Bola Tinubu’s Government Approves ₦185 Billion Gas-Debt Payment

Power & Energy: A Big Push to Fix the Lightsaber 

It’s no secret that Nigeria has long struggled with unreliable electricity. For decades, many homes and businesses have had to rely on generators, in part because debt cascades in the power and gas sector made sustained generation difficult.

That may finally be shifting: the federal government has approved a payment of ₦185 billion to settle long-standing debts owed to gas producers — a move aimed at reviving gas supply and, by extension, stabilising electricity generation nationwide. 

This payment will be implemented via a “royalty-offset arrangement,” as endorsed by the National Economic Council (NEC).  It’s part of a broader government strategy to overhaul the entire gas-to-power chain: the goal is to nearly double Nigeria’s gas output to 12 billion cubic feet per day by 2030. 

Why does it matter? Because past delays in paying gas suppliers created cash-flow problems, discouraged investment, and limited gas supply — which in turn constrained electricity generation. By clearing those debts, the government hopes to restore confidence, encourage fresh investments, and sustainably improve power supply across the country. For households and businesses tired of endless generator noise and fuel costs, this could spell real relief in the coming years.

Security Crisis: Kidnappings, Emergency Measures and New Laws

On the flip side, Nigeria continues to wrestle with a volatile security situation — especially a renewed wave of kidnappings of schoolchildren and widespread violence in many regions. As a result, the government has declared a national security emergency. 

Key responses:

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has approved the recruitment of tens of thousands of additional police officers and redeployed security units, including forest guards, to focus on regions plagued by banditry and kidnappings. 

The newly confirmed Christopher Musa (retired) — as Defence Minister — has declared that the government will adopt a “zero-negotiation, zero-ransom” policy. In other words: kidnappers and terror groups will no longer be paid, in hopes of cutting off financial incentives. 

In line with that, the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has passed the second reading of an amendment bill classifying kidnapping as terrorism, making it punishable by death — with no option for a fine. 

These moves signal a toughened stance: the hope is that by re-defining kidnapping as terrorism, and eliminating ransom payments, deterrents will increase, criminal networks will be weakened, and future kidnappings curbed.

But the social cost has been heavy. The wave of abductions has triggered outrage: families of abducted children — including students from boarding schools — have been publicly pleading with the government for rescue efforts. The crisis has also sparked threats of nationwide protests from labour groups. 

For many Nigerians, the fear is not abstract: parents are sending their children to boarding schools, but worry they may not return; workers are uneasy traveling long distances; communities remain on edge. The severity of the situation has reignited debates about governance, security architecture and justice in the country.

Diplomacy & International Pressure: Visa Bans as Pressure on Violence

Nigeria’s internal security woes have spilled onto the international stage: the United States Department of State has announced visa restrictions targeting Nigerians — and their families — suspected of involvement in mass killings and violence, particularly against Christians. 

This move underscores growing international concern about religious-based violence, communal clashes and human rights abuses in Nigeria. According to the US, the visa ban applies to individuals who have “directed, authorized, significantly supported, participated in, or carried out violations of religious freedom.” 

The message from abroad is clear: perpetrators of violence will face consequences beyond Nigerian borders. Whether this will deter future attacks is uncertain — but the policy adds an extra layer of pressure on both individuals and state actors to address underlying causes of conflict and ensure accountability.

For many Nigerians abroad or planning to travel, it means increased scrutiny: past or current associations — whether by direct participation or alleged links — could affect visa eligibility. For victims and their communities, it signals that their suffering is being noticed globally — and may bring more pressure on domestic institutions to act.

What All This Means — And What’s Next

What we’re seeing now is a Nigeria at a crossroads: on one hand, powerful efforts to tackle structural problems in power and energy, with the potential to transform daily life if sustained; on the other, a security crisis that threatens to undermine stability, trust, and the sense of safety for citizens — especially children and vulnerable communities.

If the energy reforms succeed, households and businesses might gradually move away from diesel-powered generators — reducing costs, pollution, and giving a jolt to productivity. On the flipside, if the security offensive fails, recurring violence and kidnappings could erode confidence, displace communities, and deepen social and economic disruptions.

Much will depend on execution: whether debt payments translate into steady gas supply and reliable electricity; whether new security policies and laws lead to lasting peace instead of reactive crackdowns; whether international pressure fosters accountability rather than scapegoating.

For everyday Nigerians — parents, workers, entrepreneurs — the moment demands cautious optimism. With disciplined implementation, 2026 could mark a turning point: better power at home, stronger institutions, and maybe a sense of safety returning to some vulnerable communities. But it will take more than promises — it will take consistent, transparent, and inclusive action