Author: GANUX

Reps to probe green energy projects in MDAs

 

 

 

The House of Representatives is set to investigate the domiciliation of green energy projects in inappropriate government entities to prevent substandard implementation and loss of public funds.

 

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Wednesday’s plenary, sponsored by the member representing Oshodi/Isolo II Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Hon. Jesse Onuakalusi.

 

The Federal Government, through its Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, is currently funding numerous green and renewable energy projects aimed at promoting sustainable power generation, reducing carbon emissions, and improving access to clean energy, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

 

However, reports indicate that some of these projects, including solar mini-grids, wind farms, and other renewable energy initiatives, have been domiciled with entities and institutions that lack the technical expertise, professional competence, or statutory mandate to effectively execute or supervise them.

Speaking on the motion, the Labour Party lawmaker expressed concern over what he described as “the misplacement or inappropriate domiciliation of projects,” noting that it undermines the objectives of Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan.

 

He said, “The House is concerned that this encourages duplication of efforts, delays implementation timelines, and often results in substandard or abandoned projects, thereby wasting public funds and eroding public trust.

 

“The House is worried that the lack of due diligence and proper inter-agency coordination in assigning such projects has led to inefficiency, poor monitoring, and loss of value in the delivery of renewable energy infrastructure, particularly in rural electrification and public sector energy efficiency programmes.

“The effective management and domiciliation of green energy projects with competent and appropriate agencies such as the Rural Electrification Agency, Energy Commission of Nigeria, and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, among others, are critical for ensuring technical quality, sustainability, and accountability in project delivery.”

 

Onuakalusi further warned that the continued mismanagement and misplacement of green energy projects could derail Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and the Paris Climate Agreement, with grave consequences for environmental sustainability and economic growth.

 

Following the adoption of the motion, the House mandated its Committee on Renewable Energy to investigate the reported domiciliation of green and renewable energy projects across MDAs to determine compliance with due process, capacity standards, and statutory mandates.

 

The Committee is also to identify cases where renewable energy projects have been misplaced, mismanaged, or underperformed due to domiciliation with inappropriate entities and recommend corrective measures, including sanctions where necessary.

 

Additionally, the House directed the Federal Government, through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Bureau of Public Procurement, to ensure that future green energy projects are domiciled strictly with competent, legally mandated, and technically qualified institutions, as recommended by the Committee on Renewable Energy.

 

It also urged the Federal Ministry of Power and the Energy Commission of Nigeria to develop a clear framework for inter-agency coordination and delineation of responsibilities in implementing renewable and green energy initiatives, and to report back to the House Committee on Renewable Energy within four weeks.

 

Furthermore, the House proposed an urgent amendment to the Electric Power Sector Reform Act to align existing legislation with Nigeria’s renewable energy objectives.

Niger gov mourns as 35 killed in tanker explosion

 

 

Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of a tanker explosion that claimed no fewer than 35 lives and left 17 people hospitalised.

 

Bago, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Tuesday evening, described the incident as “worrisome, unfortunate, and pathetic.”

 

PUNCH Metro learnt that the incident happened at about 2.40 p.m. when the tanker fell on its side in a lone accident.

 

The Niger State Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, in a statement sent to our correspondent on Tuesday, disclosed that following the accident, some residents had gone to the scene to scoop the spilt petrol.

He noted that while the residents were scooping the spilt content, fire engulfed the tanker.

 

Abiodun stated, “Today, October 21, 2025, at about 2.40 p.m., a report was received from the DPO of Katcha Division that there was a lone tanker vehicle accident along the Bida/Agaie highway, and as a result, the tanker conveying PMS fell by the roadside.

 

“Unfortunately, members of the public living around Essa village via Katcha rushed to the scene and were scooping PMS, and in the process, the tanker was suddenly engulfed in an inferno.”

 

He noted that out of the 48 victims affected by the fire, 31 people lost their lives at the spot of the incident, while 17 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

 

“Sadly, forty-eight persons were affected by the fire, and among these victims, thirty-one persons lost their lives, while others are still receiving treatment in various nearby hospitals. Three motorcycles were also burnt.

“Teams of Policemen and other security agencies were moved to the scene for a rescue operation. Further investigation is ongoing to identify the driver and the owner of the said tanker,” Abiodun concluded.

 

Reacting, Bago prayed for the repose of the lives of the victims while expressing displeasure towards the act of petrol scooping.

 

“The farmer governor prays that Allah will repose the souls of those who died in the explosion and grant quick recovery to the injured.

 

“He says it is disheartening how people have continued to approach a fallen tanker to scoop its contents despite several sensitisation on the danger of such action.

 

“The farmer governor enjoins the people to value their lives no matter the situation,” Ibrahim stated in part.

The tragedy adds to the growing list of tanker-related explosions across the country.

 

PUNCH Metro reported in January that no fewer than 70 persons were burnt to death while scooping petrol from a crashed tanker in Niger State.

 

Similarly, a recent investigation by PUNCH Metro revealed that more than 400 people have died in tanker explosions nationwide over the past year, prompting the Federal Government to launch a national awareness campaign on the dangers of petrol scooping.

UK cuts post-study work period for foreign students

 

 

The United Kingdom on Tuesday cut the post-study work period from two years to 18 months for foreign students, including Nigerians, from January 2027.

 

This was disclosed by the UK’s Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, on October 14 while explaining the reasons for the need for immigrants to pass an A-level standard of English Language.

 

According to a statement posted on the UK Government’s website on Wednesday, the time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will be reduced to 18 months from the current two years.

 

The statement read, “Laid in changes before Parliament this week, the measures form part of the government’s flagship immigration white paper and Plan for Change to deliver on the priorities of working people for tighter control of who comes to this country while continuing to attract top global talent.

“The time for international students to find a graduate-level job after completing their studies will also be cut to 18 months from the current two years. The immigration skills charge (ISC), which is paid by employers sponsoring skilled foreign workers and reinvested in training the domestic workforce, is being raised by 32%.

 

“The ISC increase is the first since 2017 and will be used to boost investment in British workers and reduce reliance on overseas recruitment. The Parliamentary process to increase the charge will begin later this week. To ensure graduates contribute effectively to the economy, the maximum post-study stay will be reduced to 18 months from the current 2 years for most from 1 January 2027. It comes after data clearly showed that many holders had not transitioned into graduate-level employment as intended.”

Recently, the UK announced that an additional fee is expected to be passed on to overseas students, making studying in the UK more expensive than before.

 

The tuition fees for undergraduate degrees in the 2025/26 academic year have already risen by 3.1%, from £9,250 to £9,535.

 

Additionally, stricter English language requirements are being introduced for international students entering the country for study, work, and settlement.

 

Data shows fewer foreign students opted for the UK as a study option in 2024.

 

UK immigration rules were modified in January 2024 to prevent students from bringing dependants, except for those studying postgraduate research courses or courses with government-funded scholarships.

UCL: Arsenal apologise to Atletico Madrid after hot water issues

 

 

Arsenal have issued an apology to Atletico Madrid after a hot water failure at Emirates Stadium disrupted the Spanish side’s pre-match preparations.

 

According to BBC Sports on Tuesday, the issue left Atletico players without access to hot showers following their training session on Monday evening.

 

UEFA regulations permit visiting teams to train at the host stadium the day before a Champions League fixture.

 

Diego Simeone’s squad took to the pitch at the Emirates ahead of Tuesday’s group-stage clash, but were forced to return to their hotel early after discovering there was no hot water in their dressing room.

 

The team were due to finish training at 19:30 but finished 15 minutes early and decided to travel back to their team hotel instead.

 

Spanish newspaper Marca reported the Atletico squad were ‘angry’ with the situation.

Arsenal apologised to the Atletico Madrid staff for the inconvenience caused, with the issue eventually resolved at 19:25.

 

Mikel Arteta’s side have won their opening two Champions League games without conceding a goal.

 

Atletico were beaten 3-2 at Liverpool but responded with a 5-1 win against Eintracht Frankfurt.

 

Arteta praised Diego Simeone’s side for their willingness to win and having a high level of discipline and organisation on their side.

 

“First of all [with Simeone’s team], it is the willingness to win. You can sense that in every single ball, in every single yard, the way that they play. It’s about how they compete, and then after how they play. They are two very different things.

 

“The levels of organisation and discipline are really high, and then they have acquired a lot of talents throughout the years that are very specific for the way they want to play. They are very good at exploiting those opportunities,” Arteta said.

No past government can match Tinubu’s record in FCT — Wike

 

 

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has challenged past administrations to show records that they have done more projects than the administration of President Bola Tinubu, since the inception of the federal capital.

 

Wike made the statement on Tuesday during the commissioning of the newly provided Engineering Infrastructure in Wuye District, ending his over one month of projects flag-off and commissioning across the FCT.

 

Among the projects flagged off were 12 new roads across various districts, Lot 1 of the Light Up Abuja Solar Streetlight projects, provision of access roads to the Mabushi Bus terminal, the construction and expansion of water supply to satellite towns (Lot 1 and 2), and, recently the flag-off of the construction of 600-bed hostels for the Nigerian Law School in Bwari.

 

The minister said the record of the Tinubu-led administration showed a form of leadership committed to changing the lives of the people, daring anyone who had such records to “speak now or forever remain silent.”

 

“I want to challenge anybody who would say in the history of the FCT, in any administration, who has beaten the record of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

 

“If there is any administration since the inception of the Federal Capital Territory that has beaten this record of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let him speak up now, or forever remain silent. What does it show? It shows leadership that is committed, it shows leadership that is willing to change the lives of the people,” he said.

The minister noted that the road project was awarded in 2009, adding that the President Tinubu administration had “shamed the opposition” and changed the narrative in the FCT, noting that the FCTA will soon begin the commissioning of renovated schools in the territory.

 

“This contract was awarded in 2009. For those of you who are good at Mathematics and Arithmetic, how many years is that? 16 years. It was awarded in 2009. Was Bola Ahmed Tinubu the President of Nigeria in 2009? Was this road completed?

 

“We have changed the narrative. We have shamed the opposition. Tinubu’s administration has changed the narrative in the FCT. Tell the opposition to come and see that the FCT is working. So, I’m happy,” he said.

 

Wike also assured contesting Area Council Chairmen of his support, reiterating that he would support anyone who supported President Tinubu, adding that there would be “a political tsunami” very soon.

 

“For all of you who are running election and are supporting Mr President, be assured, I will also support you. I have no regrets. I said here, if you are supporting Asiwaju, I’m going to support you.

 

“Anywhere you are, the moment I know you are with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, you get my support one hundred per cent. So, if you know you have not changed your mind, don’t change your mind. Because very soon, there will be a political tsunami. It is Asiwaju all the way,” the minister stated.

ASUP begins two-week strike over certificate fraud at Delta Polytechnic

 

 

 

Following alleged certificate racketeering at Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics suspended its services on Tuesday for two weeks.

 

A whistleblower, Raphael Ufua, accused the institution of certificate racketeering, causing serious damage to the school.

Ufua alleged that the principal officers issued certificates to students who never attended the school.

 

However, announcing the strike, ASUP Chairman Dr Michael Ohana said the lingering issue of alleged result racketeering has brought the institution into disrepute and disrupted academic activities.

 

He said, “A serious cause for concern is how the yet-to-be-verified result racketeering issue has permeated social media, bringing staff and the institution into public disrepute.

“Our members are the worst hit. When we relate with the world outside, we are no longer able to proudly say we are staff of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. Meanwhile, within the work environment, the necessary supplies and resources that make teaching and learning possible have become a far cry.

 

“Following the state government’s refusal to act decisively on issues between the Governing Council and Management, despite several meetings and ultimatums, it has become imperative that the Union embarks on a two-week warning strike.

 

“Recall that in February 2025, the Governing Council suspended the Registrar over unverified allegations of result racketeering without due diligence.

“Similarly, in July 2025, the Council suspended the Rector over unfounded accusations of financial impropriety, later repudiated by the governor as ultra vires.

 

“Despite relentless union efforts, these issues continue.

 

“Therefore, ASUP suspends its services to the state government for 14 days, hoping the government will consider reports from investigative committees rather than forming endless committees on this matter.

 

“The Nigerian Police must stop harassing staff, especially our members. Heads of Departments are being summoned to Abuja to answer for suspected forged student results.

 

“Government should call the Governing Council to order and duly communicate to them their mandates and functions. This is to make them operate in the manner that is expected of a Council that governs an academic institution, as obtainable with other tertiary institutions within and outside the state”

 

The ASUP called for the arrest and prosecution of the false whistleblower, Raphael Ufua, whose actions have brought disgrace and public disrepute upon the institution and staff of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku.

 

They stated that the alleged result racketeering, involving principal officers of the institution, had disgraced the image of the state institution, insisting that it was merely a case of result forgery perpetrated by individuals who are neither management staff nor principal officers of the institution.

NELFUND opens student loan portal for 2025/2026 academic session

 

 

 

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has announced the official opening of its student loan application portal for the 2025/2026 academic session, providing access to financial support for students across tertiary institutions in the country.

 

The agency said the application window will run from Thursday, October 23, 2025, to Saturday, January 31, 2026.

 

This is contained a statement issued on Tuesday by NELFUND’s Director of Strategic Communications, Oseyemi Oluwatuyi.

 

NELFUND urged fresh students to apply using their Admission Number or JAMB Registration Number in place of a matriculation number.

It appealed to tertiary institutions to show understanding regarding registration and fee payment deadlines for applicants awaiting loan disbursement.

 

“Institutional Institutions are encouraged to show understanding in enforcing registration and fee Flexibility payment deadlines for students awaiting loan disbursement

 

“Institutions that have not yet commenced their 2025/2026 academic session should Special Notice formally write to NELFUND with their approved academic calendar for scheduling flexibility

 

“NELFUND appeals to all institutions to consider temporary registration measures for students whose loan applications are being processed to ensure that no student loses access to education due to financial constraints,” the statement said.

Teenager becomes Nigeria’s ‘vice president for a day’

 

 

 

A teenager, Joy Ogah, symbolically took over the seat of Vice President Kashim Shettima for a day, using the platform to advocate passionately for the rights and education of girls across Nigeria.

 

In a statement issued by the Office of the Vice President on Tuesday, the symbolic handover took place during a meeting on Monday between Vice President Shettima and a delegation from PLAN International, led by Helen Mfonobong Idiong, Director of Programme, Quality, and Innovation.

 

From the Vice President’s chair, Ogah highlighted the challenges facing girls in the country, noting that over 10.5 million children remain out of school, more than 60 per cent of whom are girls.

 

“We must invest in education that is safe and inclusive for every child in Nigeria,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise interventions that protect and empower young girls.

Ogah also urged the government to provide free sanitary products in schools and ensure access to clean water, sanitation, and proper nutrition for all children. She stressed that every girl deserves a classroom, a choice, dignity, and not silence.

 

“When girls are protected, peace becomes possible. I may be the Vice President for a day, but the struggles I represent cannot end in a day. They must continue in our policies, our classrooms, our conversations, and our budgets,” she said.

 

Shettima also used the occasion to reaffirm President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to advancing girl-child education and inclusive learning nationwide.

“We will continue the engagement with PLAN International and see where the force and strength of government can be brought to bear on your solid advice on girl-child education.

 

“In President Bola Tinubu, you have an ally you can believe in and invest your trust in,” Shettima said.

 

Recent reports from PUNCH Online indicate growing national momentum toward gender inclusivity in education. On October 20, 2025, advocacy groups urged all tiers of government to invest more in girl-child education, mentorship, and sensitisation programmes, calling for stronger efforts to eliminate gender bias in schools.

 

In September, the Federal Government launched the Renewed Hope Social Impact Interventions (RH-SII774) targeting over 10 million women across all 774 local government areas through livelihood grants, digital inclusion, and clean energy initiatives.

 

Similarly, the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly have reinforced support for gender parity and access to learning.

 

The government’s recent workshop on inclusive education, coupled with the Student Loans Act and increased education funding, reflects ongoing institutional commitment to equity — a goal echoed in Joy Ogah’s symbolic “Vice President for a Day” advocacy.

Reps to mediate in PENGASSAN, Dangote refinery dispute

 

 

 

The House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to intervene in the recent face-off between members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the Dangote Refinery, which had disrupted petroleum product distribution nationwide.

 

The resolution of the House followed the consideration and adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by Kano and Sokoto lawmakers, Alhassan Doguwa and Abdussamad Dasuki, respectively, at Tuesday’s plenary.

 

Titled: “Need to protect private investment from adversarial unionism,” the lawmakers drew the attention of their colleagues to the significance of the Dangote Refinery, describing it as the largest private petroleum refinery in Africa.

 

The face-off between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery led to an industrial action which commenced on September 29, 2025, disrupting the operations at the $20bn refinery.

It also led to a disruption in Nigeria’s crude oil production, with a reported daily loss of approximately 200,000 barrels over three days.

 

The disruption worsened the petroleum supply situation across the country, resulting in scarcity and long queues at filling stations in several states, resulting in severe hardship for millions of Nigerians.

 

Speaking on the motion, Doguwa, who represents Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency, Kano State, stressed the need to protect the Dangote Refinery given its strategic significance to the nation’s economy.

 

He said, “The House is aware that the Dangote Refinery is a strategic private investment of immense national importance, with the potential to guarantee energy security, reduce import dependency, generate employment, and conserve foreign exchange.

“We are aware that the Dangote Refinery operates within a Free Trade Zone, and therefore falls under the regulatory framework of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority, particularly Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act which clearly states that ‘Employment in the free zone shall be governed by rules and regulations made by the Authority and not subject to the provisions of any enactments relating to employment matters.’

 

“The House is concerned that actions by labour unions that disregard the legal protections conferred on Free Zones under the NEPZA Act not only constitute a breach of law but also create a hostile investment environment that may deter future local and foreign investors;

 

“We are worried that if private investments of strategic national importance are continually subjected to unlawful disruptions by adversarial unionism, Nigeria risks not only the failure of key economic assets but also the erosion of investor confidence necessary for national growth and development.”

 

In his contribution, the member representing Chibok/Damboa/Gwoza Federal Constituency, Ahmad Jaha, urged the House to tread carefully, adding that the call for a probe as prayed by the motion was ill-timed.

 

Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged its leadership to broker peace between the two parties in the interest of the nation.

 

It also urged the Federal Ministries of Labour and Employment, Industry, Trade and Investment, as well as Justice, to “Jointly develop and implement a national framework or set of policies to safeguard private investments of strategic national importance from adversarial and unlawful union actions.”

It further charged the Federal Ministry of Justice and NEPZA to ensure full enforcement and compliance with the provisions of Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Act in all relevant Free Zone operations.

Sweden confirm Potter as new manager

 

 

 

Former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Sweden men’s national football team, the Swedish Football Association confirmed on Monday.

 

According to Fabrizio Romano’s X post on Monday, “Graham Potter, new head coach of Sweden until March 2026, as an initial short-term contract with World Cup mission. Deal agreed last week and signed in the last 24h as former West Ham manager returns immediately.”

 

He replaces Jon Dahl Tomasson, who was dismissed earlier this month following Sweden’s dismal start to World Cup qualifying, sitting bottom of Group B with just one point from four matches.

PUNCH Online had reported that West Ham United sacked Potter following a disappointing run of form stretching from the second half of last season into the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

 

Potter is no stranger to Swedish football. He began his managerial career in Sweden with Östersunds FK, transforming the small-town club from the fourth tier to the Allsvenskan and European competition in just over seven years.

 

His success there earned him a move to England, where he later managed Swansea City, Brighton, and Chelsea.

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