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President Tinubu Reaffirms Commitment to Pro-Business Reforms in Meeting with Airtel Chairman

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In a meeting with Airtel Chairman Sunil Bharti Mittal at the State House in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu emphasized his administration’s dedication to creating a conducive environment for business growth, particularly in the telecom sector. The President stated that Nigeria’s regulatory framework for telecommunications would be revised to align with global best practices, with a strong focus on safeguarding infrastructure.
During the meeting, President Tinubu expressed appreciation for the confidence and readiness demonstrated by Mittal and his delegation. He highlighted the fruitful discussions held during the recent visit of India’s Prime Minister and reaffirmed Nigeria’s openness to learn from successful global models. “I am grateful for your openness, readiness, and confidence, which moved us very close to the Prime Minister of India. When he was here, we discussed things at length,” said the President.

He further assured that Nigeria is prepared to adopt policies that have proven successful elsewhere, particularly if they contribute to economic growth. “The entire ecosystem will be further examined, and if there is anything we can copy from India, we are ready to do so. We are prepared to learn. We are not ashamed of copying what is working in other climes,” he said, emphasizing the critical need to adopt revolutionary strategies that benefit the nation. Tinubu added, “It is for the good of all of us, and Nigeria is so critically important that we must give attention to those revolutionary intentions that can make business work. I am pro-business, and I will continue to be that. I can give you that assurance.”
The President also spoke on the importance of ongoing tax reforms in fostering a more investor-friendly climate, pledging to work with tax administrators to encourage growth and create opportunities.

Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, thanked President Tinubu for his continued support of the telecom industry. Tijani specifically highlighted the President’s recent approval to classify fiber optic and undersea cables as critical national assets, a move expected to enhance the sector’s growth. He confirmed that the National Security Adviser’s office has already started enforcing this protection.

Mittal commended the President for the impactful economic reforms he has undertaken, drawing parallels between Nigeria’s current transformation and India’s economic resurgence in the early 1990s. Reflecting on India’s struggles at the time, Mittal noted, “When you took office, you made some promises. Given the country’s situation, I was unsure how deep and far you could take your commitments.” He compared the reforms in Nigeria to those that had propelled India into one of the largest economies in the world, saying, “The duties went down, the rupee was floated, and it depreciated significantly. Relicensing happened, and it was the dawn of a new world in India. We just moved forward.”

He praised Tinubu for his resilience and decisive actions, such as floating the naira and removing the petrol subsidy, both of which had significant economic impacts. “I feel that what you have done here is unprecedented in a challenging time. Only people of resolve and steel can endure this huge pressure, floating the naira, which moved from N450 to about N1900 and is now coming back to N1400 to N1500. It has been a remarkable achievement celebrated by the entire world. This was much required, and you delivered on your promises,” he said.
Acknowledging the tough decision to remove the petrol subsidy, Mittal added, “The second one was the removal of subsidy, which was a very tough decision for any politician. It was unpopular and difficult, but you held your position, knowing fully that not doing it would not help the country. You have taken a long-term position. It is my belief and hope that you have created a legacy for yourself. Your first term as President will mark a watershed in the development of your country.”
He concluded by urging more Nigerians, especially those with substantial financial portfolios abroad, to invest back into the country. He noted that many local businesspeople are now feeling more optimistic and ready to invest, echoing his experiences in India. “I have been speaking to people in Nigeria, friends and business people, and they are all now feeling calm, and when they start to get back, they will move very fast. I have experienced this in India,” he stated.
The exchange highlighted President Tinubu’s commitment to supporting policies that ensure long-term economic growth and sustainability, positioning Nigeria as an attractive destination for investment.

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Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc Evolves into Holding Company Structure to Align with Decentralized Regulatory Framework – Announces Strategic Appointments

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Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has announced its transition into a Holding Company (HOLDCO) structure, a strategic move designed to strengthen the company’s ability to operate effectively within Nigeria’s evolving electricity market and newly decentralized regulatory environment.

This move follows the enactment of the Electricity Act of 2023, empowering State Governments to establish independent electricity markets and regulatory commissions.

In response to this regulatory shift, AEDC has realigned its corporate structure to enhance operational agility, improve governance, and support efficient service delivery across its franchise areas.

As part of this transformation, AEDC has incorporated two new subsidiary companies; the Niger Electricity Distribution Company and the Kogi Electricity Distribution Company. These entities will operate under the Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission (NSERC) and the Kogi State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC), respectively, while remaining integral members of the AEDC Group.

Key executive appointments have been made, including Engr. Sam Odekina as Chief Business Officer and Acting Managing Director of Niger Electricity Distribution Company, and Mr. Desmond Eboh as Chief Business Officer and Acting Managing Director of Kogi Electricity Distribution Company. Plans are underway to commence operations in Nasarawa State, with the transition process expected to begin soon.

AEDC’s Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye stated that the HOLDCO structure positions the company to respond to state-specific regulatory requirements while preserving the Group’s unified identity, shared values, and commitment to operational excellence and customer service. All subsidiaries will operate as one integrated AEDC family, with uniform Conditions of Service for employees, ensuring workforce stability and fairness.

“The Holdco structure aligns perfectly with our goal to enhance operational efficiency and adapt to Nigeria’s evolving energy landscape while exploring new opportunities , drive growth and contribute to Nigeria’s energy sector development,” Chijioke said.

We are committed to maintaining our high standards of service, innovation and customer focus, even as we evolve into a new structure,” he further said.

AEDC reaffirms its commitment to supporting sustainable, state-regulated electricity markets and setting benchmarks for efficiency, reliability, and customer experience. The company serves the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, and remains dedicated to powering economic growth and improving quality of life.

AEDC reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of sustainable, state-regulated electricity markets and to setting a benchmark for efficiency, reliability, and customer experience across its operations.

AEDC further noted that the recently executed Conditions of Service apply uniformly to all employees across the parent company and its subsidiaries, underscoring the Group’s commitment to workforce stability, fairness, and alignment during the transition.

Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc distributes electricity to the Federal Capital Territory and parts of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa States, serving residential, commercial, and industrial customers, and remains committed to powering economic growth and improving quality of life across its franchise areas.

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Double Honours for ‘Gas King’ Julius Rone

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Chief Executive Officer of UTM Offshore, Julius Rone, has kickstarted the year 2026 on a high note as he has won two significant awards, New Telegraph Personality of the Year 2025 and The Sun Newspaper’s Investor of the Year thereby cementing his status as a transformative force in Nigeria’s energy landscape.
Dubbed the “Gas King,” Rone’s recognition stems from his leadership of Nigeria’s inaugural Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) project, a groundbreaking initiative set to reshape the nation’s position in global energy markets.
The energy tycoon possesses an unrivalled genius and profound understanding of investment is consistently making headlines and staying ahead of his peers while his remarkable qualities have set him far apart from ordinary business magnates across the continent.

His presence in the gas sector has been a dominating force, leaving an ineffaceable mark wherever he ventures and positioning himself at the pinnacle of Nigeria’s gas industry.

He has a rich and diverse entrepreneurial journey that has helped shape the business sector in Africa. His path to success includes a series of ventures that have significantly contributed to the region’s business growth.

The UTM Offshore FLNG facility is designed to deliver 1.5 million tonnes of LNG for export and 300,000 tonnes of LPG for domestic use annually. This venture, backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as part of the Renewed Hope agenda, represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s gas monetization strategy.
Rone’s professional journey spans influential roles at OMPADEC and the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) before assuming leadership of the UTM Group of Companies in 2008. His approach combines operational excellence with environmental stewardship, engaging international partners including JGC Holdings, Technip Energies, and KBR while conducting rigorous environmental assessments.
The double awards have further solidified Rone’s status as an outstanding businessman that stands out among Africa’s elite. His exceptional intuition, unmatched business acumen, and ability to identify opportunities where others see failure have propelled him to the forefront.

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Zichis Agro-Allied to List N1.09bn Shares on NGX

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Zichis Agro-Allied

Zichis Agro-Allied Industries plans to list N1.09bn shares on NGX growth board, promising transparency and strong investor returns

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