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Nigeria Plunged into Darkness Again as National Grid Loses Over 2,000 Megawatts Amid Federal Condemnation of Air Force Attack on Ikeja Electric

8th March, 2025 at 06:51
By Our Reporter

Lagos, Nigeria – March 8, 2025 – Many parts of Nigeria were thrust into darkness once again on Friday, March 7, 2025, as the national power grid suffered a significant collapse, losing over 2,000 mega

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Lagos, Nigeria – March 8, 2025 – Many parts of Nigeria were thrust into darkness once again on Friday, March 7, 2025, as the national power grid suffered a significant collapse, losing over 2,000 megawatts of electricity. This marks the second major power supply disturbance of the year, exacerbating the country’s chronic energy woes. The grid failure coincided with a stern condemnation from the federal government regarding a violent incident the previous day, where personnel from the Nigerian Air Force attacked the headquarters and facilities of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) in Lagos, leaving several people injured and critical equipment vandalized.

National Grid Collapse: A Recurring Nightmare
The latest grid collapse occurred on Friday, though exact details of the timing remain unclear as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has yet to release an official statement. Preliminary reports suggest that power generation plummeted from a peak above 2,000 megawatts to near-zero levels, disrupting electricity supply across multiple states. This incident follows a similar collapse on February 12, 2025, when generation dropped from 2,111.01 megawatts to 390.20 megawatts, according to Sahara Reporters. That event, also confirmed by Ikeja Electric and other distribution companies, was the first grid failure of the year.
Posts on X and prior news reports indicate widespread frustration among Nigerians, with some users noting that this is at least the 14th grid collapse in the past 14 months. The nation’s grid, despite an installed capacity of 13,500 megawatts, rarely distributes more than a third of that due to aging infrastructure, vandalism, and systemic inefficiencies. The frequent outages have forced households and businesses to rely heavily on costly diesel and petrol generators, a burden worsened by rising fuel prices since the removal of subsidies in 2023.
Energy analysts point to multiple factors behind the collapses, including underinvestment in transmission lines, attacks on infrastructure—particularly in the northern regions—and an imbalance between power generation and demand. Just weeks ago, on February 12, Ikeja Electric reported a system outage at 11:34 AM WAT, with restoration efforts ongoing in collaboration with stakeholders. Yesterday’s event suggests that these efforts have yet to yield lasting stability.
Federal Government Condemns Air Force Attack on Ikeja Electric
Adding a dramatic twist to the energy crisis, the federal government issued a strong rebuke on Friday over an incident that unfolded the previous day, Thursday, March 6. Personnel from the Nigerian Air Force stormed the headquarters of Ikeja Electric in Lagos, reportedly in retaliation for the disconnection of power to an Air Force facility due to unpaid electricity bills. The attack left workers and journalists injured, with facilities vandalized and equipment damaged, further threatening the region’s fragile power distribution network.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, described the assault as “unfortunate and a matter of grave concern,” emphasizing its detrimental impact on an already strained power sector. In a statement echoed by Punch Newspapers on X at 21:04 WAT on March 7, Adelabu said, “The attack on the facilities of Ikeja Electric, one of our nation’s critical power distribution companies, by the Nigerian Air Force is totally condemned.” Posts on X from users like
@ayotem4real
at 16:44 WAT on March 6 detailed the chaos, alleging that the Air Force personnel engaged in “vandalising, kidnapping, and destroying public properties,” calling for resistance against such actions.
The incident has sparked outrage among citizens and energy stakeholders, with many questioning the military’s response to a routine billing dispute. Ikeja Electric, one of the largest distribution companies serving Lagos and its environs, has not yet quantified the full extent of the damage, but the attack could delay restoration efforts following the grid collapse. The federal government has promised a thorough investigation, though no timeline for accountability or reparations has been specified.
A Nation in Crisis: Power and Security Collide
Friday’s dual crises—the grid collapse and the fallout from the Air Force attack—underscore Nigeria’s intertwined challenges of energy reliability and institutional dysfunction. The loss of over 2,000 megawatts comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic pressures and public discontent over inconsistent power supply. Businesses, already reeling from high operational costs, face yet another setback, while households endure prolonged blackouts.
The timing of the grid failure, on the same day as the government’s condemnation, raises questions about potential links between the attack and the power disruption, though no evidence currently supports this speculation. Analysts suggest that the damaged equipment at Ikeja Electric’s facilities could have compounded the grid’s instability, but the TCN will need to clarify the precise cause once investigations are complete.
Public Reaction and the Road Ahead
Sentiment on X reflects a mix of exhaustion and anger. Nigerians have long criticized the government and power sector stakeholders for failing to deliver on promises of reform, such as Adelabu’s ambitious pledge last year to achieve 6,000 megawatts by the end of 2024—a target that remains elusive. The privatization of the power sector in 2013, intended to improve efficiency, has instead left the nation stuck at around 4,000–5,000 megawatts for decades, a stark contrast to South Africa’s 40,000 megawatts for a population half Nigeria’s size.
As restoration efforts begin, distribution companies like Ikeja Electric and others are likely working with TCN to bring power back online, though no official updates were available by 06:46 AM WAT on Saturday, March 8. The federal government faces mounting pressure to address both the immediate crisis and the deeper systemic issues, including securing infrastructure, resolving payment disputes without violence, and investing in a grid that can withstand the demands of over 200 million people.
For now, Nigerians brace for more uncertainty, caught between the darkness of a faltering grid and the turbulence of a nation struggling to power its future.

Doyin Okupe Passed on at 71

7th March, 2025 at 14:22
By Our Reporter

On Friday, March 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu led tributes following the death of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, who passed away that morning at the age of 72. In a statement is

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On Friday, March 7, 2025, President Bola Tinubu led tributes following the death of Dr. Doyin Okupe, a former presidential spokesman, who passed away that morning at the age of 72. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over Okupe’s passing, describing him as a medical doctor, politician, communicator, and strategist who played "a significant role in Nigeria’s political landscape." The President highlighted Okupe’s bold and articulate advocacy for national development, noting that his death occurred at a time when his wealth of experience and insight remained invaluable to the nation.
Doyin Okupe, a prominent figure from Iperu-Remo in Ogun State, had a political career spanning over three decades. He served as Senior Special Assistant on Public Affairs to former President Goodluck Jonathan and as Special Assistant on Media to former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Okupe held notable positions, including National Publicity Secretary of the National Republican Convention (NRC), and was active in several political parties, such as the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, where he was the national leader. More recently, he served as the Director-General of the Labour Party Presidential Campaign for the 2023 election. Beyond politics, Okupe contributed to the medical field as the co-founder of the Royal Cross Medical Centre in Lagos and as the publisher of Life Mirror, a health-focused newspaper.
President Tinubu extended his heartfelt condolences to Okupe’s family, friends, and associates, while also commiserating with the government and people of Ogun State, particularly the Iperu-Remo community, for the loss of an esteemed son and leader. He acknowledged the enduring impact Okupe had on his home state and the significant void left by his passing in the hearts of those who knew him. The President concluded his tribute by praying for the repose of Okupe’s soul and for comfort for all those mourning the loss of the departed patriot.

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Suspended by the Senate

6th March, 2025 at 17:20
By Our Reporter

As of March 6, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has been suspended for six months. This development follows a series of events that escalated te

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As of March 6, 2025, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central in the Nigerian Senate, has been suspended for six months. This development follows a series of events that escalated tensions between her and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, culminating in her suspension by the Senate on Thursday, March 6, 2025.

Background

The controversy began on February 20, 2025, when Senator Natasha protested a reassignment of her seat in the Senate chamber, which she claimed was done without her consent. This led to a heated exchange with Senate President Akpabio, who ordered her removal from the session. Following this incident, Natasha accused Akpabio of sexual harassment and abuse of office, alleging that her troubles in the Senate stemmed from rejecting his advances. She submitted a petition to the Senate detailing these claims, which was dismissed by the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions on procedural grounds.

Suspension Process

On March 6, 2025, the Senate Committee on Ethics, chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen, presented its report during a plenary session. The committee found Natasha guilty of "unparliamentary conduct" and violating Senate rules, citing her confrontation with Akpabio and her subsequent allegations. The panel recommended a six-month suspension, effective immediately, which the Senate adopted via a majority vote. Reports indicate that Natasha was not given an opportunity to speak in her defense before the vote, a point that has sparked criticism.

Terms of Suspension

The suspension includes several punitive measures:

Natasha is barred from all legislative activities and from accessing the National Assembly premises.

Her office is to be locked, and she must return all Senate properties in her possession.

Her salary, security details, and other allowances are to be withdrawn during the suspension period, though some reports note that her aides' salaries may continue following an intervention by Senator Orji Uzor Kalu.

She is prohibited from representing Nigeria in any official capacity as a senator, both locally and internationally.

The committee stipulated that the suspension could be reviewed if Natasha submits a written apology to the Senate.

Natasha’s Response

Following the suspension, Senator Natasha described the decision as an "injustice" that "will not be sustained." In a statement reported on March 6, 2025, she expressed determination to challenge the ruling, though specific legal or procedural steps she might take remain unclear at this time. She had previously claimed during an Arise News interview that Akpabio blocked her motions in the Senate and suggested she meet him privately, where he allegedly implied she would benefit from complying with his advances.

Public and Media Reaction

The suspension has generated significant attention. Some observers have questioned the fairness of the process, noting the lack of a formal investigation into Natasha’s harassment allegations and the denial of her chance to speak before the vote. Others see the suspension as a consequence of her defiance of Senate protocol. The situation has been widely covered by Nigerian media outlets, including BBC News, Channels Television, and The Punch, with reports highlighting both the official narrative and Natasha’s counterclaims.

Context and Implications

This incident marks a rare and high-profile disciplinary action within the Nigerian Senate, raising questions about internal governance, gender dynamics, and the handling of misconduct allegations in the legislative body. Akpabio has denied the harassment claims, calling them unfounded and affirming his respect for women. The suspension, effective from March 6, 2025, will run until early September 2025 unless altered by a Senate .

Senate Plenary on 5th March, 2025

5th March, 2025 at 13:39
By Our Reporter

 

Based on the information provided about the Live Senate Plenary session from Wednesday, March 5, 2025, here is a comprehensive report:
The Senate convened to address several petitions and legislative

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Based on the information provided about the Live Senate Plenary session from Wednesday, March 5, 2025, here is a comprehensive report:
The Senate convened to address several petitions and legislative matters. Among the petitions discussed were one concerning a legal impediment and another regarding the dismissal of a Central Bank branch manager. Both issues were referred to the Committee on Ethics for further review and deliberation.
A notable moment in the session occurred when a point of order was raised concerning a petition presented by Senator Natasha. The petition was flagged as potentially violating Senate rules due to its connection to an ongoing court case. Senator Natasha responded by defending her petition, likely providing arguments to justify its relevance and adherence to Senate protocols.
The session also saw the introduction of several bills, which were presented and read for the first time. These bills covered topics such as leadership, certification, and the establishment or governance of federal universities. While specific details of each bill were not elaborated, their initial readings mark the beginning of the legislative process for these proposals.
A significant portion of the plenary focused on the David Umay University of Health Sciences Establishment Bill 2025. The Senate reviewed and approved the bill’s clauses and schedules, culminating in its passage. This legislation aims to establish a new university dedicated to health sciences in Uburu, Akwa Ibom State, reflecting an effort to enhance educational infrastructure in that region.
Additionally, the Senate considered a bill originating from the House for concurrence: the Orthopedic Hospitals Management Board Act Amendment Bill 2025. This bill seeks to establish an Orthopedic Hospital in Kwara and Osun States indicating a push to expand specialized healthcare facilities. The Senate’s review of this bill suggests ongoing collaboration between the two legislative chambers to refine and advance healthcare policy.