- Free public internet bill scales second reading in House of Reps
- Lagos Assembly moves to establish state correctional service
- ECOWAS Bank approves $100m for Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project
- DisCos generated ₦553.63bn in Q1 2025 — NERC
- APC mocks opposition coalition as ‘selfish power seekers’
Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.
Free public internet bill scales second reading in House of Reps
A bill seeking to establish a legal framework for free internet access in selected public places across Nigeria has passed second reading in the House of Representatives.
Sponsored by Rep. Abubakar Kusada, the bill aims to provide free internet services, particularly for underserved and disadvantaged citizens in rural areas. Kusada highlighted the bill’s significance during Thursday’s plenary, noting it initially passed first reading on October 3, 2024.
The proposed legislation is intended to create a sustainable and structured approach to expanding internet accessibility nationwide.
Lagos Assembly moves to establish state correctional service
The Lagos State House of Assembly is considering a new bill aimed at establishing a state-run correctional service to help decongest federal prisons and enhance the rehabilitation of offenders.
Titled “A Bill for a Law to Establish the Lagos State Correctional Service,” the proposed legislation passed second reading on Thursday. It seeks to provide both custodial and non-custodial measures within the state.
The bill prioritises rehabilitation and reintegration, with a focus on inmate training programmes to promote safer communities and reduce repeat offenses.
ECOWAS Bank approves $100m for Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project
The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved $100 million for the construction of a 47.7km segment of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. This funding marks a significant step forward for the Nigerian government’s plan to complete the 700km highway by 2028.
The approved section, designated as Section 1, Phase 1, begins at Ahmadu Bello Way in Lagos and is being constructed by Hitech Construction Company Limited. Work on the segment began in March 2024.
The funding was announced during EBID’s 92nd ordinary session, where the bank also revealed €174 million and $125 million in support for infrastructure and social development projects across West Africa.
DisCos generated ₦553.63bn in Q1 2025 — NERC
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says electricity distribution companies (DisCos) collected ₦553.63 billion in revenue in the first quarter of 2025.
According to NERC’s Q1 2025 report released on Thursday, the amount was generated from a total billing of ₦744.27 billion to electricity consumers. This represents a collection efficiency of 74.39%, marking a drop from 77.44% recorded in the fourth quarter of 2024.
The commission noted that four DisCos surpassed 80% in collection efficiency, with Eko Electricity Distribution Company leading at 84.79%.
APC mocks opposition coalition as ‘selfish power seekers’
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the emerging coalition of opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai, as a group of self-serving politicians fixated on power.
In a statement on Thursday, APC spokesperson Felix Morka described the alliance as a “coalition of vendetta-seeking individuals” who believe they have a birthright to lead. He said their actions are driven by personal ambition rather than the nation’s interest.
Morka further criticized the opposition leaders as “egotistical maniacs” who underestimate the intelligence of Nigerians. He stressed that the electorate is wise enough to see through what he called the coalition’s “grand folly.”
