The Pacesetter Frontier Magazine

Author: Editor

  • 2027: Atiku Demands Publication of 103m Voters’ Register

    2027: Atiku Demands Publication of 103m Voters’ Register

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to publish the preliminary voters’ register ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that failure to make the list accessible could erode public confidence in the electoral process.

    Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communication of the African Democratic Congress Presidential Campaign Council.

    He said voters should be allowed to inspect the register, challenge questionable entries and correct omissions before the election.

    INEC had announced that the preliminary register, containing more than 103 million registered voters, would be available for public scrutiny from October 9 to 15. The exercise was intended to enable voters to report false entries and missing names.

    However, Atiku alleged that the register was not accessible on the commission’s online portal during the period.

    “INEC has announced more than 103 million registered voters. Nigerians went to its portal to inspect the names and found an empty page. That is an outrage. A figure cannot answer an objection,” he said.

    The former vice-president argued that the alleged failure to publish the list violated Section 19(1) of the Electoral Act 2026, which he cited as requiring the register to be displayed at registration areas and online.

    He called on INEC to release the register by local government, area council and ward, while providing voters with a full opportunity to identify and correct errors.

    Atiku also questioned what he described as conflicting statements from the commission’s chairman concerning the timing of the public display.

    He said the chairman reportedly stated on October 5 that the exercise had already been completed, while INEC subsequently announced October 9 to 15 as the period for public scrutiny.

    “Which statement is true? Where was the register published? For seven full days, or for no days at all?” he asked.

    Atiku further requested that INEC disclose the dates, links and access records relating to the reported online publication of the register.

    Beyond the voters’ list, he raised concerns about the authentication of ballot papers, citing Section 63(2) of the Electoral Act 2026. The provision, as referenced in his statement, allows a returning officer to count a ballot paper without the commission’s official mark if satisfied that it came from a book supplied to the polling unit.

    He questioned how such a determination would be verified and challenged, urging INEC to establish safeguards against counterfeit ballot papers.

    “INEC must set out enforceable safeguards against counterfeit ballots, and the National Assembly must close any loophole that leaves the authenticity of a vote to an officer’s unsupported assurance,” he said.

    The statement also alleged that INEC had not responded to inquiries about companies awarded contracts to print sensitive election materials.

    Atiku maintained that the ADC and its presidential candidate were entitled to information about the procedures and safeguards that would determine the credibility of the 2027 presidential election.

    He accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of expecting Nigerians to trust an electoral process without adequate access to the voters’ register.

    The former vice-president warned that preventing voters from examining the list could make it difficult to determine whether names had been improperly added or removed.

    He called on international partners, election observers and democratic institutions to urge INEC to make the register available before election day.

    “Transparency before the vote is as essential as scrutiny of the results afterwards,” Atiku said, insisting that voters must be able to confirm their registration details and challenge irregularities.

    He urged the commission to publish the register, clarify the dates of the public display and provide answers to concerns about ballot-paper authentication.

  • Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57

    Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Dies at 57

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has died at the age of 57 after a brief illness, his family has announced.

    The family disclosed his death in a statement posted on the actor’s official Instagram page in the early hours of Friday, thanking fans and well-wishers for their prayers and support.

    “We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness.

    “We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen,” the statement read.

    His death comes months after the actor dismissed speculation about his health following the circulation of a video showing him looking frail on social media in June.

    Duru had described the footage as “fabricated and malicious” in a video he shared on Instagram, rejecting reports that he was battling a life-threatening illness.

    Born on July 27, 1969, in Cameroon to Nigerian parents from Imo State, Duru completed his early education there before moving to Nigeria for his university studies.

    He attended the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where he studied Theatre Arts and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1996.

    Duru began his acting career in 1989, featuring in *Missing Mark*, a film directed by the late Ndubuisi Oko.

    He rose to wider prominence in 1995 after playing Ahanna in *Rattlesnake*, an action-comedy produced by the late filmmaker Amaka Igwe.

    Over the years, Duru earned recognition for his contributions to the Nigerian film industry and his influence on younger people. He was also named a United Nations ambassador of peace.

    In 2020, he won the Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo) award at the Best of Nollywood Awards for his performance in *Mboputa*.

    The actor married his wife, Adokiye, in 2003, and they had four children. The family suffered the loss of one of their children, Ifeanyi, in August 2024.

    Duru’s death marks the loss of a veteran performer whose career spanned several decades in Nollywood.

  • Makinde Defends 2027 Presidential Bid Against Tinubu, Cites Obasanjo-Falae Contest

    Makinde Defends 2027 Presidential Bid Against Tinubu, Cites Obasanjo-Falae Contest

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has defended his decision to contest the 2027 presidential election against an incumbent from the South-West, arguing that the region can field more than one candidate without compromising its interests.

    Makinde spoke on Thursday at the APM’s South-West town hall meeting in Akure, the Ondo State capital, where he recalled the 1999 presidential election, which featured two prominent candidates from the region.

    The governor said some people had questioned his decision to enter the race because President Bola Tinubu, who is also from the South-West, currently occupies the office.

    “I’ve listened to people. They said to us, ‘Seyi Makinde, why are you contesting in this election when the South-West already has somebody seated on that seat?’ And I’ve explained to them, we do have an example here in the South-West,” he said.

    Makinde cited the 1999 election, in which former President Olusegun Obasanjo and Olu Falae contested the presidency, noting that the region’s decision to produce two candidates did not result in any disaster.

    He argued that the arrangement gave Nigerians the opportunity to choose between two candidates from the same region.

    “And heaven did not fall. As a matter of fact, what the South-West did was to present two of their finest, two of their best for Nigeria to choose from. Is there anything wrong with that this time around?” he asked.

    The governor also urged voters in the region to reject what he described as deceptive politics, saying he would campaign on his record in Oyo State rather than rely solely on criticism of political opponents.

    Makinde also criticised the Federal Government over a reported presentation of the United Nations budget to the President in Nigeria by the country’s permanent representatives to the UN.

    He questioned the justification for spending public funds on travel from New York to Abuja for the exercise.

    The governor further raised concerns about budget implementation, asking which fiscal year’s budget was being implemented.

    “Is it 2023, 2024, 2025, or 2026 budgets?” he asked.

    On the campaign, Makinde said he would focus on energy and physical stamina rather than make age a central issue in the presidential contest.

    “While I will not make age an issue of this campaign, I will make energy. Having energy. Being able to stay up late, have the rigours, have the energy to deal with the challenges that we are faced with as a country,” he said.

    He challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical fitness during the campaign, suggesting that voters should consider their ability to withstand the demands of the race.

    “So please, when they bring their own presidential candidates, let the candidates come here and also jump down. If they can do that, vote for them,” Makinde added.

  • Awaiting-Trial Detainee Makes Dramatic Escape at Edo Court

    Authorities of the Nigeria Correctional Centre, Edo State Command, have announced the escape of an awaiting-trial inmate, Osita Thomas (28).

    This was contained in a statement by the state command PRO, Aminu Suleman, dated October 21 and made available to journalists in Benin on Thursday.

    According to the statement, the inmate escaped during an appearance in court last week for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.

    The statement read, “The Nigerian Correctional Service, Edo State Command, hereby notifies the general public of the escape of an awaiting trial inmate of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Auchi.

    “The incident occurred during his appearance in court for trial for the offence of conspiracy and stealing.

    “The Service solicits the cooperation of the general public to recapture the fugitive. Anyone with useful information about his whereabouts should please contact the nearest Custodial Centre or Police Station, or call the following numbers: 08038075882, 08039243704.

    “The Controller of Corrections, Edo State Command, assures the general public that no effort will be spared to recapture the fugitive, while security of all inmates in custody has been strengthened.”

    However, an official of the NCC said the warden who took him and others to court could not pursue him to avoid other inmates from escaping, blaming the dearth of manpower for the escape.

    The official said over 1,000 personnel of the NCC would be retiring this year without any plans to recruit new personnel.

    “The warden couldn’t leave other inmates to pursue Osita as he will risk losing others. The dearth of manpower should be addressed now so that this kind of incident does not happen again,” the official added. Punch

  • APC Secretary, Sowore Trade Words Over Request to Hold Campaign Inauguration at Aso Rock

    APC Secretary, Sowore Trade Words Over Request to Hold Campaign Inauguration at Aso Rock

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, and the African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, have engaged in a war of words following the opposition party’s request to hold its presidential campaign council inauguration at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    The disagreement began after Basiru described Sowore as a comedian and skit maker, questioning his political relevance and electoral performance.

    The AAC had written to President Bola Tinubu on October 21, 2026, seeking approval to inaugurate its presidential campaign council at the Presidential Villa on November 11.

    The letter, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Oshiokhai Ikpeminioghena, also requested food, drinks and other logistical support for participants at the proposed event.

    Reacting to the request during an appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Wednesday, Basiru questioned Sowore’s political standing and challenged him to demonstrate electoral strength at the state level.

    The APC chieftain also cited the AAC’s performance in the 2023 presidential election, arguing that the party had failed to establish a significant electoral presence.

    Basiru, however, acknowledged his longstanding relationship with Sowore, recalling their involvement in student activism during the struggle against military rule in the 1990s.

    Sowore responded in a post on his X account later that evening, recalling their shared history and accusing the APC secretary of abandoning the ideals they once championed.

    To support his account, the activist shared a photograph he said was taken in 1998, when he led the Congress of Progressive Youths (COPY), a group involved in the campaign against military dictatorship.

    Sowore said the photograph reflected a period when both men were involved in the struggle for democratic governance and civil liberties.

    He also challenged Basiru’s use of the 2023 presidential election results to dismiss his political relevance, describing the election as deeply flawed and disputing the suggestion that opposition candidates should be ashamed of their performance.

    The AAC candidate further recalled assisting Basiru and Kunle Adegoke, popularly known as K-Rad, who is now a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, in their educational pursuits after Basiru’s difficulties at the University of Ilorin in 1992.

    According to Sowore, both men subsequently completed their legal education and built professional careers.

    He argued that the struggle for democracy, justice and human rights should not be reduced to entertainment, accusing Basiru of ridiculing the same activism that helped shape his political and personal development.

    Sowore also criticised what he described as a shift in Basiru’s principles since joining the ruling party, suggesting that political office had influenced his attitude towards their shared past.

    He maintained that political positions were temporary and that the principles of freedom and democratic accountability remained relevant regardless of who occupied public office.

    The exchange has drawn attention to the AAC’s request to hold its campaign council inauguration at the Presidential Villa, although the request and the proposed logistical support do not, by themselves, establish that approval has been granted.

  • Ebola Strain Lacks Licensed Treatment or Cure, Says Minister

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has said there is no licensed specific treatment or vaccine for the Ebola virus variant involved in Nigeria’s current outbreak, adding that the infected patient is receiving supportive medical care.

    Pate disclosed this during an interview with Arise Television on Wednesday, explaining that while researchers were exploring potential treatments, the patient’s body was also fighting the infection through its immune response.

    “Specific treatment for this variant of Ebola virus, or a specific vaccine, is not yet licensed, approved to be used,” he said, adding that “there are various efforts to try different types of vaccines or molecules to see whether they can bring relief.”

    The minister said the infected patient received antibiotics and antiviral medication at different stages of her treatment because doctors initially suspected a viral illness before confirming Ebola.

    “But this particular patient received appropriate medical care, supportive medical care. She received antibiotics, she received an antiviral medication at different stages because the consideration was she had a viral illness, which in fact ended to be Ebola,” he said.

    Pate said the patient’s immune response might also have contributed to her condition, adding that she was stable at the time of the interview. However, he cautioned that her condition could change as the disease progressed.

    “I think we’re very fortunate that she is stable at this moment. We hope she continues to remain stable, because things can change when you have an infectious disease that you don’t fully control the course of illness,” he said.

    The minister said Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure, laboratory capacity and trained health professionals had helped identify and manage the case. He added that public health experts and epidemiologists were working to trace people who might have been exposed to the virus.

    According to Pate, the country’s public and private health facilities, alongside laboratory services, helped ensure the patient was detected and received care within the healthcare system.

    “We’ve got laboratory capacity that has all come together to allow the patient to walk through the Nigerian healthcare system, be detected, and be catered for,” he said.

    He added that the public health response had been intensified, with experts working to track contacts, but stressed that Nigerians also had a responsibility to comply with health authorities’ instructions.

    “But it goes beyond the public health system; it also requires Nigerians themselves in how we behave, so that those who may have contact with her continue to comply,” Pate said.

    The Federal Government confirmed Nigeria’s first reported case in the current outbreak after a woman who had travelled from Uganda developed symptoms and was admitted to a private hospital in Abuja. The patient was subsequently diagnosed with the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention activated response measures, including contact tracing, enhanced surveillance and infection prevention efforts, while urging public and private health facilities to remain vigilant and promptly report suspected cases.

    The PUNCH reported that 44 contacts had initially been identified for monitoring. Anambra State also followed up 40 persons of interest, with 33 completing their monitoring period and seven remaining under active follow-up as of October 20. Ogun State was tracing 111 persons of interest.

    The United States Mission in Nigeria also issued a health advisory to its citizens following the reported case, urging those who might have been exposed to seek medical guidance if symptoms developed.

    Ebola spreads mainly through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person who has developed symptoms, or through contaminated materials.

    Symptoms may include fever, severe headache, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, and can resemble those of other illnesses, including malaria. Punch

  • Femi Falana To Deliver Keynote Address at 6th Frontier Discourse Lecture and Awards

    Femi Falana To Deliver Keynote Address at 6th Frontier Discourse Lecture and Awards

    Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, is to deliver the keynote address at the sixth edition of the Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture Series and Awards in Abuja, where discussions will focus on insecurity, electoral violence and the state of Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Falana, who has spent more than four decades advocating democracy, the rule of law and human rights, will headline the event organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine under the theme, “Barrel to Ballot: The Naturalisation of Violence, Nigeria’s Polity and its Democratic Circus.”

    The lecture will bring together political figures, policy experts and other stakeholders to examine the relationship between violence, democratic governance and Nigeria’s political development.

    Falana is widely known for his legal advocacy on behalf of disadvantaged Nigerians and his involvement in cases challenging violations of civil liberties, press freedom and democratic rights. He endured periods of detention under past military regimes and has provided free legal services to indigent citizens.

    His litigation has produced landmark victories in Nigeria and before regional judicial institutions, including the ECOWAS Court, particularly in cases involving media restrictions and violations of civic freedoms.

    Falana has also served as president of the West African Bar Association and secretary-general of the African Bar Association. He has appeared before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

    His contributions to human rights advocacy have earned him international recognition, including the Bernard Simons Memorial Award of the International Bar Association and the Defender of the Year Award of the International League for Human Rights. He was conferred with the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria in 2012.

    Panelists announced for the lecture include former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani; Deputy National Chairman (South) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Ben Nwoye; Executive Director of Development Specs Academy, Prof. Okey Ikechukwu, mni; President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Economic Affairs, Dr. Tope Fasua; and Zainab Buba Galadima.

    The event is expected to explore the challenges posed by insecurity and political violence, as well as their implications for democratic institutions and the credibility of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 elections.

    Frontier Discourse is an annual colloquium launched in 2021 to promote dialogue between African leaders and citizens, encourage policy reviews and facilitate the exchange of development ideas. It also recognises individuals who have made significant contributions to Africa’s growth.

    Organised by Pacesetter Frontier Magazine, a privately owned print and digital publication established in 2020, the initiative has become a platform for discussions on national and continental issues.

    The sixth edition will hold at the Nigerian National Merit Award House, also known as Merit House, in Maitama, Abuja. The red carpet is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., while the main event will commence at 11 a.m.

    The programme will also feature history sessions, comedy, poetry and exhibitions, with attendees expected from the business community, religious institutions, traditional councils, political organisations, youth groups, civil society, professional bodies and educational institutions.

    The organisers said attendance and registration are free. Interested participants can reserve seats through https://forms.gle/C6Rtpjv5gQUBm31T9.

    For sponsorship, partnership and other enquiries, members of the public can call or send WhatsApp messages to 09137940957.

    The event partners include One Stewart Ventures Limited, Frontline Africa, Igwesi Human Development Centre, Steve Oruruo Foundation, ROWE Oil and Royal Entourage Consult.

  • Court Resumes Trial of Suspects in Abduction of NYSC Members in Imo

    Court Resumes Trial of Suspects in Abduction of NYSC Members in Imo

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The trial of suspects accused of abducting 20 prospective members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and other passengers in Imo State is set to resume.

    The suspects were arrested in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and Abia State during intelligence-led operations carried out between October 10 and 14 by the Department of State Services (DSS), working with the military, police and other security agencies.

    Three other suspects reportedly escaped during the operations with gunshot wounds, prompting security operatives to launch a manhunt for them.

    The prospective corps members were abducted on October 1, 2026, while travelling from Ibadan, Oyo State, to their assigned NYSC orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states.

    The gunmen reportedly attacked two buses conveying the prospective corps members and other passengers along the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway near Umunoha in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

    The victims were rescued on October 7 during a joint security operation at Amakohia-Ubi Village in Owerri West Local Government Area.

    Following their rescue, they were taken to the DSS hospital in Owerri for medical attention and necessary examinations.

    During the search-and-rescue operation, the police disclosed that their operatives had identified the kidnappers’ camp through drone surveillance but could not immediately move into the location because it was reportedly rigged with improvised explosive devices.

    Security agencies subsequently intensified efforts to reach the victims and secure their release.

    The arrests followed coordinated intelligence-led operations across the two states, while the search for the fleeing suspects continues.

  • Awka Anglican Crisis Escalates: Fired Chancellor Fights Back, Demands Apology

    Chancellor of the Diocesan Board of Awka Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Barr. B.E.I Nwofor, has rejected his purported removal by Supervising Bishop of the diocese, Rt. Revd. Samuel Ezeofor.

    Primate of the Church, Most Revd. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, had last week ordered the Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Revd. Dr. Alexander Chibuzo Ibezim, to proceed on six months suspension, over allegation bothering on sales of church properties.

    In his stead, the Primate named the Bishop of Aguata Diocese, Rt. Revd. Samuel Ezeofor, as Supervising Bishop of Awka Diocese within the period.

    Ezeofor in his first attempt at taking over the diocese announced the removal of the Chancellor of the Diocesan Board of the church, Barr. B.E.I Nwofor for allegedly siding with suspended Bishop Ibezim.

    But in a letter of reply to his suspension by Ezeofor, Nwofor insisted there was no office known to the church’s law as Supervising Bishop, on which strength he wrote the letter removing him as Chancellor.

    Nwofor also resisted the Bishop, asking for an apology for using unprintable words on him in the said suspension letter.

    In his letter, Nwofor said: “Your letter dated Saturday, October 17, 2026 entitled “Removal as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Diocese)” is libelous as it was deliberately designed to tarnish my reputation.

    “Your Lordship has no right to form your own letterhead with the inscription “Office Of The Supervising Bishop”, purporting it to be the letterhead of the Diocese of Awka and proceed to use such letterhead to write to me.

    “The Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion) has its own constitution, namely, The Constitution and Regulations of the – Diocese of Awka, 2023, which governs the affairs of the Diocese. It must be emphatically stated that the purported “Office of The Supervising Bishop” Diocese of Awka, is unknown to, and unrecognised by, the Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka, 2023.

    “Your Lordship cannot write any letter in the name of an office which does not exist. The Constitution and Regulations of the Diocese of Awka, 2023, has ample, clear, and unambiguous provisions on the administration of the Diocese during the absence of the Bishop, which was approved by the Church of Nigeria Standing Committee on 14th September, 2023.

    “Your Lordship is the current Bishop of the Diocese of Aguata (Anglican Communion) and does not have the power to appoint or remove me from office as the Chancellor of the Diocese of Awka (Anglican Communion).

    “Your Lordship may appoint or remove the Chancellor of the Diocese of Aguata but certainly acted ultra vires your power by writing and publishing your said Ietter purporting to remove me as the Chancellor of Diocese of Awka(Anglican Communion). The purported letter of removal is, therefore, null and void and of no legal effect, whatsoever.”

    Nwofor insisted that as Chancellor of the Diocese, it is his right to appoint a new administrator in the case of death of the bishop of the diocese or resignation, after which the Primate begins preparation for election of a new bishop, stating that in this case, the Bishop neither resigned nor was dead, stripping them of any powers to remove Bishop Ibezim, or himself as the Chancellor.

    Referring to the libelous nature of the publications made against him by Bishop Ezeofor, Nwofor demanded for retraction of letter, apologies to him, failure of which would result in a legal suit.

    “Take notice that if you fail, refuse or neglect to comply with these demands, I will institute an action in court against your Lordship to obtain redress. Your Lordship is not above the law.” Arise News

  • Shettima Urges States to Tackle Electricity Challenges Under 2023 Act

    Shettima Urges States to Tackle Electricity Challenges Under 2023 Act

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    Vice President Kashim Shettima has challenged state governments to take greater responsibility for addressing electricity supply problems by establishing functional power markets instead of relying solely on the Federal Government.

    Shettima made the call on Wednesday at the opening of a national stakeholders’ workshop on the Electricity Act 2023, held at the State House Banquet Hall in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The Vice President’s address was delivered by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadejia.

    He said reliable electricity was essential to Nigeria’s ambition of building a competitive industrial economy, warning that businesses, households and public institutions would continue to face difficulties without meaningful improvements in power supply.

    According to him, the Electricity Act 2023 provides an opportunity for states to decentralise electricity governance and develop markets that reflect their economic needs and available energy resources.

    He urged state governments to stop depending on Abuja for solutions to their electricity challenges and embrace their responsibilities under the new legal framework.

    Shettima identified solar energy opportunities in Sokoto, Borno and Katsina, gas resources in Delta, Rivers and Bayelsa, and hydropower potential in Niger and Kebbi as examples of resources states could develop to support economic growth.

    He said investments in these energy sources could improve electricity access for agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and education.

    The Vice President stressed that the existence of legislation alone would not improve electricity supply, noting that states must establish the institutions required to implement the law.

    He therefore urged states that had yet to establish electricity regulatory bodies to begin the necessary legislative and institutional preparations without delay.

    Shettima also proposed a voluntary National Electricity Reform Peer Review and Implementation Framework involving the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and state electricity regulators.

    The proposed framework would enable states to exchange experiences, strengthen regulatory capacity and assess progress in electricity market development, investment readiness, consumer protection and access to power.

    He said periodic reviews could help identify implementation challenges and provide technical support without interfering with the constitutional responsibilities of state governments.

    Shettima further called for greater private-sector participation, arguing that government funding alone would not be sufficient to transform the electricity industry.

    He said investors needed transparent licensing procedures, predictable regulations, commercially viable markets and effective mechanisms for resolving disputes.

    The Vice President also emphasised the need to protect electricity consumers against arbitrary billing, poor service delivery and unfair commercial practices, adding that power operators must be held accountable for the quality of services they provide.

    Representing the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mahmuda Mamman, said the success of the Electricity Act would depend on states establishing credible institutions and developing financially sustainable electricity markets.

    The Director-General of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulateef Shittu, disclosed that work was ongoing on a standard tariff framework for states aimed at protecting consumers while encouraging investment.

    Shittu urged stakeholders to build on existing reforms when considering changes to the legal framework.

    Similarly, the Head of Compliance at the electricity regulatory commission, Hauwa Yakubu, said regulatory responsibilities had been transferred to 17 states, with Akwa Ibom being the latest to receive approval.

    She added that the commission was supporting emerging state regulators through technical assistance, training and peer-to-peer engagement.

    President Bola Tinubu signed the Electricity Act into law in June 2023, replacing the Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005.

    The legislation allows state governments to establish and regulate electricity markets within their jurisdictions, including licensing generation, transmission and distribution activities, subject to applicable constitutional and statutory provisions. Federal regulation continues to cover matters within the national regulator’s jurisdiction, including interstate electricity activities.

    The reform comes amid persistent electricity supply challenges and concerns about the financial sustainability of the power sector.

    Power generation companies reported in March that outstanding debts owed to them had reached approximately ₦6.8tn at the end of February. National electricity generation has also remained around 4,000 megawatts for extended periods, despite an installed generation capacity estimated at about 14,000 megawatts.

    Shettima said the effectiveness of the Electricity Act would ultimately be measured by improvements in electricity access, service reliability and the ability of Nigerians to obtain dependable power for their daily activities.

  • FG Restricts 46 Ebola Contacts From Flying for 21 Days

    FG Restricts 46 Ebola Contacts From Flying for 21 Days

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government has directed the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to prevent 46 people identified as contacts of Nigeria’s confirmed Ebola patient from travelling by air for 21 days as part of efforts to contain the infection.

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the directive on Wednesday following a virtual meeting with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, on measures to prevent further transmission.

    Keyamo said the list comprised 44 people who had contact with the patient at a hospital in Abuja after she developed symptoms and two domestic staff members.

    He explained that the travel restriction would remain in place while health authorities monitored the individuals to determine whether any had contracted the virus.

    The minister subsequently directed the NCAA to notify domestic and international airlines of the restriction to ensure compliance.

    The decision followed Nigeria’s confirmation of an Ebola virus disease case caused by the Bundibugyo strain on October 20, the country’s first confirmed case since the 2014 outbreak.

    The patient, whose nationality has not been officially disclosed, reportedly travelled from Uganda to Nigeria before developing symptoms on October 7. She sought treatment at a private hospital in Abuja on October 11 after experiencing symptoms initially considered consistent with malaria.

    Her travel history and failure to respond to treatment prompted further investigations, which eventually confirmed the infection.

    The Director of Public Health Laboratory Services at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), Olajumoke Babatunde, said three rounds of molecular testing were conducted to identify the virus strain.

    An official at an emergency response meeting in Abuja also disclosed that the patient was a diplomat and that her condition had deteriorated into multiple organ failure.

    Health authorities have placed the patient in isolation, where she is receiving medical care, while contact tracing and other containment measures continue.

    Keyamo also directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to strengthen Ebola surveillance and screening at all international airports across the country.

    The measures include temperature checks, enhanced health screening, verification of passengers’ travel histories, digital health declarations and improved coordination between aviation officials and the NCDC.

    The World Health Organisation is supporting Nigerian authorities with case investigations, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and the provision of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers.

    The Bundibugyo virus is a rare strain of Ebola for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The WHO has called on countries in the region to strengthen surveillance, laboratory testing and emergency response capabilities.

    Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood and other bodily fluids of infected people who are symptomatic, or through contaminated materials. Symptoms can develop between two and 21 days after exposure, making the monitoring of contacts crucial to preventing further transmission.

    Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak in 2014 after an infected traveller introduced the virus into the country. The response relied on early detection, isolation, contact tracing and coordinated public health interventions.

    Authorities are now focusing on monitoring identified contacts, strengthening infection prevention measures at the hospital where the patient received treatment and maintaining heightened surveillance at airports and other international entry points to reduce the risk of further infections.

  • FG, States Intensify Ebola Response as Abuja Patient’s Condition Worsens

    FG, States Intensify Ebola Response as Abuja Patient’s Condition Worsens

    Precious Nwonu, Enugu

    The Federal Government and state governments have intensified measures to contain the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease following reports that Nigeria’s confirmed patient has developed multiple organ failure.

    The patient, whose identity and nationality have not been publicly disclosed, was diagnosed in the Federal Capital Territory after travelling to Nigeria from Uganda.

    The Director of Public Health Laboratory Service at the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Olajumoke Babatunde, disclosed the deterioration in the patient’s condition during an emergency meeting in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Babatunde said laboratory investigations involving three levels of molecular testing confirmed that the infection was caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has been linked to an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

    The development has prompted renewed surveillance, contact tracing and emergency preparedness across the country as health authorities work to prevent further transmission.

    The Federal Government has said it is collaborating with Uganda and other relevant partners to investigate the case and identify people who may have been exposed to the virus.

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, gave the assurance after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Pate urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and follow verified public health information rather than panic over the reported case.

    He said the government had activated its disease response mechanisms and was working to ensure the infection did not spread into the wider population.

    The minister recalled Nigeria’s experience during the 2014 Ebola outbreak, expressing confidence in the country’s public health institutions and emergency response arrangements.

    He added that the government would continue to provide updates as more information became available, while urging residents to avoid spreading unverified claims about the disease.

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said it had convened an incident management meeting and was finalising an incident action plan to coordinate the national response.

    The agency identified case management, enhanced surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and control, and public risk communication as key areas of intervention.

    States strengthen surveillance

    Several state governments have introduced additional measures to detect possible infections and monitor people who may have been exposed to the virus.

    In Anambra State, authorities said 40 persons of interest had been followed up, with 33 completing their monitoring period and being cleared. Seven others remained under active monitoring as of October 20.

    Ogun State also intensified surveillance after identifying 111 persons of interest. The state government said those being monitored had completed the required surveillance period and been discharged, with no Ebola case recorded in the state as of October 21.

    In Niger State, the government placed its health system on high alert, activated emergency operations and said preparations were under way to complete an isolation centre.

    Yobe State, meanwhile, announced the deployment of surveillance teams and contact-tracing arrangements across its 17 local government areas.

    The state’s Director of Public Health, Dr Nuru Sulaiman Muhammad, said trained personnel had been mobilised to investigate possible exposures and facilitate the early detection of suspected cases.

    He added that isolation facilities were available in Bade, Potiskum and Damaturu, covering the state’s three senatorial districts.

    Health authorities have stressed that being identified as a contact or person of interest does not mean an individual is infected. Such persons are monitored because of possible exposure, with further assessments guided by public health protocols.