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Blackouts: FG moves to resolve gas supply crisis

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said Nigerians will soon begin to enjoy improved electricity supply as the Federal Government moves to resolve ongoing gas constraints affecting generation.

Adelabu made this known in his Eid-el-Fitr message on Thursday, where he noted that recent interventions by the government are beginning to address persistent gas supply challenges that have limited power generation across the country.

According to him, the government is implementing concrete measures to ensure a reliable supply for homes and businesses.

“Concrete measures are being implemented to ensure more reliable and sustainable electricity for homes, businesses, and industries. The reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu are beginning to take root, and Nigerians will soon witness the full benefits,” he said.

The PUNCH recently reported that gas suppliers halted supply to thermal power plants over an estimated N3.3tn debt owed by power generation companies, a development that had deepened the nationwide power shortage.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr Joy Ogaji, disclosed this, warning that the mounting debt across the power value chain is pushing the sector toward a major crisis.

Her comments came amid worsening electricity supply across the country, with many Nigerians experiencing prolonged blackouts since the beginning of the year.

Data from the Nigerian Independent System Operator shows that power generation dropped below 4,000 megawatts in recent weeks, largely due to gas constraints affecting thermal power plants, making the reliable supply of electricity impossible across their franchise areas.

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The minister expressed optimism that ongoing efforts would translate into noticeable improvements in electricity supply in the near term, stressing that resolving gas constraints remains central to stabilising the power sector.

Electricity consumers, regardless of the supply bands they belong to, have continued to lament the situation, especially amid rising fuel prices and the severe heat.

Recently, NISO provided operational data illustrating the scale of the shortfall, noting that thermal power plants require an estimated 1,629.75 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to operate at optimal capacity. However, as of February 23, 2026, actual supply stood at about 692.00 mmscf per day—representing less than 43 per cent of the required volume.

Several power generation companies have repeatedly appealed to electricity consumers for patience, stating that the worsening gas constraints are beyond their control.

The situation has left many homes and businesses struggling with prolonged outages, raising fears that the electricity supply may deteriorate further if the financial impasse in the power sector is not urgently resolved.

He explained that the government’s broader reform agenda is designed to unlock efficiency across the electricity value chain, adding that sustained progress would depend on continued public support and alignment with policy direction.

However, Adelabu, in its message on Thursday, urged Nigerians to maintain patience and commitment, noting that the challenges currently being experienced are part of a transition towards a more reliable and sustainable power system.

“The challenges we face today are, without doubt, the building blocks of a more prosperous tomorrow,” he said.

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The minister further called on citizens to sustain the spirit of discipline and sacrifice cultivated during Ramadan, urging collective responsibility in supporting national development efforts.

He added that ongoing engagements by the president, including recent meetings in the United Kingdom, are expected to attract investment into critical sectors such as power, ultimately strengthening infrastructure and service delivery.

Adelabu emphasised that with continued reforms and cooperation, the government remains confident of delivering improved electricity supply to Nigerians in line with its development objectives.

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US, Iran reach deal to end war, reopen Hormuz

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The United States and Iran said they reached a deal to end the Middle East war on all fronts including Lebanon, and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, but offered little indication on the thorny question of Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Washington and Islamabad said the agreement was to be signed on Friday in Switzerland, signalling what would be a major breakthrough to ending months of war that have taken thousands of lives and roiled energy markets.

Few of the details were made public, but US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz — a key conduit for global oil supplies — would reopen after the planned signing of the deal on Friday.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” US President Donald Trump posted Sunday on social media as he marked his 80th birthday.

“Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”

Soon after, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in televised comments that the deal put an “immediate end” to the countries’ war and that they would hold talks within two months to seek a “final agreement.”

Just hours earlier, Tehran had vowed to retaliate against a strike by Israel against Iranian ally Hezbollah in the suburbs of Beirut which threatened to push back an agreement.

But later in the day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made the announcement: “Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.”

He added thanks to leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their support in the mediation effort.

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• Details remain unclear –

The content of the agreement, which follows weeks of fraught negotiations and periodic threats from Trump of fresh hostilities unless Iran reached a deal, remained unclear.

Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that the US would release $12 billion in frozen assets to Iran before the start of negotiations.

It quoted a 14-point “memorandum of understanding” between the two nations, which it said stipulated “the release of 24 billion dollars in frozen Iranian assets during the 60‑day negotiation period” that begins after the MoU is signed.

The Trump administration didn’t immediately comment on the details of the agreement, which may prove contentious as the US presses its effort to end Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and deal with its stockpile of highly enriched uranium — believed to have been buried by US strikes last year.

In an interview with the New York Times on Sunday, Trump said Washington was still negotiating whether Iran would suspend its enrichment for 20 years.

The US leader hinted that he might settle for a 15-year suspension, but said he did not want to negotiate via the press.

• ‘Seize the moment’ –

The announcement of the deal was greeted with international relief and hope for an enduring end to the conflict.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it was a “critical step” toward resolving the war in the Middle East.

The United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy said they were prepared to lift sanctions imposed on Iran and will work “with the US, Iran and regional partners to seize this moment, maintain momentum and achieve a long-term diplomatic settlement.”

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The announcement also brought relief at market opening on Monday. Oil prices plunged more than four percent in Tokyo, and Japan’s Nikkei stock index jumped three percent.

The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has had a worldwide economic impact, from inflated gas prices that have fueled inflation in the US and many other countries and congested supply chains for goods like fertiliser key to food production in areas far beyond the Middle East.

“What we’re going to be able to do is drive down the cost of energy, not just now but for the long term, and create a real engine of prosperity in the Middle East,” US Vice President JD Vance told Fox News.

He said that he planned to attend the signing of the peace deal, which was slated to take place in Geneva, and that it was possible Trump could also go.

• Israeli strike –

It was a rollercoaster Sunday, with Trump in the morning angrily blaming Israel for delaying its signing with the airstrike on Beirut, which he said had delayed the agreement.

In an expletive-laden phone interview with US news outlet Axios, Trump had fumed about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: “I was so pissed off. I let him know.”

The last time Israel hit the Beirut suburbs, it sparked one of the strongest jolts yet to a ceasefire that has largely held since April, with Iran firing off a retaliatory missile barrage and Israel responding with strikes.

Tehran has long demanded that any agreement to halt the war must include the parallel conflict in Lebanon, where Israel has been pursuing a campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

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EU chief hails US-Iran deal to end war, reopen Hormuz

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European Union chief, Antonio Costa, on Monday welcomed a deal between the US and Iran to end the Middle East war, adding that the bloc was ready to contribute to a strategy for “lasting peace”.

“I look forward to an end to this costly war and to the full restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” Costa, the European Council President, wrote on X.

The United States and Iran said they had reached a deal to end the Middle East war on all fronts, including Lebanon, and reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz, but offered little indication on the thorny question of Tehran’s nuclear programme.

Washington and Islamabad said the agreement was to be signed on Friday in Switzerland, signalling what would be a major breakthrough in ending months of war that have taken thousands of lives and roiled energy markets.

Few of the details were made public, but US President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz — a key conduit for global oil supplies — would reopen after the planned signing of the deal on Friday.

“The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” US President Donald Trump posted on Sunday on Truth as he marked his 80th birthday.

“Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow! “

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Okpebholo condemns Edo kidnapping, orders police prob

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Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has condemned the kidnapping that reportedly took place on Sunday at the Vegetable Market along Airport Road, Benin City, describing it as unacceptable and a direct attack on innocent residents.

In a statement released on Monday by his media aide, Patrick Ebojele, the governor also directed the Edo State Commissioner of Police to immediately commence a swift and coordinated investigation into the incident with a view at securing the safe rescue of the victims and arresting those responsible for the attack.

The governor warned that the state government would not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state.

He stated, “I strongly condemn this act of kidnapping and I call on the Commissioner of Police to immediately open investigation into the matter.

“As a government, we will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety and security or disturbs the peace of the state.”

Okpebholo urges residents of Benin City and across Edo state to remain alert and report any suspicious movements to the nearest Police station stressing that timely information will support ongoing police operations.

He reaffirmed that the government would not relent until those responsible were apprehended and made to face the full weight of the law.

The PUNCH reported that a woman was kidnapped while shopping in one of the stores at the Vegetable market, which was captured in a video.

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