***Vows to prioritize citizens’ welfare

Senator representing Niger East in the national assembly has clarified his recent comments regarding the removal of fuel subsidies, assuring Nigerians that his stance is driven by a desire to address systemic corruption and redirect national resources to vital areas of development.

In a statement released on Sunday, Senator Musa explained that his remark, “Removing subsidy is the best thing that happened to Nigeria,” was not meant to ignore the economic difficulties faced by everyday Nigerians, but rather to highlight the long-standing misuse of subsidy funds.
He pointed out that, for years, billions of naira intended for national progress had instead enriched a select few, depriving millions of Nigerians of essential services and infrastructure.

The senator emphasized that while the subsidy removal is an essential step towards eliminating corruption, it must be accompanied by measures to cushion its impact on citizens.
He called for increased investments in social welfare programs, improvements in security, and comprehensive economic reforms to benefit all Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.

Senator Musa also acknowledged the ongoing security challenges in his district and across the nation.
He reiterated his commitment to addressing these issues through legislative action, ensuring that his efforts focus on the safety, economic empowerment, and well-being of Nigerians.
He concluded by reaffirming his dedication to working tirelessly in the best interests of his constituents and the nation, aiming to create a future where policies reflect the needs and security of all citizens.

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and related agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of a committee formed to address frequent grid collapses.
This is happening as TCN acknowledged potential temporary power disruptions as it begins repair work on the national grid.

The directive followed a recent grid disturbance reported at 11:29 a.m. on Thursday, November 7, caused by a sudden frequency increase from 50.33Hz to 51.44Hz.
The TCN reported that recovery efforts were promptly initiated, with power partially restored within minutes in the Abuja region, though work continued in other areas.

Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media, noted that the committee’s recommendations aim to offer lasting solutions for both immediate and long-term grid stability.

TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah confirmed that the agency has begun implementing these recommendations, which involve technical upgrades and strategic repairs across key areas. Ongoing work includes improvements on the 330kV Shiroro–Mando transmission line, significant upgrades at the Jebba Substation, and restoration of the second 330kV Ugwuaji–Apir line.

According to Mbah, while these enhancements are underway, some intermittent power instability may persist.
The TCN has appealed for public understanding during this period, emphasizing that the measures are critical for achieving a stable and reliable power supply across Nigeria.
The TCN reiterated its commitment to minimizing power disruptions and enhancing the grid’s resilience, recognizing the essential role that stable electricity plays in the country’s economic growth.

A fresh wave of fuel scarcity may soon hit Nigeria as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), after its threat of a nationwide strike.
The strike warning followed an alleged military intervention to forcefully remove oil workers from the Oritsetimeyin oil rig, sparking outrage within labor unions.
NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement released Friday condemned the reported involvement of military personnel, which he described as a breach of labor rights and a threat to the principles of industrial relations. According to Ajaero, the NLC is in total solidarity with NUPENG in its stance against the alleged forced eviction warning that NLC would escalate its response if such incidents continue.

The dispute popped up following a longstanding industrial disagreement between NUPENG and the rig’s management, who allegedly failed to honor contractual agreements concerning worker severance benefits.
NUPENG has criticized the actions of the oil companies involved—Dutchford E&P, Selective Marine Services, and their labor contractors—for allegedly ignoring legally binding agreements and resorting to what they describe as intimidation tactics.
Earlier in the week, NUPENG filed a petition with the Federal Government to address the conflict, expressing alarm over the deployment of armed forces.
Despite this, it is reported that a special naval unit was flown to the Oritsetimeyin rig on Thursday to eject workers, prompting NUPENG to threaten a nationwide shutdown if the government does not intervene.
In response, Ajaero highlighted the destabilizing effects of military involvement in workplace matters, which he said could damage an already fragile economy and violate workers’ rights.
“We cannot accept the militarization of our workplaces,” he stated, calling on the Nigerian military, the National Security Adviser, and the Department of State Services (DSS) to uphold labor statutes and prevent further harassment of union members.

The NLC also stressed the importance of keeping industrial disputes out of the military’s purview, urging authorities to allow peaceful negotiations to run their course.
“This matter is strictly an industrial relations issue,” Ajaero emphasized, urging the government to protect workers’ rights to fair negotiation without coercion.

With fuel scarcity on the horizon, Nigerians may face disruptions if the strike goes forward, impacting businesses, transportation, and day-to-day activities across the nation.