FairMoney launches FlexiCredit for Nigerian professionals

FairMoney, a leading Microfinance Bank in Nigeria, today announced the launch of FlexiCredit, a premium credit line that provides eligible users with up to ₦5,000,000 in available credit whenever they need it. FlexiCredit offers lifetime access through a single application and is built around simplicity, transparency, and complete user control.

With FlexiCredit, approved users receive a personal credit limit that they can draw from at any time directly within the FairMoney app. Interest is charged at 0.25% per day only on the amount used. For example, if a user has a limit of ₦1,000,000 and withdraws ₦200,000 for 10 days, the interest is ₦5,000, making the total repayment ₦205,000. When the credit line is not used, no fees or charges apply.

Even with stable income and employment, many Nigerian professionals still encounter delays when accessing credit. Traditional lending processes often involve long approval cycles, paperwork, collateral requirements, and rigid repayment structures that make it difficult to act quickly. FlexiCredit eliminates these barriers by providing an always-available line of credit suitable for urgent needs, lifestyle improvements, and business opportunities without stress or delay.

Speaking on the launch, Margaret Banasko, Head of Marketing at FairMoney, said, “FlexiCredit was created for the modern Nigerian professional who values speed, clarity, and control. You only pay interest when you use your limit, and once you pay your minimum due, access is instantly restored. It is simple, transparent, and designed to match the fast pace of our customers’ lives.”

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To qualify, applicants must be salaried employees earning at least ₦250,000 per month, maintain a good credit score, and complete Level Two KYC on the FairMoney app. During the application, users link their salary account for instant income verification, processed securely and in line with NDPR and CBN data protection guidelines. Once approved, customers have fourteen days to activate the credit line, and the first withdrawal must occur within sixty days to keep it active in line with FairMoney’s risk management standards.

Repayment is designed for ease and peace of mind. Each customer has a monthly due date clearly displayed in the app. Users may repay the full amount used or pay the minimum due, which is calculated as a percentage of the amount used plus accrued interest. Paying the minimum due immediately restores access to the credit line, while full repayment refreshes the entire limit for future use.

FlexiCredit launches at a time when fast and dependable credit remains essential for Nigeria’s growing professional class. By combining near instant verification, simple repayment options, and round-the-clock access to funds, FairMoney continues to build innovative financial products that support the goals and financial stability of its users.

FlexiCredit is currently available to eligible users on Android, and will be available on iOS soon.

BREAKING: Prosecution demands death penalty for Nnamdi Kanu in Terrorism trial

Prosecutors in the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have asked the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the maximum punishment of death.

Lead prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), told the court that more than 75 security operatives were killed in attacks allegedly linked to Kanu, his group, and followers. He added that several civilians also lost their lives, with public infrastructure destroyed in the process.

Read Also: Court convicts IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu of terrorism

Awomolo argued that the death sentence would serve justice for the victims of the alleged acts of terrorism.

Presiding judge, Justice James Omotosho, has stood down proceedings and is expected to deliver sentencing by 4pm today.

African Leadership Magazine unveils 2025 persons of the year nominees, voting opens

African Leadership Magazine (ALM) has announced the official nominees for the 2025 African Persons of the Year Awards, following an extensive nomination process that drew entries from across the continent and the African diaspora. Public voting is now open on the ALM website until midnight (GMT+1) on 30 November 2025.

The annual Persons of the Year Awards remain one of Africa’s most prestigious public-choice honours, celebrating leaders whose policies, innovations, and leadership in 2025 are transforming communities and shifting Africa’s development narrative. The selection process includes open public nominations, a shortlist by the Editorial Board based on measurable impact, and a continent-wide digital vote that allows Africans globally to choose the leaders shaping the continent’s future.

The 2025 nominations cut across governance, business, education, youth leadership, philanthropy, public service, peace and security, and other critical sectors. This year’s nominees have demonstrated significant contributions to economic advancement, institutional strengthening, social progress, and Africa’s global positioning.

The winners will be honoured at the 15th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year Awards ceremony scheduled to hold from 27–28 February 2026 in Accra, Ghana, under the theme, “Leadership for a New Africa: Forging Our Peace, Owning Our Narrative.”

Often referred to as the “African Oscars of Leadership and Achievement,” the event continues to attract heads of state, ministers, diplomats, CEOs, innovators, and public policy leaders from across the continent.

2025 Nominees Include:

African Political Leader of the Year

  • Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of Namibia
  • Patrice Talon — President of Benin
  • Duma Gideon Boko — President of Botswana
  • José Maria Neves — President of Cape Verde

African Female Leader of the Year

  • Esperança da Costa — Vice President of Angola
  • Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey — Secretary-General, Commonwealth of Nations
  • Mandisa Maya — Chief Justice, South Africa
  • Hend El Sherbini — CEO, Integrated Diagnostics Holdings (Egypt)

African Educationist of the Year

  • Farah Sheikh Abdulkadir — Minister for Education, Culture & Higher Education, Somalia
  • Tetteh Nettey — Founder & President, Marshalls University College, Ghana
  • Barnabas Nawangwe — Vice Chancellor, Makerere University, Uganda
  • Owunari Georgewill — Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Africa Peace & Security Leader of the Year

  • Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun — Inspector General of Police, Nigeria
  • Mbaye Cissé — Chief of the General Staff, Senegal Armed Forces
  • Mahmoud Ali Youssouf — AU Commission Chairperson, Djibouti
  • Mohammed Berrid — Inspector General, Royal Moroccan Armed Forces

African Industrialist of the Year

  • Samuel Dossou Aworet — Founder & Chairman, Petrolin Group
  • Yacoub Sidya — Founder & CEO, MSS Security (Mauritania)
  • Edson R. dos Santos — Chairman & CEO, Etu Energias, Angola
  • Phuthuma Nhleko — Co-Founder, Phembani Group, South Africa
  • Nassef Sawiris — Executive Chairman, Orascom Investment Holding, Egypt

African Philanthropist of the Year

  • Jim Ovia — Founder & Chairman, Jim Ovia Foundation
  • Dr. Mensa Otabil — Founder, ICGC
  • Rali Mampeule — Founder, SAHIF
  • Samuel Tafesse — Founder, Sunshine Investment Group (Ethiopia)

Young African Leader of the Year

  • Khalil Suleiman Halilu — Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NASENI (Nigeria)
  • Darshan Chandaria — Group CEO, Chandaria Group (Kenya)
  • Adut Salva Kiir Mayardit — Senior Presidential Envoy, South Sudan
  • Azarel Ernesta — Speaker, National Assembly, Seychelles
  • Wicknell Munodaani Chivayo — CEO, Intratrek Zimbabwe

African Public Sector Leader of the Year

  • Charles Anosike — Director General/CEO, NiMet (Nigeria)
  • Monique Gieskes — CEO, Plantations & Oil Mills of the Congo
  • Ireneu Camacho — CEO, ENAPOR (Cape Verde)
  • Avomo Assoumou Paule Koki — Director General, Cameroon Civil Aviation Authority
  • Debele Kabeta — Commissioner, Ethiopian Customs Commission

African Public Health Champion of the Year

  • Esperance Luvindao — Minister of Health & Social Services, Namibia
  • Mekdes Daba Feyssa — Minister of Health, Ethiopia
  • Jean Kaseya — Director General, Africa CDC
  • Aaron Motsoaledi — Minister of Health, South Africa
  • Paulin Basinga — Director of Health (Africa), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

African Agricultural Development Leader of the Year

  • Tinotenda Mhiko — CEO, Zimbabwe Agricultural & Rural Development Authority
  • Queta Baldé — Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, Guinea-Bissau
  • Bruno Linyiru — Director General, AFA (Kenya)
  • Girma Amente — Minister of Agriculture, Ethiopia
  • Alaa Farouk — Minister of Agriculture & Land Reclamation, Egypt
  • Arvin Boolell — Minister of Agro-Industry & Food Security, Mauritius

African Government Minister of the Year

  • Lee Maiyani Kinyanjui — Cabinet Secretary, Investments & Trade, Kenya
  • Estevão Pale — Minister of Mineral Resources & Energy, Mozambique
  • Seedy K.M. Keita — Minister of Finance, Gambia
  • Nyesom Wike — Minister, FCT, Nigeria
  • Sheku Ahmed Fantamadi Bangura — Minister of Finance, Sierra Leone

African Lawmaker of the Year

  • Celmira Sacramento — Speaker, National Assembly, São Tomé & Príncipe
  • Shirin Aumeeruddy Cziffra — Speaker, National Assembly, Mauritius
  • Austelino Tavares Correia — President, National Assembly, Cape Verde
  • Tlohang Sekhamane — Speaker, National Assembly, Lesotho
  • Benjamin Okezie Kalu — Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Nigeria

Voting is now open at the ALM website, giving the continent an opportunity to celebrate and elevate leaders driving Africa forward.

COAS visits frontline troops in Zamfara 

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen. Waidi Shu’aibu, has arrived at the Headquarters of the Joint Task Force, Operation Fansa Yamma (OPFY), Zamfara, as part of his ongoing operational tour of frontline formations.

The army chief was received by senior commanders of the OPFY and was accorded the usual military ceremonial salute by the Guard of Honour.

Read Also: Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, recover AK-47 rifle in Taraba

He was accompanied by senior officers, including representatives of the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff, among other top military officers.

Shu’aibu, who proceeded into a meeting with the OPFY commanders, is expected to address officers and men of the command before his departure.

(NAN)

US to prioritize visa interviews for 2026 World Cup ticket holders

The United States has rolled out a new fast-track visa system aimed at easing the expected surge in international visitors ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. President Donald Trump announced the initiative — known as the FIFA Priority Appointment Scheduling System (FIFA PASS) — during a briefing at the White House on Monday.

Developed in partnership with FIFA, the programme will allow fans who purchase World Cup tickets to secure priority visa interview slots at US embassies and consulates around the world starting early 2026.

Trump said the initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to delivering what he described as an “unprecedented” World Cup experience as the US co-hosts the tournament with Mexico and Canada.

“I’ve directed my administration to do everything within their power to make the 2026 World Cup an unprecedented success,” Trump declared from the Oval Office, where he was joined by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and World Cup Task Force director Andrew Giuliani.

Despite the expedited process, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed that a match ticket does not guarantee visa approval.

Read Also: U.S. Embassy issues security alert ahead of #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest in Abuja

“It guarantees you an expedited appointment. You’ll still go through the same vetting process as anyone else. The only difference here is that we’re moving you up in line,” he said.

Rubio noted that the State Department has deployed over 400 additional consular officers worldwide to manage anticipated demand. In football-strong nations such as Brazil and Argentina, visa appointment delays have dropped from more than a year to under two months.

“In about 80 percent of the world now, you can get an appointment in under 60 days,” he added.

FIFA described the FIFA PASS initiative as part of a broader collaboration with the White House’s World Cup Task Force. With the expanded 48-team format, FIFA expects six to seven million tickets to be sold for the tournament.

The US is set to host 78 of the 104 matches, with 11 American cities — including New York, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami — gearing up to welcome fans from across the globe.

Infantino hailed the new system as a key step toward delivering the most accessible World Cup ever.

“America welcomes the world,” he said. “We have always said this will be the greatest and most inclusive FIFA World Cup in history, and the FIFA PASS service is a very concrete example of that.”

COP30: AfDB calls for stronger climate finance support for conflict-affected African countries

The African Development Bank Group has underscored the urgent need for increased climate financing to support countries grappling with both conflict and climate shocks. The call was made during a COP30 panel session held on 12 November in Belém, Brazil.

Speaking at the event themed “Bridging the Gap: Making Climate Finance Work for the Underserved,” AfDB Vice-President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth, Kevin Kariuki, highlighted the Bank’s efforts through its Climate Action Window, established in 2022 to channel resources to low-income and fragile states.

According to Kariuki, the Climate Action Window has already backed 41 projects valued at $322 million, mobilised an additional $1.6 billion in co-financing, and built an adaptation pipeline approaching $2 billion.

The side event was jointly organised by ODI Global and the UN Climate Security Mechanism (CSM), bringing together climate finance leaders, government officials and multilateral agencies to explore strategies for expanding access to climate funding for the world’s most vulnerable populations.

“We must ensure that climate finance benefits the most underserved populations, especially where security crises overlap with climate distress,” said Rebecca Nadin, Director of Global Risks and Resilience at ODI Global.

For conflict zones such as the Lake Chad Basin, climate financing has become a lifeline. Oumar Gadji Soumaila, Director General of Chad’s Special Environmental Fund, stressed that such investments are often “the only support they receive,” enabling communities to cope with insecurity and environmental degradation.

Read Also: COP30: AfDB calls for stronger climate finance support for conflict-affected African countries

The Climate Action Window — supported by contributions from Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland and Norway — dedicates funding exclusively to fragile, low-income and climate-vulnerable countries. Current allocations include:

  • 75% for adaptation projects
  • 15% for mitigation
  • 10% for technical assistance
  • 64% of adaptation financing provided as grants

Several African countries are also strengthening policy responses to climate-security challenges. Burkina Faso has adopted a national climate security framework, while the Liptako-Gourma Authority — comprising Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger — is working toward a regional framework expected by end-2026.

Fresh Commitments at COP30

The discussions in Belém provided renewed political momentum. Mauritania announced plans to join the climate security platform, while Germany, Italy, Croatia and others pledged new contributions to the UN Climate Security Mechanism to bolster support for countries facing overlapping climate and security crises.

The event also underlined the importance of national climate-security platforms as effective delivery channels for climate finance in fragile contexts, ensuring that support reaches those most at risk.

The Climate Security Mechanism — a partnership involving the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UNDP, UNEP and Peace Operations — continues to lead global efforts to analyse climate-security risks and support countries in developing coordinated response strategies.

Ebury announced as sponsor for Scotland London Africa Week 2025

The Scottish Africa Business Association (SABA) has confirmed global financial services provider Ebury as a sponsor for Scotland London Africa Week 2025. The company will support the Scotland Africa Networking Reception at Dover House—hosted with the permission of the Secretary of State for Scotland, Rt Hon Douglas Alexander MP—as well as Commonwealth briefings with selected African Heads of Mission.

Their involvement strengthens this year’s programme and underscores a shared commitment to advancing trade and commercial ties between Scotland and African markets.

Scotland London Africa Week has rapidly grown into a major platform connecting business leaders, investors and institutions with opportunities across Africa. Last year’s edition featured senior government and industry representatives, insight sessions and new commercial partnerships that are already yielding results. With nearly 20 Scottish companies confirmed and more than 150 Africa-focused participants expected for 2025, interest continues to rise.

Read Also: Africa Tech Festival 2025 unveils expanded speaker line-up featuring leaders from government, business, sport

International trade remains central to economic growth for both Scotland and African partners. As global supply chains evolve, the need for agile partnerships and strong financial infrastructure is increasingly essential. SABA reports growing interest from Scottish organisations in sectors including energy, maritime, agriculture, education, skills development and aquaculture.

Ebury’s sponsorship reflects its strategic focus on supporting global business flows. As a specialist in international transactions, FX and trade finance, the company brings expertise that will benefit organisations exploring African opportunities. Diageo’s continued support also highlights the strengthening links between major global companies and the Scotland–Africa business community.

SABA Chief Executive Frazer Lang welcomed the partnership, describing Scotland London Africa Week as “a vital platform for dialogue and action,” and noted that Ebury’s global reach aligns with SABA’s mission to unlock trade and investment across Africa.

Ebury’s UK Country Manager, Phil Monkhouse, said Africa remains one of the most dynamic regions for growth, adding that the partnership will help Scottish businesses engage with high-potential markets “with confidence on the international stage.”

SABA says Ebury’s partnership reinforces the essential role of robust financial solutions in driving successful cross-border expansion and further positions Scotland as a trusted trade and development partner for African nations.

UK eases switch to innovator founder visa for international students

International students in the United Kingdom, including thousands of Nigerians, will soon be able to switch directly from a Study visa to the Innovator Founder visa without returning home, following a major review of the country’s immigration rules.

The new policy takes effect on November 25, 2025, and marks a significant departure from previous regulations that required applicants to leave the UK before applying for the business-focused visa category.

Under the updated rules, students with a valid Study visa can now transition to the Innovator Founder route from within the UK, enabling them to begin setting up their businesses while their applications are being processed. This shift is expected to ease barriers faced by foreign students seeking to establish innovative ventures in the country.

Read Also: Easiest countries for Nigerians to get Visa

The Innovator Founder visa allows holders to create and operate an innovative business that is distinct from existing products or services in the UK market. To qualify, applicants must present a viable business idea endorsed by a recognised Innovator Founder endorsing body and meet all other eligibility criteria.

The policy update follows recommendations from the UK White Paper 2025, which advocated a comprehensive review of the Innovator Founder route to help retain entrepreneurial talent already studying in the UK. With the discontinuation of the Start-up visa, the Innovator Founder visa now becomes the primary pathway for foreign nationals looking to launch new businesses in the country.

However, students must meet specific conditions before engaging in business activities. A student may only be self-employed under the Innovator Founder visa if:

  1. They have applied for permission under the Innovator Founder route;
  2. Their application includes an endorsement from an approved endorsing body;

The application was submitted while they still held a valid Student visa.

The new policy is expected to encourage more entrepreneurship among international students — particularly Nigerians, who make up one of the largest foreign student groups in the UK.

Alleged forgery: Court hears motion seeking prosecution of FCTA Land director

The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed Nov. 26 to hear a motion seeking an order compelling the police to investigate and prosecute Mr Chijioke Nwankwoeze over alleged certificate forgery.

Nwankwoeze, a Director of Lands Administration, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), is accused of presenting a forged Ordinary National Diploma (OND) certificate from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.

Justice Ekerete Akpan fixed the date following a motion ex-parte filed by the applicant; the Incorporated Trustees of Dependable Patriots for Nation Building and Transformation Initiative.

The suit, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/2050/2025, was dated and filed Sept. 26 by its team of lawyers led by Abdulkabir Badmos.

The applicant had sued the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police, Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Mr Nwankwoeze Williamson Chijioke as 1st to 3rd defendants respectively.

It sought two reliefs, including an order of mandamus compelling the 1st and 2nd defendants to investigate and prosecute the 3rd defendant for the allegations of forgery of statement of result of Kwara State Polytechnic, llorin.

It alleged that the 3rd defendant used the said certificate in gaining employment into the civil service of the federation.

It also sought an order granting leave to the applicant to serve the originating motion on notice, hearing notices and other subsequent processes in the case on the 3rd defendant by substituted means.

The initiative prayed the court to allow the service of the court documents on the officials in the Office of the Director of Lands Administration, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), No. 4, Peace Drive, Central Business District, Abuja.

Giving 10-ground argument, the lawyer said the initiative is a not-for-profit organisation registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) under the relevant laws.

Badmos said part of the objectives of the registration of the initiative is the struggle for the upholding of justice, fight against corruption and promotion of accountability and transparency in public offices.

He said the plaintiff had written a letter to the I-G and NPF, requesting investigations into the allegations of submission of forged/fake statement of result by Nwankwoeze to gain employment into the civil service of the federation.

Read Also: Court upholds FRSC’s sanction over tampered number plate

“The plaintiff had provided the 1st and 2nd defendants with the requisite documentary evidence that discloses triable offences under the relevant laws, but the 1st and 2nd defendants have failed to act till date.

“The 1st and 2nd defendants have the statutory role of investigation and prosecution of offences under the Police Act, 2020, including the allegations of forgery alleged against the 3rd defendant herein,” he said.

According to him, forgery or presentation of fake documents to procure an undue advantage is a serious offence in our country and prosecutory agencies shouldn’t be seen to be shielding public officers from prosecution.

The lawyer said unless the court compels the I-G and NPF to investigate and prosecute Nwankwoeze, they would continue to look away from these grave allegations.

Badmos said there is a reasonable cause to believe that service of the processes on Nwankwoeze’s office would bring the existence of the suit to his attention.

The lawyer, who said the court has the vires to compel the I-G and police to perform their statutory duty, said it is in the interest of justice and good governance to grant the application.

In the affidavit in support of the motion ex-parte, deposed to by the Executive Secretary of the initiative, Comrade Emmanuel Nwosu, he alleged that Nwankwoeze had used the forged result to gain admission into Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra.

Nwosu said the organisation receives anonymous tip-offs and whistle-blowers’ petitions notifying it of any perceived corrupt practices going on in arm of the Nigerian government.

He said in one of those tip-offs, the organisation was reliably informed that the 3rd defendant had forged a statement of result dated 16th Jan., 1997 in respect of award of Diploma in Architectural Technology.

H alleged that the certificate was purportedly from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, to gain employment into the civil service of the federation.

According to Nwosu, a copy of the said statement of result is attached and marked as “Exhibit C.”

He further alleged that Nwankwoeze had used the fake result to gain admission into Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra.

“That the applicant had on Jan. 15, instructed its solicitors, Ike, Ike & Associates, to write to the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin, seeking confirmation or otherwise of the statement of result being paraded by the 3rd defendant.

“That in reply to the said solicitors’ letter, the Deputy Registrar, Exams and Records of Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin confirmed that the said statement of result is FAKE.

“A copy of the registrar’s letter dated 12th March, 2025, is attached and marked as ‘Exhibit D,’” he said.

He said against this background, the organisation wrote a letter to the I-G and NPF, “requesting investigations into the allegations of use and submission of forged/fake statements of result against the 3rd defendant.”

He said all requisite documentary evidence had been provided to the I-G and police but nothing had happened.

Nwosu, who said the police have the statutory role of investigation and prosecution of offences under the various laws, said there is no alternative legal remedy available to the applicants in the circumstances of the case.

He said he knew as a fact that Nwankwoeze, is a public officer and the current occupier of the office of the Director, Lands Administration, FCTA, and by the protocol and practice in his office, he does not receive processes meant for him personally.

He said it would be in the interest of justice to grant the leave to apply for an order of mandamus against the I-G and NPF in the court.

“That a grant of this application will not prejudice the defendants who still have an opportunity to defend the action as they may deem fit,” he said.

(NAN)

COP30: Nigeria set to boost green economy, tackle climate change

Mrs Tenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General, National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), says Nigeria will intensify efforts to advance the green economy toward mitigating climate change.

‎Majekodunmi said this on Monday during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Belém, Brazil.

‎She said focus on overall environmental sustainability including renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and waste management would be maintained nationwide.

‎According to her, Nigeria has taken this charge to heart. Our commitment is not just an aspiration; it is a solemn national mandate to reach a 32 per cent emission reduction target by 2035.

‎”We have already submitted our comprehensive Third Nationally Determined Contribution; the first among West Africa, approved the National Carbon Market Framework, and operationalised our Climate Change Fund.

‎”These actions send a clear, powerful signal that Nigeria is ready for high-integrity and large-scale clean energy investment; yet, a gap remains between potential and proof.”

‎She disclosed that the Federal Government would  support private sectors that were ready to deploy scalable off-grid solutions toward ensuring diversification of nation`s energy sources to close persistent energy gaps in the hard-to-reach communities.

‎”This aligns with the Nigeria Just Transition Guideline and action plan we have recently validated.

‎”Such clean energy projects from the private sector will strengthen the NCCC’s efforts to advocate for and mandate the decarbonisation of energy production thereby ensuring Nigeria remains Paris aligned.

‎”Nigeria offers political stability, massive market demand, and a new, robust climate policy architecture designed to attract and protect investors’ capital,” she added.

‎The NCCC director general reiterated that the Nigerian government through the council supported the wind sector as a vital pillar in the Nigerian energy mix plan.

‎”Let the winds of change that sweep across Nigeria’s land be harnessed not just as potential, but as tangible power, driving our sustainable development and guaranteeing a greener, brighter future for every Nigerian,” she said.

‎In another development, Prof. Magnus Onuoha, Executive Director, West Africa Green Economic Development Institute (WAGEDI), said that driving wind energy in Nigeria would greatly boost energy supply.

‎NAN reports that WAGEDI is a pan-African research institute housed within Gregory University, a private tertiary institution located in Uturu, Nigeria.

‎Onuoha who spoke with NAN also on the sideline of the conference, said that government policies and incentives Nigeria had committed to global climate action were key drivers behind wind energy projects in the country.

‎According to him, the electric power sector reform Act of 2005 laid the groundwork for private sector participation in electricity generation; creating a regulatory framework that includes renewable energy.

‎”Additionally, Nigeria’s ratification of the Paris Agreement in 2016 and subsequent submission of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) in 2017 underscored the country’s pledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

‎”These commitments have spurred investment in low-carbon technologies, including wind energy as part of Nigeria’s strategy to meet its international obligations.”

Read Also: COP 30: African stakeholders issue seven-point call  

‎He added that domestically, policy initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) and the Climate Change Act of 2021 have further accelerated the development of wind energy.

”The REMP outlines specific targets for renewable energy adoption, aiming to achieve a 23 per cent share by 2025, with wind power as a critical component.

”The government’s REMP that was inaugurated in 2011 aimed at increasing the share of renewable energy to at least 13 per cent by 2015, 23 per cent by 2025, and 36 per cent by 2030.

”Energy target will be comprised of renewable and carbon intensive sources as coal (2,200MW), the Nigerian National Integrated Power Project (NIPP)(1,896MW), Independent power projects (IPPs) (296MW) , Legacy assets (thermal) (5600MW), hydro (1300MW) and wind(10MW).

‎”The Climate Change Act institutionalises climate governance, requiring the government to develop pathways toward net-zero emissions by 2060.

‎”These frameworks provide a roadmap for renewable energy deployment and attract international support and funding, as demonstrated by partnerships with institutions like the African Development Bank and commitments from global entities such as the U.S.-EXIM Bank,” he explained.

‎According to him, Nigeria’s recent Energy Transition Plan (2022) and the passage of the Nigerian Electricity Act in 2023 mark significant milestones in advancing the renewable energy agenda.

‎He said the initiatives prioritised sustainable energy projects with wind energy recognised for its role in off-grid electrification and regional development particularly in the northern and coastal areas.

‎He further said that the country’s carbon neutrality goal by 2060 emphasised the need for scaling renewable technologies, making wind energy a viable solution to bridge Nigeria’s energy deficit while aligning with global sustainability goals.

‎”These drivers collectively signal a strong commitment to integrating wind energy into Nigeria’s energy future, leveraging policy, technology, and international collaboration,” he added.

(NAN)