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Business

DisCos collect over ₦205bn as NERC reports major billing shortfall

Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies collected ₦205.53 billion in revenue in July 2026, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. NERC says the DisCos billed customers ₦250.79 billion for electricity during the month, out of ₦333.94 billion worth of energy supplied to them. This left a billing gap of about ₦83.15 billion, with the industry recording a billing efficiency of 75.10 per cent. The commission also reported an 81.95 per cent collection efficiency, while overall revenue recovery stood at 74.91 per cent. Eko Electricity Distribution Company recorded the highest recovery efficiency at 94.67 per cent, followed by Port Harcourt DisCo at 84.95 per cent and Benin DisCo at 79.15 per cent. NERC says the figures are part of its efforts to monitor the financial performance and efficiency of electricity distribution companies across the country.

Business

Ardova moves to expand Nigeria’s CNG network with Powergas acquisition

Ardova Plc and its consortium partner, Diadem Energy, have agreed to acquire 100 per cent of Powergas, one of Africa’s major Compressed Natural Gas producers and distributors. The deal, which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, is subject to regulatory approvals. Following the acquisition, Ardova plans to establish 100 CNG refuelling stations across its nationwide retail network within 24 months. The company says the expansion will improve access to CNG for motorists, commercial fleets and businesses while strengthening its position in Nigeria’s growing gas market. Ardova also plans to increase Powergas’ gas compression capacity and expand its virtual pipeline network to connect more industries and transport operators to domestic natural gas. The company says the move will also help reduce gas flaring and support Nigeria’s transition towards cleaner and more affordable energy. Powergas currently operates four mother stations and more than 250 tube skids, with its network covering parts of the South-East, South-South and South-West. Ardova says the acquisition will eventually support expansion into other West African markets.

Politics

Nigeria pushes for permanent African seats on UN Security Council

President Bola Tinubu is calling for at least two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council, with veto powers. Tinubu made the demand in his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima. He also called for five non-permanent seats for Africa, arguing that the current structure of the Security Council reflects the balance of power from 1945 rather than today’s world. Tinubu said Nigeria was ready to take on greater responsibility in international peace and security, citing its contributions to peacekeeping and mediation across Africa. He also called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial activities. On climate change, the President said developing countries should be allowed to industrialise and expand energy access while receiving adequate support for cleaner development. He said Nigeria remains committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through its Energy Transition Plan. Tinubu also called for responsible use of artificial intelligence, saying the technology could transform sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture and governance. He urged international partners to work with Nigerian youths to direct AI towards development and human progress. The President further called for reforms to the international financial system, including greater access to concessional financing and debt sustainability frameworks that recognise the needs of developing countries.

Foreign Affairs

Trump Prepares White House Welcome for China’s Xi Jinping

US President Donald Trump is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House as the two leaders seek to maintain a fragile trade truce between their countries. Trump personally welcomed Xi after he arrived in Washington on Wednesday, marking the first time in more than six decades that a US president has greeted a foreign leader at Joint Base Andrews. The visit includes a formal welcome ceremony, military flyover, talks at the Oval Office and a state dinner. Trade relations, artificial intelligence, the war involving Iran and tensions over Taiwan are expected to feature in discussions between the two leaders. The US and China have also agreed to extend their current trade truce by two months, helping to prevent an immediate return to the tariff conflict between the two countries. Xi said China and the United States should be partners rather than rivals and expressed his readiness for discussions on bilateral and global issues.

Technology

Nigerian Programmer Wins Silver at International Tech Championship

A Nigerian software programmer, Olaniran Taiwo Sikiru, has won silver at the High-Tech Championship in Veliky Novgorod, Russia. Sikiru finished second in the Quality Control Specialist for Transport Logistics Processes category, becoming part of Nigeria’s first-ever delegation to the international competition. He was accompanied by his mentor and technical expert, Ojetimi Abdulfatai, who supported him throughout the championship. The event, held from September 14 to 18, brought together more than 15,000 participants from 30 countries and all 89 regions of Russia. The competition featured 20 high-tech disciplines focused on professional skills and technologies shaping industries including transportation and logistics. Sikiru’s second-place finish marks Nigeria’s debut at the championship and could open opportunities for more Nigerian professionals to participate in future editions.

Entertainment

Davido Meets Dangote in New York as Refinery IPO Gets Global Attention

Nigerian singer Davido has shared photos from his recent meeting with billionaire businessman Aliko Dangote in New York. The singer and Dangote were pictured together at Times Square, where a Nasdaq digital billboard featured the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s public offering campaign. Davido said the meeting gave him an opportunity to ask Dangote questions, describing the businessman as someone with the answers. He also reflected on their conversation about the refinery’s public offer, which opened on September 14 and is scheduled to close on October 13. The offer consists of 4.1 billion ordinary shares priced at 525 naira per share, with a minimum subscription of 10 shares. The meeting comes days after Davido shared a video of himself and Dangote standing beneath the Times Square billboard displaying the message, “Made in Nigeria. Built for the World.”

Health

Canada Warns Travellers Over Unregulated Alcohol in Nigeria

Canada has warned its citizens travelling to Nigeria against consuming unregulated or adulterated alcoholic drinks following reports of deaths linked to beverages containing high levels of methanol. The warning was issued in an updated travel advisory by the Canadian government, which urged travellers to buy alcohol only from reputable establishments. The advisory comes after NAFDAC confirmed high concentrations of methanol in locally prepared alcoholic and herbal drinks linked to the deaths of 48 people in Ondo State. The agency said seven victims were left blind, while 182 cases of illness had been recorded as of September 17. NAFDAC said 11 out of 15 samples tested positive for Cannabis indica, while laboratory tests confirmed high levels of methanol, a toxic substance that can cause blindness, organ failure and death. The agency has arrested 15 people over the suspected production and distribution of the drinks and warned Nigerians against consuming unlicensed or unregistered alcoholic and herbal concoctions.

Business, Economy

Nigeria, US Sign Deal to Expand Mining Cooperation

Nigeria and the United States have signed an agreement aimed at increasing American investment in Nigeria’s mining sector and developing the country’s mineral resources. The agreement was signed in New York by the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and US Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau. The framework will focus on geological data and exploration, mineral development and processing, infrastructure, as well as technical capacity. Alake said Nigeria’s mineral resources are estimated at about 700 billion dollars and stressed the need for more local processing instead of exporting raw materials. He added that the government plans to turn the agreement into specific projects and investments that will create jobs, strengthen skills and provide more opportunities for Nigerian businesses. The deal comes as the Federal Government steps up efforts to attract foreign investment and increase local value addition in the solid minerals sector.

Politics

State Police Bill Reaches Oyo Assembly for Consideration

The proposed constitutional amendment to establish state police has been transmitted to the Oyo State House of Assembly for consideration. The bill seeks to allow states to establish their own police services while retaining the Nigeria Police Force as the federal police service. The proposed amendment was passed by the Senate in June and the House of Representatives in July, and has now been sent to state assemblies for consideration. Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State House of Assembly is expected to begin considering the bill when lawmakers resume plenary on Monday, September 28. The Speaker, Danladi Jatau, said the assembly received the bill from the National Assembly on September 18. He said lawmakers would scrutinise the proposal and take the necessary legislative steps before deciding on further action.

Business

Oil Prices Drop as US-Iran Talks Raise Hopes of Diplomacy

Oil prices have fallen after US President Donald Trump said American and Iranian representatives held what he described as “very good” talks at the United Nations. Brent crude dropped to 98 dollars and 41 cents per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate fell to 89 dollars and 23 cents. Trump said the three-hour meeting was productive and that another meeting between the two sides would take place soon. The development comes as tensions continue in the Middle East, with Iran keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed and the United States maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has reportedly restarted operations on its East-West Pipeline, a major oil export route that was shut down following drone attacks. The drop in oil prices also came as markets monitored developments in the US-China trade relationship ahead of a meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.