million meters.
  • To look into the NERC Act under review with a view to expanding its representation to include organised labour.
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UPDATED: Police Arrest Adeyemi Over Alleged False Claim as PFIPC Director-General in Osun

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Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self-styled Director-General of the controversial Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), in Osun State.

Adeyemi, who had been the subject of an intensive manhunt by security agencies, was apprehended following intelligence-led operations weeks after investigations into allegations about the purported federal agency’s activities.

According to the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Anietie Iniedu, the suspect was arrested without incident by a team of IRT operatives and has been moved into police custody for further interrogation.

He confirmed the arrest while speaking to our correspondent in Abuja.

His arrest followed days of coordinated efforts by security operatives, who had earlier raided his family residence while tracking his whereabouts. Reports indicated that investigators questioned his family members during the search for the suspect.

Adeyemi came into national prominence after controversy erupted over the operations of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, an organisation widely described by government officials as having no legal backing or official recognition.

The controversy deepened following allegations that the suspect claimed close links with top government officials and allegedly used the platform to project influence in government circles.

Oyo police rescue abducted farmer after joint security operation
The matter also generated public attention after claims surfaced that huge sums of money were exchanged in connection with promises of government appointments. Those allegations remain under investigation and have not been proven in court.

The Presidency had earlier distanced itself from the activities of the organisation, while the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, denied any connection with the group or its activities, maintaining that neither the office nor the Presidency authorised the operations of the PFIPC.

Police investigators are expected to interrogate Adeyemi on the circumstances surrounding the establishment and operations of the organisation, the authenticity of documents allegedly used in its activities, and claims that some individuals were deceived into believing it was an official government body.

Investigators are also expected to determine whether other suspects were involved in the alleged scheme and whether additional offences, including impersonation, obtaining by false pretence, forgery and conspiracy, may have been committed.

As of press time, the Nigeria Police Force had yet to issue a detailed official statement on the arrest or announce possible charges against the suspect. Demographics

The arrest is, however, expected to advance investigations into one of the most controversial cases involving the alleged use of a non-existent government agency to project influence within the Presidency.

Adeyemi is expected to remain in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations and possible arraignment before a competent court.

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Breaking : Nigerian Soldiers Kill ISWAP Cameraman, Uncover Foreign Terrorist Network in Borno

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Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have neutralised an Islamic State West Africa Province cameraman and recovered video materials indicating the presence of three foreign facilitators, including a Palestinian Arab identified as a trainer and a Moroccan Arab serving as a medical doctor for the terrorist group in Borno State.

The Acting Military Information Officer, Joint Task Force North East, Operation Hadin Kai, Capt. Muhammed Goni, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

According to him, the operational success was recorded on Saturday following a failed infiltration attempt by members of ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

Goni said the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position and loot cholera medical supplies.

The statement read, “Troops of 19 Brigade, Sector 3, Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have decisively foiled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP terrorists into Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, inflicting heavy casualties on the attackers and forcing them to retreat in disarray.

“The successful defence of the location further demonstrates the vigilance, combat readiness and operational effectiveness of troops who continue to deny terrorist elements freedom of action across the North East Theatre.”

The failed attack, he said, occurred at about 10:20 p.m. on July 11, 2026, when the terrorists attempted to exploit the cover of darkness to breach the troops’ position.

“Alert troops swiftly detected the hostile movement and responded with coordinated and overwhelming firepower, compelling the terrorists to abandon their mission of looting cholera medical supplies and withdraw in confusion after suffering severe losses,” Goni said.

According to him, the attempted looting further lends credence to recent intelligence reports of a cholera outbreak within terrorist enclaves, as well as reports of the execution of some affected members by the group.

“The neutralisation of a terrorist cameraman during the failed assault led to the recovery of a Sony camcorder containing highly sensitive recordings of terrorist activities, including operational footage and propaganda materials.

“Preliminary forensic analysis of the last available video recorded prior to the attack indicates that the operation was coordinated by four senior ISWAP commanders (Qai’ds), alongside three foreign terrorist facilitators. They include a Palestinian Arab identified as Abu Ishaq, assessed to be ISWAP’s overall trainer; a Moroccan Arab identified as Abu Thaiba, a medical doctor serving within the terrorist network; and another Arab operative whose identity is yet to be established,” he added.

He said the presence and active involvement of the foreign nationals further reinforced intelligence assessments that ISWAP continued to benefit from external support, specialist expertise and transnational terrorist linkages.

“Following the successful engagement, troops immediately dominated the area and conducted exploitation operations to ascertain the full extent of the terrorists’ losses,” he added.

The Army spokesman said troops recovered the Sony camcorder, several rounds of PKT and 7.62mm Special ammunition, terrorist uniforms and other combat items during the operation.

He further stated that initial analysis of post-engagement satellite imagery revealed terrorists evacuating the bodies of some of their neutralised fighters during their withdrawal.

“This has since been corroborated by credible human intelligence sources, which confirmed that the terrorists suffered heavy casualties, with many others sustaining gunshot wounds during the engagement,” he said.

According to him, two soldiers sustained gunshot wounds during the firefight and were promptly evacuated by air for advanced medical care, adding that both personnel remained in stable condition.

“The failed infiltration attempt represents yet another significant operational setback for ISWAP and caps a costly weekend for the terrorist group following sustained offensive operations and intensified military pressure across the North East Theatre,” he said.

He added that the outcome underscored the increasing difficulty the terrorists faced in executing coordinated attacks against highly alert and combat-ready troops while further degrading their combat capability, morale and freedom of action.

“Operation HADIN KAI remains resolute in sustaining offensive operations, protecting vulnerable communities and dismantling terrorist networks until lasting peace and security are fully restored across the North East,” he assured.

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BREAKING: Security Forces Rescue Kidnapped Pupils, Teachers in Oyo Forest Operation

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Eight kidnappers arrested

Ibadan, Oyo State – Nigerian security agencies have successfully rescued a group of kidnapped pupils and teachers following a coordinated operation in Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

Photos circulating after the operation show the rescued victims gathered in a rural forest location alongside security personnel shortly after they regained their freedom.

According to available information, the victims were abducted by suspected kidnappers before security operatives launched an intensive search-and-rescue mission. The operation, carried out through coordinated efforts by security agencies, led to the safe recovery of the pupils and their teachers.

The rescued victims have since been reunited with security officials and are expected to undergo medical examinations and trauma counselling before being reunited with their families.

Authorities have not yet disclosed whether any arrests were made during the operation or if a ransom was paid. However, investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend those responsible for the abduction.

The successful rescue has been welcomed by residents of the area, who commended the swift response of the security agencies while calling for increased security around schools and rural communities to prevent similar incidents.

The incident once again highlights the persistent security challenges facing some parts of the country, particularly the threat of school-related kidnappings, which have raised concerns among parents, educators, and community leaders.

Security agencies have assured the public that efforts are continuing to track down the perpetrators and strengthen measures aimed at protecting schools and vulnerable communities across the country.

Further official details are expected as the authorities provide updates on the operation.

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