• Tinubu swears in South-East rep to N’Assembly Commission
• FG endorses new policy to promote workplace harmony

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved two strategic electrification projects targeted at expanding access to clean, renewable energy across Nigeria’s educational and rural agricultural sectors, in line with the President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Tinubu, who presided over the FEC meeting at the Council Chambers of the State House, Abuja, administered the oath of office to Nnanna Uzor Kalu, recently appointed Commissioner representing the South-East in the National Assembly Service Commission.

This was as the Federal Government approved the implementation of a new National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP), a comprehensive framework designed to promote harmonious workplace relations, strengthen labour governance, and reduce industrial disputes across the country.

Speaking after the FEC meeting yesterday, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said the approved projects were part of a deliberate shift towards sustainable energy delivery, aimed at reducing dependence on the national grid while promoting development, innovation and inclusivity.

Adelabu said the first major approval was for the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) of solar hybrid power systems under the Energising Education Programme (EEP), to be executed by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).  

This initiative targets eight federal universities and one teaching hospital, and is funded through the Special Intervention Window of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund.

According to Adelabu, the total cost of this component is N145 billion, which is inclusive of 7.5 per cent Value Added Tax (VAT). Implementation is scheduled for completion within seven to nine months.
 
“This is a major milestone in the transformation of our tertiary education infrastructure,” the minister said. “It will significantly lower energy costs, reduce reliance on diesel generators, and provide a clean, stable source of power to support learning, research, and healthcare delivery.” He disclosed that the beneficiary institutions under this new phase are: University of Lagos (UNILAG), Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife; University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); University of Ibadan (UI), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan and Federal University, Wukari (Taraba State).

The minister said the others would be confirmed upon project kickoff. Following the brief swearing-in ceremony, FEC observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Navy Captain Caleb Olubolade (rtd), a former cabinet minister who passed on May 11, 2025.

Olubolade served in various capacities under former President Goodluck Jonathan, including as Minister of Special Duties, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, and Minister of Police Affairs. He was also a former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State under the regime of late General Sani Abacha.
 
The approval of the NIRP was announced by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, while briefing State House Correspondents at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, after the FEC meeting chaired by Tinubu.

According to the minister, the NIRP serves as a guiding policy document that regulates the conduct of trade unions, employers, employees and other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s industrial relations landscape.

“This policy will ensure a seamless workflow, promote social dialogue, and deepen tripartite cooperation among government, employers, and workers,” Idris said. “It also aligns Nigeria’s industrial practices with international standards, particularly those of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).”