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Tag: Tajudeen Abbas

  • You acted cowardly, missed opportunity – ADC knocks Abbas over double remarks on debt crisis

    You acted cowardly, missed opportunity – ADC knocks Abbas over double remarks on debt crisis

    The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has tackled the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas over his recent remarks and retraction on Nigeria’s rising debt profile.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the House of Representatives Speaker was quoted to have raised an alarm over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, warning that it has surpassed the statutory ceiling and now poses a serious threat to fiscal sustainability.

    However, Abbas represented by a member of the House, Babatunde Salam, while speaking on Monday at the opening of the 11th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the West Africa Association of Public Accounts Committees (WAAPAC) at the National Assembly,  made a u-turn noting that he never called for a blanket condemnation of borrowing

    He added that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria has met its 2025 revenue target ahead of schedule, without reliance on borrowing

    In response to the development, National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, said the Speaker’s initial admission that the country’s debt has crossed critical levels was a rare moment of honesty from within the ruling party.

    The ADC further noted that his quick withdrawal reflects the growing culture of political cowardice and legislative complicity.

    The party warned that, with unchecked borrowing and a National Assembly it called “the most compliant in recent history,” Nigeria’s future is being dangerously mortgaged with the full complicity of this National Assembly.

    The full statement read: “The African Democratic Congress (ADC) had received with cautious optimism the recent remarks credited to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, regarding Nigeria’s ballooning debt. The Speaker’s admission that the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio has not only crossed the statutory threshold, but now stands at a staggering 52 percent, was not only a rare moment of honesty but a validation of what the ADC and many patriotic Nigerians have long warned against: this government is mortgaging our future.

    “However, our optimism was short-lived by the Speaker’s sudden recant of a rare demonstration of candour by a leader of the ruling party. Like a flame in the wind, the Speaker’s statement offered a momentary flicker of the truth, only to be quickly doused by political expediency. Rather than standing by his remarks and on the side of the people, the lawmaker chose to play safe and be politically correct. This, to us, is not only disappointing but troubling. If those in power cannot summon the courage to stand by the truth, even when it screams all around them, how can we expect them to act in the interest of the people?
    Before proceeding on his vacation to Europe, President Bola Tinubu, just days ago, assured Nigerians that the era of borrowing was over.

    “He claimed that revenue projections had been met and the nation would henceforth live within its means. But, in less than a week, this same government announced a fresh plan to borrow 1.75 billion dollars from the World Bank. It is against this backdrop of contradictions that the Speaker’s initial statement carried weight, and it is why his withdrawal rings louder than his words.

    “What has stood out in the entire saga of unprecedented debt accumulation is the complicity of the 10th National Assembly, which, by every indication, has become the most compliant legislature in our recent history. The principle of checks and balances was not included in our Constitution for decoration, it exists to protect Nigerians from precisely this kind of unrestrained executive overreach. Yet today, what we witness is not legislative oversight, but legislative complicity. The National Assembly, instead of being a bulwark against excess, has become a conveyor belt for executive wishes.

    “We wish to remind the Speaker and the APC-led administration that Nigeria’s debt crisis is not an abstract economic theory. It is a lived reality. Every naira borrowed without accountability translates into a child out of school and a hospital patient without care. The Speaker was right the first time — our debt is out of control, and our children’s future is being written in red ink.

    “The ADC believes that Nigeria must return to a path of fiscal discipline, transparency, and responsible governance. Our party will continue to demand full public disclosure and parliamentary debate before any new borrowing is undertaken, measurable benchmarks for how loans are spent, and a long-term plan to reduce debt dependency through domestic resource mobilization and job creation.

    “Let the record reflect that, when the opportunity came to speak truth to power, some chose silence, some chose survival, but the ADC chose to stand with the Nigerian people.”

  • Abbas urges youths to ‘Take Action’ as nationwide leadership campaign launches in Abuja

    Abbas urges youths to ‘Take Action’ as nationwide leadership campaign launches in Abuja

    The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has called on Nigerian youths to move beyond rhetoric and become proactive drivers of the country’s political transformation.

    He made the call during the official launch of the Take Action Campaign (TAC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The campaign, themed “Awakening a Generation: Youthful Leadership for a New Nigeria,” is a nationwide initiative championed by the Youth in Parliament Forum (YIPF) to galvanize young Nigerians toward active participation in politics and public service.

    Represented by Hon. Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, Chairman of the House Committee on Youth in Parliament, Speaker Abbas stressed that the time had come for youths to take ownership of Nigeria’s present and not just its future.

    “The youth are not just the future, they are the present. They must begin to reflect their numbers in the governance of this nation,” Abbas declared.

    Citing that youth make up over 60% of Nigeria’s population, Abbas lamented their minimal influence in national decision-making. He urged them to enter public service deliberately, shape laws, and influence policies that directly impact their lives.

    Referencing the success of the Not Too Young to Run Act, Abbas highlighted the election of a 26-year-old representative from Kebbi State as proof that legislative reforms are creating space for youth involvement.

    He also expressed support for a proposed bill in the House to reserve seats for women in the National Assembly, challenging young Nigerians to engage constructively with such initiatives.

    “Imagine if over 100 seats were reserved for women and more than 70 of those were occupied by women under 35. That would change the national conversation entirely,” he said.

    On the increasing migration trend, popularly known as “japa,” Abbas urged youths to reconsider fleeing the country, warning that even abroad, they may remain second-class citizens.

    “This is your land, your mission, your birthright… Make noise where it matters. We have no other country but this one,” he implored.

    The Director General of YIPF and convener of the campaign, Hon. Tony Nwulu, said TAC aims to move young Nigerians from the political sidelines into the heart of decision-making.

    He described the campaign as a national awakening, driven by a four-point strategy: mentoring young aspirants, building political structures across all 36 states and the FCT, launching youth voter engagement initiatives, and facilitating youth election into legislatures by 2027.

    “TAC is more than a campaign. It is a movement. A journey that will see the rise of a new political consciousness led by young Nigerians who are ready to legislate, innovate, and govern,” Nwulu stated.

    The campaign launch also drew praise from government leaders. Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo, represented by Moses Okezie-Okafor, said TAC was a natural evolution from Not Too Young to Run.

    He pointed to Kogi’s gender inclusion policies, including female representation across all local governments and top state offices, as proof of what is possible through intentional leadership.

    Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, represented by Commissioner for Special Duties Dr. Chika Abazu, echoed similar sentiments, noting that over 40% of Imo’s state cabinet comprises youth.

    He urged young Nigerians to perform with excellence and build a leadership pipeline that keeps the door open for others.

    “We have a whole brand-new country to build. This campaign only becomes meaningful when those who enter leadership through it leave the door open behind them,” Abazu said.

  • Speaker Abbas to Tinubu: Progress is evident, but it’s time to wave your magic wand

    Speaker Abbas to Tinubu: Progress is evident, but it’s time to wave your magic wand

    Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has tasked President Bola Tinubu on reforms that will stabilise power supply in the country to accelerate economic growth.

    Speaker Abbas stated this on Thursday at a special joint sitting of the National Assembly with the President to mark the 2025 Democracy Day.

    He said that Tinubu had demonstrated remarkable resolve in removing the fuel subsidy and allowing naira to float.

    The lawmaker said that the nation required an equally decisive intervention in the power sector to turn the sector around.

    “While progress is evident, it is time to wave your magic wand once more to break the cycle of under-performance by shifting from an over-reliance on thermal and hydroelectricity to a diversified energy mix.

    “We must embrace renewable and clean energy sources, such as solar, wind and even nuclear, to ensure a reliable and sustainable national grid,” he said.

    Tajudeen also said that developing the solid minerals sector was essential for Nigeria’s economic diversification.

    “While we have some existing geological data, it lacks the precision and quality needed to support large-scale exploration.

    “To complement executive actions, the House of Representatives will immediately commence an urgent review of the 2007 Mining Act.

    “This is to allow sub-national entities to operate within the profitable limits of the law while enhancing oversight and mitigating security risks.

    “If pursued with discipline and clarity, these reforms will position solid minerals as a strategic pillar of our national economy,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Tinubu bows to pressure, upgrades Speaker Abbas to GCON

    BREAKING: Tinubu bows to pressure, upgrades Speaker Abbas to GCON

    President Bola Tinubu has finally reverted himself and conferred the national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports President Tinubu’s conferment of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the Speaker of the House of Representatives had stirred controversy with members House calling equal standing with the Senate.

    Tinubu had in a live broadcast on Independence Day conferred the honour of GCON on the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, and conferred CFR on the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy President of the Senate.

    However, in a statement on Friday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, stated that President Tinubu was persuaded by the House of Representatives position and has decided to remedy the historical error and oversight.

    “Thus, he has decided to upgrade the Speaker to GCON from CFR, in accordance with the National Order of Precedence. The Speaker, the Senate President,  other principal officers of the National Assembly and the Chief Justice of Nigeria will be formally decorated with their new honours later,” the statement reads.

  • Why Speaker Abbas deserves GCON honour – Reps

    Why Speaker Abbas deserves GCON honour – Reps

    Members of the House of Representatives on Wednesday called equal standing with the Senate, reminding the Federal Government that it is not subordinate to the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

    The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion sponsored by the Deputy Spokesperson for the house, Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) in conjunction with 235 members at plenary on Wednesday.

    Recall President Bola Tinubu in a live broadcast on Independence Day, conferred the honour of Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) on the President of the Senate. The President also conferred the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR) on the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy President of the Senate.

    Moving the motion, Agbese said that the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is constitutionally established as a bicameral legislature comprising two equal chambers which are the Senate and the House of Representatives, as stipulated in Section 4 of the 1999 Constitution.

    He said that the Constitution recognises both chambers operating within a framework that ensures the legislative independence and equality of both chambers.

    Agbese said that that Section 47 of the Constitution further explains that each chambers play distinct but complementary roles in the legislative process.

    The lawmaker said that the house is concerned about the ongoing and inappropriate culture of discrimination against the House of Representatives, which often portrayed as inferior to the Senate.

    According to him, the language consistently refers to the Senate as the upper chamber and the House of Representatives as a lower chamber.

    He also said that the Senate President is often referred to as the Chairman of the National Assembly while the Speaker is referred to as Deputy Chairman inaccurately implies a hierarchical structure contrary to the Constitution, and undermines the authority of the speaker.

    “This discriminatory practice was once again evidenced during the recent conferment of National Honours on the leadership of the National Assembly by Mr. President.

    “While expressing our gratitude to Mr President for recognising and honouring the leadership of the National Assembly, we note that the conferment of the title GCON on the President of the Senate and the CFR on the Speaker of the House of Representatives and Deputy President of the Senate perpetuates the inappropriate subordination of the Speaker to the President of the Senate.

    “The Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is lower in protocol ranking than the Speaker of the House of Representatives, was also awarded the title of GCON, further exemplifying this culture of discrimination against the leadership of the house.

    “The House of Representatives reaffirms its commitment to the constitutional principle of equality between the two chambers of the National Assembly and calls for the elimination of all practices, titles, and references that suggest otherwise.

    “The speaker of the House is a co-leader of the legislative arm of government, and this must be recognised and respected in all respects,” he said.

    The lawmaker said that the National Honours Act of 1964 does not explicitly prescribe the conferment of specific honours, such as the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) for the President of the Senate or the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR) for the Speaker.

    According to him, these distinctions are rooted in customary practice rather than statutory requirement.

    “Further note that the honour of GCON is not restricted to any particular office or individual but can be awarded to any distinguished Nigerian deemed deserving by the President.

    “This is evidenced by the recent conferment of GCON on Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala by former President Muhammadu Buhari, this House acknowledges the flexibility inherent in the National Honours system and the prerogative of the President in the allocation of such distinctions,” he said.

    The house resolved that the speaker be recognised as co-chairman of the National Assembly in all respects, and request that all references to the leadership of the National Assembly reflect the equality.

    The house called on all government institutions, officials, and the media to take cognisance of language and titles that suggest a hierarchical structure between the Senate and the House of Representatives or their respective leaders.

    The house resolved that the Clerk of the National Assembly be directed to ensure that all communications, orders, and publications from the National Assembly henceforth refer to both the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate as co-heads of the National Assembly.

    The house resolved to set up an Ad hoc Committee to liaise with the Presidency and propose amendments to the National Honours Act of 1964 to appropriately recognise the Speaker of the House of Representatives as co-head of theNational Assembly.

    The house also requested the conferment of the national honour of GCON upon the Speaker, to ensure parity in recognition with the President of the Senate and should be accomplished before the formal decoration by Mr. President.

    The house urged the President to uphold the spirit of bicameral equality as enshrined in the Constitution when making decisions and recommendations that concern the leadership of the National Assembly.

  • SERAP files a lawsuit against Akpabio, Abbas for ‘fixing NASS running costs

    SERAP files a lawsuit against Akpabio, Abbas for ‘fixing NASS running costs

    Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas over their failure to end what the group said is “the apparently unlawful practice by the National Assembly of fixing its allowances and running costs.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently alleged that the lawmakers fix their own salaries and allowances, contrary to the recommendation of the Revenue Mobilisation Fiscal Allocation Commission (RMAFC).

    In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1289/2024 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to end the apparently unlawful practice of the National Assembly fixing its remuneration and allowances termed as ‘running cost’.”

    SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to disclose the exact amount of the monthly running costs being paid to and received by the lawmakers, and the spending details of any such running costs.”

    SERAP is also seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to end the alleged practice of paying remuneration and allowances termed as ‘running costs’ into the personal accounts of lawmakers.”

    In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The provisions of paragraph N, section 32(d) of the Third Schedule to the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] clearly make it unlawful for the National Assembly to fix its salaries, allowances and running costs.”

    SERAP is also arguing that, “the alleged practice of paying running costs into the personal accounts of lawmakers is a fundamental breach of Rule 713 of the Federal Government Financial Regulations, which provides that ‘public money shall not be paid into a private bank account.’”

    According to SERAP, “‘Public function’ means activities in the public interest, not against it. The reports that lawmakers are fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs amount to private self-interest or self-dealing. It is also detrimental to the public interest.”

    SERAP is also arguing that, “The allegations that lawmakers are fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the constitutional oath of office and the object and purpose of the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”

    The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare, Andrew Nwankwo, and Ms Blessing Ogwuche, read in part: “Directing and compelling the lawmakers to account for and return any misused or mismanaged running costs they collected would build trust in democratic institutions and strengthen the rule of law.

    “SERAP is seeking: an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to refer the allegations on the misuse of the running costs received by members to appropriate anticorruption agencies for investigation and prosecution where there is relevant admissible evidence”.

    The group said, “Nigerians have a right to scrutinize how their lawmakers spend their tax money and the commonwealth. Nigerians also have a right to honest and faithful performance by their public officials including lawmakers.”

    Ending the reported practice by lawmakers of fixing their salaries, allowances and running costs would improve public confidence in the integrity and honesty of the National Assembly.

    “It is a travesty and a fundamental breach of their fiduciary duties for members of the National Assembly to fix their own salaries, allowances and running costs.

    “According to our information, members of the National Assembly are currently fixing their own salaries, allowances and running costs. The running costs are reportedly paid directly into the personal accounts of members.”

    No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

     

  • Dangote rejects claims of substandard products

    Dangote rejects claims of substandard products

    Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has rejected claims that petroleum products from his refinery are substandard.

    Dangote rejected the allegations on Saturday when the leadership of the House of Representatives visited and toured the refinery located at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos.

    Reps Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and his deputy Benjamin Kalu led the delegation from the House which included Hon Ikenga Ugochinyere.

    To back his position, Dangote and his team tested diesel bought from two filling stations and that from his refinery at the refinery’s laboratories.

    The tested diesel from other stations was bought in the presence of the lawmakers, while that from the Dangote Refinery was taken from production also in the presence of the lawmakers.

    Two tests were conducted; a test of the sulphur level and a flash test. While all crude-based products contain some level of sulphur, high sulphur levels cause damage to engines and vehicle components.

    The flash point refers to the lowest temperature at which the application of the ignition source causes the vapours above the liquid to ignite with the minimum expected flash point at 66.

     

    The results showed that the sulphur content in the diesel from other stations was above 2,631 and 1,829; much higher than the recommended level while the tests for the flash point showed results of 26 and 63 respectively for the diesel from other stations. Both results fell short of the recommended minimum of 66.

    The results for the diesel from Dangote turned out to be 87.6 ppm for sulphur and 96 flashpoints.

    For Dangote, the result does not only show the reality of products from his refinery, but it also shows that substandard petroleum products are being imported into the country and sold to unsuspecting Nigerians.

    Addressing the speaker, he said, “The most important thing, your excellency, is to note that the imported one they are encouraging, is the spec in test, but in certain cases when you check (independently), different results will show.”

    This, he said, is “because those people who have the lab have been told what to write.”

    He said the best way to determine the quality of products being imported and sold to Nigerians is by going to the filling stations, buying and testing them.

    Speaker Abbas said going by the presentation and the contradictory claims, there was a need for an investigation.

  • Speaker Abbas tells NASS members what to do if they are not familiar with new National Anthem

    Speaker Abbas tells NASS members what to do if they are not familiar with new National Anthem

    Speaker of the Nigerian House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas has advised members of the National Assembly (NASS) on what to do if they are not familiar with the newly adopted National Anthem, Nigeria, We Hail Thee.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Speaker Abbas gave the advice on Wednesday during a joint sitting of the NASS, which had President Bola Tinubu in attendance.

    The Speaker presided over the sitting along with Senate President Godswill Akpabio as President Tinubu led the joint sitting of the NASS to sing the newly adopted National Anthem.

    Abbas told members to Google the new anthem so they could recite it correctly, stressing “those who are over 59 years old  will know the wordings”.

    Earlier  when it was put to vote, the lawmakers agreed that the band should lead the anthem. However President Tinubu led the joint sitting of the National Assembly to sing the old National Anthem.

    Senator Akpabio had announced before the joint sitting that a new national anthem would begin from today, following Tinubu’s assent.

    Meanwhile, Rep Bamidele Salam (PDP-Osun) said he was not too keen on the new national anthem because it was delivered by the colonial master.

    He added that a blend of the old and the new one would have sufficed rather than discarding the old outrightly.

    “Since the majority agreed that we should revert, I followed what the majority said, but in my own opinion, we could have done a blend of the two.

    “The new national anthem was composed by a foreigner, the old one (Arise o compatriot) was composed by a Nigerian and some of the lyrics also invoke the spirit of nationalism.

    “This is in recognition of the sacrifice of our heroes past,” he said.

    Also speaking, Rep. Akin Rotimi, the Spokesperson of the House of Representatives said that it was a win-win situation as the second stanza of the national anthem would now be used as the national prayer.

    He said the national anthem is a source of building patriotism, adding that the former national anthem was not apt in terms of its lyrics.

  • Eniola Badmus confirms new political appointment

    Eniola Badmus confirms new political appointment

    Nigerian actress, Eniola Badmus, has confirmed her appointment as the Special Assistant on Social Events and Public Hearings to the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.

    The Nollywood actress transitioned into politics with her recent appointment as an aide to the Speaker.

    The actress took to Instagram to express her gratitude for the opportunity to serve under his leadership and for the confidence he has placed in her abilities.

    Describing the appointment as a key milestone in her career, Eniola Badmus conveyed in her Instagram post her eagerness to work towards their shared aspirations and vision.

    She wrote: “A sincere heartfelt gratitude for entrusting me with the recent political appointment. It is an honor to be given this opportunity, I am truly honored and excited to serve under your leadership @speakerabbas and I am deeply appreciative of the confidence you have placed in me.

    “This appointment is not only a significant milestone in my career but also a chance to contribute meaningfully to our shared goals and vision.

    “Your support and belief in my abilities mean a great deal to me. I am committed to working diligently and upholding the principles and values that our team stands for. Thank you for your belief in my potential, and for giving me the chance to make a positive impact.

    “I look forward to collaborating closely with you and our colleagues to achieve success in our collective goals and to bring about the positive changes we all aspire to see.

    “Thank you once again for this incredible opportunity MR SPEAKER @speakerabbas

    “It’s official.”

     

  • Abbas laments as Power Minister blames cartels for erratic electricity supply

    Abbas laments as Power Minister blames cartels for erratic electricity supply

    The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has decried the activities of saboteurs and cartels in the electricity sector, blaming them for the incessant power outages in the country.

    Adelabu  expressed this during a  programme tagged “Confronting Nigeria’s Power Challenge as the Nation Migrates to a Multi-Tier Electricity Market” on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The programme was organised by the  House of Representatives Committee on Power.

    The minister  said  saboteurs and cartels perpetrated evil for their selfish interests in order to frustrate efforts at ensuring stable electricity supply in the country.

    “We have saboteurs, cartels, and those who prefer to perpetrate evil for their selfish interests to frustrate our efforts,” Adelabu said.

    He said all efforts must be geared towards propelling the country to  the league of  productive nations, adding that Nigeria was looking at reserves that would  eliminate incessant power collapse.

    He said the Federal Government was considering the liberalisation of the power sector.

    “We also encourage the state government to invest in power generation in their states, ” the minister said.

    Adelabu listed Abia as one of the states that had invested in power, adding that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had also granted Ekiti and Enugu State the right to generate tariffs.

    The minister said it was worrisome that a lot of investors did not come with their private equity, but had to borrow money from the bank to operate in the sector.

    He, however, said that with time,  investors would be made to operate the right way for the benefit of the sector.

    The minister  also said that FG was looking at deepening  rural electrification, adding that it would be done in collaboration with the state governments.

    Adelabu said there were over 100 uncompleted power projects across the country, adding that those projects would not be energy-efficient without being completed.

    Speaking, Mr Kola Adeshina, Group Managing Director, Sahara Power Group, expressed the regret that Nigeria  could not supply electricity efficiently in spite of its abundant gas resources.

    He said if electricity was not a  priority in budget provision, it  would  be difficult for the country to work.

    Adeshina said  Nigeria had the resources to double its power generation.

    “If the executive brings an appropriation bill before you(lawmakers) and the power sector is not number two after defence, then don’t allow it.” he said.

    He urged government to prioritise industrial areas in power distribution.

    “After the industrial areas have had light during the day, we can shift power at night to residential areas because production takes place during the day.

    “Let’s sequence our investment along the line of value-added. Nigerians are resilient, we are strong, and we have tenacity. Nigerians are tired of power collapse,” he said.

    Speaker Abbas laments challenges in power sector

    Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas say the power sector is grappled with challenges that have stifled its growth and efficiency.

    He said this at a two-day interactive dialogue/workshop by the House of Representatives Committee on Power in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Abbas listed the challenges to include inadequate generation capacity, dilapidated infrastructure, frequent disruptions in power supply, and financial inefficiencies that had eroded the sector’s viability.

    He also said that the inadequate metering and the consequent revenue lost had perpetuated a cycle of debt and underinvestment that had undermined the sector’s potential.

    He said that there was need to foster collaborative efforts that would leverage both public and private sector expertise and resources.

    “This dialogue embodies such collaboration and is crucial in charting a forward path. The shift towards a multi-tier electricity market represents a strategic pivot in our approach to power sector reform,” he said.

    He said that the model envisaged a structured market segmentation that allowed for differential pricing and service levels tailored to diverse consumer needs and capacities.

    “It promises enhanced efficiency through competitive practices, encourages investment by delineating clear market segments, and improves reliability and service delivery across the board.

    “There is the likelihood of improved reliability and quality of service, especially for high-demand users willing to pay more, thus indirectly benefiting the standard service tiers through reduced load.”

    He said that in spite of the much-touted benefits, the transition to a multi-tier market was challenging, adding that it included regulatory complexities, the need for substantial capital investment

    Others included the risk of market segmentation leading to disparities in service quality, and resistance from different stakeholder groups due to changes in tariff structures.

    “Our commitment to transforming the Nigerian power sector into a model of efficiency and sustainability is unwavering,” he said.

    Rep. Victor Nwokolo, the Chairman, House Committee on Power, said it was aimed at providing a dynamic platform for stakeholders to evaluate the progress made thus far in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI)’s development.

    “We will delve into the successes, challenges, and opportunities encountered along this journey, seeking to identify key areas for improvement and innovation.”

    He said that continuous engagement with all stakeholders was critical to ensuring that the reforms met the diverse needs of the population and maintain public trust.

    He said that the workshop would serve as a platform for stakeholders to explore innovative solutions to the persistent challenges plaguing the power sector.