New Post Africa

Category: Technology

  • Sanwo-Olu signs new power agreements to boost reliability, manage costs

    Sanwo-Olu signs new power agreements to boost reliability, manage costs

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sunday at Lagos House, Marina, presided over the signing of three new power purchase agreements aimed at strengthening capacity and addressing gaps in the state’s electricity supply.

    In a statement, the governor explained that Fenchurch Power will support major water facilities in Adiyan and Iju, while Mainland Power will continue serving Ikeja, Oshodi, and Anthony, with room for expansion. The third firm, Viathan, will maintain stable supply to key facilities on the Island, with integration into the wider distribution network.

    Sanwo-Olu noted that the agreements have been updated to reflect current market realities, stressing that the state will no longer pay for power that is not delivered. Payments, he said, are now tied strictly to actual metered supply, a move designed to reduce waste and manage costs more effectively.

    “This means more reliable power for public infrastructure, better use of state resources, and a clear path to scale capacity over the next few years,” the governor stated.

  • WTO, ITC launch WEIDE Program in Jordan to empower women entrepreneurs

    WTO, ITC launch WEIDE Program in Jordan to empower women entrepreneurs

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The World Trade Organization (WTO) has congratulated 46 women-led businesses in Jordan selected to benefit from the Women Exporters in the Digital Economy (WEIDE) Fund, a program designed to strengthen their participation in international trade through digital commerce. The announcement was made in Amman on April 23 at a launch event organized by the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation (JEDCO), the program’s local partner.

    The beneficiaries were chosen from a pool of 469 applicants and will undergo a one-year program combining technical assistance, mentorship, access to international business networks, and financial support. The WEIDE Fund, launched in 2024 by the WTO Secretariat and the International Trade Center (ITC), is currently being implemented in four countries, including Jordan.

    WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, speaking virtually, said: “Digital trade is reshaping the global economy and creating new pathways for women entrepreneurs to participate in international trade. Ensuring women’s participation is essential for inclusive growth and the creation of even more jobs.”

    ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton emphasized that the program equips women-led businesses with both finance and digital skills to scale sustainably. Jordan’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply, Yarub Qudah, described the initiative as part of national efforts to enhance women’s economic participation, calling it “an economic necessity.”

    Dana AlZoubi, Acting CEO of JEDCO, noted that the program provides technical support, training, and grants totaling $1.4 million. Beneficiaries are divided into two tracks: the Discovery Track, offering $5,000 grants to early-stage businesses, and the Booster Track, providing up to $30,000 for advanced firms ready to expand globally.

    Ahead of the launch, participants attended training sessions covering business development, digital trade, financial management, and soft skills such as leadership and negotiation. A pitch competition selected Hanan Aqeel, Manager of Khayrat Alsahra, to represent Jordan at an international trade fair.

    The WEIDE Fund is supported by the United Arab Emirates, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Legacy Fund, and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Besides Jordan, it is also active in the Dominican Republic, Mongolia, and Nigeria.

  • TCN commissions Ihovbor transmission lines to boost power evacuation

    TCN commissions Ihovbor transmission lines to boost power evacuation

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful commissioning of the turn-in-turn-out connections for the Ihovbor/Benin and Ihovbor/Ajaokuta 330kV transmission lines, a development expected to enhance power evacuation capacity and improve grid stability.

    According to a statement issued by Ndidi Mbah, General Manager, Public Affairs, the commissioning was completed at 19:05 hours on Wednesday, April 23, 2026. The new connections deliver the Ihovbor corridor and provide additional evacuation capacity for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and Azura Power.

    Currently, the Ihovbor/Benin transmission line is transmitting 200MW, while the Ihovbor/Ajaokuta line is transmitting 90MW.

    TCN noted that the project will strengthen power evacuation from the Ihovbor generating plant, improve reliability in the affected regions, and contribute to overall grid stability.

    The commissioning forms part of Nigeria’s broader national grid expansion plan, which aims to increase transmission capacity, reduce system collapses, and support the integration of new generation sources into the grid. With rising electricity demand across the country, projects like Ihovbor are critical to ensuring that generated power is efficiently evacuated and delivered to consumers, thereby reducing reliance on unstable distribution networks and improving overall energy security.

    The Company reaffirmed its commitment to expanding transmission infrastructure nationwide to support Nigeria’s growing electricity needs and ensure efficient delivery of power to consumers.

    Nigeria’s transmission grid currently struggles to wheel more than 5,000–6,000MW reliably, despite installed generation capacity of over 13,000MW. By 2026, transmission capacity is projected to rise to about 10,000MW, while national demand is estimated at 20,000MW — highlighting the urgent need for projects like Ihovbor to close the gap.

  • Lagos Government restates approval rules for solar panel installation in state-owned estates

    Lagos Government restates approval rules for solar panel installation in state-owned estates

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The Lagos State Government has reiterated that residents of government-owned housing estates must obtain official approval before installing solar panels or making external alterations to their allocated flats.

    Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Housing, Engr. Abdulhafis Toriola, clarified the policy following concerns raised on social media by a resident of the Millennium Housing Estate, Ibeshe, during a routine inspection by the Ministry’s Monitoring and Compliance Team.

    “An allottee must obtain approval from the Ministry for any intended alteration to the flat allocated and the building, and this includes installation of solar panels,” Toriola stated. He explained that the requirement, outlined in the Letter of Allocation and Allottees Guide, is designed to safeguard shared assets such as rooftops, walls, and water facilities, while preventing fire incidents linked to poorly executed solar installations.

    According to him, the Ministry introduced specific guidelines after observing that unregulated solar panel installations were causing structural damage and fire outbreaks in some estates. “In recent times, the Ministry had to intervene in fixing leaking rooftops and incessant fire outbreaks caused by solar panel installation by some residents,” he noted.

    Toriola emphasized that government estates are social housing schemes with shared facilities, often accommodating between two and thirty-two families per block. To minimize risks, the Ministry has stipulated standards for installation, including approved materials, panel configurations, and certified technical expertise.

    The guidelines, he added, are designed to protect other flat owners, insulate the entire building with insurance against damages, and apportion appropriate roof space to all flat owners to prevent disputes when multiple occupants in a block seek to install solar panels on the same roof.

    The Ministry also stressed its openness to feedback from residents. Beyond monthly public enlightenment campaigns in government estates, allottees are encouraged to reach out to the Ministry when in doubt and comply with established processes to ensure safety, structural integrity, and harmonious coexistence in all state-owned housing schemes.

  • ECOWAS BEST project audit assesses power access in Mauritania

    ECOWAS BEST project audit assesses power access in Mauritania

    NOUAKCHOTT, Mauritania (NPA) — The Regional Coordination Unit (RCU) of the Regional Electricity Access and Battery Energy Storage Technologies (BEST) project, led by the ECOWAS Directorate of Energy and Mines, has concluded an audit in Mauritania to evaluate progress on electricity access and storage systems.

    The audit, conducted from 14 to 19 April 2026, focused on adherence to the project schedule and the installation quality of battery energy storage equipment. Inspectors assessed whether the systems meet required standards and can reliably supply electricity to households across the country.

    According to ECOWAS, the objective is to enhance the stability of power systems, expand access to grid electricity, and strengthen renewable energy integration within the West Africa Power Pool. The findings will guide implementation and ensure that Mauritania benefits from improved energy infrastructure under the regional initiative.

    ECOWAS is executing the BEST project across West Africa to address chronic electricity shortages, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and promote regional energy integration. By expanding access to reliable and sustainable power, the initiative aims to drive economic growth, improve social welfare, and support the long-term vision of a resilient and interconnected energy market in the region.

  • FG, EU launch £2.7m space-tech agriculture project to boost food security

    FG, EU launch £2.7m space-tech agriculture project to boost food security

    ABUJA, Nigeria (Agency Report) — The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union (EU), has inaugurated a £2.7 million Earth Observation (EO)-based Agricultural Innovation Project aimed at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture sector through space technology and data-driven solutions.

    The initiative, jointly implemented by the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) and the European Space Agency, is designed to promote climate-smart agriculture, boost productivity, and strengthen food security nationwide.

    Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr. Kingsley Udeh, described the project as a defining moment for Nigeria’s agricultural transformation. Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Mukhtar Yawale, he noted that while agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economy, it faces mounting challenges, including climate change, land degradation, environmental stress, and population growth.

    He said addressing these issues requires a shift toward innovation-driven solutions anchored on data and technology, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, reduced import dependence, and modern agricultural practices.

    According to the minister, EO technologies provide accurate, timely, and scalable data to improve crop monitoring, environmental risk assessment, land-use planning, and evidence-based decision-making.

    Director-General of NASRDA, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, said the agency has invested significantly in satellite infrastructure, data systems, and human capacity, adding that the focus is now on translating data into practical solutions with measurable impact. He noted that the project aligns with global development goals and reflects strong collaboration between African and European institutions.

    EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, said the three-year project, funded under the EU Global Gateway strategy, will support farmers and herders with space-based information to improve farming systems, livestock management, and climate resilience. He added that Nigeria’s growing technological capacity makes it a strategic partner and positions the country as a potential hub for agricultural innovation in Africa.

    Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, represented by Mr. Olanipekun Oshadiya, highlighted the role of satellite imagery in soil mapping, crop yield forecasting, and efficient land-use optimisation.

    Earlier, NASRDA’s Director of Strategic Space Applications, Dr. Godstime James, said seven states—Kano, Bauchi, Plateau, Oyo, Enugu, Cross River, and the Federal Capital Territory—have been selected for pilot demonstration farms across Nigeria’s agro-ecological zones. He added that farmers will be equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and supported with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based tools.

    Project expert, Dr. Christopher Sannier, explained that the initiative will develop a sustainable, open-source agricultural information system integrating satellite data with ground sensors, alongside features such as AI-driven advisory services, SMS alerts, mobile applications, and web-based dashboards.

  • 12 years after, MTN Nigeria suspends Xtratime service

    12 years after, MTN Nigeria suspends Xtratime service

    LAGOS, Nigeria — 17 April 2026 (NPA) — MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has announced the suspension of its Xtratime service, which previously allowed customers to borrow airtime or data with repayment automatically deducted from their next recharge. The company cited compliance with new government lending regulations as the reason for the stoppage of the service launched in 2014.

    In a statement issued Thursday and signed by Uto Ukpanah, FCIS, Company Secretary, MTN notified the Nigerian Exchange Limited and the investing public that the airtime and data credit advance service has been temporarily halted.

    The suspension, according to the statement, follows the implementation of the Digital, Electronic, Online or Non-Traditional Consumer Lending Regulations, 2025, which introduced stricter compliance and licensing requirements for providers of digital or non-traditional consumer credit services.

    MTN assured customers that, in the interim, they will continue to have access to alternative digital channels for airtime and data purchases.

    On the potential impact to its financial performance, the company stated that given the scale of the service within its overall revenue mix, it does not expect the temporary suspension to materially affect earnings or profitability.

    “We are closely monitoring customer behaviour and usage trends and will provide an update on any quantified impact in our Q1 2026 results,” the statement concluded.

  • DBI, ITU Partner to strengthen digital skills and broadband development in Nigeria

    DBI, ITU Partner to strengthen digital skills and broadband development in Nigeria

    ABUJA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (Agency Report) — The Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) has announced a strategic partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) aimed at advancing digital skills and expanding broadband infrastructure across Nigeria.

    DBI President and CEO David Daser made the disclosure on Monday in Abuja at the opening of a five-day advanced training programme on fibre optic infrastructure, supported by the European Union under the Global Gateway Initiative. The workshop, themed “Strategic Fibre Optics Infrastructure Deployment and Regulatory Management,” is designed to equip participants with competencies in planning, deploying, and regulating fibre optic networks.

    Daser explained that DBI hosts both the ITU Academy Training Centre and the Digital Transformation Centre in Nigeria, aligning with the country’s digital economy agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. He said the programme covers national broadband strategy, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure sharing, compliance monitoring, and risk management.

    “The training adopts global best practices, combining expert-led instruction with practical exercises, case studies, and continuous assessment through the ITU Academy platform,” Daser noted, adding that it also serves as a platform for knowledge exchange and international collaboration.

    Ghazi Mabrouk, Project Officer at ITU’s Capacity and Skills Development Division, highlighted the importance of diversity among participants, saying it enriches discussions and promotes shared learning. He noted that DBI is one of ITU’s 14 Academic Training Centres worldwide, with the organisation delivering over 150 courses annually.

    “This is the first face-to-face training we are hosting with DBI, and participants have the unique privilege to be part of it,” Mabrouk said.

    Delegates from government institutions, regulatory bodies, and industry are attending the programme, which underscores a shared vision of inclusive digital transformation and sustainable broadband expansion.

  • Over 2,100 PhD candidates compete for PTDF overseas scholarships

    Over 2,100 PhD candidates compete for PTDF overseas scholarships

    ABUJA, Nigeria — 14 April 2026 (Agency Report) — The Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) has begun the second phase of interviews for its 2026/2027 Overseas Scholarship Scheme (OSS), with 2,102 PhD applicants shortlisted nationwide.

    Speaking at the Abuja screening centre, Dr. Bello Mustapha, Deputy General Manager for Education and Training, said the exercise follows MSc interviews conducted earlier across four centres. Abuja alone accounts for 912 candidates scheduled over five days.

    Mustapha explained that the selection process adheres to the Federal Character principle, ensuring candidates compete within their states of origin, with merit determining final outcomes. He added that the number of successful awardees will depend on budgetary provisions.

    While the UK remains a destination for MSc scholars, Mustapha noted that the PhD programme now operates under a split-site arrangement, allowing candidates to spend part of their study abroad in partner universities. Other participating countries include Malaysia, Germany, and France.

    The PTDF received more than 30,000 applications for MSc and PhD programmes, from which about 5,800 were shortlisted for interviews.

    A delegation from the Federal Character Commission (FCC), led by State Coordinator John Uchara and Commissioner Eugene Aleba, monitored the process to ensure transparency and fairness. Uchara commended PTDF’s compliance with federal character principles and stressed the importance of inclusiveness in national opportunities.

    Panelist Prof. Bashir Aliyu of Modibbo Adama University, Yola, described the quality of candidates as impressive, noting strong academic and research potential. He said the panel evaluates academic background, research capacity, and the relevance of proposed PhD work to national development, with emphasis on innovation and potential impact.

    Candidates expressed optimism about the opportunity. Chemical engineer Tanko Fwadwabea highlighted his proposed research on blue hydrogen production to add value to Nigeria’s natural gas resources while reducing carbon emissions. Returning applicant Cornelia Collins-Onoha, a geosciences researcher, said her study focuses on antimicrobial-resistant genes in aquatic environments affected by oil pollution, stressing its importance for environmental sustainability and public health.

    The PTDF reaffirmed its commitment to a transparent selection process, with robust verification mechanisms in place to ensure only credible candidates are chosen.

  • Federal Government to deliver 480MW Abeokuta substation by December

    Federal Government to deliver 480MW Abeokuta substation by December

    ABUJA, Nigeria, 9 April 2026 (Agency Report) — The Federal Government has announced that the new 480‑megawatt Abeokuta substation under construction in Ogun State will be completed and inaugurated by December.

    Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of FGN Power Company, Mr Kenny Anuwe, gave the assurance on Thursday during an inspection of the project at Toolu community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the electricity supply nationwide, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is investing heavily in power infrastructure to address longstanding challenges.

    Anuwe disclosed that resources have been committed to upgrading five brownfield substations in Abeokuta, Ayede, Offa, Onitsha and Sokoto under Phase One, expected to add about 986 megawatts to the national grid. He added that over 1,000 megawatts have already been injected through mobile substations and transformers under the Presidential Power Initiative.

    “The new facility, which complements the existing substation, will add 480 megawatts to the grid and improve electricity supply across the state. Civil works will be completed between June and July, followed by electrical installations, with commissioning scheduled for December,” Anuwe said. He commended President Tinubu for providing resources and urged contractors to sustain momentum.

    Chief Technical Officer of FGN Power Company, Mr Ebenezer Fapounda, explained that the project would upgrade capacity from 132kV to 330kV, reducing load shedding and addressing supply shortfalls from Ikeja West to Ogun.

    Project Manager for Siemens Energy, Mr Yusuf Mayhaja, assured that work is progressing as planned, while Project Director Mr Eli Akiki expressed confidence in timely completion, stressing that the company remains committed to delivering and inaugurating the substation before the end of 2026.