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Nigeria News (Standard)

Federal Government Approves $11bn Investment in Solar Projects to Boost Power Supply Nationwide

New funding targets 53 large-scale solar plants as authorities aim for 209,000MW generation by 2050, with focus on rural electrification

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New funding targets 53 large-scale solar plants as authorities aim for 209,000MW generation by 2050, with focus on rural electrification

The Federal Government has approved a fresh $11 billion investment in solar power projects across Nigeria, targeting improved electricity supply and increased generation capacity by 2050. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja by officials from the Ministry of Power, as part of ongoing efforts to address the country’s persistent electricity shortfall.

According to the Ministry, the new investment will fund 53 utility-scale solar projects currently at different stages of development nationwide. These initiatives are expected to contribute towards Nigeria’s ambitious target of achieving a total electricity generation capacity of 209,000 megawatts (MW) by the year 2050. In addition to large-scale plants, over 1,300 mini-grid and off-grid solar projects are being implemented under the supervision of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), focusing on communities not adequately served by the national grid.

The latest push for renewable energy comes after years of substantial spending on the power sector, which has yet to deliver consistent and reliable supply for most Nigerians. Millions of households and businesses continue to face frequent blackouts and depend heavily on petrol and diesel generators for daily operations—a situation that imposes significant economic costs and environmental impact.

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said during a press briefing that expanding solar infrastructure is central to government’s strategy for improving access to electricity and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. “This initiative will help provide power to an estimated 17.5 million Nigerians within the next three years while also phasing out about 250,000 diesel generators across the country,” Tegbe stated. He added that the broader renewable energy programme is backed by $750 million in public funds and an additional $1.1 billion expected from private investors.

However, some industry experts have cautioned that increasing generation alone will not resolve Nigeria’s longstanding power challenges without simultaneous improvements in transmission networks and sector governance. They argue that effective implementation, private-sector participation and regulatory stability are key if these ambitious plans are to result in more hours of electricity for consumers.

While the government pursues its long-term target, many Nigerians remain focused on whether these investments will finally translate into steady power supply for homes, businesses and communities nationwide.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/despite-billions-already-spent-on-power-nigeria-to-spend-another-dollar11bn-on-solar-to-boost-electricity-supply-2026061216411654013

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Falz Releases ‘Ole’, Criticises Nigerian Leaders Over Insecurity and Economic Hardship

Lagos-based rapper renews social commentary with latest single; track follows earlier criticism of electoral commission

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June 20, 2026

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Lagos-based rapper renews social commentary with latest single; track follows earlier criticism of electoral commission

Award-winning rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has released a new single titled ‘Ole’, openly criticising Nigerian political leaders for failing to tackle the country’s growing insecurity and economic hardship. The track, unveiled in Lagos on Thursday, comes nearly four years after Falz made headlines with ‘Yakubu’, a song targeting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its then Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu.

In ‘Ole’, which translates to ‘thief’ in Yoruba, Falz accuses government officials of neglecting their responsibilities amid worsening socio-economic conditions nationwide. The rapper’s lyrics point to a persistent lack of accountability among those in power, referencing the everyday struggles Nigerians face due to rising prices and widespread insecurity.

The latest release is significant given Nigeria’s current economic challenges, including inflation rates above 30 percent according to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data, as well as continued reports of kidnappings and attacks in several states. Many young Nigerians have turned to music and social media as platforms to express frustration over what they see as government inaction.

While official government reaction to the song was not immediately available as at press time, Falz’s previous political tracks have drawn both praise from civil society groups and criticism from ruling party supporters. Some analysts say such music plays a role in shaping public debate ahead of future elections.

With ‘Ole’, Falz reaffirms his position as one of Nigeria’s most outspoken musical voices on governance issues. Observers expect further conversations around leadership accountability as the song gains traction online and across radio stations nationwide.

Source: https://guardian.ng/life/music/falz-drops-ole-blasts-nigerian-leaders-over-insecurity-hardship/

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Scholars in Abuja Link Nigeria’s Security Challenges to Governance Gaps and Widespread Poverty

Experts urge federal government to tackle root causes as insecurity persists across North-West, North-East, and Middle Belt

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June 20, 2026

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Experts urge federal government to tackle root causes as insecurity persists across North-West, North-East, and Middle Belt

Academic experts have identified governance failures and deepening poverty as the core drivers of Nigeria’s ongoing security problems, with rising incidents of violence reported in multiple states. Speaking at a policy forum in Abuja on Saturday, scholars argued that sustained insecurity in regions like the North-West and North-East stems from systemic neglect of social welfare, weak public institutions, and lack of economic opportunities.

The event, which brought together university researchers and policy analysts, focused on analysing the country’s persistent issues with armed banditry, insurgency, and kidnapping. Participants highlighted how inadequate government response has allowed criminal networks to expand their operations, leaving rural communities vulnerable to attacks and displacement.

Nigeria has witnessed a sharp increase in abductions and communal violence over the past decade. Experts noted that these trends have been worsened by unemployment and poor access to education, particularly among young people in affected areas. According to participants at the forum, many aggrieved citizens have lost faith in state institutions due to corruption allegations and perceived exclusion from economic development programmes.

The scholars called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise reforms that will improve transparency at all levels of government and strengthen social safety nets. They also recommended targeted investments in rural infrastructure and youth empowerment initiatives as strategies to address insecurity. “We cannot solve security problems by force alone,” one participant said during the session. “It is critical for government to restore trust by delivering basic services and creating jobs.”

While the federal government has announced new military deployments in some hotspots, analysts argue that long-term peace will depend on addressing underlying economic grievances. The gathering concluded with a call for further research into local governance structures across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/889266-nigerias-security-crisis-rooted-in-governance-failures-poverty-scholars-say.html

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Nigeria News (Standard)

Ekiti PDP Candidate Oluyede Alleges Voting Delays, Accuses Police of Intimidation in Governorship Poll

Opposition raises alarm over conduct of security agents as ballot process drags in several polling units across Ekiti State

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June 20, 2026

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Opposition raises alarm over conduct of security agents as ballot process drags in several polling units across Ekiti State

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Olusegun Oluyede, on Saturday raised concerns over delayed voting and alleged intimidation by police officers as the 2026 governorship election got underway. The complaints were made as voters queued at various polling units across the state amid reports of slow accreditation and logistical challenges.

According to Oluyede, who spoke after casting his vote, the process was marred by late arrival of electoral materials in several wards, with many voters forced to wait for hours before polls opened. He further alleged that police personnel deployed to monitor the exercise were intimidating opposition supporters in some areas, a situation he described as an attempt to undermine the credibility of the election.

The delayed start to voting has heightened tensions among party agents and voters in Ekiti, a South-West state with a history of fiercely contested polls. The PDP and other opposition parties have expressed fears that such irregularities could disenfranchise eligible voters and affect the integrity of the outcome.

Oluyede called on security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address these issues urgently. “We want a free and fair process. The actions of some police officers are not encouraging confidence among our supporters,” he said.

As at press time, INEC officials had not issued an official response to the allegations. However, observers say how these concerns are managed will influence public trust in the final results. The Ekiti governorship contest is widely seen as a bellwether for party strength ahead of national elections scheduled for 2027.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/top-news/889253-ekitidecides2026-pdps-oluyede-raises-concern-over-delayed-voting-process-accuses-police-of-intimidation.html

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