The Nigerian Infectious Diseases Society (NIDS) has called for strengthened intersectoral collaboration to improve prevention, detection and control of infectious diseases following resolutions reached at its 16th Annual General Meeting and Conference.
The recommendation is contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NIDS conference in Kaduna and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Friday, January 2, 2026, by the society’s President, Dr Mahmood Dalhat.
The communiqué said the conference theme was “Resilient Health Systems in a Changing World,” focusing on confronting emerging and endemic infectious disease threats in Nigeria amid global, environmental and socioeconomic challenges.
Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare
It listed subthemes including reimagining infectious disease control, global health financing constraints, advancing HIV care with long-acting antiretrovirals, driving vaccine self-reliance through manufacturing, and examining climate change impacts on disease re-emergence.
The conference emphasised urgent intersectoral collaboration among NIDS, government agencies, development partners, academia and the private sector to better position Nigeria for effective prevention, detection and response to infectious disease threats.
It highlighted artificial intelligence as a critical tool for closing gaps in data science, research and development for vaccines and medicines, healthcare planning, surveillance, and evidence-based decision making nationwide systems capacity.
The communique recommended increased domestic funding for surveillance, laboratory strengthening, outbreak preparedness, workforce development, decentralised healthcare delivery, strategic purchasing, and improved governance and coordination at national and subnational levels across Nigeria.
It urged adoption of innovative financing, including public–private partnerships and health security trust funds, to expand local manufacturing of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics while reducing donor dependence through sustainable budgetary commitments.
The conference called for sustained investment in biotechnology, regulatory reforms, faster approvals, phased rollout of long-acting antiretroviral therapies, equitable access strategies, and strengthened One Health and antimicrobial resistance action plan implementation.
It also advocated climate-sensitive surveillance, stronger interministerial coordination, stakeholder engagement, and partnerships with donors and research institutions, appreciating Kaduna State’s support and reaffirming NIDS commitment to infectious prevention, diagnosis and treatment.
Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront and Infrastructure Development, Mr. Dayo Alebiosu, says the state’s waterfront agenda is driven by law, vision and effective planning.
Alebiosu said on Friday, January 2, 2026, that the agenda was not driven by political considerations or personal connections.
He spoke with journalists on Lagos State waterfront development, regulation and planning.
Mr. Ekundayo Alebiosu, Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure and Development
The official said that competence and intent, rather than sentiments or politics, had guided government decisions in the sector.
“Waterfront is a technical space. Our focus is on law, planning and development.
“It is not about politics or where anyone comes from,” he said.
He cautioned against attempts to politicise professional appointments and policy decisions.
Alebiosu, a former member of the Federal House of Representatives, said there were opportunities across the state and they should be approached with vision rather than suspicion.
“There is water in Kosofe. If development can happen in Ilashe, it can happen elsewhere,” he said.
The commissioner said that areas such as Ilashe transformed through deliberate planning and investment.
Alebiosu said he focused on long-term impact.
“The mind is the most fertile ground in the world; whatever you drop there will grow,” he said.
The commissioner emphasised the need to separate humanitarian interventions from political interests.
“We must also separate issues of governance from political interests. “I prefer quiet humanitarian interventions to public display.
“Why would you come to me privately for help and then I turn around to publicise it? That does not make sense to me,” he said.
According to him, the state now adopts an evidence-based approach to assistance.
“We now raise funds collectively, engage directly and ask for proof that the need is real,” he said.
Alebiosu urged constructive criticisms and discouraged deliberate provocation and destructive criticisms.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Lagos State Government to lawful waterfront development, responsible governance and interventions driven by intent, accountability and long-term value.
President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, has unveiled a plaque renaming the University of Gambia’s School of Agriculture and Environmental Services as Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Services. The historic occasion recognised and immortalised Adesina’s name, leadership, contributions to Africa, and his visionary role in the transformation of agriculture and food security on the continent.
Adesina, whose tenure as President of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group (2015 to 2025), was reportedly marked by strategic development gains across the continent, pioneered a transformative High 5 programme to Light Up and Power Africa, Feed Africa, Integrate Africa, Industrialise Africa and Improve the quality of life of the people of Africa.
Historical recognition for Akinwumi Adesina: University of Gambia re-names Faculty of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in his honour
According to the Bank’s data, the programme impacted on the lives of over 535 million people.
Under his leadership, AfDB’s capital rose from $93 billion to $318 billion, said to be the highest in the history of the Bank. The institution won several global accolades including the most transparent financial institution in the world, and best multilateral development bank in the world, while maintaining its AAA credit rating by global credit rating agencies.
Under Adesina’s leadership, AfDB launched the Feed Africa strategy to transform agricultural sector and food production, which provided food security for over 104 million people.
In The Gambia, fulfilling a decades old dream since independence in the 60s, the Bank under Adesina’s leadership financed a now iconic and historic landmark bridge connecting The Gambia and Senegal. The new bridge seamlessly cuts travel time between both countries by hours and boosts trade and regional integration.
The decision of the Government of The Gambia and the University of The Gambia was communicated in a letter dated November 27, 2025, by the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Professor Pierre Gomez, who said, “Your tenure as President of the African Development Bank has been transformative, driving economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable development across Africa. Your leadership in launching the Feed Africa Strategy and the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) initiative has revolutionised agricultural productivity and food security, empowering millions of smallholder farmers and enhancing climate resilience.”
The citation adds, “Beyond your tenure at the African Development Bank, your pioneering reforms as Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture laid a foundation for modernising the agricultural sector, boosting food production, and creating economic opportunities. Your tireless advocacy for leveraging agriculture as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, and youth empowerment continues to inspire policies across the continent.”
Recognising Adesina’s exceptional leadership, and his belief in the transformative power of Africa talent and ingenuity, the University said, “By naming our School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences in your honour, we seek to immortalise your legacy and inspire our students to emulate your vision, determination, and passion for Africa’s development This decision reflects our profound appreciation for your exceptional leadership and enduring belief in the transformative power of African talent and ingenuity,”
In a letter of appreciation to President Barrow, Adesina said: “It is with great humility and a deep sense of gratitude that I write this letter to express to you my immense appreciation of the exceptional honor you have conferred on me, with the renaming of the School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences at the University of The Gambia as ‘Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina School of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences’.
“It is a rare honor which immortalises my name in recognition of my leadership in supporting the transformation of agriculture in Africa. It is an exceptional honour. I wish to convey to you, Your Excellency, my most profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation for this exceptional honour. I look forward to visiting The Gambia soon to witness this monumental development which will remain ever green in my memory.”
Adesina also expressed his deep and appreciation gratitude to the Minister of Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, the Chairman and members of the Governing Council, the Vice Chancellor and the Dean of the School of Agriculture, of University of The Gambia.
In 2023, President Adama Barrow awarded Dr. Akinwumi Adesina the country’s highest national honour, the Grand Commander of the Order of the Republic in recognition of his leadership and immense contributions to The Gambia and Africa.
The year 2025 has emerged as a pivotal milestone for the African water and sanitation community. Throughout this year, we have resolutely pursued AMCOW’s mission, which is to “provide political leadership, strategic guidance and advocacy for the provision, use and management of water resources for sustainable social and economic development and the preservation of African ecosystems”.
True to this mission and mandate, AMCOW, in close collaboration with the African Union Commission, has led the process of developing the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy.
You will recall that at the beginning of the new millennium, we set out our ambition for “an Africa where water resources are used equitably and sustainably for socio-economic development, poverty reduction, regional cooperation and environmental protection by 2025”.
Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Republic of Senegal, and AMCOW President
I am delighted that, in this pivotal year, the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy was adopted at the 14th Session of the AMCOW General Assembly, held on 29 September in Dakar, Senegal. This Vision and Policy – that of a resilient Africa, secure in terms of water and equipped with safe sanitation for all– is not merely an aspiration. They constitute a genuine roadmap for the next 38 years, with the overall objective of ensuring water security as part of the implementation of Agenda 2063, the Africa we want.
They position water as an essential catalyst for the achievement of Agenda 2063, from poverty eradication, food security and industrialisation to climate resilience and regional integration.
The new Africa Water Vision will be our compass, our collective voice and our shared commitment to future generations. It will also serve as Africa’s common position and contribution to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, with a view to accelerating the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6).
I am particularly pleased that the document entitled “Africa Water Vision and Policy 2063” is the result of a long consultative process led by Member States. This approach aligns with the priorities defined at the beginning of Senegal’s two-year term as President of AMCOW. As recalled during the handover of the AMCOW presidency on March 3, 2025, one of our major ambitions was to reach a consensus on the development and adoption of a common and ambitious Africa Water Vision and Policy post-2025.
This approach was also in line with the decisions of the 13th AMCOW General Assembly, held in the Arab Republic of Egypt in June 2023, which entrusted the AMCOW Secretariat with conducting a multi-level dialogue process with a view to adopting the new Vision.
The sub-regional consultation meetings, organised by the AMCOW Vice-Presidents in each of the sub-regions, on the sidelines of our institution’s statutory meetings, played a decisive role in this consultative process. In this regard, allow me to commend the leadership and support of my colleagues and AMCOW Vice-Presidents:
Jumaa Hamidu Aweso, Minister of Water and Irrigation of the United Republic of Tanzania, hosted the meeting of the East Africa Sub-Regional Ministerial Committee from March 4 to 7, 2025, in Dar Es Salaam;
Joseph Terlumun Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, hosted the West African Member States from March 18 to 20 in Abuja;
Dr. Anxious Jongwe Masuka, Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development of the Republic of Zimbabwe, convened the Southern Africa sub-regional meeting from March 24 to 26 in Harare;
José Juan Ndong Tom Mekina, Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Forestry, Fisheries and Environment of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea, convened the Central African Member States to a virtual meeting on April 2 and 3, 2025; and
Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water of the Kingdom of Morocco, convened the Member States of North Africa on April 8 and 10 in Rabat.
We also express our deep gratitude to the authorities of the Republic of Zambia for hosting the Third Pan-African Conference on Implementation and Partnership (PANAFCON-3), held from May 27 to 29 in Lusaka. PANAFCON-3 provided an inclusive platform for broad consultations with all stakeholders to review the initial draft Vision and Policy Framework for the post-2025 period, aimed at ensuring water security and access to sanitation for an integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa.
We extend our sincere thanks to Collins Nzovu, Member of Parliament and Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation of the Republic of Zambia, for his visionary leadership and mobilisation in convening and conducting PANAFCON-3.
Another major milestone was the African Union Summit on Investment in the Water Sector, held from August 13 to 15, 2025, in Cape Town, Republic of South Africa, during which AMCOW organised an awareness-raising session on the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy. We deeply appreciate the leadership of Pemmy Majodna, Member of Parliament and Minister of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa, who was able to mobilise and unite political leaders around this strategic agenda during the Summit.
The development of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy would not have been possible without the decisive leadership of the African Union Commission. In this regard, allow me to express my gratitude to my brother and visionary leader, Mr. Moses Vilakati, Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Economy, Blue Economy and Sustainable Environment (ARBE) of the African Union Commission.
We also extend our thanks to the reference group and sherpas appointed by the African Union Commission who worked, on the one hand, to build a broad political consensus around the fundamental principles of the Africa Water Vision and Policy and, on the other hand, to ensure sustained dialogue and active engagement of all stakeholders.
We also welcome the continued support and valuable collaboration of the African Development Bank, through the African Water Facility (AWF); the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA); the Gates Foundation (GF); the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, through GIZ; the Global Environment Facility (GEF), through the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Water Management Institute (IWMI); the African Network of Civil Society Organisations on Water and Sanitation (ANEW); the AUDA-NEPAD Network of Centres of Excellence on Water; WaterAid; the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR); and all our implementing partners.
At the end of the year, we also had the honour of taking part in several high-level continental events. These included the eight edition of Cairo Water Week, held from October 12 to 16 in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, and the 19th World Water Congress, organised by the International Water Resources Association (IWRA) from December 1 to 5 in Marrakesh, Kingdom of Morocco.
As we approach the end of 2025, we look forward to 2026 with renewed commitment. We express our gratitude to our Heads of State and Government for adopting the theme “Ensuring sustainable availability of water and safe sanitation systems to achieve the goals of Agenda 2063” as the theme of the African Union for the year 2026. This strategic choice aims to strengthen water security in order to realise Africa’s aspirations to expand its economic opportunities.
The 39th ordinary session of the Assembly, scheduled for February 2026, will be mainly devoted to the adoption of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy as a continental tool for implementing Agenda 2063.
In accordance with the decision of the African Union (Assembly/AU/Dec.912(XXXVIII)), the Republic of Senegal also notes the opportunity offered by the vertical links between the African Union’s 2026 theme framework and the 2026 United Nations Water Conference to accelerate the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation.
As co-organiser of the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, Senegal also intends to place the Africa Water Vision and Policy at the heart of global discussions on the actions to be taken to give new impetus to the implementation of Africa’s commitments on water and sanitation.
As we commemorate the AU theme for 2026, we seek to:
develop a first detailed implementation plan for the Africa Water Vision and Policy for the period 2026-2033.
formulate the first implementation plan 2026-2033 for the Africa Water Vision and Policy (FIP 2026-33) and mobilise the necessary efforts to implement this Vision by 2063;
organise, on the sidelines of the 2026 Annual Meeting of the African Development Bank, an international conference on financing the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy;
ensure the dissemination and awareness-raising of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy at major events, including:
12th Ordinary Session of the African Regional Forum for Sustainable Development on the theme: Water and Development – UNECA
Africa Water & Sanitation Systems Leadership Symposium Kigali 2026
Regional preparatory processes towards the 11th World Water Forum
In conclusion, allow me to reaffirm my full commitment to working in collaboration with all Member States, partner institutions and all stakeholders in the water and sanitation sector.
Only through collective action, based on determination and solidarity, can we make water and sanitation a political and socio-economic priority, serving inclusive growth and sustainable prosperity for our continent in 2026 and beyond.
By Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Republic of Senegal, and AMCOW President
Against the backdrop of the New Year,global trade has been faced with a significant development – from January 1, 2026, exports of select industrial goods to the European Union (EU) is being charged a carbon price under the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Says Sunita Narain, director general of the New Delhi-based think tank Centre for Science and Environment (CSE): “By putting a carbon price at the border, CBAM changes how competitiveness is defined in global trade. But what it also does is shift the decarbonisation costs to developing countries, thus extending a familiar dynamic where developing countries adapt to rules set elsewhere, under conditions that structurally disadvantage them.”
Carbon tax
A carbon tax is a financial charge imposed on businesses for their carbon dioxide emissions, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
Narain adds: “Decarbonisation in industry is both necessary and unavoidable. Developing countries will need to pursue decarbonisation to remain competitive. However, this transition cannot be driven through unilateral measures alone.”
CSE has recommended that developed countries like India should collect a carbon tax domestically at point of exports, so that the funds can be directed towards decarbonisation of domestic industry, whilst also meeting the CBAM’s carbon pricing criteria.
Says Avantika Goswami, programme manager, climate change unit, CSE: “To promote truly equitable global climate action, the provision of real sectoral decarbonisation support in the form of concessional finance and technology transfer from the EU to developing country partners is crucial. This can help reduce the carbon intensity of manufacturing. It will also ensure a level playing field and also provide funds for countries of the Global South to invest in low carbon growth.”
CSE had flagged its concerns in its 2024 study Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): The Global South’s response to a changing trade regime in the era of climate change, warning that the mechanism does not address historical responsibility or structural asymmetries.
The debate on CBAM
Over the past 15 months, a series of measures under CBAM has expanded its scope — turning it into an extensive trade obligation, placing growing demands on exporters for data provision and verification. Recent proposals to expand CBAM’s scope to other sectors, tighten verification requirements, and introduce anti-circumvention provisions, further increase compliance and cost pressures on exporters from the Global South.
While the technical requirements have tightened, the political trajectory of CBAM has been shaped increasingly by domestic industrial pressures within the EU, with discussions on carve-outs, exemptions, and simplification geared towards the preferences of domestic industry.
Says Goswami: “This reflects a prioritisation of internal competitiveness rather than easing obligations on partner countries or contributing to global climate benefits, reinforcing trade partners’ branding of the EU’s policy as a protectionist measure rather than a climate tool.”
In international fora, developing countries have highlighted that climate-linked trade measures such as CBAM risk increasing the overall cost of climate action, fragmenting multilateral cooperation, and shifting mitigation burdens onto countries with lower historical emissions and weaker capacities.
Implications for India
For India, the implications are significant. CSE’s analysis shows that CBAM could impose substantial cost pressures on steel and aluminium exports to the EU. The study estimated that affected exports could face a price burden of around 25 per cent – a shock that exporters are likely to absorb through price compression in order to remain competitive.
Redressal measures must be urgently pursued
In addition to measures such as ensuring funds from the carbon tax stay within borders and the need for EU to provide additional decarbonisation-climate finance, a package of additional steps can be considered. These include recycling of CBAM revenues to developing country partners, support for monitoring and reporting of emissions, and exemptions for least developed countries.
However, these may provide only temporary relief and alleviate some immediate impacts of the CBAM; in the long run enabling the transition in developing countries through real finance must be a key goal for the EU.
CSE experts say multilateral fora must also urgently reckon with the structural inequities of the global trade, finance and industrial regimes, and envision equitable pathways to global green industrialisation, where developing countries can both decarbonise existing industry and participate in emerging green industries without being left behind.
The Federal Government has restated its commitment to unlocking the vast potentials of Nigeria’s steel resources for inclusive and sustainable development.
Minister of Steel Development, Prince Shuaibu Audu, made the commitment in his New Year message to Nigerians on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Abuja.
Audu said that the ministry remained committed to working collaboratively with sub-national governments, the private sector, development partners and host communities to achieve the feat.
Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu
“As we move into the New Year, our focus remains resolute.
“To strengthen institutional frameworks, accelerate the revitalisation of critical steel assets, promote local steel production, attract both domestic and foreign investments and enhance human capacity development across the sector.
“These efforts are central to our mandate of ensuring that the steel industry effectively supports infrastructure development, manufacturing, job creation, and national self-reliance.
“In realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the ministry will continue to pursue policies and partnerships that foster transparency, efficiency, innovation, and sustainability,” he said.
The minister said that in spite of constraints in 2025, particularly the non-release of funds for the implementation of the 2025 budget, it sustained its reform momentum through the prudent implementation of key components of the 2024 Appropriation.
According to him, by prioritising strategic partnerships, investments’ facilitation and policy-led interventions over direct budgetary outlays, the ministry recorded notable achievements that reaffirm the resilience and ingenuity of its leadership.
A major milestone in 2025, he said, was the successful hosting of the inaugural National Steel Summit 2025, which brought together stakeholders from across the nation to chart a new course for the sector’s revival.
He said that Nigeria had advanced in discussions with prospective investors in China to facilitate the revival of the Ajaokuta steel plant.
The ministry, he said, facilitated a $500 million investment by NNPC and its partners for the establishment of five mini-Liquefied Natural Gas plants within the Ajaokuta Steel Territory.
This initiative, he explained, would ensure a reliable power supply, reduce production costs, promote cleaner energy use and stimulate industrial growth with a particular focus on Northern Nigeria.
He added that the ministry executed an MoU with the Federal Ministry of Defence for the local production of military hardware and the establishment of a Military Industrial Complex within the Ajaokuta Steel Territory, in collaboration with Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
The minister said he approved the employment of over 200 pioneer steel-sector experts into the National Steel Council, Abuja, while over 700 youths were empowered with technical skills
“Looking ahead to 2026, the Ministry is focused on consolidating these gains and transitioning from policy reforms to measurable production outcomes.
“Expectations include accelerated implementation of signed investments, tangible progress at Ajaokuta, phased production in the new steel plant.
“Deeper local content integration, and sustainable job creation, supported by stronger budgetary alignment and private sector participation,” he said.
The issue of estimated billing has been a challenge in the power sector with many electricity consumers across the country complaining about it due to inflated costs, lack of transparency, and being charged more than actual power consumption.
For several years, there have been protests over exploitative billing by Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).
Many homes that barely get electricity supply once a week are charged outrageous sums of money per month, in a billing that is not cost effective.
Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu
In some cases, the difference in charges could be as high as 500 per cent within a short time, even when there is little or no improvement in power supply.
Most affected by this exploitation are electricity consumers without pre-paid meters, as their billings are estimated.
Affected consumers have continued to complain that the high billing led to overpayments or disputes, with common complaints focusing on high charges, opaque calculations, and issues with meter installation.
They said that 11 years after privatisation; millions of them still relied on estimated billing due to the absence of prepaid meters.
According to them, estimated billing has led to “crazy billing”, charges far higher than the electricity they consume.
Mr. Princewill Okorie, Executive Director, Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre, described estimated billing as criminal, adding that it is not done according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) methodology.
According to him, NERC directed that transformers used in supplying electricity to those on estimated billing should have a meter to check what energy goes to a place and multiply it with the kilowatts per hour
He said that most of the distribution companies are using transformers that do not have meters because they want to exploit consumers.
“You must not give bills anyhow, you must check the meters on the transformer to know the electricity supplied to consumers.
“It is wrong for people to be paying for what they did not consume,‘’ he said.
A consumer in Lugbe Zone 7, Mrs. Mabel Osuji, said that the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) had not provided the area with meters, so residents pay whatever bill is giving to them.
According to her, sometimes the bill will be high other time it will be low.
“We are waiting for the pre-paid meters that government promised to roll out so that we can only pay for what we consume,‘’ she said.
Another consumer in the same area, Mr Monday Olaniyi, said that having to pay bills through estimation was not the best.
Olaniyi said that he did not know what he consumed but just keeps paying any bill given to him.
“I have applied for the pre-paid meter and I am patiently waiting for it to end this crazy bills,‘’ he said.
To solve the problem of estimated billing, the Federal Government, through NERC, issued an order capping estimated bills for unmetered customers based on feeder averages to ensure fairness.
The NERC Order on Capping of Estimated Bills is contained in Order No: NERC/197/2020.
It protects unmetered customers in Nigeria by setting maximum charges for estimated electricity bills, aligning them with actual consumption of metered users on the same feeder.
“This has led to subsequent enforcement orders and sanctions for Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) failing to comply, requiring credit adjustments for over billed customers
“This order repealed older regulations and mandates that Distribution Companies (DisCos) provide these caps, with specific monthly energy caps available for different feeders,” NERC said.
According to the commission, Electricity consumers do not want to pay on the basis of estimated bills, rather they want to pay for what they consume and should be provided meters in order to achieve this.
The Federal Government is currently metering electricity consumers to ensure accurate billing, end to estimated billing , reduce revenue leakages, and boost power sector transparency.
The Federal Government also seeks to improve efficiency, and restore public trust through its Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI), deploying millions of smart meters to bridge the gap, protect vulnerable Nigerians, and make the sector financially viable.
The key objectives of the FG metering initiative to end estimated billing is to eliminate the practice where consumers are billed based on assumptions rather than actual consumption.
It is also to ensure that consumers pay only for the electricity they use, promoting transparency, revenue protection help DisCos recover revenue loss to non-payment and inefficiencies.
“Ensure sector viability: enhance the financial health of the power sector to attract investment, ensure public trust and confidence in electricity providers.
The initiative would also support Local Production, and foster local meter manufacturing and job creation.
The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, said that the Federal Government had secured about N700 billion, for the rollout of two million meters annually over the next five years under the initiative.
Adelabu disclosed this at the 2025 Nigerian Energy Forum, with the theme “Powering Nigeria through Investment, Innovation, and Partnership”.
He said that the fund was obtained from the Federation Account Allocation Committee by the Federal Government.
According to him, the PMI aims to close Nigeria’s metering gap, improve transparency, and enhance the financial stability of the power sector.
He said the initiative complemented the 3.2 million meters being procured through the World Bank’s Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), positioning the country to bridge the metering gap within five years.
The minister said that the Federal Government was leveraging bilateral funding and development finance to attract private investment and expand electricity access in underserved communities, schools, hospitals and public institutions.
“In the past two years, more than two billion dollars has been mobilised through key programmes, including the World Bank’s DARES, NSIA’s RIPLE, and the JICA fund.
“These interventions are accelerating renewable energy deployment and access to reliable power,” he said.
The Federal Government, through NERC, approved the disbursement of N28 billion to DisCos for the procurement and installation of prepaid meters under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF) Tranche B scheme.
NERC said that the N28 billion was for the procurement of meters for all outstanding unmetered Band A customers at no cost.
This announcement was contained in the Order on the Operationalisation of “Tranche B” of MAF issued by NERC and signed by its Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, and Commissioner, Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye,
According to the order, the funds approved under Tranche B of MAF are intended to meter all outstanding unmetered Band A customers.
They also focus on expediting the closure of the metering gap for customers currently classified under Tariff Band B
”The N28 billion shall be allocated in proportion to the respective contributions of the DisCos, and the DisCos are expected to meter all outstanding unmetered Band A customers.
”They are also required to expedite the closure of the metering gap for customers currently classified under Tariff Band B.
“Schedule 1 provides the detailed breakdown of the funds available to each DisCo for the purchase of end-use customer meters.
“All the meters to be procured and installed under the MAF framework shall be provided at no cost to the customers,” it said.
The commission said that the order seeks to establish a clear and transparent framework for the implementation of Tranche B of the MAF scheme.
It also said that the order sought to define the eligibility requirements and obligations of DisCos and Meter Assert Provider (MAP) in accessing and utilising funds.
“It prescribes the terms of financing, repayment, and utilisation of funds under the scheme.
“It also sets out the monitoring, reporting and evaluation requirements to ensure accountability, efficiency and transparency in the deployment of MAF funded meters.
”It provides operational guidelines and conditions applicable to participating entities to safeguard the integrity of the MAF scheme, ”it said.
Giving a breakdown of the releases of funds accrued under MAF, NERC explained that in April 2024, out of the accrued sum of N21.864 billion, it released N21 billion to the DisCos for the procurement of meters under tranche A of the MAF scheme.
It said that the latest is the N28 billion released under tranch B of the MAF scheme.
Also recently, NERC said that between 600,000 and 700,000 electricity meters are currently available for distribution across the country.
Its chairman, Musiliu Oseni, said this at the 4th Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) Stakeholders’ Meeting in Abuja.
Oseni, while urging DisCos to speed up the rollout of the meters, said that government had already made the necessary investments to make the meters available.
According to him, DisCos should take the responsibility of ensuring that the meters reach customers without delay
“There are currently 600,000 to 700,000 meters available in the country. Government has made the investment, so the DisCos need to step up.”
Oseni, who also spoke on the ongoing transition to State Electricity Regulatory Commissions, called on the DisCos to fully cooperate with the new regulators, saying no operator is above regulatory oversight.
As the Federal Government and other stakeholders take steps to address the contentious issue of estimated billing through provision of prepaid meters, affected consumers urge them to expedite actions to correct the situation.
Experts are of the opinion that if more pre-paid meters are brought into the power sector, estimated billing would be a thing of the past.
By Constance Athekame, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
An energy expert, Prof. Wumi Iledare, says Nigeria’s oil and gas sector recorded a measurable rebound in 2025, driven by improved security, relative regulatory stability and renewed operational activity.
Iledare, a Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics and Policy Research at the Louisiana State University Centre for Energy Studies, USA, said the gains remain fragile and far from transformational.
He disclosed this in an interview on Thursday, January 1, 2026, in Lagos while reviewing sector performance in 2025 and outlining imperatives for 2026.
Prof. Wumi Iledare
According to Iledare, the improved security environment and gradual stabilisation under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), combined with renewed government focus on operations, helped reverse parts of the sector’s recent decline.
“The direction of travel is positive. However, the temptation to declare a full turnaround should be resisted. Recovery is not the same as transformation,” he said.
He noted that crude oil production improved from recent lows, averaging between 1.6 and 1.7 million barrels per day in 2025, describing the development as a meaningful recovery.
He, however, cautioned that claims of consistently meeting Nigeria’s OPEC+ quota were not fully supported by production and fiscal data.
“Average output remained below benchmark levels, and oil revenue underperformed budget expectations in the first half of 2025.
“The gains were real, but uneven and not yet structurally secured,” he said.
Iledare, who is also Executive Director of the Emmanuel Egbogah Foundation, acknowledged progress in curbing crude oil theft and vandalism.
He attributed improvements to enhanced surveillance and stronger community–security collaboration.
“Headline claims of a 90 per cent reduction should be treated with caution.
“Theft estimates remain largely administrative and not independently audited. The trend is credible; the precision is not,” he said.
On upstream activity, he observed that while rig counts rebounded, growth figures were exaggerated by comparison with the unusually depressed 2021 base year.
He added that not all counted rigs were fully active, adding that translating rig numbers into sustained production growth would depend on financing availability, evacuation infrastructure and contract stability.
Iledare said output recovery in 2025 was incremental and driven by multiple factors, including initiatives such as Project One Million Barrels and cost-efficiency measures that refocused attention on brownfield and dormant assets.
“Production outcomes cannot be attributed to any single initiative. Petroleum systems respond to a bundle of incentives, risks and constraints – not policy branding,” he said.
He described the downstream sector as the most contested reform space, noting that Nigeria operates an oligopolistic market structure dominated by a few large players.
He said public debate often framed competition as a moral contest between investors and importers, a view he described as misleading.
“From a petroleum economics standpoint, competition is defined by market structure and regulatory neutrality, not by the size of capital deployed.
“Imports do not negate competition unless subsidised or preferentially treated,” he said.
On the Dangote Refinery, Iledare said its strategic importance to Nigeria’s industrial narrative was not in doubt.
“Claims of sustained 85 per cent utilisation, massive import reduction and billions of dollars in foreign-exchange savings should be seen as projections rather than realised outcomes.
“The refinery’s impact remains contingent on feedstock logistics, pricing transparency, market governance and regulatory consistency,” he said.
He explained that proposed upstream divestments by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd., (NNPCL) reflected deeper structural pressures.
“This include capital scarcity, rising operational risk and the limits of state participation in high-risk ventures.
“Divestment is not abdication; it is portfolio optimisation. But without strong board oversight, transparency and disciplined reinvestment of proceeds, it risks becoming a fiscal patch rather than a strategic reset,” he said.
In the gas sector, Iledare said progress on reserves growth, reduced flaring and increased domestic supply broadly aligned with regulatory disclosures.
However, he warned that major projects such as the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline and the Nigeria–Morocco gas pipeline remained vulnerable to execution risks and financing timelines.
“Optimism is warranted; complacency is not,” he said.
He identified the disconnect between production recovery and fiscal performance as one of the clearest signals of unfinished reform.
“Higher output did not translate proportionately into public revenue, reflecting price volatility, cost structures and governance leakages,” he said,
He added that attributing Nigeria’s improved GDP growth primarily to oil risked overstating the sector’s current contribution.
Iledare stressed that the overarching lesson of 2025 was that institutions matter more than announcements, calling for stronger regulatory guardrails and empowered boards of directors to ensure credibility and continuity.
He also underscored the need for visible sectoral leadership, noting that Nigeria’s oil and gas industry was too strategic to be managed by fragmented or virtual authority.
“A substantive, accountable minister remains a necessary condition for coherence and sustained impact.
“2025 was a year of recovery and re-anchoring, not full transformation. The gains are real but fragile.
“The imperative for 2026 is consolidation, discipline and institutional endurance,” Iledare said.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) says its new research shows up-to-date vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent severe COVID-19 illness.
WHO said while the pandemic has officially ended and COVID-19 no longer caused the widespread disruption seen during the global health emergency, studies led by the WHO Regional Office for Europe confirmed that people who received timely booster doses were far less likely to develop severe disease, require intensive care or die.
The findings were based on data from the European Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Vaccine Effectiveness (EuroSAVE) network.
Pfizer Covid-19 Vaccine
It monitors respiratory infections in hospitals across parts of Europe, the Balkans, the South Caucasus and Central Asia.
Mark Katz, a Medical Epidemiologist at the WHO regional office, however, said the virus continued to hospitalise and kill people.
“The studies highlight that, while COVID-19 is not leading to the widespread disease we saw during the pandemic, it has still been causing a considerable number of hospitalisations and deaths.”
Between May 2023 and April 2024, nearly 4,000 patients were hospitalised with acute respiratory infections in countries covered by the network.
Almost 10 per cent of those cases were caused by COVID-19, in spite of the pandemic having been declared over.
Among patients hospitalised with COVID-19, just three per cent had received a vaccine dose within the previous 12 months.
The consequences were often severe as 13 per cent of COVID-19 patients required admission to intensive care units, and 11 per cent died.
Comparative research also showed that patients hospitalised with COVID-19 were more likely than those with influenza to need oxygen, intensive care or to succumb to the illness.
By contrast, vaccination offered strong protection.
One EuroSAVE study found that an up-to-date COVID-19 vaccine received within the past six months was 72 per cent effective at preventing hospitalisation.
The vaccine was also 67 per cent effective at preventing the most serious outcomes, including ICU admission and death.
In addition, separate multi-country analysis found vaccines reduced COVID-19 related hospitalisations by about 60 per cent.
The Nigerian Navy has dredged and cleared 11 kilometres of waterways to enhance navigability and increase accessibility to previously inaccessible routes, thereby facilitating the gradual revival of socio-economic activities in the Lake Chad basin.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, made this known during his visit to Maiduguri, Borno State, on Thursday, January 1, 2026.
The naval chief stated that the service has been conducting serious operations against terrorists in the Lake Chad Basin to restore normal economic activities in the region.
Nigerian Navy officers
“The Nigerian Navy Base, Lake Chad (NBLC) has significantly improved access to critical waterways through targeted engineering interventions.
“In particular, the NBLC has successfully dredged and cleared approximately 11km of waterways, enhancing navigability and reopening previously inaccessible routes.
“These efforts have facilitated the safe return of fishermen, farmers, traders and transport operators, thereby supporting the gradual revival of socio-economic activities across the region,” Abbas said.
The naval chief said the Nigerian Navy remained fully committed to denying terrorists the use of the Lake Chad waterways through sustained coordinated operations in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF).
He insisted that the Navy had played a key role in clearing terrorist elements from waterways, particularly during Operation Lake Sanity III, which focused on degrading insurgent logistics and ensuring freedom of movement to consolidate the gains achieved by the joint task force.
“Additionally, the Navy ensures persistent Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage in close coordination with the Nigerian Air Force.
“This joint ISR effort enhances situational awareness, enables timely targeting of terrorist activities and supports effective maritime interdiction operations, thereby sustaining pressure on terrorist elements within the Lake Chad Basin,” Abbas said.
He, however, urged the troops at Baga Naval Base to focus more on the fight against the enemies of the state in Lake Chad Basin, the terrorists.
The naval chief also assured the troops of his commitment to their welfare and the deployment of manpower and more equipment to support their efforts.
