News
Chilling statement by Movement against Fulani Occupation (MAFO)
Press Release on the Occasion of the Movement against Fulani Occupation (MAFO) Rally Held on the 23rd March 2016, at the Cooloff Park, Makurdi
Protocols
Gentlemen of the press,
All concerned indigenes here present, friends of Benue, ladies and gentlemen.
We are here today representing our ancestors who are too dead to speak. We came representing our fathers who are too weak in the IDP camps to come. We also represent our mothers who are grieving the loss of our loved ones torn from our arms from cruel mercenaries in the coloring of Fulani herdsmen.
We came to condemn the mindless, barbaric and deliberate killing of Benue indigenes under the watch of a democratic regime that swore on oath to protect lives and properties of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The Benue Dialogue observed as follows.
1. Fulani romance with Benue communities assumed a conflict dimension in 1990 and the conflict has continued to grow in its intensity with blood and destruction in its trail.
TIMELINE OF ATTACKS ON BENUE STATE FROM 2013 – 2016 AS REPORTED BY THE MEDIA HOUSES.
i. April 23 2013.
10 farmers killed in an attack on Mbasenge community in Guma LGA by suspected herdsmen.
ii. May 7, 2013.
47 mourners gunned down in Agatu while burying two policemen killed the Tuesday before in Nassarawa.
iii. May 14, 2013.
Over 200 herdsmen surround Ekwo-Okpanchenyi, Agatu LGA killing 40 locals.
iv. July 5, 2013.
20 people were killed in a conflict between Tiv farmers & herdsmen at Nzorov,Guma LGA, Benue state.
v. July 28, 2013.
in retaliation to the killing of 112 cows, herdsmen invade 2 villages in Agatu LGA killing 8 villagers.
vi. November 7, 2013.
Attackers strike at Ikpele & Okpopolo communities killing 7 and displacing over 6000 inhabitants.
vii. Nov 9, 2013.
36 locals killed and 7 villages overrun in an outbreak of fighting between herdsmen & locals in Agatu LGA.
viii. Nov 20, 2013.
Attack on communities in Guma LGA, killing 22 locals and destroying properties worth millions of naira.
ix. Jan 20 2014.
Gunmen attack Agatu LGA, killing 5 soldiers and 7 civilians.
x. Jan 20, 2014.
Attack on Adeke village. Locals put up a fight; 3 dead.
xi. 20-21 Feb 2014.
Herdsmen attack Gwer West LGA. 35 persons killed. 80,000 displaced. 6 Council Wards Sacked.
xii. Feb 24, 2014.
Attack on a Tiv community along Naka road, Makurdi, killing 8 people.
xiii. March 6, 2014.
30 killed in Kwande, Katsina/Ala and Logo LGAs by attackers dressed in military uniforms. 6 villages sacked.
xiv. March 12, 2014.
Raid on Ukpam village of Mbabaai in Guma LGA. 28 persons killed. Yam barns and farms burnt.
xv. March 10, 2014.
Former Governor Suswam’s convoy attacked by herdsmen at Umenger. He and convoy manage an escape.
xvi. March 12, 2014.
Herdsmen attack Suswam’s village in Logo LGA. 22 slaughtered. Entire village sacked.
xvii. March 23, 2014.
25 killed and over 50 injured by herdsmen said to be bearing sophisticated weapons in Gbajimba, Guma LGA.
xviii. March 25, 2014.
Police recover 7 corpses following an attack on Agena village by Herdsmen.
xix. March 29, 2014.
Herdsmen attack 4 villages in Agatu LGA. 19 people killed, 15 others abducted.
xx. March 29, 2014.
Suspected use of chemical weapons on Shengev community in Gwer West LGA leaving 15 people dead.
xxi. March 30, 2014.
19 locals killed and 15 abducted in Agatu LGA.
xxii. April 10, 2014.
Over 100 herdsmen attacked 4 villages in Ukemberaga/Tswarev ward of Logo LG, 6 killed, Properties lost.
xxiii. April 15, 2014.
Attack on Obagaji, Headquarters of Agatu LGA, 12 youths killed.
xxiv. September 10, 2014.
Herdsmen attacked five villages in Ogbadibo LGA leaving scores dead.
xxv. January 27, 2015.
17 persons killed in attacks on Abugbe, Okoklo, Ogwule & Ocholoyan in Agatu LGA by herdsmen.
xxvi. January 30, 2015.
Over 100 attackers stormed 5 villages in Logo LGA, killing 9 persons in the attack.
xxvii. March 15, 2015.
Egba village in Agatu LGA sacked by herdsmen, over 90 locals, including women and children killed.
xxviii. April 27, 2015.
28 persons killed by herdsmen in attack on 3 villages at Mbadwem, Guma LGA; houses and farmlands razed.
xxix. May 11, 2015.
Ikyoawen community in Turan Kwande LGA invaded by herdsmen. 5 persons killed & 8 others wounded.
xxx. May 24, 2015.
100 killed in an attack by herdsmen in villages &refugee camps at Ukura, Gafa, Per and Tse-Gusa, Logo LGA.
xxxi. July 7, 2015.
1 local killed and several others injured following an attack on mourners in Imande Bebeshi in Kwande LGA.
xxxii. November 5, 2015.
12 persons killed, 25 others injured in Buruku LGA following an attack by suspected herdsmen.
xxxiii. Feb 8, 2016.
10 killed and over 300 displaced in clash between herdsmen and farmers at Tor-Anyiin and Tor-Ataan in Buruku LGA.
xxxiv. Feb 29, 2016.
Over 500 locals killed and 7000 displaced in an attack on Agatu LGA by fulani herdsmen.
xxxv. March 9, 2016.
8 residents killed by herdsmen in attacks on Ngorukgan, Tse Chia, Deghkia and Nhumbe in Logo LGA.
xxxvi. March 11, 2016.
Attack on Convoy of Senator David Mark by suspected herdsmen in Agatu LGA. No casualty recorded.
xxxvii. March 13, 2016.
6 people including an APC youth leader killed by herdsmen in an attack on Tarkaa LGA.
2. The Benue Dialogue also observed that:
i. The Federal Government failed to send military response to affected Benue communities thereby leaving our people under guillotine of Fulani terrorists who satisfied their thirst for blood by the cold and callous murder of over one thousand people across Benue communities of Agatu, Buruku, Logo, Kwande,Tarka, Gwer, Guma, Gwer West with over ten Thousand people taking refuge in about four IDP camps within Benue State.
ii. This invading terrorists did not only destroy houses, farm produces and displaced people, they have gone ahead to occupy our communities with viable cattle grazing on our farmlands under the protection of terrorist carrying assault military grade weapons.
iii. The recent escalation of violence across Benue communities which saw a swelling of our IDP camps recorded the first government response about half a month afterwards.
iv. Up till the time of this press conference, neither the President, the Chief of Army Staff, the Governor nor neither the Inspector General of Police has visited any of these troubled spots for assessment or succor to the affected.
v. We sense a carefully orchestrated and systematically arranged plot to annihilate Benue people, a plot which has the backing of government that will deploy a task force to protect cattle and record its success as against its citizens.
vi. The handful of military personnel present at the crisis theatre have orders not to engage the insurgents and messengers of death occupying our lands.
vii. With Governor Tanko Al Makura of Nassarawa State dismissing the attack on Benue as mere skirmishes and not a genocide, it clearly indicates that he knows what the World need to hear about especially with his earlier claims that the attacks of the 2014 were carried out by international hunters.
viii. The Inspector General of Police Mr Solomon Arase claiming that the number of casualty figures of 300 dead was exaggerated even though he never went to any of the affected areas. We believe it is time for Benue people to rise up and assert their right to life and peaceful existence through advocacy, civil action and other peaceful means necessary.
ix. We hold strongly that the right to life is a universal gift of God that no race or tribe lays a higher claim to it.
We hereby demand the following;
1. That the Federal government deploys with immediate effect, troops to Agatu, Buruku, Guma, Tarka, Kwande, Logo, Gwer, Gwer West LGAs of Benue State not to protect cattle but to engage and flush out all terrorists elements so that our people can go back to their farming activities and avert an impending food crisis looming the state.
2. That the representatives of Mayatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association who admitted to killings in Agatu on the excuse that the Agatu people killed 10,000 of their cows, he should be arrested and prosecuted for crimes against humanity.
3. That all Fulani herdsmen be promptly disarmed by the Federal Government and checks be carried out on cattle movement to ensure weapons are not transported with the cattles.
4. Benue people hereby hold that we oppose any law or suggestion of grazing reserves and grazing routes in our communities. We have farmlands and not grazing reserves as farmers and cattle can never have a harmonious marriage.
5. In protest for the killing of our people in exchange for cattle welfare, we strongly urge Benue people to boycott the consumption of beef either for daily protein, festivities or gifts to political ally’s and friends.
6. We demand that the Benue State House of Assembly attend urgently to a bill that outlaws free grazing cattle as they do the goats on our streets.
7. We also demand the full compensation by the Federal Government to victims of this crisis across the state. This will believe will help to cushion or alleviate the impact of the losses they have incurred.
Conclusion
We pause to commend the efforts of the National Assembly caucus from Benue State at condemning the attacks in strong terms. The last press statement by His Excellency, Gov Samuel Ortom on no grazing reserves in Benue State is also commendable.
We hold that all land belong to God and the Government but Benue State has been allotted to us and our posterity. In the event where the government fails or delays in its responsibility to protect us from external invaders, we the people of Benue State shall assert our right to life and to peaceful existence by any means necessary.
This is our watch and it shall not be said of us that we had no Benue to pass onto to our children.
We demand beyond words and promises, we demand quick and decisive actions and we demand that now.
God bless Nigeria
God bless Benue State
Thank You
Signed:
*Rev. Dave Ogbole
*Pst. Edward Dooga
*Engr. Nat Apir
*Dr. Sam Abah
*Rev Fr. Solomon Mfa
*Victoria Daaor
*Gideon Doo Inyom
*Terna Sam-Kange
*Samuel Msonter Ijoho
*Favour Enewa Adah
*Queen Takerada Esq
*Abeh Samson
*Iorliam Shija
*Usha Anenga
*Kator Hule
*Ukan Kurugh
*David Habba
*Desmond Oogwu
*Caroline Madugu
*Kassar Emmunuel Esq
Analysis
Why Penis Size Does Not Affect Performance, Fertility — Experts

For countless men, penis size stirs deep anxiety fed by social media, locker-room banter, and pressure from adult content.
But sex experts and urologists agree: size rarely determines sexual function or fertility.
In a revealing conversation with PUNCH Healthwise, clinical sexologist Cecilia Agu and consultant urologist Dr. Gabriel Ogah broke down the myths emphasizing emotional connection, overall health, and sperm quality as far more meaningful indicators of sexual well-being.
Sexual Satisfaction Lies Beyond Size
Agu, who specializes in human sexology, has heard the insecurities countless times. Yet she insists that the fixation on size overshadows what truly matters in intimate relationships.
“Women value intimacy, chemistry, and creativity not centimeters,” she explained, her tone both compassionate and pragmatic.
“In most cases, size doesn’t determine performance or biological capacity. Only rare, clinically significant conditions impact size.”
She points to societal myths that equate larger size with virility.
“Historic portrayals in art and literature, and today’s media, amplify stereotypes. Pornography exaggerates, turning a normal variation into unreasonable expectations.”
Agu also cautioned against the booming market selling “enhancement” remedies.
“That industry profits off insecurity peddling pills, gadgets, and herbal supplements with no proven benefit.
The real dilemma lies in emotional weariness, not physical deficiency.”
She acknowledged true medical conditions like micropenis, often linked to hormonal or genetic causes but emphasized their rarity.
“Anyone worried about hormonal imbalances or developmental issues should seek professional evaluation,” she advised.
“Fertility Is Unrelated to Size” Dr. Gabriel Ogah
Dr. Ogah, a respected urologist, offered a no-nonsense medical perspective on the fertility question.
“A small penis doesn’t reduce a man’s ability to impregnate a woman,” he stated firmly.
“If sperm is healthy and ejaculation occurs, fertilization can happen.”
He added that many young men consult him out of anxiety sparked by unrealistic comparisons.
“Almost always, their size falls within healthy norms. It’s undue stress, fueled by exposure to distorted media portrayals.”
Dr. Ogah also debunked the idea that older men can “restore” diminishing function through enhancement products.
“As absurd as it sounds, many try. But no pill or serum can permanently alter anatomy.
These are myths masquerading as solutions.”
So What Truly Matters?
Both experts agree: prioritizing overall health, emotional intimacy, and stress-free communication far outweighs anxiety over size.
Agu stressed that sex is about connection, not metrics. “Being nervous about measurements sets couples up for dissatisfaction.
But when you focus on pleasure, emotional safety, and experimentation, the experience transforms.”
Dr. Ogah echoed this, emphasizing regular health check-ups. “Good cardiovascular health, balanced hormones, and mental well-being are key. Size doesn’t affect that.”
Dispelling the Myths, Sustaining the Confidence
As myths dissolve under scientific clarity, a bigger concern emerges: how do we nurture a culture free of body shaming? Agu proposed educational steps.
“We should teach young people that anatomy varies. Performance is multi-dimensional. Communication trumps comparison every time.”
Dr. Ogah endorsed that sentiment. “Let’s shift the narrative. Appreciate function over form. Listen to your body, and care for it through healthy living.”
Performance Isn’t About Inches
Size remains largely irrelevant when partners are emotionally in sync, focused on connection, and attuned to shared pleasure.
Fertility hinges on sperm health not size.
Medical concerns like micropenis are rare, but deserve medical evaluation.
Media, culture, and marketing distort reality. Let’s counter that with facts.
Confidence and sexual well-being stem from health, honesty, and intimacy not obsession with size.
In the end, as Agu beautifully summed up, “It’s not the size it’s how you share it.” That truth holds far more value than any number on a measuring tape.
News
I’m Not Desperate to Be President – Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said he is more interested in building a better Nigeria than in becoming president at all costs.
Atiku made this known on Saturday during an affirmation ceremony in Lagos for new defectors to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
The event saw several political heavyweights from the PDP and Labour Party officially announce their defection to the ADC.
The former PDP candidate, who recently resigned from the party along with other opposition politicians, formally joined the ADC in what he described as a “movement for national renewal.”
Speaking at the event, Atiku said his focus was not personal ambition but the pursuit of a safer, stronger, and more prosperous Nigeria.
“Atiku Abubakar’s plan is to build a better Nigeria,” said Olateju, who spoke on behalf of Atiku.
“It’s not about him being president at all costs. It’s about having a government that can truly deliver for Nigerians.”
According to him, the ADC should not be seen merely as a political party but as a movement dedicated to national transformation.
“It’s no longer politics as usual. This is a new beginning for Nigeria, and that’s what Atiku is championing,” he added.
Atiku further noted that the removal of fuel subsidy and rising inflation have left many Nigerians struggling.
He stressed that only good leadership could deliver lasting solutions.
He also said the coalition was confident that God would use them to bring meaningful change to Nigeria.
On who would likely emerge as the ADC presidential candidate in 2027, Atiku insisted the choice would be left to party members.
“Whoever emerges through a free and fair contest, we will all support. We are not imposing anyone,” he said.
“The point is not Atiku for president at all costs, or Obi for president at all costs. The point is Nigeria.
Whoever picks the ticket will represent the collective voice and aspirations of the Nigerian people,” he added.
Prominent defectors present at the event included PDP Board of Trustees member Dr. Abimbola Ogunkelu; former Lagos PDP chairmen Chief Muritala Ashorobi and Retired Capt. Tunji Shelle; PDP Vice Chairman (Lagos Central); and former PDP Youth Leader Mr. Tai Benedict, among others.
They were received by top ADC leaders, including National Secretary Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Senator Kolawole Ogunwale, and Lagos State Chairman George Ashiru.
News
Town Square Meetings: Gov Eno empowers 7688 Akwa Ibomites As Series End
... approves dual carriage way from Afaha Offiong - Itreto Road

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has concluded the 6-month Town Square Meeting/Empowerment series, with a visit to Etinan Federal Constituency where he said no fewer than 7688 citizens across the State have benefited from grants for farming, trading, equipment support, cars and mini buses worth over N10 billion.
The series, which began in Abak Federal Constituency with 833 beneficiaries, continued in Oron with 980, Eket with 1,076, Ikot Ekpene with 664 and 540 in Ikot Abasi federal constituencies.
411 and 677 people also benefited in Ukanafun and Itu Federal Constituencies, respectively, while 1,187 and 476 beneficiaries were recorded from Uyo and Ikono Federal Constituencies.
Speaking during the grand finale held at Nsit Ubium Council Secretariat, Ikot Edibon, the Governor said 844 from Etinan Federal Constituency were beneficiaries of N361, 450, 000 worth of grants for the different empowerment packages.
He said all the beneficiaries were harvested from the ARISE portal. He urged everyone, especially youths, to take advantage of the portal to benefit from Government initiatives, including procurement, employment, empowerment and others.
According to him, the State under his leadership will not give slots to individuals, but will continue to ensure a level playing field for all citizens irrespective of social status, stressing that everyone should have equal opportunity.
He said, though the Town Square meeting had ended, his committed service to Akwa Ibom State will continue, adding that the needs document for Etinan Federal Constituency, as well as all others across the State, had been received and will be accommodated accordingly in the 2026 budget, based on the availability of funds.
The Governor said all local government areas have benefited from one project or the other at various stages of completion.
He said youth centres will be built in all the local government areas across the State, and urged local government chairmen to make land available for the project.
Governor Eno, who reiterated his support for local government autonomy, said that to ensure that local government chairmen reside within their communities, official residences will be built for all local government chairmen across the State.
He appreciated everyone for taking part in the town square meetings, and specifically appreciated the people of Etinan Federal Constituency for their overwhelming turnout and heroic reception, and directed the Commissioner for Works and Fire Service, Prof. Eno Ibanga to facilitate the design for the award of contract for a dual carriageway from Afaha Offiong in Nsit Ibom Local Government Area to Itreto in Nsit Ubium.
Governor Eno who is the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, urged all members and intending ones to participate in the ongoing membership registration/revalidation, as well as in the Continuous Voter registration that has just been started by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
He warned youths against insulting leaders, stressing that Akwa Ibom is progressively united in support of President Tinubu, Godswill Akpabio, and of course, his return to Hilltop Mansion, come 2027.
In his tone setting, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Enobong Uwah, said the meeting was a homecoming for a worthy son of the Federal Constituency who has been fruitful and has served creditably well.
In their separate remarks, General Paul Isang (rtd), Otuekong Sunny Jackson, and Obong Umana Okon Umana said they were proud to identify with the laudable achievements of the Governor, adding that he has done creditably well and deserves a second term.
On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of Akwa Ibom State Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM, Ntenyin (Dr) Solomon Etuk appreciated the Governor for making them proud through impactful service, and prayed for more grace upon him to do more for Etinan Federal Constituency and the State at large.
Also speaking, members of the State Executive Council, led by Attorney-General/Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, appreciated the Governor for his people-centric governance and for appointing them to be part of his cabinet, and assured them of continuous support beyond 2027.
Also speaking on behalf of local government chairmen from the Constituency, Chairman of Nsit Ubium LGA, Hon Alfred Charles, said God has made them proud with impactful leadership.
Presenting the empowerment packages on behalf of the State government, the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntukekpo said he was not surprised by the sea of heads at the event, stressing that it was not just a statement, but a vote of confidence and endorsement for the Governor.
High point of the event was the adoption of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Umo Eno as sole candidates for the office of President and Governor in the 2027 elections, following a motion moved by Rt Hon Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon Eric Akpan.
News
2027 polls: Etinan Federal Constituency endorses Tinubu, Eno
...as Gov. Eno doles out N361m to business owners, farmers, others

In what turned out to be a climax in a season of appreciation and endorsements, the People of Etinan Federal Constituency have reaffirmed their solidarity to the Government of Pst Umo Eno,PhD, and have pledged their resolve to support his re-election, and the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office.
This is as the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has doled out N361,450,000 to 844 persons from Etinan Federal Constituency.
The donation comes in the form of farmers grants, traders grant, equipment support, MSMEs, cars and mini buses beneficiaries.
At what was tagged a grand finale in the series of Town Square meetings between the Governor and his people, held at the Nsit Ubium Council Headquarters ground in Ikot Edibon, the people unanimously voted in support of the continuation of the Governor in office.
The Governor had thanked the people for the massive turnout saying “it is organic, spontaneous and electrifying.”
He said having received the needs documents from all the federal constituencies, he was going to select the very critical ones for inclusion in the 2026 budget, noting that some could still be captured in the remaining part of the subsisting budget.
The Governor said the recent Impact Assessment Summit organized by his government, afforded everyone opportunity of seeing that every local government in the State has been positively affected by his administration, but added that where gaps were noticed, corrections would be effected.
On his policy of establishing Youth Friendly Centers in all the local government areas, the Governor urged local council chairmen to each, avail him of 1000sq meter of land for the project, and also harped on the essence of encouraging youths in computer training.
Following the premises laid by speakers at the event, a voice vote was moved by the Nsit Ubium State Constituency lawmaker, Otobong Bob and seconded by Hon Eric Akpan of Nsit Ibom State Constituency with the people affirming their decision to support the All Progressives Congress and its candidates Governor Eno and President Tinubu.Speaking, stakeholders of the federal constituency, through their Political Leader, Senator Effiong Bob, held that Governor Eno’s performance had endeared him to the people of the entire State, insisting that, “if you were not a good governor they would not have accepted you”.
“We are not here to speak about what are you doing, or what you have not done, or what you are about to do, because we know that you have done your best within these two years.
Sen Bob who was confirming the position of the earlier speakers at the event, Chief Sunny Jackson Udo, Mr Umana Umana and Hen Paul Isang,Rtd, said, “You have 8 yrs mandate, so your mandate will be judged at the end of 8 yrs, but for the two years, you have done so much for our people as had been said in the programme”, he said wooing for support for President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Governor.
On his part, the Oku Ibom Ibibio and President-General of the Supreme Council of Traditional Rulers, His Eminence, Ntenyin Solomon Etuk, acknowledged that God has used the Governor to accomplish much for the State.
He said the huge crowd was a true reflection of the love and confidence of his people in him.
“As royal fathers, our role is to guide and advise, and in that spirit, I thank you sincerely for all you are doing for the sons and daughters of Akwa Ibom State. We are confident that you will not let your people down.
“We are proud to identify with you, to support you, and to pray for your continued success. Already, you have been named the Best Performing Governor in Nigeria, and we encourage you to keep up the good work so that you will continue to win even greater honors”, the monarch added.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Nsit Ubium Local Government Area, Alfred Charles, on behalf of the three chairmen in the constituency, hailed the Governor as “the pride of Etinan Federal Constituency”, assuring that the constituency would stand solidly behind him all the way.
This was corroborated by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Uko Udom, SAN, who spoke on behalf of members of the State Executive Council from the constituency.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Enobong Uwah, described the Governor as a compassionate and inclusive leader, as well as the best performing Governor in Nigeria, who in just two years, has earned the love of his people and a doctoral degree in learning.
He thanked the Nsit Ubium people for supporting their son, assuring everyone that, “you have a Governor who is not just performing, but excelling”.
Highpoints of the occasion was the symbolic presentation of cheques to some of the beneficiaries by the State Chairman of the APC, Obong Stephen Ntokekpo.
News
Tinubu govt seeks $238m loan from Japan

The Federal Government is currently in discussions with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to secure a $238 million loan aimed at transforming Nigeria’s electricity transmission network and boosting power supply across the nation.
These discussions took center stage during the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), held in Yokohama, Japan, where President Bola Tinubu led Nigerian delegation, including Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu and other senior officials.
As part of the event, the Nigerian delegation engaged with top Japanese energy giants like Toshiba, Hitachi, Japan’s Transmission & Distribution Corporation, and Energy Exchange Corporation.
The discussions focused on major investments in transmission infrastructure, improving grid efficiency, and reducing system losses.
This proposed facility is anchored on Nigeria’s recent Federal Executive Council (FEC) approval of ₦19 billion in counterpart funding, which is expected to unlock JICA’s support.
The loan will fund the construction of nearly 103 kilometers of 330kV double-circuit transmission lines and 105 kilometers of 132kV double-circuit lines, along with multiple substations and line bay extensions across the country.
These upgrades aim to enhance the reliability and efficiency of Nigeria’s power grid while addressing critical system losses.
Minister Adebayo Adelabu also shared that Nigeria is pursuing a separate $190 million renewable energy loan with JICA to scale solar mini-grids and other off-grid solutions in underserved communities.
This initiative complements the $750 million World Bank-backed Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) program under the Mission 300 Compact, which seeks to provide clean and reliable electricity to over 17 million Nigerians.
Additionally, three JICA-funded substations—located in Apo (FCT), Keffi (Nasarawa State), and Apapa (Lagos State)—are nearing commissioning. Built with a $32 million JICA grant, these facilities are set to improve power delivery to homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, such as Lagos Port.
JICA’s contributions extend beyond infrastructure. The organization has equipped the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in Abuja with cutting-edge training tools to enhance the technical expertise of local engineers.
Minister Adelabu highlighted the importance of this facility in fostering long-term sustainability through capacity development.
While speaking at a panel session titled “HICKARE Africa: Harnessing Innovation, Co-creation, and Knowledge for Accessible and Resilient Energy for Africa”, Adelabu pointed out that only about 60 percent of Nigeria’s 200 million citizens currently have access to electricity, much of which is unreliable.
He emphasized the government’s dual approach of expanding the national grid in urban areas while accelerating solar and off-grid solutions in rural communities.
Despite challenges such as limited access to affordable capital, high costs for rural electrification, and the under-utilization of productive-use equipment, Adelabu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to overcoming these obstacles through supportive policies, private-sector partnerships, and local manufacturing of renewable energy components.
He praised JICA and the Japanese government as “reliable partners in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition” and ensuring access to sustainable, affordable electricity.
President Tinubu echoed this sentiment, underscoring Nigeria’s focus on achieving concrete results from international partnerships.
“Nigeria is deliberately shifting from planning to implementation, from agreements to delivery, and from promises to measurable results”, he stated, emphasizing that the country’s participation at TICAD 9 was about creating real impact, not symbolic gestures.
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