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The Economy Can No Longer Sustain Electricity Subsidies Adelabu Says, Urging Nigerians To Prepare For Cost-Reflective Electricity Tariffs

~3.2 mins read

The Economy Can No Longer Sustain electricity Subsidies — Adelabu Says, Urging Nigerians to prepare for Cost-Reflective Electricity Tariffs

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has called on Nigerians to accept cost-reflective electricity tariffs, stating that the economy can no longer sustain blanket subsidies.

Speaking during a meeting with the Chairperson of the Association of Power Generating Companies (APGC), Dr. Joy Ogaji, Adelabu emphasized the urgent need to fully liberalize the power sector.

A statement by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, quoted the Minister as saying, “Citizens must pay the appropriate price for energy consumed. Targeted subsidies will continue for vulnerable Nigerians, but we must understand that our economy cannot sustain subsidies indefinitely.”

The meeting focused heavily on the N4 trillion debt owed to power generation companies (GenCos)—a crisis threatening to collapse Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Adelabu pledged that a significant portion of the debt will be paid immediately, with the remainder settled within six months using promissory notes and other instruments.

President Bola Tinubu is also expected to meet with GenCos leadership soon to expedite the debt resolution process.

Chairman of APGC and Mainstream Energy Solutions, Col. Sani Bello, described the sector’s liquidity crisis as a “critical threat,” warning that GenCos can no longer obtain loans or maintain infrastructure. Kola Adesina, Chairman of Egbin Power, added: “This is a national emergency. Everything hinges on power—we cannot afford sector failure.”

Ogaji outlined major challenges, including chronic payment defaults, unreliable gas supply, and forex instability. She noted that the naira’s plunge from ₦157/$1 in 2013 to ₦1,600/$1 had severely damaged GenCos’ capacity to repay loans and maintain assets.

Adelabu promised reforms to address these bottlenecks, reduce levies, and promote energy efficiency through public education.

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Instablog9ja

Presidency Counters AfDB President, Adesina, Says Nigerias Economy Has Grown 50 Times Since Independence

~3.1 mins read

Presidency Counters AfDB President, Adesina, Says Nigeria’s Economy Has Grown 50 Times Since Independence

The Presidency has pushed back against recent comments by AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, who claimed Nigerians are worse off today than they were at independence in 1960.

In a formal statement, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga described Adesina’s claim as misleading and based on faulty data. Adesina, citing Nairametrics, had said Nigeria’s GDP per capita dropped from $1,847 in 1960 to $824 today.

Onanuga disputed those figures, noting that official records put Nigeria’s 1960 GDP at $4.2 billion, with a per capita income of just $93 for a population of 44.9 million. “Our GDP didn’t grow significantly until the oil boom of the 1970s,” he said.

He cited a steady rise in GDP—from $12.5 billion in 1970 to $164 billion in 1981, eventually peaking at $574 billion after the 2014 GDP rebasing. Per capita income only crossed $880 in 1980 and reached $3,200 in 2014.

But more importantly, Onanuga argued that GDP per capita alone doesn’t capture real improvements in quality of life. “It doesn’t reflect access to healthcare, education, infrastructure, or digital services,” he said.

He highlighted major progress since 1960, when Nigeria had only 18,724 telephone lines. “Today, over 200 million Nigerians have access to mobile phones,” he noted, adding that telecom growth—like MTN’s N1 trillion Q1 2025 revenue—defies the idea of economic regression.

Onanuga concluded that Nigeria’s GDP today is “at least 50 times, if not 100 times, more than it was in 1960,” and said no fair-minded observer could deny the country has made significant progress.

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News_Naija

WHY SOLAR ENERGY IS SHIFTING FROM LUXURY TO NECESSITY IN NIGERIA

~3.9 mins read

For a long time in Nigeria, Solar energy systems were often perceived as a luxury, an expensive alternative for the elite or those in remote areas. However, this is changing very quickly. A combination of factors is causing a major shift, pushing solar energy from the fringes of “nice-to-have” to the core of “must-have” for homes and businesses across the nation. Here is a look at the key reasons behind this transformation and how StarTimes Solar is making this essential energy source more accessible. The Inconvenient Truth: Nigeria’s Power Challenge Nigeria, despite being Africa’s largest economy, faces a severe electricity deficit. The national grid’s “NEPA wahala” causes frequent blackouts, disrupting daily life and hindering economic growth. Businesses endure losses and rely on expensive generators. Households experience discomfort and limitations. This persistent unreliability drives a desperate need for alternative power solutions. Factors Driving the Solar Revolution: And Why the 20% Discount Matters Solar systems once carried a hefty price tag, which, over the years, this dropped significantly. StarTimes Solar is making it even more affordable with a limited-time offer of up to 20% on select packages. That’s not just savings, it’s access. This discount helps more Nigerians enjoy the benefits of clean, consistent power without breaking the bank. 2. Rising Fuel Costs: A Growing Concern
Rising petrol and diesel costs heavily burden Nigerian households and businesses. Generators demand constant, expensive fueling, hindering sustainability. StarTimes Solar offers a cost-effective alternative, like the H25 package (3kVA inverter, 2.5kWh battery, two 450W panels). This provides energy stability, reducing fuel dependence and long-term costs for consistent power. It’s a practical solution to alleviate the strain. 3. Grid Instability: The unseen obstacle to growth Frequent power outages across the country have made reliable electricity more important than ever. Nigerians are actively seeking ways to liberate themselves from constant power cuts and the associated frustrations. StarTimes Solar is helping more homes and businesses take control of their power needs with an ongoing discount, making clean, steady energy easier to afford. 4. Environmental Concerns: A push for cleaner Living There is a growing awareness of the environmental impact of relying on fossil fuels. Solar energy remains one of the cleanest and most sustainable alternatives, helping to significantly reduce carbon emissions. Solutions like StarTimes Solar H50 solar package featuring a 5kVA inverter, 5kWh battery, and four 575W panels offer a practical way for Nigerians to power their homes and businesses while reducing their carbon footprint. As more people make the switch, this collective shift supports a healthier environment and a more sustainable future for all. 5. Government Support: Policies Driving Progress To accelerate renewable energy adoption, the Nigerian government has introduced supportive policies aimed at diversifying the energy mix and attracting investment in the sector. Solar power is a major focus, and StarTimes Solar is complementing these efforts with a special discount offer, making it easier and more affordable for Nigerians to embrace clean, reliable energy. How StarTimes Solar is Empowering Nigerian Homes & Businesses In a small Lagos neighborhood, Mrs. Adebayo used to plan her family’s evenings around the hum of a generator and the unpredictability of power cuts. Her home, like many others, depended heavily on diesel, kerosene, and prayer. But things changed the day she switched to solar. Today, families like hers are powering their homes with solutions like the H50 and H50+ solar systems from StarTimes Solar complete setups that include 5Kva inverters, robust batteries, and high-efficiency solar panels. Thanks to the new pricing, more Nigerians are finding solar power within reach. Reliable Power Supply:
Blackouts once interrupted work, ruined perishable goods, and disrupted students’ study hours. Now, with systems like the H50+, families and businesses can enjoy consistent electricity come rain or shine. Cost Saving:
The rising cost of fuel has made generators a luxury many can’t afford. Solar power eliminates these recurring expenses. One upfront investment means long-term freedom from fuel queues and skyrocketing bills. Environmental Friendliness: Nigerians are becoming more conscious of their environment. Switching to solar isn’t just a smart financial move; it’s a contribution to a cleaner, greener Nigeria. Solar energy reduces carbon emissions, making it an investment in our planet’s future. Increased Property Value:
Homes equipped with solar systems are rising in value. Buyers and renters alike are drawn to properties offering lower electricity costs and energy security. Whether it’s a family home or a business space, installing a solar system adds value, and this, StarTimes Solar has in abundance. Energy Independence:
An unreliable power supply forces people to depend on erratic grid electricity. With StarTimes Solar systems, users can take control of their energy with no unexpected outages, no more tariff hikes, and no more helplessness. From high-capacity setups like the H50+ to more compact options like the H25, StarTimes Solar is not just selling power, they’re offering peace of mind. For Mrs. Adebayo, and thousands of Nigerians like her, the sun no longer sets with uncertainty. It rises with assurance. Reach out to the StarTimes Solar team and discover the solar setup that works for your space, your budget, and your peace of mind. Abuja: 0209-461-2345 Lagos: 0201-465-8888 WhatsApp: 08172397969 www.startimessolar.com.ng Written by Mary-Ann Akpama

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News_Naija

Mati Eyes Redemption After Tough Opener In Tunis

~1.5 mins read

Nigeria’s Taiwo Mati will be hoping to revive his 2025 WTT Contender Tunis campaign when he faces India’s Snehit Suravajjula today (Wednesday) in his second men’s singles group match, after starting with a 3-1 loss to Malta’s Kim Taehyun, PUNCH Sports Extra reports. Ranked 562nd in the world and 10th in Nigeria, the 20-year-old was handed a tough opening test by Kim at the Salle Omnisport de Rades in Tunis, Tunisia, as the six-day tournament opened on Tuesday. With a total prize pool of $100,000 and valuable ranking points up for grabs, Mati entered hoping to cause upsets in Group 10. He started brightly, responding well after losing the first game 11-7 by taking the second 11-9. However, Kim, ranked 144th in the world, found another gear and dominated the third game 11-5 before edging the fourth 13-11 to seal the match. In total, Kim won 44 points to Mati’s 34, with both players performing closely on serve, Kim winning 24 points on his own serve to Mati’s 23. The Maltese was also far more effective on return, winning 20 points to Mati’s 11. Kim showed greater control throughout, building the biggest lead of six points and stringing together six consecutive points at his peak, while Mati managed a high of three points and a four-point run. Mati overcame only a one-point deficit during the match, compared to Kim’s three. Although disappointed, Mati remains mathematically in the race for qualification from the group. His next opponent, Suravajjula, is ranked among the top 100 in the world and will offer another stern challenge. With a win, Mati, who came into the tournament with nine world ranking points, would boost his hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds, where the prize money and ranking points become more rewarding. A place in the round of 32 guarantees $650 and four world ranking points, while a win in the round of 16 offers $825 and 35 points. Reaching the quarter-finals brings in $1,025 and 70 points. Players who go further can earn $1,275 and 140 points in the semi-finals, while the runner-up takes home $2,500 and 280 points. The winner of the tournament pockets $5,000 and 400 ranking points.