Chief (Mrs.) Anita Nana Okuribido, President of the Women in Renewable Energy Association (WIRE-A) has described energy poverty as a pressing challenge that disproportionately affects women in Nigeria and across Africa.

She made this known in her remark at the Nigeria Environment Outlook 2025, organised by Environment Africa Magazine, held at the weekend, at the VCP Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

According to the Founder/Chairman of the Smiling Simon Greenbuild Foundation, energy poverty remains “a terrible reality” that has “the face of a woman,”.

She emphasised that women bear the brunt of inadequate energy access as they rely heavily on energy for cooking, household needs, and small-scale enterprises.

“Energy poverty is a terrible reality — and I always say it has the face of a woman,” Okuribido stated. “Women use energy the most — for cooking, for running small and medium enterprises, and for everything that makes life comfortable. When there is energy poverty, it is women who feel it first and suffer it most.”

She further stated that addressing energy poverty and climate change must be intentional and inclusive, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality), Goal 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), Goal 8 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Dr. Okuribido said, “We cannot talk about sustainability without addressing gender equality and energy access.

“These SDGs connect to shape a greener, more innovative present and a sustainable, resilient future. We have to be deliberate about mitigating climate change.”

Okuribido also called for stronger collaboration among the government, women, and scientists in promoting environmental protection and renewable energy adoption.

“Let us continue to amplify the voices of women, scientists, and innovators,” she urged. “Let us speak with one voice, work with government, and take a clear position that our environment must be protected — even if it begins with simple acts like planting a tree.”

The initiator of the One Nigerian Child One Solar Lamp said, “Together, we can shape not only a greener present but also a more sustainable and resilient future – one illuminated by innovation, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.”

‎The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has introduced new regulations capping daily cash-out transactions for Point of Sale (PoS) agents at ₦1.2 million, while limiting individual customer withdrawals to ₦100,000 per day.

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‎The directive, contained in a new Guidelines for Agent Banking Operations, was signed by Musa Jimoh, the Director of the Payments System Policy Department of the apex bank, and addressed to all deposit money banks, other financial institutions, and payment service providers.

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‎According to the CBN, the new framework, which takes immediate effect, aims to strengthen financial integrity, curb misuse, and safeguard consumer interests within Nigeria’s growing agent banking network.

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‎“PoS agents are restricted to a maximum of ₦1.2 million per day. Individual customers are limited to ₦100,000 in daily transactions.

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‎“These limits are intended to curb misuse, enhance financial integrity, and protect consumers within the agent banking framework,” the circular stated.

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‎However, the apex bank noted that it reserves the right to adjust the limits “from time to time in line with the extant CBN Guide to Charges for Banks and Other Financial Institutions in Nigeria.”

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‎The new framework also mandated that all agent banking activities must be conducted only through dedicated accounts or wallets maintained by their principal financial institutions. The use of non-designated accounts for agent operations is now strictly prohibited, with violators facing sanctions.

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‎To enhance transparency and traceability, the CBN directed that all PoS terminals must be geo-fenced, restricting operations strictly to registered business locations. The bank reiterated its August 25 directive, mandating all PoS devices to be geo-tagged within 60 days, with a compliance deadline of October 20, 2025.

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‎The CBN explained that this move was necessitated by rising cases of fraudulent PoS transactions nationwide.

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‎The new framework also introduces stricter accountability measures. Agents found guilty of fraud, misconduct, or other offences will be held personally liable, face termination, and may be placed on an industry watchlist.

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‎Principals, including banks and licensed payment providers, are now required to publish and regularly update their list of authorised agents on their official websites and in their branches.

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‎Super agents, who are responsible for managing other agents, must also operate with at least 50 agents spread across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones, ensuring access to financial services in rural and underserved areas.

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‎Furthermore, the guidelines prohibit agents from relocating, transferring, or closing their business premises without prior written approval from their principal or super agent. Any relocation notice must also be visibly posted for at least 30 days to inform customers.

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‎The new rules set out stringent eligibility criteria for prospective agents. Any person or entity with a non-performing loan within the past 12 months, a watch-listed BVN, or a record of financial misconduct is barred from participating in agent banking.

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‎Individuals convicted of fraud, dishonesty, or related offences, as well as those declared bankrupt, are automatically disqualified.

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‎According to the CBN, the move was designed to ensure that only financially stable and trustworthy individuals operate within Nigeria’s expanding financial inclusion ecosystem.

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‎Prospective agents must demonstrate their capability to perform key financial services such as cash deposits, withdrawals, and bill payments. They must also provide all mandatory documentation, obtain relevant authorisations, and, if individuals, be at least 18 years old and of sound mind.

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‎The guidelines further required principals, banks, super agents, and payment service providers to conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential agents, including checks on credit history, criminal background, source of funds, and business address verification.

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‎-Leadership

‎Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, said he stepped down from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s cabinet to safeguard his integrity and prevent distractions to the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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‎Tribune Online reports that Nnaji resigned on Tuesday following controversies over his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

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‎In a statement confirming his resignation, Nnaji said the decision came after “deep reflection and consultations with family, associates, and well-meaning Nigerians.”

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‎He described his exit as a response to “an orchestrated, sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated, and malicious attacks” directed at him and his office.

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‎“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” he said.

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‎Nnaji clarified that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a step to uphold due process and respect judicial proceedings.

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‎“My decision to step aside is therefore a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he stated.

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‎He said he could not in good conscience allow “distractions to cast a shadow over the noble objectives” of the Tinubu administration, noting that his reputation was built over “five decades anchored on hard work, honour, and service to humanity.”

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‎Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and pledged his continued loyalty to the president’s vision for a “renewed, innovative, and technologically driven Nigeria.”

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‎-Tribune