In a strategic move to reinforce Nigeria’s aerial defence and security infrastructure, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, has officially inducted two Augusta 109 S Trekker helicopters into the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fleet.

The induction ceremony, held today at the Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) Hangar, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, signals a significant boost to the country’s air power and operational readiness. Top government officials, military personnel, and dignitaries gathered to witness the event, underscoring its importance in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Shettima emphasized the administration’s commitment to equipping the armed forces with advanced technology to tackle prevailing security challenges. He commended the NAF for its dedication and resilience in safeguarding the nation, highlighting the crucial role air power plays in counter-terrorism operations, disaster response, and border surveillance.

The newly inducted Augusta 109 S Trekker helicopters, renowned for their agility and tactical efficiency, are expected to enhance the NAF’s ability to conduct swift air operations, surveillance missions, and rapid response engagements. Military experts believe their deployment will significantly bolster efforts to address insurgency, armed banditry, and other security threats across the country.

Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, expressed gratitude to the federal government for its unwavering support in modernizing the Air Force’s fleet. He assured Nigerians that the new additions would be put to optimal use in protecting lives and securing territorial integrity.

As Nigeria continues to confront evolving security challenges, this development marks yet another step toward fortifying its defence capabilities, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to a safer and more secure nation.

The management of Kano Electricity Distribution Plc (KEDCO) has strongly refuted allegations made by the Challawa Industrial Manufacturers Association regarding poor electricity supply and high tariffs.

In an official statement released by KEDCO’s Head of Corporate Communication, Sani Bala Sani, the company expressed its dismay over the claims, labeling them as misleading and inaccurate.

The controversy stems from remarks made by Aliyu Mahadi, Secretary of the Challawa Industrial Manufacturers Association, during a recent interview on Channels Television. Mahadi alleged that manufacturers in the Challawa Industrial Area were suffering from inadequate power supply and unreasonably high tariffs. His comments came during a visit by officials from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) to the industrial cluster in Kano.

However, KEDCO has categorically denied these accusations. “From our daily dispatch records, feeders in the Challawa Industrial Area, including the 33kV Coca Cola, 11kV Ceramic, and 11kV NBC, all classified as Band A, have consistently received an average of 23 hours and 45 minutes of supply daily,” KEDCO stated in its response. The company maintains that these records contradict Mahadi’s assertion that manufacturers are receiving Band C-level services despite operating under Band A classification.

KEDCO further clarified that its operations are subject to rigorous oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). “NERC closely monitors and assesses our service level compliance. If Mahadi’s claims were valid, these feeders would have been downgraded as part of the service contract agreements,” the statement read.

In reaffirming its commitment to industrial development, KEDCO emphasized its strategic priority of ensuring stable power supply to social service providers and industrial clusters like Challawa. “Our ultimate goal is to power every home and business within our franchise area. As part of our industrialization and economic empowerment vision, we continue to prioritize reliable electricity for key manufacturing zones,” the company asserted.

Beyond maintaining consistent supply, KEDCO also highlighted its ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of rising energy costs on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “Over the past 12 months, we have taken deliberate steps to cushion energy costs for SMEs, recognizing their vital role in local economic growth. By providing manufacturers with power at competitive rates below market costs, we are fostering an enabling environment for innovation and job creation,” KEDCO noted.

In light of the controversy, KEDCO urged customers and stakeholders to verify facts before making public statements that could damage its reputation. “We remain committed to service improvement, investing in network expansion and upgrades to enhance reliability and efficiency,” the statement concluded.

KEDCO’s rebuttal underscores the broader debate over power distribution in Nigeria, as stakeholders continue to demand more accountability and transparency in the sector.

The Kano Electricity Distribution Plc. (KEDCO) recently hosted the MD/CEO of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), Engr. Jennifer Adighije, on a courtesy visit to its corporate headquarters in Kano, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration to boost power supply for soci0-economic development of the area.

The visit was received with enthusiasm by the Ag. MD/CEO of KEDCO, Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta, who used the opportunity to highlight KEDCO’s renewed vision, operational reforms, and commitment to driving sustainable power distribution across its franchise areas.

Welcoming the NDPHC delegation, Dr. Jimeta described the visit as timely and strategic, particularly as KEDCO is repositioning itself to enhance service delivery and transform the company into Nigeria’s leading distribution company by leveraging network investments, digital transformation, and renewable energy projects to facilitate energy transition for enhanced energy security.

“At KEDCO, we are rebuilding trust, modernizing our operations, and strengthening our partnerships to meet the energy demands of our customers. The visit of Engr. Adighije further strengthens the synergy required between key players in the sector,” Dr. Jimeta stated.

He reiterated KEDCO’s commitment to forging partnerships that address infrastructure gaps, improve power reliability, and support national energy goals.

In her response, Engr. Jennifer Adighije commended KEDCO’s leadership for the warm reception and expressed optimism about the company’s renewed drive under Dr. Jimeta’s stewardship. She emphasized NDPHC’s role in supporting DisCos with embedded generation and infrastructure development, assuring KEDCO of continued collaboration to deliver better outcomes for end-users.

“NDPHC recognizes KEDCO’s strategic role in Nigeria’s economy and the northern power landscape. We are committed to working with KEDCO to ensure that our assets are effectively leveraged to improve supply and expand access,” Engr. Adighije noted.

The visit also featured technical briefings, strategy discussions, and a tour of selected interconnected mini-grid sites, focusing on ways to optimize asset utilization and enhance grid reliability in the region.

As KEDCO continues its transformational journey under the guidance of its core investor, Future Energies Africa (FEA) Ltd., the company sustains proactive engagements with stakeholders across the sector to deliver on its mandate of empowering lives and enabling economic growth through improved power supply.