Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, says the government will not proceed with the proposed merger of the Energy Commission and the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) without broad consensus and proper engagement with all stakeholders.
Dr. Jinapor made the remark after meeting representatives of the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU) on Monday, following concerns raised by PURC staff over the proposed merger of the two institutions.
The Minister noted that although ongoing reforms in the power sector aim to improve efficiency and strengthen regulatory oversight, such changes will not be implemented without dialogue, transparency, and mutual understanding.
“We will continue to engage organised labour, including the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), and other stakeholders as discussions on the proposed merger progress, with consensus-building as our guiding principle,” the Minister said in a Facebook post.
It would be recalled that staff of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), under the Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), last week hoisted red flags at the Commission’s offices across the country in protest against the proposed merger.
At the Commission’s head office in Accra, a large red cloth was mounted at the front desk, signalling discontent. Similarly, at the PURC’s office annex at GNAT Heights, red cloths were tied to the doors to greet visitors.
The protest follows a bill reportedly submitted to Parliament seeking approval to merge the two regulatory bodies into a single entity.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is mandated to regulate and oversee the provision of utility services in Ghana, particularly electricity and water—focusing on tariff setting, consumer protection, and ensuring value for money.
The Energy Commission, on the other hand, is responsible for the technical regulation, management, and development of Ghana’s energy sector, including electricity and natural gas, as well as licensing and energy planning.
The government argues that maintaining two separate regulators for the same sector creates overlaps, delays, and duplication.
It believes that a unified regulator would simplify decision-making, reduce bureaucracy, and lower administrative costs by eliminating redundancies in management, support services, office operations, and logistics.
Africa must urgently craft a unified and realistic energy pathway that protects its hydrocarbon resources, scales up renewable energy and strengthens domestic value creation, if the continent hopes to maintain control over its energy sovereignty in the face of a rapidly evolving global energy transition, Dr. Riverson Oppong, Africa Regional Director for SPE International has cautioned.
Delivering a public lecture in Accra, capital of Ghana on Friday on the theme “Energy sovereignty in the context of global energy transition: What Africa should know”, Dr. Oppong stressed that African countries risk losing strategic influence over their own energy future if they fail to assert a clear position in the shifting global landscape.
“If Africa does not decide whether it is part of the energy transition, others will decide for us,” he said.
“And those decisions will not necessarily favour our development priorities,” he added.
The lecture, which was organised by the Energy Media Group, brought together students, academia, and civil society.
Dr. Oppong challenged the common assumption that the global energy transition requires abandoning hydrocarbons altogether.
Rather, he noted that the evolution of global energy systems has always been additive.
“Coal did not replace oil, oil did not replace gas and gas was not replaced by nuclear or renewables,” he said, explaining that fossil fuels remain deeply embedded in the world’s energy mix.
He highlighted that despite a 36 percent improvement in global energy efficiency over the past two decades, energy demand and supply rose by 63 percent—evidence that efficiency gains alone do not suppress consumption.
“When energy becomes affordable and accessible, demand increases,” he added.
Dr. Oppong who is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in the Republic of Ghana, underscored that major economic powers championing net-zero campaigns continue to rely heavily on hydrocarbons, placing energy security at the core of their policy decisions.
“China still derives about 70 percent of its energy from hydrocarbons, Japan nearly 87 percent, and coal remains significant in the US and UK,” he said.
“No country has transitioned at the expense of its energy security,” he emphasised, urging African countries to adopt transition models that reflect their development needs and industrial ambitions.
Citing Ghana as an example, Dr. Oppong noted that while the country is among the African leaders in electricity access—with coverage exceeding 90 percent—true energy security remains a challenge across the continent.
“Energy security is about accessibility, availability and affordability,” he said. “You cannot industrialise if power is available but unaffordable, or affordable but unreliable.”
He commended Ghana’s decision to channel domestically produced natural gas into power generation rather than exporting it as LNG, describing it as a practical demonstration of energy sovereignty.
Dr. Oppong drew attention to the continent-wide challenge of clean cooking, noting that nearly one billion people in sub-Saharan Africa still depend on charcoal and biomass. Infrastructure gaps, he said, continue to undermine progress.
“Distributing gas cylinders without reliable refill infrastructure forces households back to charcoal,” he warned.
As global trade rules tighten, Dr. Oppong cautioned that mechanisms such as the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) could pose new risks to African economies.
“As Ghana moves toward manufacturing and processing, the carbon intensity of our energy will increasingly affect competitiveness,” he explained—adding that the same vulnerability applies across Africa’s export-dependent economies.
Dr. Oppong also pointed to the dangers of over-reliance on oil and gas revenues, referencing the fiscal crises faced by Angola, Nigeria and Venezuela during periods of oil price collapse.
“When oil prices fall, deficits widen and debt rises,” he said, calling for diversification and stronger revenue-stabilisation frameworks.
Concluding his lecture, Dr. Oppong stressed that Africa’s energy transition must be pragmatic, deeply contextualised and focused on supporting industrialisation rather than bowing to external pressures.
“The energy transition is not a threat if we manage it strategically. For Africa, the priority must be energy security, local value addition and long-term economic resilience,” he stated.
South Africa’s power utility, Eskom, on Monday disconnected power supply to three farms in Randfontein and arrested one of the farm owners for allegedly connecting electricity illegally and using it without payment.
According to Eskom, the suspect owns two of the farms where he cultivates cannabis and owes outstanding electricity bills amounting to R2.3 million.
Eskom said the suspect had previously been disconnected from the grid but illegally reconnected the power to his farm.
Gauteng Eskom spokesperson Amanda Qithi stated that the property was first disconnected in September last year.
“After we had disconnected him and removed him from our infrastructure, he then went and reconnected himself. He has been consuming electricity for free and even hired people to reconnect him,” Qithi explained.
Eskom noted that the property will remain without power until the outstanding debt is settled.
The utility further stated that illegal connections in Gauteng have cost it a substantial R7.7 million in losses.
Two people lost their lives instantly while one person sustained injuries when a petrol-laden tanker exploded along the Ihiala axis of the Onitsha–Owerri Road in Anambra State, opposite the office of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), on Sunday.
According to reports, the explosion occurred at about 9:30 a.m. after the tanker collided with a car and rammed into a barricade, spilling its contents and triggering a massive fire.
Eyewitnesses said the tanker was travelling at high speed when it lost control and crashed into the barricade.
One witness said, “Immediately after the crash, the tanker exploded with a loud noise and caught fire, affecting a motorcycle that was coming behind.
“The tanker spilled its contents and then exploded. Two persons — the driver and his conductor — were burnt to death instantly, while the motorcycle rider sustained varying degrees of injuries and was rushed to the hospital.
“The collision caused panic due to the loud explosion. The fire quickly spread to adjoining roads, causing gridlock, before government officials arrived and battled to control it,” Punch reported, quoting an eyewitness.
The Sector Public Education Officer of the FRSC in Anambra State, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident, saying the crash involved two vehicles: a commercial tanker with no registration number and an unregistered motorcycle.
She stated, “A fatal road traffic crash was recorded today, 8th February 2026, opposite the FRSC office in Ihiala on the Ihiala–Onitsha Road.
“The probable cause of the crash was speeding and loss of control. Three male adults were involved — two died, and one was rescued with injuries and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.”
Onabe added that the FRSC rescue team from RS5.34 contacted the fire service, and both agencies worked together to fully extinguish the fire.
She also commiserated with the families of the victims and advised motorists to drive within recommended speed limits and remain observant while driving.
“Drive to stay alive; safety is everyone’s business,” she emphasised.
The Namibian government has stated that it does not recognize an asset acquisition deal involving TotalEnergies and Petrobras, saying the transaction did not follow the required procedures, according to Oilprice.com citing a Reuters report.
According to the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, the two companies failed to notify the government of their intention to acquire 42.5% each in the PEL104 offshore license and therefore did not obtain the mandatory formal approval.
“The government makes it clear that in accordance with the law, any transfer, assignment, or acquisition of participating interests in petroleum licenses in Namibia must obtain prior approval of the minister,” the ministry said in a statement on Sunday.
TotalEnergies announced on Friday that it had signed agreements to acquire a 42.5% operated interest in the PEL104 exploration license offshore Namibia from Eight Offshore Investments Holdings and Maravilla Oil & Gas.
Upon completion of the transaction—pending government approval—TotalEnergies will become the operator of the license, located north of the PEL 83 block, where the giant Mopane discovery was made.
The French supermajor would hold a 42.5% interest alongside Petrobras (42.5%), Namcor (10%), and Eight (5%).
Earlier, TotalEnergies completed a stake-swap deal with Portugal’s Galp under which the French company would receive a 40% operating stake in the block containing the Mopane discovery—one of the most promising recent finds—while Galp would receive 10% in the block housing the Venus discovery and 9.39% in a third block, PEL91.
Namibia hopes to mirror the rapid oil boom seen in Guyana, but the country currently lacks the infrastructure to fast-track development of major discoveries, making them more costly and complex to commercialise.
Nevertheless, the oil industry appears prepared to invest heavily to secure future production and replace declining output from aging fields.
The President of The Gambia on Saturday night began the nationwide inauguration of electricity access projects by turning on the switch for one of the initiatives in Njongon, North Bank Region, where jubilant residents celebrated the long-awaited electrification of their community.
The ceremony marked a historic moment in the country’s ongoing efforts to expand reliable and inclusive electricity access nationwide.
The inauguration of the Njongon project set the tone for a series of events symbolizing progress, development, and improved livelihoods for communities across the country.
The projects are funded by multilateral development partners including the World Bank, the European Union, the European Investment Bank, and the African Development Bank Group through initiatives such as the Gambia Electricity Restoration and Modernisation Project (GERMP), the Gambia Electricity Access Project (GEAP), and the ECOWAS Regional Electricity Access Project (ECOREAP).
The inauguration ceremonies, which began on Saturday, 7 February 2026, are being held daily from 16:00 to 19:00 and will conclude on February 15, 2026.
They cover the North Bank Region, Central River Region–North, Upper River Region–North, and Upper River Region–South.
The Gambia has recorded steady progress in expanding electricity access—particularly in rural areas—with national electrification currently estimated at about 75%.
The newly completed projects support the country’s ambition to achieve universal electricity access by late 2026 and are expected to further stimulate socio-economic development.
In his remarks, President Barrow noted that many rural communities had lived for decades without electricity, a situation that placed heavy manual burdens on women and limited opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses.
He emphasized that his government is committed to transforming the narrative of rural development.
While commending partners and stakeholders for their contributions, the President reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no Gambian is left behind in the country’s progress.
Representatives of the African Development Bank also reiterated their support for inclusive development, highlighting improved access to education, expanded opportunities for women, and strengthened rural economies.
Through ongoing efforts and strong partnerships, 719 communities across The Gambia have now been electrified, including 209 in the North Bank Region — a remarkable milestone toward achieving universal electricity access by the end of 2026.
Malawi’s Minister for Energy and Mining, Hon. Dr. Jean Mathanga, has paid a working visit to a 10 MW biomass power plant in Chikangawa, Mzimba, operated by Raiply MW Ltd, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening Malawi’s energy sector and promoting local industrial production.
Raiply MW Ltd is generating 10 MW of electricity from biomass, of which 6 MW is used for its own operations, while a reliable 3 MW is supplied to the national grid through the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi Limited (ESCOM).
Speaking during the visit, Hon. Dr. Mathanga emphasised the government’s determination to support private-sector investments in the energy sector:
“Today’s visit is a reaffirmation of Government’s commitment to strengthening the performance, reliability and sustainability of our power sector. Power producers like Raiply MW Ltd are key partners in closing the gap between electricity supply and demand,” she said.
The Minister further assured the company of continued collaboration with ESCOM to improve grid stability, noting:
“Government is working to ensure a resilient grid and will continue working closely with ESCOM so that power producers operate without challenges.”
Beyond power generation, the Minister toured the company’s briquette and pellet production facilities, which support clean cooking initiatives.
The visit also highlighted Raiply’s local production of electricity transmission poles—an essential component of reducing Malawi’s dependence on imports and easing pressure on foreign exchange reserves.
The Chief Executive Officer of Raiply MW Ltd, Mr. Krishna Das, reaffirmed the company’s readiness to support national electrification initiatives, while calling for improved planning coordination:
“We have invested in planting over 200 hectares of bluegum trees for pole production. However, for us to plan efficiently, it is important that MAREP and ESCOM inform us in advance of the quantities of poles they will require,” said Das.
He also expressed concern about difficulties in accessing foreign currency needed to procure chemicals for treating electricity poles—an issue that directly affects production capacity. In response, Hon. Dr. Mathanga assured the company of the government’s support:
“We have heard your concerns on foreign exchange constraints. As Government, we will engage relevant authorities and lobby for forex allocations to ensure that local manufacturers like Raiply continue to operate effectively.”
The Minister further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the Buy Malawi Strategy, stressing that supporting local producers safeguards jobs, conserves foreign exchange, and strengthens national self-reliance.
The visit underscored the importance of public–private partnerships in achieving Malawi’s energy ambitions under Malawi 2063, with renewable energy and local manufacturing positioned as key pillars for building a resilient and self-reliant economy.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) in Ghana has held discussions with the Ghana LPG Operators Association (GLiPGOA), the umbrella body representing LPG station operators and owners across the country, to explore opportunities for collaboration between the two organisations.
According to COMAC, GLiPGOA is a critical stakeholder in the downstream petroleum sector, especially as Ghana advances its national agenda of transitioning to cleaner fuels.
This, the Chamber noted, underscores the need for stronger cooperation.
The engagement focused on potential areas where COMAC could offer strategic support to GLiPGOA to enhance its operations and overall effectiveness.
Following constructive deliberations, the COMAC Board of Governors pledged its support to the Association.
As part of its commitment to fostering industry partnerships and promoting growth within the LPG sector, both parties intend to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise COMAC’s role in assisting GLiPGOA with operational and financial matters.
“We look forward to a strong and productive partnership that advances the interests of LPG operators in Ghana and contributes to the sustainable development of Ghana’s energy sector,” COMAC stated.
Zambia has been hit with a diesel supply shortage, but the country’s Minister for Energy, Chikote Makozo, says there is sufficient stock available.
According to the Minister, Zambia currently has 113,194,304.93 litres of diesel stored at the Ndola Fuel Depot and 32,130,574.54 litres of petrol held across various depots and retail sites nationwide as of Friday, 6 February 2026.
He explained that these volumes exceed the national minimum operating requirements of 5.4 million litres of diesel and 1.7 million litres of petrol per day, providing strong confidence in the sustained availability of fuel on the market.
The Minister attributed the diesel shortage to logistical constraints.
In a statement issued on Friday, Minister Chikote noted that these operational challenges temporarily slowed the loading and distribution of fuel to various depots and service stations, resulting in sporadic shortages in some areas.
He, however, reassured the public that the country continues to hold adequate national fuel stocks.
Additionally, the Minister confirmed that in the last 48 hours, 7.4 million litres of diesel had been uplifted from the Ndola Fuel Terminal by various Oil Marketing Companies and is currently being distributed nationwide to replenish service stations and critical facilities. This forms part of ongoing efforts to restore normal supply levels.
To prevent similar disruptions, Minister Chikote said remedial measures have been instituted, including prioritising fuel loading at the Ndola Fuel Terminal, improving the scheduling of delivery trucks, and enhancing coordination among key stakeholders in the petroleum supply chain.
The Minister apologised for the inconvenience experienced by members of the public, motorists, and businesses due to the temporary disruption in fuel supply.
“Government remains firmly committed to ensuring a stable, reliable, and efficient supply of petroleum products across the country,” he said.
Gridworks Group, a British development investment company, and the Government of Uganda have signed two landmark agreements that will enable the commencement of construction of the Amari Power Transmission Project in the coming weeks.
Amari has signed an Implementation Agreement with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and a Transmission Services Agreement with the national transmission utility, Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL).
The Amari project will be the first Independent Transmission Project (ITP) on the continent to advance into the construction phase.
Valued at US$50 million, the ITP will upgrade the transformation capacity of four high-voltage electricity substations located at strategic points on Uganda’s grid. The upgrades will strengthen electricity supply to industrial users in line with the government’s plans to enhance the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.
The project will also increase the grid’s ability to absorb more renewable energy and provide capacity to support future regional interconnections with neighboring countries. Upon completion, Amari will support Uganda’s growing electricity demand, facilitate the evacuation of existing and future generation, reduce system losses, and improve power quality across the transmission network. The construction phase is also expected to create job opportunities.
Gridworks’ Chief Executive Officer, Chris Flavin, welcomed the strong collaboration with the Government of Uganda, stating:“This is a decisive step that will allow the Amari Transmission Project to move into construction. We are particularly grateful for the leadership, foresight, and constructive engagement shown by the Government of Uganda in bringing this project to this stage. By prioritising strategic transmission infrastructure, the Government is laying the foundations for reliable power supply, industrial growth, and long-term economic development. We now look forward to starting construction in the coming weeks and to delivering this important project.”
Uganda’s Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Hon. Ruth Nankabirwa, emphasised the project’s strategic importance and the government’s commitment to expanding and strengthening the national grid: “The Amari Power Transmission Project is a strategic pillar within our long-term agenda to modernise and future-proof Uganda’s national electricity network.
By strengthening transmission infrastructure, we are enabling reliable power supply for industrial growth, regional power trade, and inclusive socio-economic transformation. Our partnership with Gridworks reflects our commitment to mobilising sustainable private capital and expertise to accelerate delivery of priority energy investments. We remain focused on ensuring timely implementation so that this infrastructure catalyses investment, enhances system resilience, and supports Uganda’s journey toward middle-income status.”
UETCL CEO Eng. Richard Matsiko added:“As UETCL, we view this partnership as strategic and transformative, and we look forward to effective implementation and tangible improvements to the national grid.”
Chris Chijiutomi, Managing Director and Head of Africa at BII, noted: “Transmission is a vital part of electrifying the African continent. Today’s announcement demonstrates the role that development capital can play in connecting millions of families and businesses to reliable and affordable power. I am delighted that Gridworks, a BII company, can play a pivotal role in achieving this key objective for Uganda.”
Gridworks also has a portfolio of additional ITPs under development, including the Chimuara–Nacala (Phase II & III) project— a US$450 million, 460 km high-voltage transmission line connecting central and northern Mozambique— and the Mbale–Bulambuli project, which involves constructing 80 km of high-voltage lines and two new substations in eastern Uganda.
The Tanzanian government has urged stakeholders in the financial sector to introduce services and products that will help advance the clean cooking energy agenda, particularly by empowering small entrepreneurs in rural and peri-urban areas, as well as innovators of clean cooking technologies.
The country’s Deputy Minister for Energy, Hon. Salome Makamba, made the call on February 4, 2026, while representing the Minister of Energy, Hon. Deogratius Ndejembi, at the launch of a clean cooking energy project at Bunge Girls Secondary School in Dodoma.
“Tanzania has made significant progress in the clean cooking energy agenda, with usage increasing from 6.9% in 2021 to 23.2% in 2025. However, about 77% of households still use unsustainable cooking energy sources. I urge the private sector to continue partnering with the government to drive this agenda by enabling access to clean cooking energy in rural and peri-urban areas,” she said.
Hon. Salome also emphasized the need for LPG distributors to expand distribution and refilling stations to make gas more accessible to users.
She encouraged innovators and youth in universities to conduct research and develop materials and technologies that will help expand the reach of clean cooking solutions.
The newly launched project forms part of the government’s broader efforts to ensure institutions serving more than 100 people adopt clean cooking energy to safeguard human health and the environment.
The system introduced under the project is expected to facilitate efficient, fast, and affordable cooking without harming the environment or posing health risks to cooks.
The government aims to ensure that 80% of Tanzanians use clean cooking energy by 2034, up from the current 23.2%. So far, more than 1,136 institutions serving over 100 people daily have transitioned to clean cooking energy.
Hon. Salome also inaugurated the Clean Cooking School Club, which will help raise awareness about clean cooking energy and promote innovation in related technologies.
The Head teacher of Bunge Girls Secondary School, Richard Msana, noted that the school has significantly reduced its cooking energy costs since switching from firewood to LPG.
The school now spends about TSh 1.3 million per month on LPG, compared to TSh 10.5 million every three months previously spent on firewood.
Chief Executive Officer of Ghana’s petroleum downstream regulator, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Mr. Godwin Kudzo Tameklo (Esq.), has highlighted the Authority’s disciplined regulatory regime during a panel discussion on “Driving Domestic Value: Transforming Downstream Markets and Refining” at the just-ended 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He noted that disciplined regulation, fair pricing, and firm oversight by the NPA are shaping a downstream petroleum market that works for investors, operators, and consumers alike.
His contribution drew a clear connection between policy, practice, and impact—demonstrating how consistent regulation can strengthen refining capacity, improve distribution, safeguard supply security, and encourage responsible investment across the value chain.
The discussion also explored Africa’s broader downstream opportunities and the urgent need for the continent to refine, utilise and retain more of its petroleum value within its own economies.
NIES 2026 was held from February 2 to 5 in Abuja, under the theme: “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future.”
It is regarded as Africa’s premier energy gathering and attracts global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts who convene to drive investment, forge partnerships, and explore innovative solutions to the continent’s energy challenges.
The summit is endorsed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, making it a key platform for strategic policy dialogue and investment opportunities in the energy sector.
Godwin Edudzi Tameklo, Esq., in a group photograph with the NPA delegation.
TotalEnergies Marketing Nigeria Plc, a subsidiary of the French oil major, has warned that Nigeria’s deregulated downstream petroleum market will fail to deliver long-term value unless it is backed by firm regulatory discipline, consistent policies and strict safety enforcement.
The company made this known in a statement carried by local media, including Punchng.com.
According to the oil major, the absence of these fundamentals—rather than a lack of capital—has driven most multinational oil companies out of Nigeria’s downstream sector over the years.
The company’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday after its participation in a high-level panel session titled “Driving Domestic Value: Transforming Downstream Markets and Refining” at the 2026 Nigeria International Energy Summit in Abuja.
TotalEnergies also reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Nigeria’s downstream petroleum sector, citing policy stability, deregulation, and improving supply infrastructure as key enablers of its sustained operations in the country.
General Manager for Retail and Cards, Abdullahi Umar, who represented the Managing Director of TotalEnergies, noted that the company remains the only multinational still operating in Nigeria’s downstream space, attributing this to its adherence to world-class operational, safety, and governance standards.
“Capital alone does not build a sustainable downstream market. No serious investor wants to operate in an environment where policies are inconsistent and safety standards are weak,” the company said.
According to TotalEnergies, past regulatory uncertainty and uneven enforcement of rules created an unbalanced playing field that discouraged long-term investment and forced several international operators to scale down or leave the market entirely.
The company noted that although Nigeria’s transition from a subsidy-driven regime to a private sector-led market is a welcome development, deregulation without discipline risks replacing inefficiency with instability.
“Deregulation must be matched with strong standards enforcement. Healthy competition can only exist when all players are held to the same safety, quality and operational benchmarks,” the statement added.
TotalEnergies said its continued presence in Nigeria’s downstream sector is anchored on its commitment to global best practices, stressing that it has consistently introduced innovations aimed at improving safety, efficiency and consumer confidence across its operations.
The company currently operates more than 500 retail service stations across Nigeria, making it one of the largest fuel retail networks in the country. It said the scale of its operations demonstrates Nigeria’s viability as a downstream market when the right policies and standards are in place.
“Our experience shows that Nigeria offers strong volumes and commercial margins, but only for operators prepared to invest in systems, safety and discipline. World-class standards are not optional; they are what keep the market functional and credible,” TotalEnergies stated.
The oil major also welcomed the gradual implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), saying predictable regulation is critical to restoring investor confidence and stabilising the market after years of distortions caused by fuel subsidies.
Nigeria officially removed petrol subsidies in 2023—a move that reshaped the downstream sector, transferred pricing responsibility to market forces and exposed longstanding inefficiencies in supply, logistics and regulation.
Since then, the downstream market has witnessed intense competition, pricing volatility and rising concerns over product quality and safety, especially among smaller operators.
The Gambia’s National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) has dismissed reports of a planned nationwide power outage purported to take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
The utility company described an audio message circulating on social media—claiming that electricity would be cut across the entire country—as false and without basis.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NAWEC clarified that there is no scheduled activity, maintenance exercise, or technical operation that would necessitate a nationwide power disruption. The institution emphasised that its operations continue normally and that existing systems remain stable.
NAWEC noted that the country has recently seen improvements in power generation and distribution following ongoing investments in infrastructure, including upgrades to transmission lines and substations aimed at strengthening reliability.
The company reiterated that electricity supply will remain normal and uninterrupted, except in rare cases where unplanned maintenance becomes necessary due to unforeseen emergencies, such as equipment faults or severe weather conditions.
In such situations, NAWEC’s Public Relations and Digital Communications Team will promptly notify the public through official communication channels.
The utility company urged citizens to rely solely on verified and credible information from its official website and social media platforms, stressing that misinformation can cause unnecessary anxiety and disrupt public trust.
According to NAWEC, the circulating audio is misleading and appears intended to create unwarranted alarm while undermining the significant progress being made to enhance electricity supply nationwide.
NAWEC reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and timely communication in the delivery of essential services to the nation.
At the Commission’s head office in Accra, a large red cloth was mounted at the front desk, signalling discontent. Similarly, at the PURC’s office annex at GNAT Heights, red cloths were tied to the doors to greet visitors.
The protest follows a bill reportedly submitted to Parliament seeking approval to merge the two regulatory bodies into a single entity.
The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) is mandated to regulate and oversee the provision of utility services in Ghana, particularly electricity and water—focusing on tariff setting, consumer protection, and ensuring value for money.
The Energy Commission, on the other hand, is responsible for the technical regulation, management, and development of Ghana’s energy sector, including electricity and natural gas, as well as licensing and energy planning.
The government argues that maintaining two separate regulators for the same sector creates overlaps, delays, and duplication.
It believes that a unified regulator would simplify decision-making, reduce bureaucracy, and lower administrative costs by eliminating redundancies in management, support services, office operations, and logistics.
She stated, “A fatal road traffic crash was recorded today, 8th February 2026, opposite the FRSC office in Ihiala on the Ihiala–Onitsha Road.
“The probable cause of the crash was speeding and loss of control. Three male adults were involved — two died, and one was rescued with injuries and taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Ihiala.”
Onabe added that the FRSC rescue team from RS5.34 contacted the fire service, and both agencies worked together to fully extinguish the fire.
She also commiserated with the families of the victims and advised motorists to drive within recommended speed limits and remain observant while driving.
“Drive to stay alive; safety is everyone’s business,” she emphasised. 
The discussion also explored Africa’s broader downstream opportunities and the urgent need for the continent to refine, utilise and retain more of its petroleum value within its own economies.
NIES 2026 was held from February 2 to 5 in Abuja, under the theme: “Energy for Peace and Prosperity: Securing Our Shared Future.”
It is regarded as Africa’s premier energy gathering and attracts global leaders, policymakers, and industry experts who convene to drive investment, forge partnerships, and explore innovative solutions to the continent’s energy challenges.
The summit is endorsed by the Federal Government of Nigeria, making it a key platform for strategic policy dialogue and investment opportunities in the energy sector.
