BUSINESS
BPP Engages MDAs on Implementation of Inclusive Procurement Policy
The Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has engaged Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on implementing the National Policy on Affirmative Procurement (NPAP).
The Director-General, BPP, Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, said this at the Training for Policymakers and Awareness Raising on Inclusive Public Procurement in Abuja yesterday.
Adedokun said that the reform aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s inclusiveness agenda, adding that the policy targeted women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises, persons with disabilities, startups and other historically disadvantaged groups.
He said that affirmative procurement was not a new law, but full activation of preference provisions under the Public Procurement Act 2007.
”We are not creating a new law. The Act already provides for domestic and investment preference. What is missing is commitment to implementation, and Mr President has provided that strategic leadership,” he said.
The director general said that MDAs must redesign procurement plans and bidding documents to capture affirmative measures.
He added that procurement officers would receive capacity building to align internal processes with the new directives.
According to him, implementation will commence gradually with the 2026 budget cycle. We will start phased implementation, learn from challenges and continuously improve.
He noted that inclusive procurement would reduce youth restiveness, address insecurity and expand job opportunities.
Adedokun further said that transparency mechanisms, including technology adoption and sanctions, would guide enforcement.
”Give us one case of deviation and we will take it up. We have the legal powers to recommend prosecution,” he said.
He urged stakeholders and civil society to report abuses to strengthen accountability.
He added that the engagement was not a policy inauguration but part of nationwide consultations.
Also speaking, the National Coordinating Officer of the International Trade Centre in Nigeria, Ms Natasha Akioye, reaffirmed support for the reform.
Akioye said the NPAP was developed with technical assistance under the SheTrades initiative.
According to her, inclusive public procurement is both a fairness measure and an economic strategy to stimulate competition and innovation.
She added that the workshop aimed to equip policymakers with practical tools for implementation and monitoring. The training is part of ongoing nationwide stakeholder engagements to operationalise the affirmative procurement policy.
BUSINESS
Electricity Generation Improved to 4300MW from 3951MW, Says FG
The Federal Government announced on Sunday that electricity generation improved from 3,951 MW to 4,300 between March 28 and April 10.
This is contained in a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations in Abuja.
The gradual rise in generation output within the period, Tunji said, was in tandem with the assurance given by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, at the Power Sector Working Group, where he pledged that electricity supply would improve within two weeks.
He explained that this improvement closely aligns with the steady increase in gas supply to thermal power plants, which rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same timeframe.
Tunji further stated that mechanical availability remained stable and even improved, peaking at over 7,796 Megawatts (MW) in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to a peak of over 4,694MW, indicating enhanced efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.
“Inspite of minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” he said.
Tunji also said that the strong correlation between gas availability and generation output underscores the importance of sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on thermal power plants.
”To consolidate the gains recorded so far, the minister recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee to ensure improved coordination, real-time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generating companies.
“The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery, enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies, and ultimately guarantee a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country, “he said.
“The minister remains committed to ensuring that the modest gains recorded are not only sustained but significantly improved upon in the coming weeks,” he said.
Tunji assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions in the sector would continue to yield measurable improvements in power generation and supply, in line with the administration’s broader objective of stabilising the nation’s electricity sector.
“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements, “he said.
Tunji also said that the minister urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to focus on improving its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The minister spoke during the visit of the newly appointed Managing Director of the agency, Olusegun Adesayo and the chairman of the Board, Ikechi Nwosu to his office at the weekend.
Adelabu said that the agency should focus on improving IGR while reducing dependence on appropriation, especially in funding their operational cost.
He also urged the management to look into establishing more meter testing centres across the country in order to enhance and improve on their role.
While expressing confidence in the new management, he assured that the full board would be inaugurated soon.
“I have no doubt about your ability and I can also say that with your appointment by the president, you will do well. The President knows what he is doing by appointing you and any appointee of the president will have my full cooperation, “he said.
Decrying the dearth of manpower, especially meter installers, the minister again reiterated his call for collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and NEMSA to tackle the issue.
“We need to ensure more installers are trained in order to accelerate the government’s plan to bridge the meter gap in the country, “he said.
On meter testing stations, he said that there should be a plan towards having them in each of the geo-political zones.
He urged Adesayo to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the agency and list the challenges in order to know where to start from.
Earlier, the Managing Director may have informed the minister of his visit to the other agencies to get their support.
He also spoke on the required support from the ministry in order to ensure the successful discharge of the agency‘s responsibilities.
BUSINESS
NAICOM Restates Commitment to Labour Standards, Staff Welfare
By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) reaffirmed a strong commitment to maintaining high labour standards and promoting the welfare of all staff in the country.
Disclosing this in a statement on Monday NAICOM said as a forward looking regulatory institution, the Commission recognises that its effectiveness depends largely on the professionalism, dedication, and wellbeing of its workforce.
Continuing, it said “Since the current leadership assumed office, NAICOM has continued to take deliberate steps to improve working conditions and enhance staff welfare.
These efforts include strengthening internal processes, providing a supportive and enabling work environment, and promoting a workplace culture built on fairness, productivity, mutual respect, and accountability.“Staff welfare remains a key priority of the Commission. In recent years, noticeable progress has been made in areas such as training and capacity development, career growth, workplace improvements, and performance based advancement. These initiatives reflect NAICOM’s commitment to building a skilled, motivated, and results driven workforce aligned with its strategic goals.
“NAICOM operates a transparent and merit based human resource system in full compliance with public service rules and applicable regulatory frameworks. Promotion exercises are conducted strictly in line with due process and are based on clear, objective, and verifiable criteria. All staff are treated equally, with no room for favouritism or bias.
“The Commission also places high importance on discipline, integrity, and positive working relationships across all levels. NAICOM remains committed to fostering a work environment guided by equity, transparency, and nondiscrimination in all engagements and decisions.
“Management remains open to constructive dialogue and engagement. Staff are encouraged to make use of established internal mechanisms for communication and dispute resolution, rather than actions that may disrupt operations or affect public confidence in the Commission.
NAICOM assures all stakeholders of its continued investment in staff welfare, professional development, and institutional excellence, in line with global best practices and its statutory responsibilities.
“The Commission remains committed to creating a harmonious and productive work environment while fulfilling its mandate to regulate, supervise, and strengthen Nigeria’s insurance industry, ” it added.
Meanwhile, NAICOM has alleged that there was an attempt on Monday by certain individuals to undermine the credibility of the current leadership through external actors.
“We are pleased to state that this effort was unsuccessful, as it was firmly rejected by disciplined and committed members of staff who declined to be associated with unfounded claims. The situation has since been effectively resolved, and normalcy has been fully restored.
“All operations remain uninterrupted, and NAICOM continues to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, fairness, dedication, and accountability in service to the Nigerian public”, the statement concluded.
Electricity Generation Improved to 4300MW from 3951MW, Says FG
The Federal Government announced on Sunday that electricity generation improved from 3,951 MW to 4,300 between March 28 and April 10.
This is contained in a statement issued by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser to the Minister of Power on Strategic Communications and Media Relations in Abuja.
The gradual rise in generation output within the period, Tunji said, was in tandem with the assurance given by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, at the Power Sector Working Group, where he pledged that electricity supply would improve within two weeks.
He explained that this improvement closely aligns with the steady increase in gas supply to thermal power plants, which rose from approximately 605 million standard cubic feet (mmscfd) to over 704 mmscfd within the same timeframe.
Tunji further stated that mechanical availability remained stable and even improved, peaking at over 7,796 Megawatts (MW) in early April, while operational availability rose from about 4,208MW to a peak of over 4,694MW, indicating enhanced efficiency in converting available gas into electricity.
“Inspite of minor fluctuations recorded on some days, the overall trajectory points to a gradual recovery in the power sector, driven largely by improved gas supply and better coordination among critical stakeholders,” he said.
Tunji also said that the strong correlation between gas availability and generation output underscores the importance of sustained interventions in the gas-to-power value chain, given Nigeria’s heavy reliance on thermal power plants.
”To consolidate the gains recorded so far, the minister recently inaugurated a Gas-to-Power Monitoring Committee to ensure improved coordination, real-time monitoring, and sustained gas supply to generating companies.
“The committee is expected to address bottlenecks in gas delivery, enhance synergy between gas producers and power generation companies, and ultimately guarantee a more stable and reliable electricity supply across the country, “he said.
“The minister remains committed to ensuring that the modest gains recorded are not only sustained but significantly improved upon in the coming weeks,” he said.
Tunji assured Nigerians that ongoing reforms and targeted interventions in the sector would continue to yield measurable improvements in power generation and supply, in line with the administration’s broader objective of stabilising the nation’s electricity sector.
“We are not there yet, but we will continue to ensure measurable improvements, “he said.
Tunji also said that the minister urged the new management of the Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) to focus on improving its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The minister spoke during the visit of the newly appointed Managing Director of the agency, Olusegun Adesayo and the chairman of the Board, Ikechi Nwosu to his office at the weekend.
Adelabu said that the agency should focus on improving IGR while reducing dependence on appropriation, especially in funding their operational cost.
He also urged the management to look into establishing more meter testing centres across the country in order to enhance and improve on their role.
While expressing confidence in the new management, he assured that the full board would be inaugurated soon.
“I have no doubt about your ability and I can also say that with your appointment by the president, you will do well. The President knows what he is doing by appointing you and any appointee of the president will have my full cooperation, “he said.
Decrying the dearth of manpower, especially meter installers, the minister again reiterated his call for collaboration between the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) and NEMSA to tackle the issue.
“We need to ensure more installers are trained in order to accelerate the government’s plan to bridge the meter gap in the country, “he said.
On meter testing stations, he said that there should be a plan towards having them in each of the geo-political zones.
He urged Adesayo to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis of the agency and list the challenges in order to know where to start from.
Earlier, the Managing Director may have informed the minister of his visit to the other agencies to get their support.
He also spoke on the required support from the ministry in order to ensure the successful discharge of the agency‘s responsibilities.
BUSINESS
Coy Tax for Q4 2025 Stands at N1.49trn – NBS
The nation’s aggregate Company Income Tax (CIT) for Q4 2025 is reported to be 1.49 trillion, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said.
The figure is contained in the NBS Company Income Tax (CIT) Q4 2025 Report released in Abuja on Wednesday.
According to the report, the figure shows a decrease of 49.
81 per cent on a quarter-on-quarter basis from N2. 96 trillion recorded in Q3 2025.The report said domestic CIT received was N819.83 billion, while foreign CIT payment was N668.21 billion in Q4 2025.
It said on a quarter-on-quarter basis, activities of extraterritorial organisations and bodies recorded the highest growth rate with 75.15 per cent,
The report said this was followed by Education and real estate activities at 54.
20 per cent and 27.25 per cent respectively.“On the other hand, accommodation and food services activities recorded the lowest growth rate at -67.11 per cent, followed by activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods and services producing activities of households for own use at -63.49 per cent .
“It said mining quarrying was recorded at -49.63 per cent.”
In terms of sectoral contributions, the report showed that the top three activities with the highest contribution in Q4 2025 were financial and insurance activities at 18.17 per cent, manufacturing at 17.30 per cent and mining and quarrying at 15.04 per cent.
It said on the other hand, the activities of households as employers, undifferentiated goods and 0.002 per cent.
“This was followed by water supply, sewage, waste management and remediation activities with 0.04 per cent.
The report, however, said, on a year-on-year basis, CIT collections in Q4 2025 increased by 13.38 per cent from Q4 2024.

