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FUOYE Alumni Seek Calm, Unity Ahead of  VC’s Return

FUOYE Alumni Seek Calm, Unity Ahead of  VC’s Return

Funmi Ogundare 

The President of the Alumni Association of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Temitope Elijah Arogundade, has urged members of the university community to maintain peace and protect the institution’s image as the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Abayomi Fasina, resumes duty on October 14, 2025.

Arogundade, who made the appeal weekend, in an interview with journalists, stressed that the atmosphere of stability achieved under Fasina’s leadership should be sustained as the university begins the process of selecting his successor.

According to him, “As alumni, we are the ambassadors of FUOYE. Enough is enough.  We must begin to portray our university in a good light. Going forward, there must be peaceful coexistence because it is only under a peaceful atmosphere that we can make progress.”

He commended Fasina’s contributions to the growth and development of the institution, noting that his tenure has brought peace, innovation and expansion to FUOYE. 

He added that the association has confidence in the governing council to ensure a fair and transparent selection process for the next vice-chancellor.

Arogundade urged the alumni and staff of the school to continue supporting the administration to consolidate its achievements and maintain FUOYE’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing universities.

Fasina, who assumed office in February 2021, proceeded on a six-month research leave in April after receiving approval from the university’s Governing Council. 

He is expected to complete his five-year tenure in February 2026.

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Funmi Ogundare  The President of the Alumni Association of the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Temitope Elijah Arogundade, has urged members of the university community to maintain peace and protect the

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DSS Apologizes, Releases Wrongfully Arrested Journalists in Jos

DSS Apologizes, Releases Wrongfully Arrested Journalists in Jos

The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, who were wrongfully arrested during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on Saturday.

The President was in Jos to attend the burial of the mother of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe.

According to a reliable security source, the journalists — Ms. Ruth Marcus and Ms. Keshia Jang — were detained by some overzealous operatives while covering events related to the visit.

Upon learning of the incident, the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi, reportedly ordered their immediate release and directed that an apology be tendered.

The source added that the Service promptly reached out to the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Alhassan Yahaya, to convey the DG’s apologies and reaffirm the agency’s respect for press freedom.

“The Director assured the NUJ President that the new DSS leadership treasures the importance of a free press in a democracy, and has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter. He further assured the NUJ President that any officer found culpable will be appropriately sanctioned.

“The new DG is correcting the wrongs he inherited. One of them is overzealousness. This is why the new DG has not failed to admit so whenever the Service makes mistakes. We are witnesses to several instances when the Service apologized and even compensated victims of wrongful arrests.

“The DG is an absolute lover of human rights and press freedom. You may recall that sometime ago, the DSS DG apologized to the management of TVC over the alleged harassment and intimidation of a reporter,” added the source.

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The Department of State Services (DSS) has released two journalists from Jay 101.9 FM, Jos, Plateau State, who were wrongfully arrested during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the state on

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My Mission is to Unite All Nigerians, Says Tinubu, Preaches against Religious Divisions

My Mission is to Unite All Nigerians, Says Tinubu, Preaches against Religious Divisions

*Restates commitment to revamp nation’s economy, defeat terrorism, banditry

*Assures northern Christians of fairness, says farmers-herders clashes to be tackled
*Atiku slams Tinubu over Plateau visit, says ordinary Nigerians aren’t his priority

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

President Bola Tinubu has declared that he has a mission to unite Nigerians and assured Christian communities in Northern Nigeria of his administration’s commitment to ensuring fairness among all religions in the country.
This is just as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned President Tinubu’s decision to visit Plateau State yesterday, saying that Tinubu attended a social event in the North-central state instead of visiting victims and consoling communities ravaged by insecurity.

Addressing some Christian leaders at the Headquarters of Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), in Jos, the Plateau State capital, Tinubu stated that Nigerians must learn to live in harmony despite religious differences, noting that faith should be a source of unity.

“I have a mission to unite this country, ensure its prosperity, and we are making progress,” he said.
President Tinubu, in his tribute during the funeral service of Nana Lydia Yilwatda, the mother of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, said: “In our family, we have a strong Muslim background, and I married a Christian, a pastor for that matter, and I have never forced her to change her religion.

“I inherited Islam from my family. I didn’t change. But my wife is a pastor. She prays for me. No conflict. And I never did, at any single time, try to convince her or convert her,” the president said.
Tinubu said his marriage exemplifies the unity Nigeria can achieve when people focus on shared values rather than differences.

He urged citizens to promote tolerance, respect, and understanding across religious and ethnic lines.
“I believe in the freedom of religion. We are praying to the same God. We are answerable to the same Almighty God. We will answer to Him,” Tinubu said.
“Our deeds, our character, and our love for our fellow beings are what truly matter — not the method or faith of our being.”

He urged the clergymen to have faith in his administration, saying as leaders, “we have the responsibility to manage religious issues for the benefit of all”.
The president affirmed his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity in the country, especially in the fight against terrorism and banditry.
‘We are defeating bandits, and we will defeat them. We will deal with them and combat the farmers-herders clashes,’ the president said.

Tinubu stated that his administration is revamping the economy for the benefit of all Nigerians.
He described the late Nana Lydia Yilwatda as a devoted mother during the funeral prayers.
“The history behind this church is rooted in faith with deep acceptance in the Lord and tradition. I have been to Jos before. When we were coming here, Governor Caleb Muftwang showed me one of the bungalows, the house of Ambassador Yahaya Kwande. During the SDP days, we met there to decide the fate of MKO Abiola.

“Today, I am grateful that I am alive and to God be the glory to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and to come here to bid farewell to the mother of the community, and a humanitarian,” Tinubu added.
He offered prayers for the repose of the soul of the late Lydia Yilwatda, who died in August at the age of 83, describing her as a woman of deep faith and service.

Earlier, the chief mourner and APC National Chairman, Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, said his mother was a hard-working woman who lived on medication for 47 years.
“I am here to thank God for her life. My mother worked for twenty-four hours despite her health condition, supporting us and providing humanitarian assistance,” he said.

He thanked President Tinubu for his emergence as APC chairman and promised to keep the trust.
President and Spiritual leader of the COCIN, Reverend Amos Mohzo, who spoke on behalf of the clergymen, thanked President Tinubu for his support of Northern Christians, especially by appointing them to key positions, such as Senator George Akume, who holds the post of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), and Professor Nantawe Yilwatda, who is the National Chairman of APC, among others.

The COCIN president particularly thanked the president for his response to the insecurity in Plateau and Benue states and urged the president to assist victims of conflict in Benue State, as well as ensure the safe return of some Christian communities who fled Borno and Adamawa to Cameroon as a result of insurgent attacks.
Mohzo assured the president of their unflinching support in his administration’s determination to actualise the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The funeral prayer was attended by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Chairman, Nigerian Governors Forum, AbdulRazaq Abdulrahman; APC Governors; National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande; Minister of State (Petroleum), Heinekin Lokpobiri; Minister of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, and Special Duties Minister, Zephaniah Jisalo.

Also present were the SGF, Senator George Akume, and his predecessor, Boss Mustapha; as well as former governors Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa, Adamu Mu’azu of Bauchi State, Fidelis Tapgun of Plateau, Yahaya Bello of Kogi, and Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, among others.

Atiku Slams Tinubu over Plateau Visit, Says Ordinary Nigerians Aren’t His Priority

Meanwhile, Atiku has condemned Tinubu’s visit, saying he attended a social event in the North-central state instead of visiting victims and consoling communities ravaged by insecurity.

In a post via his official X handle, Atiku described the president’s visit to the North-central state — one of the areas hardest hit by violent attacks as “a sad reflection of priorities and a mockery of leadership.”

He said it was regrettable that the president chose to visit Plateau State to attend a funeral event associated with the APC chairman rather than commiserate with victims of the persistent killings and displacement across the region.

“With large swathes of the country still under siege from unrelenting insecurity and thousands of innocent lives lost, it is deeply unfortunate that President Bola Tinubu has not, for once, found it worthy to visit any of the affected states to commiserate with the grieving citizens,” Atiku said.

The former vice president alleged that the president’s decision to attend the event “under the auspices of his party’s national chairman” showed a lack of empathy and compassion.

 “Between the APC national chairman and his president, what we witnessed today is a heartless exhibition of disregard for empathy, compassion, and the dignity of human life,” he added.

Atiku further criticised the Tinubu administration for failing to show solidarity with victims of violence in the North-central region.

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*Restates commitment to revamp nation’s economy, defeat terrorism, banditry *Assures northern Christians of fairness, says farmers-herders clashes to be tackled*Atiku slams Tinubu over Plateau visit, says ordinary Nigerians aren’t his

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I Never Accused Buhari of Links to Boko Haram, Jonathan Clarifies

I Never Accused Buhari of Links to Boko Haram, Jonathan Clarifies

Chuks Okocha in Abuja

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted reports claiming he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having links with Boko Haram, saying his comments were misrepresented.
In a statement issued Jonathan’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, the former president said he never suggested or implied that Buhari had any connection with the terrorist group or supported it in any way.

While speaking on Friday at the public presentation of ‘Scars’, a book written by former Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd.), Jonathan said Boko Haram once nominated Buhari, his successor, to negotiate on their behalf with the federal government.
He said the insurgents mentioned Buhari after his administration set up committees to explore dialogue with the group.

However, former spokesperson to Buhari, Mallam Garba Shehu, refuted the claim as “false and politically motivated”.
In the statement issued on behalf of Jonathan, his media adviser, Eze said the ex-president’s comments were part of a broader reflection on Nigeria’s security challenges and were meant to highlight the deceptive tactics employed by Boko Haram in its early days.

He described the reports circulating in sections of the media suggesting that the nomination of Buhari by Boko Haram to represent them in dialogue with the federal government, made the former president somehow complicit in the Boko Haram crisis as misleading.
“We wish to make it abundantly clear that the former President’s comments were grossly misrepresented. At no time did Dr Jonathan suggest, imply, or insinuate that President Buhari had any connection with Boko Haram or that he supported the group in any form.

“Dr Jonathan’s remarks, made in the course of a broader discussion on Nigeria’s security challenges, were meant to illustrate the deviousness and manipulative strategies employed by Boko Haram in their early years.
“His reference was to a well-documented episode when various individuals and factions falsely claimed to represent the terrorist group and purported to name prominent Nigerians as possible mediators, without those individuals’ knowledge or consent.

“The point Dr Jonathan sought to make was that Boko Haram, in its characteristic deceit, often invoked the names of respected public figures to sow confusion, exploit political divisions, and undermine public confidence in government,” Eze explained.

Eze said Jonathan’s comments were therefore an illustration of the group’s duplicity, and not an accusation against the late former president or any individual, for that matter.
“The former president’s position was that if indeed Buhari was their choice negotiator, why didn’t Boko Haram expeditiously bring their evil terrorist agenda to an end when the retired General became president?
“For the avoidance of doubt, Dr Jonathan recognises that President Muhammadu Buhari, like every patriotic Nigerian, stood firmly against terrorism and was himself a target of Boko Haram violence. Both men, during their respective tenures, shared a common commitment to restoring peace and stability to Nigeria,” Eze added.
Eze asked Nigerians to “disregard any misinterpretation remarks”, adding that Jonathan remains committed to peace, unity, and the strengthening of democratic values in Nigeria.

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Chuks Okocha in Abuja Former President Goodluck Jonathan has refuted reports claiming he accused the late President Muhammadu Buhari of having links with Boko Haram, saying his comments were misrepresented.In

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With 64% Contribution, Equities Raise Total Market Capitalisation on Nigerian Exchange to N140.6tn

With 64% Contribution, Equities Raise Total Market Capitalisation on Nigerian Exchange to N140.6tn

Kayode Tokede

The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed in September 2025 with a total market capitalisation of N140.6 trillion, with equities accounting for 64.3 per cent.
According to official data, the breakdown shows that equities accounted for N90.40 trillion, while the debt market contributed N50.14 trillion.

However, Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) slipped to N26.89 billion, reflecting a marginal decline from the N29.19 billion at the close of December 2024.
The surge in the stock market underscores the renewed confidence of both domestic and foreign investors, riding on the back of macroeconomic reforms, policy stability, and stronger corporate fundamentals.
 Year-to-date, the equities market has expanded by N27.63 trillion, climbing from N62.77 trillion at the close of December 2024.

Market analysts attribute this robust performance to a confluence of factors: the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) foreign exchange reforms that ended years of volatility, improved liquidity, banking sector recapitalisation, and the newly signed Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA 2025), which has triggered strong momentum in insurance stocks.
The debt market also recorded significant activity, appreciating by N3.68 trillion in nine months to hit N50.14 trillion.

The federal government and CBN bonds remain dominant, alongside four state-issued bonds and 21 corporate debt instruments listed on the exchange.
At the equities end, BUA Foods Plc emerged as the biggest mover, with its share price closing September at N629.70, pushing its market capitalisation to N11.33 trillion, about 12.5 per cent of total equities capitalisation.
MTN Nigeria Communications Plc followed with N8.88 trillion (9.8 per cent), while Dangote Cement Plc posted N8.86 trillion (9.8 per cent). Collectively, these three heavyweights contributed nearly a third of the NGX’s overall equity value.

The Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group, Temi Popoola, described the performance as a validation of reforms in the capital market.
 “We have worked closely with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to promote transparency, strengthen investor protections, and accelerate innovation in listings and product development. Our goal is to create an inclusive, globally competitive capital market,” he said.
Analysts believe the market is on course to breach the N100 trillion equities mark by year-end, provided economic stability continues.

“The elimination of foreign exchange losses has been critical. In 2023 and 2024, listed companies posted a combined N867 billion in FX losses. In 2025, we have seen zero FX losses due to exchange rate stability, and this has significantly boosted investor confidence,” said CEO of APT Securities and Funds Limited, Kasimu Garba Kurfi.
Corporate earnings have also played a decisive role, as half-year results showed impressive profits across banking, cement, food, and telecoms, with interim dividends luring retail investors.

The resilience of banking stocks, in particular, has reinforced confidence in the recapitalisation drive.
On the macro front, easing inflation, now at 20.12 per cent, and upwardly revised GDP growth projections by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have further brightened the outlook.
CBN’s gradual clearance of foreign exchange backlogs and firm monetary tightening have stabilised the naira and reassured global investors.

NGX’s nine-month performance places it among Africa’s strongest markets in 2025, highlighting the resilience of Nigeria’s capital market amid reforms and structural shifts.

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Kayode Tokede The Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) closed in September 2025 with a total market capitalisation of N140.6 trillion, with equities accounting for 64.3 per cent.According to official data, the

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Military Arrests 16 Officers for Breach of Regulations, Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Acts of IndisciplineLinus Aleke in Abuja

Military Arrests 16 Officers for Breach of Regulations, Reiterates Zero Tolerance for Acts of IndisciplineLinus Aleke in Abuja

In what it described as a routine military exercise, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) yesterday confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers for alleged indiscipline and breach of service regulations.
Director of Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, in a statement, said investigations showed that the grievances of the arrested officers were linked to repeated failure in promotion examinations and perceived career stagnation.

Gusau said their conduct was incompatible with military standards.
He noted that some of the affected officers were already under the jurisdiction of military authorities for various disciplinary offences, with a few currently awaiting or undergoing trial.
Gusau said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to inform the public that a routine military exercise has resulted in the arrest of sixteen officers over issues of indiscipline and breach of service regulations. “Investigations have revealed that their grievances stemmed largely from perceived career stagnation caused by repeated failure in promotion examinations, among other issues.

“Some of the apprehended officers had been under jurisdiction for various offences, either awaiting or undergoing trial. Their conduct was deemed incompatible with the standards of military service.”
He noted that those indicted at the end of the investigation would face the military disciplinary process in line with established procedures.

“Upon completion of the investigation, indicted officers will face the full military disciplinary process in accordance with established procedures to ensure accountability and preserve professionalism within the Armed Forces.
“The Armed Forces wish to assure the general public that these actions are strictly disciplinary in nature and part of routine efforts to maintain order, discipline, and loyalty within the ranks,” Gusau added.
 Gusau emphasised the military’s zero tolerance for conduct that undermines its institutional integrity or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority.

While reiterating the military’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, Gusau affirmed its dedication to upholding the rule of law, constitutional governance, and the security of the nation’s authority.

“The Armed Forces will not tolerate behaviour that undermines the integrity of the institution or threatens its constitutional role under democratic authority. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to its constitutional responsibilities and will remain professional at all times,” Gusau said. 

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In what it described as a routine military exercise, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) yesterday confirmed the arrest of 16 military officers for alleged indiscipline and breach of service

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DHQ: Troops Kill Scores of Terrorists, Nab 450 Suspects, Rescue 180 Kidnap Victims in September

DHQ: Troops Kill Scores of Terrorists, Nab 450 Suspects, Rescue 180 Kidnap Victims in September

. Police confirm release of 17 kidnap victims in Zamfara

Linus Aleke in Abuja

The military authorities yesterday disclosed that the troops fighting to rid the country of insecurity and national threats in September this year rescued 180 kidnapped victims (civilians), arrested 450 terrorists/bandits, and killed scores of terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements.

Also, 39 terrorists surrendered to troops, while 63 assorted arms, 4,475 ammunition, and 294 explosive items such as grenades and IED marking materials were recovered.

Zamfara State Police Command has also confirmed the release of 17 kidnapped victims, including 14 women and three men, who had been held captive for several months.

Speaking yesterday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, said terrorist logistics and communications materials, including hand-held radios, motorcycles, vehicles, and other items used in perpetrating crimes, were also recovered.

“In the Niger Delta,” Kangye said, “troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 41 illegal refining sites.

“Troops also foiled oil theft worth over one hundred and twelve million, one hundred and seventy-five thousand, two hundred and twenty naira (N112,175,220.00), consisting of 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of AGO, 1,900 litres of DPK, and 1,475 litres of PMS.

“Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive device-making material. Also, some caches of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.

Detailing the encounters, the DMO said, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East sustained operational momentum by denying Boko Haram, ISWAP and JAS terrorists’ freedom of action in the North-East region.

“Ground forces in conjunction with the Air Component and Hybrid forces, as well as local security groups, conducted aggressive operations leading to the elimination of several terrorists and their logistics suppliers.

“Troops recovered weapons, dismantled their networks, and provided support for safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities.

“Troops conducted both kinetic and non-kinetic operations against terrorists on 23-30 September 2025 in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Gukba, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State.

“They also conducted operations in Madagali, Hong, and Mubi South LGAs of Adamawa State, as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State.

“During the encounters, troops eliminated scores of terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition, while their camps were destroyed accordingly.

“Relatedly, from 23 to 30 September 2025, troops conducted operations in Mafa, Magumeri, Konduga, Damboa, Chibok, Kaga, Abadam, and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State, as well as Mubi North and Hong LGAs of Adamawa State. They also conducted operations in the Geidam and Nguru LGAs of Yobe State.

“During the encounters, 21 terrorists’ collaborators, informants and sympathisers were arrested. Arms, ammunition, logistics items, vehicles, motorcycles, and IED marking materials were also recovered.

Recovered items are in the troops’ custody, while interrogation is ongoing.

“In the Northwest, troops of Operation Fasan Yamma, during firefights, eliminated some terrorists and bandits and rescued kidnapped victims.

“From 23 to 30 September 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in the Anka, Bakura, Tsafe, Maradun, Shinkafi, and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State.

“They also carried out operations in Isa, Sabon Birni, Goroyo, and Wurno LGAs of Sokoto State. Additionally, the same operations were conducted in Shanono, Gwarzo, and Tudun Wada LGAs of Kano State, as well as Arewa, Mariga, and Kontagora LGAs of Kebbi State and Kaduna Metropolis.

While the JTF sector in Katsina State covered the Kankara, Faskari, Safana, and Malumfashi LGAs of the state, a wanted terrorist identified as Ali Saidu was arrested.

Meanwhile, the Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the release of 17 kidnapped victims, including 14 women and three men, who had been held captive for several months.

The victims were among those abducted on June 19 at Birdigau village in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

According to police sources, the victims regained their freedom on Friday around 8:30 a.m. following coordinated efforts by security operatives in the area.

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. Police confirm release of 17 kidnap victims in Zamfara Linus Aleke in Abuja The military authorities yesterday disclosed that the troops fighting to rid the country of insecurity and

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State Govts Insist on Decentralised Electricity Market, Say 23 States Have Passed Enabling Legislations

State Govts Insist on Decentralised Electricity Market, Say 23 States Have Passed Enabling Legislations

Chuks Okocha in Abuja 

State commissioners for power and energy in Nigeria, under the aegis of the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy (FOCPEN), have insisted on their quest for a decentralised electricity market and reliable power supply in the country.

 The forum said no state has retreated from reform, adding that since the passage of the Electricity Act 23, states have passed laws to establish their electricity markets, with more joining.
According to the forum, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has transferred regulatory oversight to 14 states.

 In a statement jointly signed by Chairman of FOCPEN and Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Prince Eka Williams, and its Acting Secretary, and Commissioner for Rural and Energy Development in Kogi State, Mr. Mohammed Ihiezue Abdulmutalib, FOCPEN described the suggestion that the subnational governments have reversed course on power sector reforms following the enactment of the Electricity Act as false. 

While noting that they are advancing and not retreating, the forum said more states are actively engaging with the opportunities provided under the Electricity Act and are at different stages of legislation, regulatory formation, and market design.

 Recounting the progress made across states, FOCPEN said, “Since the passage of the Electricity Act, 23 states have already passed enabling laws to establish their electricity markets, with more states joining.
 “14 States now have formal NERC transfers of regulatory oversight. More States are joining the reform journey each month—recent examples include formal transfer processes for Bayelsa and Nasarawa. 
 “Also, in its just-concluded Energy Summit, Akwa Ibom State unveiled its state market blueprint, signalling strong intent to develop its state electricity market. 
 “Other States are similarly planning or hosting stakeholder engagements, workshops, and policy dialogues that will accelerate the localisation of electricity governance.  

“Regulatory Commissions have been constituted in pioneering states, with others at advanced stages of setting up theirs, showing that the state markets are operational, not theoretical.  “States across all regions are actively exploring frameworks for independent regulation, tariff orders, and market design,” the forum added. 

It further noted that the Electricity Act is a landmark piece of legislation that has opened the door for subnational participation.

The forum added that states are approaching the transition with seriousness and caution, ensuring that their frameworks are credible, bankable, and sustainable.

It said far from backpedaling, more states have come to recognise the benefits of energy independence, regulatory autonomy, and consumer-focused power market reforms. 

FOCPEN said it is building capacity to ensure smooth implementation, financial sustainability, and consumer protection through collaboration with the federal government and development partners. 

“The goal is to strengthen power supply, enhance accountability, and expand access through transparent and competitive state-level markets. 

“The transformation of Nigeria’s electricity sector is a journey, not an event. FOCPEN and its member States remain fully committed to delivering on the promise of the Electricity Act, ensuring that the gains of decentralisation translate into reliable power supply, improved governance, and greater access for all Nigerians. 

 “We call on stakeholders and the media to report developments responsibly, reflecting the true progress and growing enthusiasm across Nigeria’s subnational governments,” FOCPEN added.

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Chuks Okocha in Abuja  State commissioners for power and energy in Nigeria, under the aegis of the Forum of Commissioners for Power and Energy (FOCPEN), have insisted on their quest