Thursday, 29 January 2026

20 Additional companies have secured power generation permits from NERC

 



NERC National Electric Regulation Commision )disclosed that the firms obtained the permits in the third quarter of 2025, authorizing them to produce electricity independently for internal use. 

The firms opted to generate a combined 5.85 megawatts of electricity for their own operations, a move aimed at reducing reliance on Nigeria’s unreliable national grid. The firms cited persistent power supply shortfalls and grid unreliability.

 NERC explained that due to growing demand for off grid solutions, guidelines are in place,  Power plants above 1MW require NERC permits to ensure it is solely for license holder’s consumption not selling to third parties. There are guidelines when there is intention to sell to third party, to ensure transparency and customer protection.

Licensed off-grid capacity now estimated at over 6,500MW nationwide.  NERC affirms issueing multiple captive permits in the third quarter to support industrial energy security, aligning with Electricity Act provisions. 

NERC concluded that gas supply shortages directly contributed to reduced generation, adding that gas supply constraints directly reduced generation by 602GWh, forcing more firms to go captive, while calling for federal intervention to address sector debts and infrastructure gaps.

Wednesday, 28 January 2026

DISCOS RECORD IMPROVED REVENUE PERFORMANCES.




NERC (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission) Report reveals gas supply challenges continues to be a pain on the neck in electricity generation. 

Gas supply challenges led to a reduction of about 602 gigawatt hours electricity reduction. NERC further iterated that Average hourly output syood at 4,179.15 mw/h translating to reduced overall supply. 

But despite these challenges, electricity distribution companies recorded improved Revenue performance. Discos collected 570,21 billion out of N706.61 billion billed on customers. This is representing a collection efficiency of 80.7% yet consumers continued to experience power outages.

 NERC cautions remittance gap still persists and cited Ajaeokuta owing N1.03billion, this is still undermining market stability.

 According to the report there is also an increased bilateral power transactions. These are.longer-term energy contracts that organise renewable energy payments over a predetermined period. Contract lengths can vary from a year to twenty years or more, (NERC) in its Third Quarter 2025 report, noted that Togo, Niger, and Benin were invoiced a total of $18.69m by the Market Operator for electricity supplied during the period; however, they remitted only $7.125m, leaving an outstanding balance of $11.56m 

 NERC commission further disclosed that Government subsidies continued to aid the sector at a 58.63 percent. But he iterated that there was a drop in this government subsidy, FG paid N458.75billion in electricity subsidies which is 10.81 percent drop from 514.35billion. 

NERC stated that the factor which continues to weigh on the sector is poor metering, customer dissatisfaction and unwillingness to affect revenue recovery across the electricity sector. 

 Why shouldn’t there be customers' dissatisfaction?, there is need to add strategy in their operation. For instance the tourism sector expressed dissatisfaction over how DISCOS disappointed them during during Christmas celebration, this is the peak of their revenue generation, there was increased influx of tourists but the power distribution companies made it a nightmare for them.

 They recorded minimal revenue generation, purchasing diesel and fuel to give tourists maximum comfort, restaurateurs couldn’t store their frozen foods the same period paying more to cold rooms in other to preserve their food stuffs. Lets face it, Incidences like this discourages prompt payment. Most of the hoteliers are of the opinion that it is better to reserve gas supply for this season. That’s strategy!. Incessant power outages when tourist are arriving the country doesn’t speak well for the country’s image.

Tuesday, 20 January 2026

How Cloves work wonders in women's health




 Cloves are low calorie spices, it is easily sourced in Nigerian Market and very affordable. It is a rich blend of eugenol, flavonoids and essential minerals making it essential in women’s wellness.

So let us dive into what Nigerian women stand to gain by making this spice its ally.

  1. Regular consumption of just a pinch of ground clove delivers antioxidants that help balance hormones. This is very important in controlling fibroid growths. Excess estrogen spurs fibroid growth. Incorporating cloves in your diet and lifestyle will sure help curb fibroid growths.
  1. 2. Its potent antimicrobial properties can keep troublesome vaginal yeast overgrowth at bay, an issue that affects up to 75 percent of women at some point in their lives.  By disrupting the cell membranes of Candida albicans and other pathogens, clove oil not only eases the itching and discharge associated with yeast infections but also supports a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn influences estrogen metabolism and overall hormonal harmony.
  • 3. For women managing menstrual discomfort, digestive irregularities, or blood sugar spikes, the modest amount of manganese, vitamin K, and fiber found in clove makes it a simple, natural ally that works from the inside out.
  •  4. Manganese – A single teaspoon of ground clove provides about 10 % of the daily value for manganese, a mineral essential for bone formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates and cholesterol. Adequate manganese helps maintain bone density, which is especially important for women as they approach menopause when bone loss accelerates.
  • 5. Vitamin K– Though present in small amounts, vitamin K contributes to proper blood clotting and bone health by assisting the body’s use of calcium. For women taking anticoagulant medication, moderation is key, but a modest intake can complement a balanced diet.
  • 6. Dietary fiber – The tiny amount of soluble fiber in clove can aid in digestive regularity, a common concern during the menstrual cycle. Fiber also helps moderate post‑meal glucose spikes, supporting stable energy levels.
  • 7. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds – Eugenol, eugenyl acetate, and other polyphenols act as antioxidants, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to inflammation. Their anti‑inflammatory action alleviate menstrual cramps and reduce the severity of inflammatory skin conditions such as acne or eczema.

How these nutrients translate into everyday benefits

1. Hormonal balance – The antioxidant environment fostered by clove’s polyphenols helps the liver metabolize estrogen more efficiently. A well regulated estrogen cycle can lessen symptoms of PMS, improve mood, and support fertility. as it curbs excessive estrogen. this helps to curb fibroid growth.

2. Menstrual comfort – Manganese’s role in prostaglandin synthesis can reduce uterine contractions, while the mild analgesic effect of eugenol can further ease cramping.

3. Blood sugar management – The fiber and eugenol together slow carbohydrate absorption and improve insulin sensitivity. Studies in animal models suggest that eugenol can enhance the activity of AMPK, an enzyme that helps cells take up glucose, which is beneficial for women at risk of type 2 diabetes.

4. Gut health – By curbing the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi, clove supports a diverse microbiome. A balanced gut flora is linked to better nutrient absorption, mood regulation, and even skin health.

Ways to incorporate clove into a woman’s routine

– Morning tea – Add a pinch of ground clove to herbal tea or green tea for a gentle antioxidant boost.

– You can boil water in the morning, ground some cloves and drink.

– Smoothie boost – Sprinkle a small amount into a fruit‑based smoothie; the flavor pairs well with cinnamon and ginger.

By incorporating clove into the diet in modest, regular amounts, women can tap into its antimicrobial, anti inflammatory, and nutrient rich profile to support hormonal balance, digestive health, and steady blood sugar levels.

Now that you know, think about other women out who don’t know, but need it. Please share to them.

Healthy women! Happy People!! Healthy Nation

Tuesday, 6 January 2026

Nigeria's Siemens deal or PPI Initiative.





Nigeria's Presidential Power Initiative (PPI)

It is a major project with German support to modernize its electricity grid in phases, aiming for 25GW capacity by improving generation, transmission, and distribution. 


Goal: Revitalize Nigeria's power sector by upgrading the national grid to 25GW, addressing infrastructure gaps.

Key Partners: FGN Power Company (Nigerian Gov't SPV) and Siemens AG, with German government backing.
Phases:

Phase 1: "Quick wins" to boost grid capacity to 7GW.

Phase 2: Expand transmission/distribution to evacuate 11GW.

Phase 3: Reach 25GW, including generation expansion.

Initiative Workstreams

The implementation of the PPI is classified into 5 work streams which are Transmission, Distribution, Meter Data Management System (MDMS), Power Technologies International (PTI) and Training.

PPI will upgrade, modernize, and invest in the existing Transmission Company of Nigeria’s sites as well as embark on new projects in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry.

Distribution Systems: PPI will facilitate construction of feeders, injection substations, distribution substations, and auto reclosers for 11 existing Distribution Companies (Discos).

National Metering Systems: PPI will integrate all the DisCos to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) for prepayment transactions..

Power Simulation: PPI will facilitate the Power System Simulation for Nigeria (PSS4N) and System Development Studies which are the Power Technologies International (PTI) workstreams.

Training: PPI will conduct equipment and product training for Transmission Company of Nigeria and DisCos’ employees on all equipment and products installed.

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, assured Nigerians that 2026 will be dedicated to consolidating gains made in the power sector in 2025 and delivering more reliable, accessible, and sustainable electricity nationwide.

The minister gave this assurance in his New Year message to Nigerians, noting that despite the challenges encountered last year, significant milestones were achieved, particularly in stabilising the national grid and recording of sectoral ‘historic landmarks’ in power generation and distribution.

According to him, sustained efforts under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), popularly known as the Siemens Deal, have played a critical role in strengthening the grid and reducing the frequency of grid collapses experienced in previous years. He expressed confidence that the ongoing Phase One

Saturday, 3 January 2026

Nigerian Exchange Delisting Dilemma: Symptom of Chronic ailment?




Share holders explain that it is indeed a troubling trend that should be addressed. A troubling narrative for Africa’s leading stock market . 

Since the dawn of 2020, there has been a rush in NSE delistings most are regulatory induced, the roster of the departed is long, with famed voluntary delistings that include 11 Plc (2021), Ardova Petroleum (2023), ARBICO Plc (2024), and MRS Oil itself (2025).  How about NGX reduce its regulatory demands that look like burden to struggling companies.

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc’s shares were exited from the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) on 28 July 2025, it was not an anomaly; it was latest symptom of a chronic ailment, marking yet another chapter.. The petroleum marketer was valued at ₦51.3 billion at exit, citing operational flexibility and cost savings as major motivations for delisting. Dozens of firms have given this and other reasons for fleeing the bourse over the past five years.


Raging inflation, forex volatility, and Naira devaluation has created inclement operating conditions which battered earnings and made public listings onerous, pushing many firms to elect private status or over-the-counter trading to escape pressures from compliance costs. 

Regulatory implementations in 2024 ushered 14 companies like Niger Insurance and RAK Unity Petroleum out of the NGX in 2024 for non-compliance.

Year 2025 has seen eight companies walk out of the Exchange’s door they are Notore Chemical Industries, Smart Products Nigeria, Capital Oil, Goldlink Insurance, Med-View Airline, Tourist Company of Nigeria, Union Homes Savings, Glaxo SmithKline, and Flour Mills of Nigeria all bade goodbye to the gongs. From energy to finance, only a few sectors have been spared.


While NGX has works to do to stem the tide and curb capital erosion, the companies must address persistent reporting failures or weak operations. NGX's market capitalisation hovered around ₦94 trillion as of late 2025, but the value could have been ₦1 trillion or 1.5 per cent higher over five years. Cumulative exit values stood at around ₦330 billion from 2025 alone while previous waves blew away ₦500 billion. The implication is dire as it signals waning investor confidence on one hand and limits capital-raising options for a cash-impecunious economy on the other.

A solution is urgently needed. And that solution must be multiforme. The NGX should review listing costs and compliance requirements to ensure they are not harsh; Market-making mechanisms should be improved to boost liquidity for mid-cap stocks; targeted tax incentives should be fashioned for publicly listed companies. 

Policies that facilitate forex access for foreign portfolio investors must also be formulated to increase the NGX’s attraction.  This way, the core challenge of making public listing a strategically beneficial option rather than a regulatory burden will be collaboratively addressed, and the alarmingly deafening continued silence of the gong for departing companies will be muted.