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Despite Nigeria’s ongoing electricity supply challenges, three West African countries—Benin, Togo, and Niger—failed to fully settle payments for power supplied in the fourth quarter of 2025, accumulating a combined debt of $9.55 million, equivalent of N13.07 billion.

This was revealed in the fourth quarter 2025 report released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

According to the report, Nigeria’s market operator issued invoices totaling $20.44 million to international bilateral customers across the three countries during the period. However, only $10.89 million was remitted, representing a payment performance of 53.28 percent.

“The three international bilateral customers being supplied by GenCos in the Nigerian electricity supply industry made a payment of $10.89 m against the cumulative invoice of $20.44 m issued by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q4, translating to a remittance performance of 53.28 percent,” the report stated.

This indicates that for every $100 billed, just $53.28 was paid, leaving an outstanding balance of $46.72—equivalent to the $9.55 million deficit.

A breakdown of payments showed mixed performance among the companies involved. Paras-SBEE in Benin paid $1.67 million out of its $2.45 million invoice (68.16 per cent), while Paras-CEET in Togo settled $1.46 million from a $2.18 million bill (64.97 per cent).

Transcorp-SBEE (Ughelli) in Benin recorded one of the lowest remittances, paying only $0.46 million out of $3.74 million, representing 12.30 percent. In contrast, Transcorp-SBEE (Afam 3), also in Benin, showed stronger compliance by remitting $3.21 million of its $3.90 million invoice (82.31 percent).

In Niger, Mainstream-NIGELEC paid $4.09 million out of the $5.96 million billed (68.63 per cent), while Odukpani-CEET in Togo made no payment on its $2.18 million invoice, recording a zero per cent remittance.

The report noted that the figures were based on reconciled market settlements submitted to the commission as of April 2, 2026.

“The three international bilateral customers being supplied by GenCos in the Nigerian electricity supply industry made a payment of $10.89m against the cumulative invoice of $20.44m issued by the MO for services rendered in 2025/Q4, translating to a remittance performance of 53.28 per cent”, NERC report stated.

The disclosure underscores Nigeria’s ongoing difficulty in recovering payments for electricity exports to neighboring countries, even as domestic power supply remains inadequate.

The unpaid $9.55 million for a single quarter highlights a growing revenue concern for the country’s power generation companies.

Benin, Togo, Niger owe Nigeria over N13bn electricity debt

Barcelona forward, Raphinha has criticized the match officials following his team’s exit from the Champions League against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.

The Brazilian winger condemned the officiating, questioning the outcome and igniting further controversy surrounding the Champions League elimination.

Despite not participating in the match, Raphinha emerged as one of the most vocal detractors after FC Barcelona’s Champions League exit against Atlético Madrid, launching a fierce critique of the refereeing issues.

The Brazilian, who was sidelined due to injury, made the trip to the capital to witness the Blaugrana’s defeat at the Cívitas Metropolitano in the Champions League quarterfinals. Barcelona was eliminated with a 3-2 aggregate score, even after winning the second leg 2-1.

Hansi Flick’s team displayed resilience with goals from Lamine Yamal and Ferran Torres, which equalized the tie, but a crucial goal from Ademola Lookman secured Atlético Madrid’s advancement to the Champions League semifinals.

The final setback occurred with the red card issued to Eric García following a harsh challenge on Alexander Sørloth, an event that provoked Raphinha’s outrage.

“It was a complete robbery. The referee faced numerous issues. There were astonishing decisions. I cannot comprehend how many fouls Atlético Madrid committed without receiving a card,” he said.

Barcelona also sought a penalty for Dani Olmo in the first half, another incident that intensified the refereeing controversy, although the Brazilian refrained from concentrating on any particular event.

The Blaugrana’s frustration is not an isolated case. This marks the second consecutive match in which the club has raised concerns about the Champions League officiating, following UEFA’s recent dismissal of a formal complaint regarding decisions in the prior game.

“It is human to err, but for it to occur again. We played exceptionally well, yet they deprived us of the tie. It appears we must exert three times the effort to secure a victory”, Raphinha emphasized.

UCL: ‘Total robbery’ – Raphinha rejects Atletico Madrid’s win against Barça

About 50 unapproved structures, comprising of shops, shanties, containers and projections have been demolished by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA, in the Abia State capital.

The demolitions were carried out on Saturday, Monday and Tuesday at the ShopRite area by railway line and around Post Office Junction by Bende Road Tower.

The demolition is coming about two months after the UCDA announced its determination to remove all illegal structures defacing the beauty of Umuahia, the state capital.

DAILY POST gathered that the demolition exercise was approved by the Abia State government and aimed at sanitizing the city of unapproved structures.

Among the structures affected were car wash, Tticycle parts shops, canteen, mechanic work shop, boutique, among others.

A visit to the scenes of the demolition on Tuesday evening showed that structures at Railway line had been levelled down, even though most of the traders occupying the shops were able to salvage their goods before the structures were crushed by the UCDA machines.

Some other traders were also seen discussing their fate in hushed tones.

It could be recalled that the General Manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority, UCDA Kingsley Agomoh had two months ago said that the grace period given to owners and occupiers of unapproved structures by his agency had expired.

UCDA demolishes illegal structures in Umuahia

A former Governor of Anambra State and chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of deepening divisions among Nigerians.

Obi, who spoke during the ADC national convention, warned that the trend could worsen the country’s challenges if not urgently addressed.

He called for greater unity among citizens, stressing that national cohesion was essential to rescue Nigeria from its current socio-economic difficulties.

According to him, the country has become dangerously polarised under the present administration, which he alleged has encouraged divisions as a means of diverting attention from worsening national conditions.

“We need to work as a united Nigeria for the sake of Nigeria,” Obi said. “The country is so divided; we need unity. The present government has ensured that it remains more divided. Your unity is important. Your country is collapsing, and if you allow it to go further, it will be worse.”

The former presidential candidate cited worsening security and poverty indicators as evidence of what he described as national decline.

“If you check the indices today, when this government came into being, Nigeria ranked number eight in terrorism; today we are number four. In the next four years, we may even become number one if nothing is done,” he said.

On poverty levels, Obi claimed that the situation had deteriorated significantly since the current administration assumed office.

“When this government came in, according to World Bank records, the poverty rate was 41.6 percent, about 88 million people. Today it is about 63 percent, about 140 million people. That means the number has almost doubled,” he stated.

He warned that failure to address the country’s economic and social challenges could have long-term consequences for future generations.

“If we don’t do anything, what is going down will take revenge on us and our children,” Obi cautioned.

Also speaking during the event, a former Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, also criticised the administration, describing it as insensitive to public concerns.

Amaechi took a swipe at claims that President Tinubu, a prominent member of the pro-democracy movement during military rule, remains uncommitted to democratic ideals.

“How can a man who said he is a democrat, who claimed he was fighting on the side of NADECO, now be seen stopping democracy?” he asked.

According to him, the government appears indifferent to public criticism.

“You call them thieves, they say they are thieves; they won’t even deny it. You call them land grabbers, they say yes, we grab land. So what are you going to tell them?” Amaechi said.

He also criticised the government’s economic policies, particularly the tax regime, which he argued has placed additional burdens on businesses.

“Company tax is now 30 percent. If a company has N100 million, they take N30 million. What are they doing with the money?” he queried.

Amaechi further expressed concern over the growing insecurity and displacement of villagers from their communities across the country.

“I watched yesterday, in Nasarawa, people were running away from their community like in a civil war”.

He advised members of the ADC to be dispassionate in choosing the candidate that will make it easier for the party to defeat the APC in 2027.

Obi, Amaechi Blame Tinubu, APC For Nation’s Woes is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

The United States military has announced the successful enforcement of a naval blockade targeting Iran, effectively disrupting maritime trade to and from the country.

Commander of United States Central Command, Brad Cooper, disclosed in a statement shared on X late Tuesday that the blockade of Iranian ports had been fully established.

According to him, U.S. forces have maintained control of key maritime routes in the Middle East, bringing seaborne trade involving Iran to a halt within 36 hours of initiating the operation.

CENTCOM, in a separate update, confirmed that the mission is being executed with the support of Navy guided-missile destroyers deployed in the region.

“The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran,” the command stated.

The move follows an earlier directive by President Donald Trump, who ordered the blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran in Islamabad failed to produce a breakthrough.

The blockade is aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to generate revenue from maritime transit fees and restricting its oil export earnings, a key source of national income.

US military enforces naval blockade, halts Iran’s maritime trade

Atletico Madrid survived a valiant Barcelona fightback to progress to the Champions League semi-finals 3-2 on aggregate despite losing a thrilling quarter-final second leg 2-1 in Madrid.

With Barca trailing 2-0 from the first leg, Lamine Yamal halved the aggregate deficit with just five minutes on the clock when he slid the ball under Atleti goalkeeper Juan Musso following a loose touch from former Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet.

Nineteen minutes later the tie was level – Ferran Torres latched onto a Dani Olmo pass and drilled a fine left-footed strike into the top corner.

A raucous home crowd was silenced for seven minutes, until Marcos Llorente broke down the right flank and found Ademola Lookman in the box to restore Atleti’s aggregate lead.

Barca should have gone 3-0 up on the night just five minutes earlier, but Musso spread himself to block a diving header from an unmarked Fermin Lopez.

Torres thought he had scored Barca’s third goal 10 minutes into the second half when he met a deflection in the box with a cushioned volley into the top corner, but after a VAR check his effort was ruled out for offside.

The visitors continued to push but, as happened in the first leg last week, were reduced to 10 men when Eric Garcia tripped Atleti striker Alexander Sorloth as he raced onto a through ball.

Barcelona threw everyone forward and went close through headers from Robert Lewandowski and Ronald Araujo, but were unable to produce what would have been one of the most memorable comebacks in Champions League history.

Atleti will face either Arsenal or Sporting CP in the semi-finals as they look to reach the final for the first time since 2016.

“It’s been 14 years now. Seeing the team still competing excites me,” said Atletico boss Diego Simeone. “The players have changed, we’ve started over countless times, and we’re back among the top four in Europe.

“Playing in a Champions League semi-final, how wonderful. We’ll go there with all our enthusiasm and faith. We know our strengths and weaknesses. We’re ready.

“We’ll go there to find what we’ve been searching for for so many years.”

Simeone’s side show too much fight for Barcelona
Atleti’s intentions were clear hours before kick-off; make Barcelona as uncomfortable as possible both on the pitch and off it.

The home fans played their role to perfection, with thousands welcoming the team bus outside the Estadio Metropolitano with pyrotechnics and smoke bombs before creating a deafening atmosphere inside.

A banner held up behind one goal read: ‘Lucha por tu Camiseta’, meaning ‘fight for your shirt’. The players did exactly that.

Diego Simeone’s side did not look flustered by Yamal’s early opener, nor were they panicked when Barcelona levelled the tie with 65 minutes remaining.

Had Fermin made it 3-0 on the night and completed a remarkable first-half remontada, perhaps things would have been different. As it was, Musso saved and inadvertently caught the Barcelona midfielder with his studs to produce a nasty gash on his face.

The hosts stuck to their gameplan of hitting Barcelona with quick transitions, and after Lookman and Antoine Griezmann wasted presentable chances, the former stole a yard on Jules Kounde and coolly converted Llorente’s whipped cross to spark bedlam in the stands.

Former Everton and Leicester man Lookman, who won the 2024 Europa League final for Atalanta with a hat-trick, has enjoyed a superb start to life in Madrid since arriving in January.

Simeone, so often the man to get swept up in the moment, did not join in the celebrations as he gestured for everybody to calm down.

Atleti rode their luck at times in the second half and there is no denying the red card helped them, but they could have also scored themselves through Robin Le Normand and Julian Alvarez.

At the full-time whistle the collective emotional release was clear to see, not least from Koke, club captain and the only player remaining from the heartbreaking final defeat to Real Madrid in 2014.

He and Griezmann started the 2016 final as well, which ended in penalty shootout defeat to Los Blancos.

Simeone Hails Atletico Spirit After Dramatic Barca Triumph is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, has said a presidential ticket pairing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with Labour Party’s Peter Obi offers the party its strongest chance of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Momodu argued that the emerging opposition coalition under the ADC has the political weight and electoral appeal to challenge President Bola Tinubu, whom he accused of fostering a “one-man rule.”

Momodu said, “I’ll pair him with Peter Obi. Because they worked together in 2019, so they already share similar temperament. Number two, Peter Obi came third in the last election, so you don’t have to work too hard to maintain and attract the same group of people.”

He maintained that the coalition already boasts key political heavyweights, including Atiku, Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, describing the alliance as a formidable alternative to the APC.

“The person who came second in the last election is in the coalition. The person who came third is in the coalition. The person who came fourth is in the coalition… Why won’t APC be jittery?” he said.

Momodu accused the Tinubu administration of undermining opposition parties and concentrating power at the center, warning that Nigeria risks sliding into authoritarianism.

“Let’s start by rescuing our country from one-man rule. That is the foundation,” he said. “If the president today says, ‘I want to borrow $1 trillion,’ they will approve it in less than five minutes. That’s so ridiculous.”

He also alleged that government actors were working to frustrate opposition efforts through institutional control, including interference with party activities and access to venues.

“Almost everybody in APC right now is a goalkeeper. They are blocking venues, they are blocking courtrooms, they are blocking the legislature, they are blocking INEC,” Momodu claimed.

On internal concerns that the ADC coalition could collapse under the weight of competing ambitions, Momodu dismissed such fears as “wishful thinking,” insisting that political realities have forced opposition figures to unite.

“Tell me where any of them can run to at this time… Everybody is now forced… The enemy of your enemy is your friend,” he said.

Addressing criticisms that the ADC has become a refuge for displaced politicians, Momodu rejected the characterization, stating that the movement is driven by a shared commitment to democracy rather than personal grievances.

“I disagree with tyranny. It’s nothing personal,” he said, adding that his opposition to Tinubu’s leadership is based on principle, not animosity.

Momodu further argued that the ruling party’s dominance stems from excessive central control, citing alleged imposition of candidates in states as evidence of weakening internal democracy.

“Nigeria is too big for the ambition of one man… From state to state, only one man is going to determine who will be governor, senator, or House of Reps member,” he said.

Despite ongoing legal disputes surrounding the ADC’s internal processes, Momodu insisted the party had not violated any court order, maintaining that its activities remain within legal bounds.

Looking ahead to 2027, he said the ADC’s message to Nigerians would center on restoring democratic values and institutional independence.

“Experience and exposure. Democracy is the foundation of everything. Where you have a one-man rule, everything will collapse,” he added.

Atiku, Obi Ticket Best Bet For ADC In 2027 – Momodu is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa, has dismissed claims of corruption and systemic failure within the military, insisting that the armed forces are “winning the war” against terrorism despite ongoing attacks and mounting public concern over insecurity.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News on Tuesday, Musa maintained that Nigeria’s security situation has reached a “turning point,” even as insurgent attacks continue to be reported across the country.

“We’re winning. Definitely, we’re winning,” he said. “The enemy will always want to show that they’re still very potent… but I tell you, we’re winning.”

He explained that the nature of asymmetric warfare allows insurgents to strike at will, often targeting vulnerable communities, which creates the impression that they are more widespread than they actually are.

“The attacker has the advantage — he selects the time, the place and the area,” Musa noted. “They look for soft spots and strike, and when they succeed once, it is amplified so much that everybody thinks they’re everywhere.”

The Defence Minister likened public perception of the war to football, where defensive successes are overlooked in favour of isolated failures.
“It’s like playing football — nobody remembers the saves, just that one goal,” he said. “That’s what everybody talks about.”

Addressing concerns over recent attacks that claimed the lives of senior military officers, Musa described the losses as “very unfortunate” but attributed them to the complexity of the conflict and the role of informants aiding insurgents.

“These were deliberate attacks,” he said. “The same individuals people see as civilians are the ones giving them information… so they come in overwhelming numbers.”

He stressed that internal collaboration remains a major challenge in the fight against insurgency.

“The worst enemy you can fight is one from within, somebody who has nothing to lose,” he said, adding that many fighters are ideologically driven and often operate under the influence of drugs.

Musa also rejected allegations that corruption, poor maintenance, or procurement failures are compromising military effectiveness, even amid reports of equipment malfunction during attacks.

“Not at all… issues of corruption — no way,” he said. “We are doing the best we can with what we have.”

He acknowledged, however, that the military faces resource constraints, particularly due to reliance on foreign equipment and foreign exchange.

“Everything we buy is in dollars, and we don’t produce most of what we need,” he said. “We’re building capacity gradually, but it takes time.”

On the controversial airstrike in Jilly, where reports suggested that civilians were killed, the Defence Minister defended the operation, insisting it was based on credible intelligence and targeted individuals supporting insurgents.

“It was correct intelligence. We got them at the right time and we hit them,” Musa said. “Nobody in that area was innocent… they knew why they were there.”

He described the area as a known hub for logistics and supplies to terrorists, including food, fuel, and materials used for improvised explosive devices.

“If you take a bag of rice there, you sell it for about N150,000. The attraction is huge,” he said. “People go there deliberately to do business with terrorists.”

Musa maintained that those who knowingly assist insurgents should be treated as part of the threat.

“He who supports terrorists is one of them,” he said. “If you make yourself open to terrorism, you become a legitimate target.”

Despite concerns about civilian casualties, he said the military has mechanisms to investigate incidents and ensure accountability.

“If it’s a mistake, we investigate, we meet the communities and we pay compensation,” he said. “We try to avoid collateral damage except where absolutely necessary.”

On public fears over insecurity, Musa urged Nigerians to support the armed forces, warning that negative narratives could undermine troop morale.

“If your troops are not there, who will protect you?” he asked. “These men are sacrificing their lives for this country.”

He also expressed surprise at a recent United States travel advisory warning its citizens about security risks in Nigeria, suggesting it may have been based on misinformation.

“I was shocked… Nigeria is not that bad,” he said. “People come here and realise it’s not what they were told.”

While acknowledging that insecurity remains a serious challenge, Musa insisted that the military is making steady progress and that no country is immune to criminality.

“No country in the world is free from crime,” he said. “But we are doing our best, and we will continue to win.”

No Corruption In Military, We’re Winning War On Terror – Musa is first published on The Whistler Newspaper

A former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has urged Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State to tread softly while in power.

Fayose, who was the governor of Ekiti State 23 years ago, noted that the governor should remember that his tenure will soon lapse.

The former governor said this while addressing journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday.

Fayose spoke at the residence of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja in Bodija area of Ibadan.

The former governor insisted that Makinde had plans to dethrone the Olubadan.

He, however, noted that the tenure of the monarch is determined by God and destiny, while the tenure of the governor is being determined by the constitution.

He added that he was in Ibadan to solidarise with the Olubadan to show his support.

Fayose said, “I said what I said, although it is not for this gathering. The Olubadan has an eternal tenure with God. I was once a governor at sometimes. Your tenure was tied with the constitution of Nigeria, every other tenures like the Olubadan of Ibadanland is tied with God.

“Those who are fumbling today should remember that their tenure is time bound. Olubadan, by the grace of God, you will see another governor, you will see another governor after that, you will see another governor after that and God will keep you on the throne because Ibadan needs you.

“If we have quality people on the throne, if we have quality of people in power, Ibadan will benefit a lot. I have come to identify with you. All these noise, all these bickering, they should remember, I was governor 23 years ago.

“Ignore the noise of your dogs barking in the compound, Kabiesi, you have a lot of dogs, ignore their noise. If they need you, they should contact you for advice. Let them know that I Peter Ayodele Fayose has come here to identify with you, the Olubadan of Ibadanland on the happening in Oyo State”.

‘Your tenure time-bound’ – Fayose cautions Makinde over alleged plot to remove Olubadan

As the 2027 election fast approaches, the North-East political zone is embroiled in alliances and defections just like the other zones of the country. Northern Bureau Chief, MUHAMMAD SABIU, with contributions from GALADIMA ATIKU, ISHOLA MICHAEL, TERNA CHIKPA, and AUSTIN AJAYI, takes a look at the political gladiators in the zone and analyzes the political […]