The Federal Government has approved the commencement of procurement for the proposed East and West Super Grids, targeting an increase in Nigeria’s electricity transmission capacity from about 5,000 megawatts to 19,000MW within two years. The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Tegbe explained that the projects would strengthen the national electricity grid, improve its resilience and enable the transmission network to deliver more electricity from generation companies to consumers across the country. He stressed that the proposed super grids were not designed to benefit any particular region but would establish stronger transmission connections across northern and southern Nigeria. “The East and West Super Grids are not projects for one part of the country,” Tegbe said. “They cut across the north and south of Nigeria, strengthening the backbone that must carry power from where it is generated to where it is needed.” The initiative is expected to address a major challenge in Nigeria’s electricity sector, where available generation capacity exceeds 13,000MW, but the transmission network can reliably transmit only about 5,000MW. According to the minister, the projects would reduce grid instability, improve system reliability and ensure that more electricity reaches homes, businesses and industries. “The target is simple,” he said. “We want a grid that can evacuate the power we already have, not one that leaves generation stranded while consumers remain in darkness.” He added that the transmission corridors would strengthen connections from Sokoto through Abuja and other locations into parts of southern Nigeria. Beyond the super grids, the FEC approved three immediate interventions aimed at improving electricity supply in Abuja and the Lagos axis, two of the country’s major electricity demand centres. The first involves the construction of a 33kV double-circuit underground and overhead transmission line connected to the Katampe Transmission Substation, a major electricity transmission hub serving the North-Central region. The second project covers the design, manufacture and supply of three 300MVA, 330/132/33kV transformers for the Ikeja West Transmission Substation, a critical facility supplying electricity to Lagos. The third intervention involves the reconstruction and upgrade of the 35.6-kilometre Itumola–Mapasin–Shagamu 132kV single-circuit transmission line into a double-circuit line to accommodate increasing electricity demand along the Lagos–Shagamu corridor. Describing the projects as essential to improving electricity delivery, Tegbe said the effectiveness of the power sector depended not only on generation but also on the strength of the infrastructure responsible for transmitting electricity to end users. “These are not glamorous projects, but they are the projects that determine whether power actually gets to the consumer,” he said. The minister disclosed that the high-capacity transformers would be manufactured abroad because Nigeria currently lacks the domestic industrial capacity required to produce equipment of that specification. He noted that although some companies had commenced local transformer assembly, the production of large-scale transmission equipment required specialised facilities and technical expertise. “Some companies have started assembling transformers locally, but these large units require specialised manufacturing,” he said. “They can take between three and six months to produce, and global demand is rising because of artificial intelligence and data centres.” Tegbe also announced that the Ministry of Power had commenced a nationwide technical audit of electricity infrastructure to identify weak, ageing and obsolete assets requiring replacement or rehabilitation. The exercise, which had been ongoing for four weeks as of Wednesday, divides the country into three major energy zones: Lagos and its industrial corridor; Abuja–Kaduna–Kano; and Enugu–Onitsha–Benin. According to the minister, the findings would guide government spending and ensure that investments were directed towards areas where they would have the greatest impact on electricity supply. “We will no longer spend money on the wrong projects,” he said. “The audit will show us exactly where the system is failing and where investment will deliver measurable impact.” He identified the Lagos–Ogun, Benin–Edo–Port Harcourt and Abuja–Kaduna–Kano corridors as priority areas for infrastructure improvements. Tegbe further disclosed that the Lagos–Ogun corridor alone accounted for about half of Nigeria’s national energy demand, making its upgrade particularly important to industrial activity and economic growth. On the financial challenges confronting the electricity sector, the minister said the Federal Government had paid N1.23 trillion out of the N3.3 trillion owed to gas suppliers and other stakeholders in the power industry. He explained that the outstanding liabilities had affected gas supply to electricity generation companies and weakened confidence across the sector’s value chain. “We have paid N1.23 trillion, and we intend to finish the job,” Tegbe said. “But we must also stop new debts from accumulating.” He said the payment was made through bonds under the Presidential Power Sector Debt Reduction Programme, an initiative designed to improve liquidity for generation companies, support gas supply and restore investor confidence. The minister added that the government was reviewing the electricity market structure to strengthen payment discipline, improve financial sustainability and prevent the accumulation of fresh debts.

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the proposed ₦70,000 monthly transport allowance for federal workers, which was agreed upon by the Federal Government and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) during a meeting on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has condemned its exclusion from the proposed transport allowance, accusing the Federal Government and the NLC leadership of neglecting retired workers who are equally grappling with the rising cost of living. Rejecting the proposed wage award, the TUC maintained that the Federal Government had the financial capacity to increase the salary of the lowest-paid worker to ₦300,000 monthly from the current minimum wage of ₦70,000, without waiting for another minimum wage review. In a statement jointly signed by its President-General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary, Nuhu Toro, the union said the prevailing economic hardship confronting workers and the general population required a substantial salary increase and the implementation of the agreement reached with the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU). The TUC insisted that workers were not seeking government favours but demanding fair treatment, social protection and economic justice that would safeguard their dignity and livelihoods. “Our position is unequivocal, workers are not asking for favours, they are demanding social and economic justice that protects their dignity and livelihoods,” the union stated. The congress vowed to continue defending workers’ rights, exposing violations of agreements and pursuing all legitimate means to compel the government to fulfil its obligations. It stressed that workers’ welfare should not be treated as a privilege, insisting that agreements must be honoured, workers’ rights respected and the government held accountable for its commitments. The TUC also called for improved wages across all categories of workers, stronger social protection measures, a reduction in the cost of living for vulnerable Nigerians and full implementation of existing agreements. “The TUC rejects inadequate temporary relief and demands wage justice for all categories of workers, social protection, reduction of the cost of living for the vulnerable, and full compliance with agreements,” the statement added. The union said it would await the outcome of its scheduled meeting with the Federal Government before determining its next course of action. While describing temporary wage awards as unsustainable and inadequate in addressing workers’ economic challenges, the TUC recalled that the wage award agreed upon by the Federal Government and organised labour on October 2, 2023, was intended to remain in effect until a new minimum wage was negotiated in 2024. However, the union alleged that the previous wage award was never fully implemented, leaving some workers with one or two months of unpaid allowances, while others did not receive any payment. The TUC consequently questioned the rationale behind the government’s decision to propose another wage award similar to the previous arrangement, which it said failed to benefit all workers.

Social media critic VeryDarkMan, widely known as VDM, has taken a swipe at Nigerian rapper Zlatan Ibile over the reception of his latest album and wedding, questioning the impact of both events amid growing speculation about a possible fallout between the pair. In a post on his social media page, VDM suggested he would be disappointed if Zlatan’s latest song failed to maintain the number one position on Apple Music for an entire month. “Person wey do a whole wedding because he won promote him album, album no blow, wedding no blow,” he wrote. The activist also criticised the online publicity surrounding Zlatan’s wedding, arguing that the blog posts promoting the event failed to generate substantial engagement despite the extensive publicity campaign. “All the blogs that posted the wedding, no one entered 5k comments. All the PR, Vincent everywhere. If that song no stay No. 1 for one month, e go pain me,” he added. VDM’s comments come amid speculation among music fans that Zlatan may have taken an indirect shot at the activist in a song featuring Peruzzi and Shoday. In the track, Zlatan delivers the line, “I no be Vincent, I no fit masturbate,” prompting listeners to draw a possible connection to VDM, whose first name is Vincent. The lyric has fuelled speculation about tension between the two personalities, although neither the alleged reference nor a fallout between them has been independently confirmed.

President Bola Tinubu will leave Abuja on Thursday for Makkah, Saudi Arabia, to perform Umrah, an Islamic pilgrimage to the Holy City. This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga. According to the statement, the visit will provide Tinubu with an opportunity for spiritual reflection, devotion and prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, stability and continued progress. It added that the President would observe the religious rites associated with Umrah in Makkah while seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings for Nigeria and its citizens. Before departing the country, Tinubu is expected to inaugurate some equipment acquired by the Nigerian Air Force to support its operations. The inauguration will take place at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. The President is expected to return to Nigeria next week after completing the spiritual exercise.

League Two outfit Fleetwood Town have been drawn against either Everton or Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after producing a stunning upset against Arsenal. Fleetwood, the lowest-ranked team remaining in the competition, secured their place in the last eight by eliminating the Premier League champions on penalties on Tuesday. Their next opponents will be confirmed on Thursday when Everton welcome Newcastle to Hill Dickinson Stadium in the final fourth-round fixture. Defending champions Manchester City will host League One side Bradford City at the Etihad Stadium after overcoming Brighton in a penalty shootout to progress. The remaining ties will feature four Premier League clubs. Liverpool, who also needed penalties to eliminate Chelsea, will entertain Bournemouth, while Crystal Palace host Sunderland at Selhurst Park. The quarter-final matches are scheduled to take place during the week commencing 14 December. **Carabao Cup Quarter-Final Draw** Fleetwood Town vs Everton/Newcastle United Manchester City vs Bradford City Crystal Palace vs Sunderland Liverpool vs Bournemouth

Manchester City goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli delivered a decisive performance in the penalty shootout, saving two spot-kicks to help the holders overcome Brighton and secure a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals after a 2-2 draw. Rulli denied Yasin Ayari and Lewis Dunk in the shootout to send City through to a last-eight meeting with League One side Bradford City. Brighton took the lead in the 30th minute when Malick Yalcouye finished from close range after receiving a cross from Georginio Rutter, giving the visitors an unexpected advantage. City responded five minutes before half-time as Mateo Kovacic fired a long-range effort beyond Jason Steele and into the bottom corner to restore parity. However, Brighton regained the lead shortly after the restart. Rutter produced an excellent first-time finish from Jaouen Hadjam’s intelligent cutback to put the visitors ahead again. The Seagulls threatened to extend their advantage, but Rulli made an outstanding fingertip save to prevent Rutter from scoring his second goal. The Brighton forward later struck the side-netting after rounding the City goalkeeper. City continued their search for an equaliser, with Rayan Cherki seeing an effort deflected narrowly wide before his low free-kick was turned into the net by Vitor Reis. Brighton substitute Mats Wieffer struck the post late in the second half, but neither side could find a winner, forcing the contest into a penalty shootout. Rulli then produced two crucial saves to secure City's progression. **Rulli Denies Brighton As City Avoid Cup Upset** Brighton had hoped to repeat their memorable League Cup victory over Manchester City in September 2008, when they eliminated the Premier League side on penalties while competing in League One. That historic result came shortly after City's takeover by the Abu Dhabi United Group, with Brighton overcoming a team featuring players such as Kasper Schmeichel, Vincent Kompany and Daniel Sturridge. A similar outcome appeared possible after Brighton twice took the lead against the defending champions. The Seagulls had also eliminated Manchester United in the previous round, raising hopes of another notable cup success. During the first half, Diego Gomez and Rutter tested Rulli with efforts from distance before Yalcouye broke the deadlock. Cherki had earlier threatened for City with an individual run, although his shot lacked the power to trouble Steele. The French midfielder became increasingly influential as the match progressed. His free-kick created the opportunity for Reis to equalise, and he subsequently converted City's fifth penalty in the shootout. Rulli then delivered the decisive moment by stopping Dunk's attempt, completing an impressive performance that kept City's defence of the trophy on track. With Arsenal, last season's beaten finalists, having suffered a surprise elimination against Fleetwood, City will see another opportunity to retain the trophy. Brighton, meanwhile, will have little time to reflect on their disappointment, with the Seagulls returning to the Etihad Stadium to face City again in the Premier League on Saturday at 15:00 GMT.

Bayern Munich manager Vincent Kompany has been released from hospital after collapsing at the club’s training ground and is reportedly recovering well. The 40-year-old Belgian was taken to hospital last Friday after becoming unwell while watching Bayern’s second team train. Doctors identified the cause as meningeal irritation, an inflammation affecting the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Bayern’s board member for sport, Max Eberl, confirmed the development on Wednesday, expressing relief at the manager’s discharge. “Given the circumstances, he’s doing well,” Eberl told German broadcaster ARD. “He was discharged from the hospital today. That is the biggest and best news for all of us.” However, Bayern have not provided a definite date for Kompany’s return to the touchline. The club said on Saturday that his recovery would take “weeks, not days”. In his absence, assistant coach Aaron Danks has assumed responsibility for the team and guided Bayern to a 3-1 victory over Freiburg on Sunday. Kompany had reportedly been battling a viral illness before his collapse, which forced him to miss some training sessions. The former Manchester City defender also missed a pre-match press conference ahead of Bayern’s Champions League encounter with Arsenal last Tuesday, although he returned to the touchline for Wednesday’s match. Eberl explained that Kompany would need sufficient rest and medication to recover fully. “He will now rest and take medication,” he said ahead of Bayern’s German Cup fixture against Magdeburg. “I am very confident that he will be back on the touchline, operating at 100% very soon.” Bayern, who currently lead the Bundesliga standings, are preparing to face title rivals Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.

Liverpool defeated Chelsea in a penalty shootout to secure their place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, spoiling Xabi Alonso and Jordan Henderson’s return to Anfield. The fourth-round encounter ended level after Morgan Rogers converted a first-half penalty for Chelsea before Cody Gakpo equalised from the spot for Liverpool just three minutes later. With neither side able to find a decisive goal, the tie went straight to penalties. Valentin Barco struck the woodwork for Chelsea, while Kostas Tsimikas missed the target for Liverpool. Henderson, making his return to his former club, successfully converted his attempt. Chelsea goalkeeper Mike Penders denied Ryan Gravenberch, but Liverpool’s Giorgi Mamardashvili responded by saving Emmanuel Emegha’s effort. Joe Gomez subsequently scored for the Reds before Wesley Fofana sent his penalty high over the crossbar, sealing Chelsea’s elimination. The result extended Liverpool’s remarkable record against Chelsea in penalty shootouts, marking their fifth consecutive victory over the London side in such circumstances. Liverpool will now welcome Bournemouth in the quarter-finals, setting up another opportunity for manager Andoni Iraola to continue his impressive start to the season. Both teams made several adjustments to their starting line-ups following their Premier League fixtures at the weekend. Iraola made seven changes from Liverpool’s victory over Brighton, while Alonso introduced four new faces to Chelsea’s side. Alonso, who helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2005 during his playing career, included former Reds captain Henderson in his starting eleven. Chelsea were without the suspended Cole Palmer and the injured Joao Pedro. The opening exchanges produced few clear chances, with neither goalkeeper initially called into serious action. However, the contest intensified shortly before half-time when Gravenberch brought down Moises Caicedo inside the penalty area, prompting referee Darren England to award Chelsea a spot-kick. Henderson initially collected the ball and was met with loud boos from the home supporters before passing responsibility to Rogers. The Chelsea midfielder made no mistake, sending Mamardashvili in the opposite direction to give the visitors the lead in the 40th minute. Chelsea’s advantage lasted only three minutes. Fofana was penalised for handball inside his own penalty area, allowing Gakpo to restore parity by confidently beating Penders for his 11th goal in the competition. Alonso suffered another setback before the interval when centre-back Maxence Lacroix picked up an injury and was replaced by Levi Colwill. Approaching the hour mark, Iraola strengthened Liverpool’s attacking options by introducing Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola for Lewis Koumas and James McConnell, who had both received first-half bookings. Liverpool gradually increased the pressure, although Chelsea continued to pose a threat on the counter-attack. Despite the growing intensity, neither team could produce the goal needed to avoid a shootout. Penders responded impressively after his error in Chelsea’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, making two excellent saves to deny Ronald Araujo and Barcola. Mamardashvili was equally influential at the other end, producing a superb stop to keep out Marco Palestra’s effort. Alonso, meanwhile, opted against introducing Estevao in an attempt to change the outcome. With extra time not played, the contest proceeded directly to penalties. Both sides remained in contention until Fofana’s costly miss handed Liverpool the decisive advantage. **Analysis: Liverpool Build Momentum As Alonso Misses Trophy Opportunity** Chelsea’s absence from European competition and their disappointing defeat to Tottenham had made the Carabao Cup an important opportunity for Alonso to pursue silverware in his first season in charge. His team selection reflected the significance of the competition. Although Chelsea struggled during the opening stages at Anfield, they improved as the match progressed and deserved credit for the threat they posed. Nevertheless, Alonso will be frustrated that his side surrendered their lead almost immediately after going ahead. The Blues had opportunities to settle the contest, particularly when Emegha stepped up during the shootout. Mamardashvili’s save proved crucial, and Fofana’s subsequent miss ensured Chelsea left Merseyside empty-handed. Alonso felt his team had shown progress following the loss to Tottenham, praising their courage and improved performance. However, despite those encouraging signs, Chelsea suffered another defeat. The relationship between Alonso and Iraola has attracted attention because of their Spanish connections, but their teams have experienced contrasting fortunes in the early stages of the campaign. Iraola’s Liverpool side have established a stronger rhythm and head into November having lost just once in all competitions. There was a celebratory atmosphere at Anfield after the final whistle, with Liverpool extending their winning run to five matches. Three of those victories have come on home soil, providing further encouragement ahead of a demanding fixture. Liverpool’s next assignment is Sunday's Premier League meeting with Arsenal, a match that could offer a clearer indication of their title credentials. Victory over the defending champions would move the Reds to within three points of them in the league standings. There is also a potential opportunity for Iraola to follow a path previously taken by Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, both of whom reached the Carabao Cup final during their first seasons in charge of Liverpool. Although the quarter-finals remain ahead, another strong performance in the competition could strengthen Iraola’s ambitions of achieving a similar milestone.

The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to prosecute and jail anyone found guilty of electoral fraud if elected president in the 2027 general election. Obi made the declaration on Wednesday during an NDC town hall meeting in Nasarawa State, where he addressed party supporters on the need to protect electoral integrity and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic institutions. Responding to a question about election rigging, the former Anambra State governor said his party would not allow electoral manipulation to go unchallenged in the forthcoming general election. “You didn’t ask about what we are going to do if people rig election next year. Let me assure you, number one, this coming election, we will rig those who rig it,” Obi said. He further pledged that, if elected president, he would introduce measures to prevent election rigging by strengthening political parties and reforming the electoral process. “And let me assure you number two, if I’m elected the President of Nigeria, nobody will rig election in this country again because the first thing we need to do is to strengthen our parties, strengthen the process,” he said. Obi also advocated stricter requirements for individuals seeking elective positions, insisting that candidates should have attended both primary and secondary schools. “Our laws will be strict. For you to contest election, you must have attended a primary school, you must have attended a secondary school and it will be visible, it will be clear,” he stated. He warned that anyone who forged academic certificates or falsely claimed to possess the required educational qualifications would face imprisonment. “If you didn’t attend any of them or forge your certificate, you go to jail,” Obi declared. The NDC presidential candidate extended the warning to officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other individuals involved in election administration, stressing that anyone found guilty of manipulating election results under his administration would be prosecuted. “Any INEC official, anybody who is involved with elections under my watch that rigs elections will go to jail,” he said. Obi maintained that his proposed reforms would be guided by the rule of law, emphasising that everyone, irrespective of status or position, must be held accountable for their actions. “Under my watch, Nigeria must be a country that has a law, and both from the number one person to the last person must obey the rule of law,” he said. “Nobody must be above the law; nobody will behave rascally.” He said his presidential ambition was driven by the desire to transform Nigeria and establish a system where electoral laws are respected and public institutions operate within the confines of the law. “That’s why we are doing what we are doing. We want to change Nigeria. A new Nigeria is possible, and that new Nigeria will be OK,” Obi added.