Opinion: One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from the Generational Prophet, Dr. Chris Okafor — His Prayer Life (Part 3)

By Sunday Adeyemi

There is a popular saying: if there is a man to pray on earth, there is a God in heaven who answers prayers. When prayer is offered with sincerity of heart, God perfects the request and causes all of creation to work in favour of the one who prays.

When a person understands the principles and workings of prayer, such a person becomes more than a conqueror. Prayer gives spiritual authority, enabling one to command outcomes beyond the ordinary. This understanding is one of the major tools deployed by the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Worldwide, Dr. Chris Okafor, in seeking divine intervention.
Today, Grace Nation has become a global convergence point for testimonies and miracles.

This did not happen by accident. Dr. Chris Okafor is a prayer warrior who prays relentlessly, as though there is no tomorrow.
It is therefore not surprising that challenges, controversies, and allegations that arise around him often dissolve unexpectedly. He understands how to approach God and how to deploy the mechanics of prayer effectively. In record time, answers come, and solutions manifest.

Dr. Chris Okafor is, without doubt, a man of prayer. He prays consistently, and God responds swiftly.
Prayer as a Tool for Transformation
In this Part 3 of the series, we examine how Dr. Chris Okafor has used prayer to rewrite negative family patterns, dismantle evil altars and barriers, and drive foundational transformation within Grace Nation.

One of the most potent tools deployed by the Generational Prophet to confront spiritual resistance at the present headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was prayer. From the onset, forces of darkness resisted the establishment of the church. During the construction of the auditorium, several challenges emerged, but through persistent and strategic prayers, every plan to obstruct the project was frustrated.

Through prayer, Dr. Chris Okafor has consistently broken barriers and limitations in the lives of Grace Nation citizens across the globe. His understanding of spiritual warfare and precision in prayer has resulted in restoration where stagnation once prevailed.

Major Impacts of Dr. Chris Okafor’s Prayer Life

Prayer and Divine Preservation:

It is now a matter of public record that Dr. Chris Okafor was kidnapped and held captive for 58 days.
Despite being under the watch of his abductors, he reportedly did not cease praying—morning, afternoon, and night. When the time for his release came, his captors reportedly returned him to his hometown and advised him to continue serving the God he had been calling upon throughout his captivity. This episode further underscores that prayer is inseparable from his life.
Prayer and

Supernatural Intervention:

In another incident, while traveling within Nigeria, the aircraft conveying Dr. Okafor developed a mechanical fault midair. Panic spread among passengers despite reassurances from the flight crew.
Eyewitness accounts state that Dr. Okafor lifted his voice in prayer, saying, “My Father and my God, I am in this plane; let this siege stop in Jesus’ name.” Shortly afterward, the faulty engine was restored, and the aircraft landed safely.

Prayer and Control Over Circumstances:

At an “Enough Is Enough” open crusade some years ago, heavy rainfall threatened to disrupt the event. As attendees began seeking shelter, Dr. Okafor instructed everyone to remain calm. He knelt down and prayed, commanding the rain to shift from the crusade ground. Remarkably, rain continued to fall heavily in surrounding areas while the venue remained dry.

A Lifestyle Rooted in Prayer

Before making any major decision, Dr. Chris Okafor seeks divine direction through prayer. This prayerful lifestyle has reportedly led to the cancellation of untimely death within his family and the breaking of negative generational patterns. Through consistent intercession, long-standing transgenerational limitations were corrected and replaced with restoration.

This is why anyone seeking to contend with a deeply prayerful man like Dr. Chris Okafor is advised to think twice. It is important to understand the foundation before judging the outcomes. What many debate today is the visible success, without acknowledging the unseen labour of prayer behind it.
Prayer and answered prayers remain the source of much of what is being discussed today. This lifestyle is worthy of emulation, as it has the power to transform any life that embraces it sincerely.

Watch out for Part 4 of this series: Dr. Chris Okafor — A Prayerful Man: One Lifestyle You Cannot Take Away from Him.

Sunday Adeyemi is a Lagos-based journalist, society writer, and editor with Society Herald Magazine and Online.

EXPLAINER: How new tax laws affect Nigerians abroad

The Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee has released detailed clarifications addressing concerns by Nigerians in the diaspora about the new tax reforms taking effect in 2026.

This was disclosed in a material obtained by PUNCH Online on Thursday from the Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele.

According to the document, “genuine personal transfers such as family remittances, gifts, refunds (e.g., flight tickets), or community savings contributions are not treated as taxable income.”

It explained that “only income earned or deemed to be income (e.g., wages, business profits, investment returns) is subject to tax,” adding that “every individual is required to self-report their income and pay tax where applicable.”

On double taxation, the committee clarified that “income earned abroad and brought into Nigeria by a non-resident individual is now specifically exempted from tax in Nigeria regardless of whether tax was paid abroad or not.”

It added that “Nigeria has Double Taxation Agreements (DTAs) with several countries, and the new tax laws provide for a unilateral relief where a DTA does not exist to ensure that the same income is not taxed twice.”

Explaining how residency is determined, the statement said, “Residency is based on the 183-day rule (cumulative days of physical presence in Nigeria within a 12-month period). Non-residents are taxed only on income derived from Nigeria (e.g., rental income, dividends, business profits).”

The committee clarified that “diaspora Nigerians living abroad who are not tax resident in Nigeria are not taxed on their foreign employment or business income,” and that “dual citizenship has no impact on the tax status of an individual whether resident or non-resident in Nigeria.”

On investments, it noted that “income from investments in Nigeria are either exempt, subject to capital gains tax (CGT) or withholding tax as a final tax,” adding that “government bonds, including Sukuk are tax exempt.”

It further stated, “CGT applies to the sale of real estate other than sale of owner-occupied buildings. Shares are exempt up to proceeds not exceeding ₦150 million and ₦10 million gains in a year.

“Dividends, non-government bond interest and rental income are subject to withholding tax at 10% as final tax which may be reduced to 7.5% for recipients in certain countries such as the UK, South Africa and China.”

Addressing questions on pensions and remote work, the material noted that “only income that arises in Nigeria is taxable for non-residents. Pensions and stipends from abroad are not taxed in Nigeria unless received for work done in Nigeria.”

It added, “Remote workers are taxed based on the rules in the country where they are resident or earn such income, not merely where payment is made.”

On tax identification requirements, the committee explained that “a TIN is not required and there is no requirement to file tax returns unless you earn employment or business income from Nigeria.”

It continued, “Non-residents without Nigerian-source income are not obliged to file annual returns. Those with taxable employment or business income in Nigeria are required to file returns. Simplified channels (e.g., TaxProMax, online TIN applications) are available to ease compliance.”

“For individuals, a TIN can be obtained from the Joint Tax Board via https://tin.jtb.gov.ng. For companies, TIN is now automatically assigned at the point of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission,” the committee said.

Regarding NGOs and diaspora-owned businesses, it stated that “NGOs are tax-exempt if they are registered and operate strictly for charitable purposes, and comply with reporting and filing requirements.”

“Diaspora-owned SMEs in Nigeria are treated like local businesses, taxed on profits but eligible for incentives and reliefs available to small enterprises,” the material added.

The document also noted that the reforms mandate transparency measures, including public reporting, governance structure and independent oversight for tax revenues.

“Other fiscal measures are being strengthened to link tax revenues to visible infrastructure and service delivery with safeguards against corruption and framework to prevent and punish misuse of taxpayer data,” it said.

On incentives, the committee explained that “incentives under the new laws apply generally to certain investments including diaspora-led investments in key sectors (e.g., priority sector incentives in agriculture, creative sector, manufacturing, etc.), SME corporate tax exemption threshold, exemption of VAT on real estate, etc.”

According to the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, reforms make the tax system in Nigeria fairer and more friendly to Nigerians in the diaspora, address incidence of double taxation, align Nigeria with global best practice, simplify and provide clarity where tax is payable or filing obligation is applicable.

FCT residents lament soaring cooking gas prices

Many residents of the Federal Capital Territory have decried the high cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly known as cooking gas, calling on the government to find a lasting solution to the persistent price hikes.

Residents who spoke to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja said the recent surge in gas prices is unsustainable and negatively affecting household expenses.

The PUNCH recalls that the prices of cooking gas rose recently from an average of N1,000 per kilogram to about N2,000/kg in some locations. This followed the recent strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria during the rift between it and the Dangote refinery.

A businesswoman, Mrs Tina Okojie, said she refilled her 12.5kg cylinder for N18,125, up from N15,000.

“I had to visit three outlets in my area before I finally bought at Shafa filling station. We are already struggling with other bills, and this is affecting my expenditure on other needs. I hope the government can address the issue because many Nigerians rely on gas for cooking,” she said.

A security guard, Mr Nura Idris, said he could no longer afford to refill his 5kg cylinder and called on the government to intervene.

“I usually fill my 5kg cylinder for between N5,500 and N5,800. Now it costs N8,000. I just bought 3kg at N4,800 and have been managing. I call on the government to please help Nigerians; we are going through a lot of hardship. Let them find a solution to the high cost of cooking gas,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs. Bose Ajibade, a tailor, said she could not refill her 12.5kg cylinder until the price comes down.

“I was refilling at N14,000; now it’s N21,000. The difference is too much. How many Nigerians can afford this? I just bought what N14,000 could give me because I’ve already budgeted that amount. Going beyond that will affect my expenses on other items. I have cautioned my children not to waste gas. I am calling on the government to come to our aid,” she said.

A civil servant, Mrs Beatrice John, said she resorts to charcoal whenever gas prices increase.

“Whenever gas goes up, I use my charcoal stove. It’s not convenient, but what can one do? I have a large family, and with the current price, it’s difficult to sustain its use alongside other bills. The government needs to find a lasting solution,” she said.

However, some residents are still able to access gas at lower prices. Mrs. Ese Okoro, a public servant, said she purchased her cylinder from major marketers amid long queues.

“I refrained from using roadside outlets due to the price surge and bought from NIPCO, which sells at about N1,120 per kg. I filled my 12.5kg cylinder for N14,000 after queuing for a few hours. The situation seems to be easing gradually. I urge the Federal Government to ensure full product circulation to restore normalcy and affordability,” she said.

Following the price hike, the Federal Government directed the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to intensify monitoring of LPG depots to prevent hoarding.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the surge was mainly caused by the PENGASSAN strike at the Dangote Refinery and ongoing maintenance at Nigeria LNG Train Four, which reduced LPG availability.

He assured that operations at the Dangote Refinery have resumed, with LPG now being loaded for the domestic market.

“Similarly, the Bonny River Terminal operated by Seplat Energy has commenced loading, while the Nigeria LNG is gradually restoring normal operations as maintenance nears completion,” Ekpo said.

He appealed to Nigerians to remain calm and assured that the situation is temporary. He also called on marketers, distributors, and stakeholders in the LPG value chain to be patriotic and desist from hoarding.

NAN

Provide relief for families of Gombe boat accident victims, Reps urge FG

The House of Representatives, on Tuesday, urged the Federal Government, through the relevant agencies, to provide relief materials to cushion the effects of the recent boat mishap that took the lives of five persons in the Nafada River, Gombe State, North-Eastern Nigeria.

The resolution of the House was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance by the member representing Dukku/Nafada Federal Constituency, Gombe State, Abdullahi El-Rasheed.

The five persons, including four young girls and a boy, reportedly lost their lives on Saturday, October 25, 2025, onboard a boat sailing across the Nafada River.

Incidents of boat mishaps have been a regular occurrence across Nigeria’s waterways, continually claiming lives and heightening tension over maritime safety, particularly in rural areas.

El-Rasheed said, “The House is disturbed that unless relevant government agencies intensify their regulatory oversight and enforce strict compliance with maritime safety standards and operational guidelines, these devastating incidents will continue to occur.”

Shortly after the adoption of the motion, the House observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims and condoled with the families of the departed.

It thereafter urged the National Emergency Management Agency and the North-East Development Commission to, as a matter of urgency, “provide relief materials and necessary support to the affected families and the grieving communities.”

2027: Jonathan faces mounting pressure to drop presidential bid

Fresh pressure is mounting on former President Goodluck Jonathan to shelve his rumoured plan to contest the presidency in the 2027 general elections, as prominent figures in the Niger Delta intensify efforts to persuade him to instead support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu.

Findings by The PUNCH revealed that ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, is leading the regional movement urging Jonathan to drop his alleged presidential ambition and rally behind President Tinubu’s second-term bid.

It was gathered that Tompolo, accompanied by top associates including the Managing Director of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, High Chief Kestin Pondi, and the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2023 Bayelsa State election, Joshua Maciver, among others, paid a private visit to Jonathan at his Otuoke home in Ogbia Local Government Area of Bayelsa State on October 16.

The meeting, which reportedly lasted several hours, was Tompolo’s first public appearance in nearly 10 years—an indication of the gravity of his mission.

Contrary to initial media reports suggesting that discussions centred on peace and security in the Niger Delta, multiple impeccable sources disclosed that the visit was primarily political.

According to sources close to both men, Tompolo’s visit was aimed at discouraging Jonathan from seeking the presidency and urging him to support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

A top Jonathan associate, who was privy to the meeting but declined to be named for lack of authorisation to speak, confirmed that the meeting indeed took place.

“It is true, the meeting held,” the source said. “Niger Delta stakeholders feel Tinubu has done a lot for the region—look at the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, the university he approved for Ogoni land, and several other projects. So everyone feels we should back President Tinubu’s second-term bid. That was what Tompolo came to discuss with the former President. He urged him not to run but to support President Tinubu.”

Pressed on whether Jonathan was nursing a presidential ambition, the associate added, “Yes, he was considering it.”

A source within Tompolo’s camp corroborated this, describing the visit as historic.

“It was the first time in a decade that Tompolo would visit anyone. That alone shows the importance of the meeting,” the source said.

Tompolo, who has been a staunch supporter of President Tinubu, currently enjoys the renewal of the multibillion-naira pipeline surveillance contract first awarded to him during the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Tompolo also leads a grassroots political structure known as the ‘PBAT Door-to-Door Movement’, mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election across the Niger Delta.

Further details from sources familiar with the meeting suggest that Tompolo told Jonathan that the psyche of Niger Deltans was not in favour of his rumoured ambition to return to power.

“Tompolo was very frank with him,” one source said. “He told the former President that his people were no longer disposed to supporting him for another presidential contest and that most Niger Deltans prefer Tinubu to continue till 2031.”

The source added that Tompolo advised Jonathan to “borrow a leaf” from his wife, Patience Jonathan, and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, who have both aligned themselves with the movement for Tinubu’s re-election.

“Tompolo pointed out that Mrs Jonathan had already publicly endorsed President Tinubu for re-election and that Governor Diri’s resignation from the PDP and his planned defection to the APC were indicators that the region was moving in that direction,” the source continued.

Another participant at the meeting said Tompolo urged Jonathan not to be swayed by politicians urging him to challenge Tinubu, warning that he would not get the needed “home support.”

“He told him point-blank that no one can defeat President Tinubu in a free and fair contest considering his performance so far,” the source said. “Tompolo stressed that most Nigerians, especially in the South, want continuity to allow Tinubu to complete his programmes.”

The ex-militant leader reportedly told Jonathan that he didn’t need to defect to the APC to support Tinubu, but could remain a statesman and use his influence to deliver the region to the President in 2027.

According to one of the sources, Jonathan listened attentively and promised to consider Tompolo’s advice carefully.

“President Jonathan appreciated Tompolo for his visit and acknowledged the wisdom in his submissions,” the source said. “He promised to review the counsel and make his decision known in due course.”

While Tompolo declined to speak to journalists after the closed-door meeting, Jonathan told reporters that the visit focused on maintaining peace and stability in the Niger Delta.

“Since I left office, we have not seen each other,” Jonathan said. “Tompolo is one young man who has played key roles in the unity of our people. We discussed issues people have been complaining about to ensure the Niger Delta remains peaceful. He has contributed significantly to peace and the protection of oil installations.”

Despite Jonathan’s diplomatic tone, multiple insiders insist that the political dimension dominated the discussions, especially as Niger Delta elites increasingly tilt towards Tinubu’s re-election.

Meanwhile, former Labour Party governorship candidate in Bayelsa State, Udengs Eradiri, dismissed claims that Jonathan was planning a return to power, describing such reports as speculative.

“I am not aware that Jonathan is running,” Eradiri said. “Until he himself comes out to declare, it’s just rumour. And as for Tompolo’s visit, it’s normal that he would pay respect to Jonathan as a leader in the Niger Delta.”

He explained that Jonathan remains a revered figure among Niger Delta stakeholders due to his pivotal role in the Amnesty Programme, which he helped midwife while serving as vice president under the late President Umaru Yar’Adua.

“Any day, any time, Goodluck Jonathan is a leader respected by people like Tompolo,” he said. “So, it is natural that when Tompolo visits Bayelsa, he would first go to see Jonathan. Whether there was political persuasion or not, I cannot say. But I don’t think Jonathan has declared any ambition to be pressured in the first place.”

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyers withdraw from case

Kanu Agabi, former Attorney-General of the Federation and lead counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday, applied to withdraw his representation in the ongoing terrorism trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Kanu is facing trial on a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism, filed against him by the Federal Government.

When the matter was called on Thursday, Agabi informed the court that he would no longer be representing the IPOB leader, adding that the defendant had decided to take back the case from them.

In the same manner, all the Senior Advocates of Nigeria involved in the case also announced their withdrawal from the case.

Kanu, confirming the development, told the court that he would be representing himself for now, but noted that the position might change later.

The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, asked whether he should assign a lawyer to represent him, but the defendant (Kanu) declined.

Meanwhile, addressing the court orally to open his defence, Kanu argued that the court lacked jurisdiction to try him.

Recall that Justice Omotosho, on October 16, granted the defendant six consecutive days, beginning from October 23, to open and close his defence in view of the accelerated hearing earlier granted in the case.

Kanu had listed former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; a former Chief of Army Staff, Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd); a former Minister of Defence, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), and others as part of his witnesses.

More details later…

US pushes plan to disarm Hamas, rebuild Gaza

United States Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday of the tough task ahead in disarming Hamas and building a peaceful future for Gaza, as Washington sought to reassure its ally Israel over the next steps in its ambitious ceasefire deal.

Vance met Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the second day of a trip to Israel, part of a diplomatic blitz in support of the US-brokered plan to end the fighting, recover hostages and, eventually, rebuild the devastated Palestinian territory.

“We have a very, very tough task ahead of us, which is to disarm Hamas but rebuild Gaza, to make life better for the people of Gaza, but also to ensure that Hamas is no longer a threat to our friends in Israel,” Vance said.

Vance had kicked off the three-day visit on Tuesday by opening the Civil-Military Coordination Centre in southwest Israel, where US and allied troops will work with Israeli forces to monitor the truce and to oversee aid to Gaza.

Turkish troops?

“A lot of our Israeli friends working together with a lot of Americans to actually mediate this entire ceasefire process, to get some of the critical infrastructure off the ground, ” Vance said, after talks with Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Vance cited an “international security force” as one of the bodies that would have to be set up. Under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan, this military mission would keep the peace in Gaza as Israel withdraws.

Several US allies are considering joining the force, but no American troops would be on the ground inside Gaza, instead coordinating from the CMCC in Kiryat Gat, Israel.

Reports that Israel’s outspoken critic and regional rival Turkey could provide troops have rattled Israeli opinion.

Netanyahu said decisions on the new security force would be made in discussion with the United States, but on Turkey’s role he said: “I have very strong opinions about that. You want to guess what they are?”

‘Great optimism’

Despite an eruption of violence on Sunday, when two soldiers were killed and Israel responded with a deadly wave of air strikes, Vance expressed “great optimism” that the ceasefire would hold and the plan to end the war proceed.

Netanyahu and his wife Sara welcomed Vance and the US Second Lady Usha Vance to his office and the couples sat down for breakfast, followed by a working meeting and a televised news conference.

The Israeli leader, who has been criticised by some domestic opponents for accepting the US-backed ceasefire before Hamas was fully destroyed and before all the remains of deceased hostages are returned, defended the deal.

“We’ve been able to do two things. Put the knife up to Hamas’s throat. That was the military effort guided by Israel,” he said, thanking Trump for his diplomatic efforts in the broader Middle East, smoothing relations with Israel’s neighbours.

“And the other effort was to isolate Hamas and the Arab and Muslim world, which I think the president did brilliantly with his team. So those two things produced the hostages,” Netanyahu said.

Vance also championed the Gaza deal’s role as a “critical piece in unlocking the Abraham Accords” — a Trump administration plan to build relations between Israel and its former foes in the Arab world.

‘Very, very fragile’

Israel responded to its soldiers’ deaths on Sunday with an intense wave of bombings that the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry said killed 45 Palestinians. Hamas denies any role in the killings.

Despite the violence, Hamas has continued to hand over the remains of deceased hostages in small numbers as part of the ceasefire deal, and Palestinians have welcomed the truce, their cities lying in ruins.

Displaced civilian Imran Skeik, 34, living in a tent in Al-Saraya Square in the Al-Rimal neighbourhood in Gaza City, told AFP: “The situation is much better — the war has stopped, and there are no sounds of bombs and shelling like before.

“We hope the ceasefire continues and that Israel and Hamas both stick to it. We’ve started to get some rest, but there are still many problems. Will we have to stay in tents — another kind of suffering?”

Hostage remains

The Israeli military said Wednesday the remains of two more hostages returned the day before had been identified as Aryeh Zalmanovich and Master Sergeant Tamir Adar.

Zalmanovich, 85 at the time of his death, was abducted from his home in kibbutz Nir Oz and killed in captivity on November 17, 2023, the military said.

The soldier Adar, 38 when he died, was killed while fighting to defend Nir Oz on October 7, 2023, and his body was taken captive, it said.

The militants have now released 15 of the 28 hostage bodies pledged to be returned under the deal, but Hamas has said the search is hampered by the level of destruction in the territory.

The war, triggered by Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, has killed at least 68,229 people in Gaza, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory, figures the UN considers credible.

Hamas’s 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,221 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

AFP

Tinubu approves two-year tenure extension for Surveyor-General

President Bola Tinubu has approved a two-year tenure extension for the Surveyor-General of the Federation, Mr. AbuduGaniyu Adebomehin.

The move is aimed at consolidating ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s geospatial data systems and national land administration, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement released on Wednesday.

The extension will take effect from January 5, 2026, and follows the recent transfer of the Office of the Surveyor-General of the Federation to the Presidency.

The transfer places geospatial intelligence and national surveying operations directly under the executive arm.

Adebomehin’s two-year extension will see him serve until January 2028.

According to Onanuga, “The President expects Mr Adebomehin to consolidate the reforms within the next two years, focusing on national land management and administration, highways and abutting land infrastructure coordination, reclamation and erosion control programmes, and other related matters of strategic national importance.”

Adebomehin was appointed the Surveyor-General of the Federation by the late President Muhammadu Buhari, effective January 5, 2022.

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.

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.