Here is a roundup of some Nigerian newspaper headlines, accompanied by our advocacy-driven demands for government action in addressing citizens’ concerns.
1. Vanguard: No Respite for 7m Consumers, Despite N1.5trn Spent on Metering
Vanguard reports that despite nearly N1.5/ trillion pumped into several electricity metering programmes by the Federal Government and multilateral partners, Nigeria’s huge metering gap persists due to flawed execution, weak regulation, profiteering by electricity distribution companies and cost burdens on consumers.
Our Take: The Federal Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu and the Chairman/CEO of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sanusi Garba, must hold Distribution Companies (DisCos) accountable for the persistent metering gap by enforcing strict penalties for non-compliance, fast-tracking the deployment of prepaid meters, and removing hidden cost barriers for consumers, so that the over 7 million unmetered Nigerians are no longer subjected to unfair estimated billing and can finally access transparent and equitable electricity services.
2. Punch: Tinubu’s St Lucia trip not a vacation, Presidency counters Obi
The Presidency on Sunday defended President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing state visit to Saint Lucia, describing it as a landmark diplomatic and cultural mission. It said the visit is rekindling Nigeria’s ancestral and strategic ties with the Caribbean nation and the wider Caribbean Community bloc.
Our Take: The Presidency must learn to embrace constructive criticism as a vital part of democratic governance rather than responding with combative language, especially when citizens and political figures question the purpose or value of official trips. Open dialogue and respectful engagement not only strengthen public trust but also affirm the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the eyes of Nigerians at home and abroad.
3. The Nation: PDP factions set for showdown at national secretariat
Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in two broad factions over the contentious national secretary office have fixed two meetings at the national secretariat today.
National Chairman Umar Damagum, who last week announced the postponement of today’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting following the party leaders’ meeting with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman Mahmood Yakubu, yesterday said a meeting of stakeholders will instead be held today.
Our Take: For the sake of Nigeria’s democratic growth and institutional stability, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must set aside internal power struggles and urgently resolve its leadership crisis through transparent, inclusive dialogue and adherence to party procedures. As a key opposition party, the PDP’s cohesion is crucial to fostering healthy political competition, advancing governance reforms, and strengthening citizens’ confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.
