Abuja Reports

Abuja Business Owners Bemoan Incessant Power Outage

Published

12 months ago

November 18, 2024

Business owners in Abuja have decried the continuous power outage caused by frequent collapse national grid.

In a separate interview on Saturday in Abuja, they said the situation was not only causing discomfort but crippling economic activities.

Mr Alozie Agu, a business owner said the inconsistent power supply to homes and business areas was too much discomfort, especially economic challenges and increase in fuel price.

He added that consistent power outages may cause small businesses to fold up and that some businesses that needed constant power might no longer function properly.

Mr Agu said, “While some may get it for an hour or more, some areas do not even get it for a day or two. Some areas get it for just a few minutes, and it is gone, and this is not good, especially for those in the commercial areas where stores with frozen foods, blocks and the rest are sold.

“They require power to process and store these produce. It was not like this last year; at least there was an improvement from the power company, but since this year, everything seems different, and if it continues like this, it may cripple businesses,” he said.

Mr Alozie urged the Federal Government to address the frequent collapse of the national grid and also tackle epileptic power supply in the nation’s seat of power.

Another Abuja resident, Segun Samuel, a business owner in Karu, said that it was unfortunate that the situation is happening amid the high fuel cost.

He said this had cost many business owners their losses as some could not afford to switch to their generator sets, while those who could hike their prices.

“This recent power outage slowed down my business because, some days ago, everyone wanted cold drinks in large quantities, and I didn’t have any to sell.

“If I have to buy fuel to power my generator, I may have to increase the price of drinks, and people may not buy much because not many can afford it,” he said.

He added, “It is unfortunate that now that we are on a prepaid metre, we don’t get light constantly like before, and we need it for our businesses.

“I won’t make a profit if this continues. I am not happy at all. There is no light at home or in my shop. It’s disheartening.”

Another resident, Ayobami Ademola, a businessman, also said the government needed to put more effort into providing a better power supply, especially given the incessant hike in power tariffs.

“For the whole of yesterday, I could not do anything in my office because of this power outage. I work in a cyber cafe, and this power outage really affected us yesterday,” Mr Ademola explained.

“With light, our customers have access to all our computers, but with the generator, we can only use three or four because that’s the much it can carry, so yesterday, we didn’t make much profit,” he said, adding that, “Since the days of our forefathers, power has always been an issue in this country, even making other African countries make fun of us for our inconsistent power generation.

“The government should do something about this, it is not about increasing tariffs every time; at least let us see what we are paying for, and then we will not grumble if it increases again.

“I even came to work wearing rumpled clothes today, which is not nice,” he concluded.

Abuja Reports

UniAbuja Alumni Urges Transparency in Appointment of New VC

Published

1 day ago

November 6, 2025

Admin

By Omoniyi David

The University of Abuja Alumni Association has urged the Governing Council to ensure transparency, fairness, and merit in the ongoing process of appointing a new Vice-Chancellor.

In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Dr. Rauf Olaiya Sarafadeen-Kunle, the Association warned against external interference and undue influence, stressing that the integrity of the process must be upheld.

It also advised the Federal Ministry of Education to avoid meddling in the selection, citing past disruptions caused by political interference.

The body expressed preference for a competent, home-grown professor who understands the university’s challenges and potentials, noting that the next VC must embody excellence, vision, and integrity.

While commending the outgoing administration, the Association urged all stakeholders to maintain peace and support a smooth transition that sustains merit and institutional growth.

Abuja Reports

Tinubu, Archbishop Kaigama Meet on National Unity, Interfaith Peace

Published

3 days ago

November 4, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Samuel Adeola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday met with the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Dr. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, at the State House, Abuja, to discuss ways of strengthening interfaith harmony and promoting national unity.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a nation where citizens of all faiths coexist peacefully, stressing that unity and mutual respect are vital for progress.

Archbishop Kaigama commended the president for engaging religious leaders in dialogue, noting that open communication is key to resolving tensions and promoting social harmony.

He urged Nigerians to reject hate speech and intolerance, while Tinubu assured that his administration remains committed to peace, security, and development, emphasizing that “no nation can truly grow without unity and understanding among its people.”

Abuja Reports

FCTA Mobilises Youths to Lead Campaign Against Air Pollution

Published

4 days ago

November 4, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata and Ajike Olokuta

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has launched a youth-led campaign to combat air pollution and promote environmental protection across communities and schools in Abuja.

The initiative, driven by the Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), will empower young people to identify pollution hotspots, monitor emission sources, and raise awareness on the health risks of poor air quality.

According to a statement by Mrs. Bola Ajao, media aide to the Mandate Secretary of HSES, Dr. Dolapo Fasawe, the campaign will engage students in secondary and tertiary institutions through partnerships with Rotaract Clubs and other stakeholders.

Declaring the advocacy drive open in Abuja, Dr. Fasawe said the Secretariat is working with Rotaract Clubs of Abuja Maitama, Apo FCT, Wuse II, and Omole Golden, among others, to sensitise youths on air pollution and promote clean energy practices.

The campaign, convened by Ms. Daniella Olayinka, will feature debates, talent shows, and social media challenges, as well as the formation of environmental clubs in schools. Outstanding participants will receive awards for excellence.

Dr. Fasawe noted that the project discourages the use of charcoal and firewood, promotes Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), and seeks to improve household energy practices through the upcoming “Breathe Clean Air Abuja” initiative, which targets replacing traditional stoves with gas stoves in over 5,000 homes across the FCT.

Residents have been urged to report illegal waste burning and excessive generator use, as youths will serve as the administration’s “eyes and ears” in communities to ensure cleaner air in the nation’s capital.