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Nigeria, Russia in Talks for $80Bn Nuclear Power Deal

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Nigeria is reportedly in talks with Russia’s Rosatom to build as many as four nuclear power plants costing about $80 billion as Africa’s biggest economy seeks to add 1 200MW of capacity by the end of the decade, according to Bloomberg.

“A joint coordination committee is in place and negotiations are ongoing for financing and contracting,” Franklin Erepamo Osaisai, Nigeria Atomic Energy Commission (NAEC) chairperson and CEO said at a conference in Kenya’s Kwale coastal region on Monday.

“We are meticulously implementing our plans.”

The talks comes after South Africa signed a deal with Russia to build up to eight nuclear power stations. First plant to be operational in 2024

The West African nation signed an agreement with Rosatom to cooperate on the design, construction, operation and decommissioning of a facility in 2012.

A further three nuclear plants are planned, taking total capacity to 4 800MW by 2035, with each facility costing $20billion Osaisai said.

The first Nigerian plant will be operational in 2025.

Peak electricity output of Africa’s biggest economy is about 3 800MW, with a further 1 500MW unavailable because of gas shortages.

South Africa, with a third of Nigeria’s population yet eight times more installed capacity, has also signed an agreement with Rosatom as it looks to add 9 600MW of atomic power to its strained grid.

South Africa’s agreement with Rosatom gave the company the right to veto the nation doing business with any other nuclear vendor, Fin24 reported.

READ: Nene: Nuclear build a ‘substantial commitment’

Rosatom and Nigerian officials met last month within the framework of a 2009 intergovernmental agreement to discuss cooperation, Rosatom spokesperson Sergei Novikov said by phone from Istanbul. To date, no memorandums have been signed about the development of a nuclear plant, he said.

Rosatom will hold a majority, controlling stake in Nigeria’s nuclear facility while the rest will be owned by the country, with roles to be specified in contracts, Osaisai said. “The government will enter a power-purchasing agreement for the nuclear plant.”

The plants will be financed by Rosatom, which will then build, own, operate and transfer them to the government, he said.

Rosatom is marketing its reactors with generous financing offers as Moscow seeks new markets for its technology amid a looming recession.

Over the last year, its international portfolio of orders has grown to more than $100bn (R1.2trn), including deals to build new reactors in Iran, Hungary, India and Jordan.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and Russia agreed last year on a €12bn (R153.86bn) deal to expand the Paks nuclear power plant, scrapping plans for competitive bids for the biggest Hungarian public contract in a generation.

Under the deal, which Hungary’s parliament classified for 30 years, Russia agreed to provide €10bn for the project in a 30-year loan at below-market rates.

Hungary is in talks with the European Union after the bloc raised objections that Russian companies had exclusive rights to supply fuel to the plant and started a probe of possible state aid in the financing of the project.

One megawatt is enough to provide energy to 2 000 average homes.

Africa’s sole nuclear power station is Koeberg in Cape Town, which is owned by Eskom.


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Nigeria Recovers $52.88m in Assets Linked to Former Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke

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Federal government has received $52.88m recovered Galactica assets linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Diezani Alison-Madueke from the USA.

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice Lateef Fagbemi disclosed this at the formal signing ceremony of the asset agreement between Nigeria and the United States of America in Abuja on Friday, January 10.

While speaking at the ceremony, Fagbemi explained that $50m of the recovered assets will be deployed through the World Bank to the development of the rural electrification project and the remaining $2m will be deployed to the International Institute of Justice to expand the Justice system and also counter corruption.

Speaking further, Fagbemi noted that the asset return marks a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Nigeria and the United States in combating corruption and upholding the rule of law

He said the event is also a significant effort by President Bola Tinubu to address the issue of corruption.

Meanwhile, in his remarks, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria Richard Mills called for the monitoring and effectively utilizing the recovered assets by the Ministry of Justice to benefit Nigerians.

Diezani served as Minister under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.


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TikTok Announces Plans to Cease Operations in the U.S. by January 19, 2025

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TikTok has officially announced plans to cease its operations in the United States by January 19, 2025.

“Absent such relief, the Act will take effect on January 19, 2025,” TikTok said in a Dec. 9 legal filing. “That would shut down TikTok—one of the Nation’s most popular speech platforms for its more than 170 million domestic monthly users on the eve of a presidential inauguration.”

Last year, President Joe Biden signed into law, a legislation to remove TikTok from U.S. app stores and prohibit internet providers across the nation from allowing access to the platform if ByteDance cannot sell to an American company by Jan. 19.

The legislation was put in place amid concerns of China possibly using TikTok to spy on U.S. residents.

In response, TikTok filed an emergency motion for an injunction to stop the ban from taking effect, arguing that it violates the First Amendment and will generate “substantial losses,” per legal documents.

The Supreme Court is slated to hear oral arguments on Jan. 10 over whether or not the law should be upheld.

Meanwhile, several entrepreneurs have launched a bid to purchase TikTok, including Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary.

“This isn’t just about buying TikTok’s U.S. assets,” he wrote in a Jan. 6 message on X, formerly Twitter. “It’s about something much bigger: protecting the privacy of 170 million American users.”

O’Leary continued, “It’s about empowering creators and small businesses. And it’s about building a platform that prioritizes PEOPLE over algorithms. TikTok has immense potential, not just as a tool for creators but as a driver of meaningful economic and social impact.”

However, O’Leary said he’ll likely need an assist from President-elect Donald Trump, who will be sworn into office on Jan. 20.

“Trump will be who we have to work with to close the deal in the months ahead,” he explained during a Jan. 6 appearance on Fox News’ The Story with Martha MacCallum, per The Wrap. “So, I wanted to let him know—as well as others in his cabinet—that we’re doing this, and we’re going to need their help.”


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Transform Your Health with QNET’s BELITE 123: The Ultimate Weight Management Solution

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With the start of a new year, many of us set ambitious goals to improve our health and manage our weight. While resolutions often fade, QNET’s LifeQode BELITE 123 stands as a proven, reliable companion on the journey to sustainable health.

A well-established product trusted by thousands worldwide, BELITE 123 offers a holistic and science-backed approach to weight management that goes beyond quick fixes to support lasting well-being.

Irfan Aziz from Kuwait is one of many who have experienced life-changing results with BELITE 123. “After years of struggling with my weight, BELITE 123 made all the difference.

“I initially lost 2 kg, which kept me motivated; now I’ve shed 12.4 kg in total! But it’s not just about the weight—my mental clarity, sleep quality, and overall emotional balance have improved significantly,” Irfan shares. “BELITE 123 takes the ‘T’ out of Can’t!”

A Proven Formula for New Year Success

With its three-step system, BELITE 123 has become a cornerstone of health for individuals looking to stay fit and energized, even during festive seasons and indulgent celebrations. Each component is meticulously designed to support the body’s natural processes:

• BELITE 01 (Green Tea & Kaffir Lime): Boosts metabolism and helps regulate blood pressure.

• BELITE 02 (African Mango): Reduces appetite and supports cholesterol management, with studies showing a 27.3% reduction in LDL.

• BELITE 03 (Peppermint & Cinnamon): Detoxifies, improves digestion, and promotes restful sleep.

This effective system allows users to embrace healthier habits without sacrificing enjoyment. Whether it’s savoring holiday treats or maintaining daily routines, BELITE 123 supports a balanced lifestyle year-round.

A Long-Term Commitment to Wellness

Trevor Kuna, QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, underscores the importance of adopting a sustainable approach to health. “Weight management isn’t just a resolution; it’s a lifestyle.

“BELITE 123 is built to help people achieve their health goals by integrating seamlessly into daily life.

“It’s not about quick fixes but creating long-lasting habits that lead to better health and greater vitality.”

Kuna emphasizes that the secret to BELITE 123’s success lies in its holistic approach. “Our product doesn’t just target weight loss; it addresses overall well-being, which is key to maintaining a healthy and fulfilling life,” he adds.

Easy to Follow, Backed by Science

The BELITE 123 system is simple to incorporate into even the busiest lifestyles:

1. BELITE 01: Drink after breakfast to jumpstart your metabolism.

2. BELITE 02: Take before lunch to curb appetite and support fat burning.

3. BELITE 03: Drink after dinner to cleanse and detoxify overnight.

With natural ingredients sourced from Asia, Africa, and Europe, BELITE 123 combines ancient wisdom with modern science to deliver sustainable results.

Its global following is a testament to its effectiveness and the trust it has earned over the years.

Renew Your Commitment to Health This Year

As we step into 2025, BELITE 123 offers a trusted solution for anyone looking to take charge of their health. It’s more than just a product; it’s a partner on your journey toward a healthier, more balanced life.

Let BELITE 123 help you turn your resolutions into reality—and sustain them throughout the year.


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