The NERC’s decision to adjust tariffs underscores the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector. With ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the issue, the path forward remains uncertain, as stakeholders continue to advocate for a fair and sustainable solution to the country’s electricity woes.
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Muslim leaders, groups worried over insecurity, suggest solutions
Muslim leaders and groups are worried about the worsening insecurity in the country largely due to banditry, kidnapping and insurgency and have called on the government to take drastic actions to address the problem.
The concerns and suggestions are contained in the various Eid-el Fitr messages of the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla; Amir of The Companion, Alhaji Thabit Sonaike; TMC Amir Alhaji Abdul Waasi’i Bangbala and Director, Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Prof Ishaq Akintola.
Sheikh Sulaimon urged Nigerians to pray to Allah to guide the government on ways to end the insecurity.
He enjoined the Muslim Ummah to observe Eid as it ought to be so as to maximise the rewards therein.
Alhaji Sonaike urged the government to remember that its primary purpose is the welfare and security of citizens.
The armed forces, he said, must recruit fresh personnel to replace the depleted soldiers.
“Also, the Police needs new Officers, better funding and new equipment to meet the challenges of the time. Our ratio of police to citizens must be improved upon to move closer to United Nations recommendation of one police to 400 people,” he said.
Prof Akintola said: “With the projected 377,000 policemen in the country as at today securing a population of 210 million people, Nigeria can only boast of one policeman to every 557 citizens. But that is in theory. In reality, the ratio is poorer than that because more than half of our police population are on special duties trying to secure very important personalities (VIPs). In some cases, more than six policemen are assigned to protect a single official. The theory of ratio 1:557 crashes in the face of this reality… If it is true that cities are conquered by numbers, we recommend the recruitment of at least 25,000 additional policemen and 20,000 soldiers this year 2021 alone with annual recruitment of no less than 20,000 per annum over the next five years in order to overwhelm all criminal and separatist elements.”
Alhaji Bangbala said: “Let us continue to pray for peace and tranquillity in our country and to always act in ways that will engender peace and harmony. Let us remember that a believer does not shed blood unjustly neither does he call to ethnicity. Our moral principle is to relate with our neighbours with peace, mercy and compassion. These are the tenets we must always uphold in our communities. “Let us be security-conscious at all times and ensure that we protect ourselves from the COVID-19.
President of Ansar -Ud-Deen Society Aare Abdul-Rafiu Sanni also called on governments to address the issue of insecurity of lives and properties, Kidnapping and banditry.
Aare Sanni urged governments to introduce measures that can cushion the effects of economic hardship on the citizenry by reducing tariffs and assisting SME’s in stabilising their businesses in order to minimize likely loss of jobs.
The President of Zumuratul Islamiyyah Society of Nigeria, Mr Mutiu Gbajumon, advised Muslims to continue with the lessons of Ramadan.
Gbajumon said the lessons will increase their piety, purification of the body and soul.
He called on Nigerians to pray and ask for forgiveness of sins.
according to him, the sudden surge of insecurity in the country called for sober reflection.
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Electricity customers insist on reversal of tariff increase, scorn reduction
Electricity customers insist on reversal of tariff increase, scorn reduction
Nigerians across various sectors have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) decision to reduce the tariff payable by Band A customers. Despite the reduction from N225/kWh to N206.8/kWh, stakeholders including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, electricity consumers, and civil society organizations are calling for a complete reversal to the subsidy era tariff.
The initial tariff hike, implemented just 33 days prior, saw a staggering 240 per cent increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers. This move, which withdrew subsidies completely from Band A consumers, was met with widespread criticism and opposition from various quarters.
While the Federal Government cited potential savings of N1.5tn as justification for the tariff adjustment, concerns have been raised about the impact on consumers, particularly the financially vulnerable. The House of Representatives, organized labor, and the Nigerian Bar Association have all condemned the hike, with calls for its suspension and reversal.
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Defending the increase, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu warned of a nationwide blackout within three months if the tariff hike was not implemented. Despite opposition, government spokesperson Florence Eke asserted that the tariff adjustment would remain in place.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the NERC announced an eight per cent reduction in tariffs for Band A customers, attributing the decision to changes in macroeconomic indices, particularly the appreciation of the naira against the dollar. Following the NERC’s directive, several electricity distribution companies (Discos), including Abuja, Ikeja, and Ibadan, promptly announced the implementation of the tariff reduction.
While the reduction may provide some relief to consumers, stakeholders remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for broader reforms in the energy sector. Critics argue that mere tariff reductions do not address fundamental issues such as inadequate fuel supply and the overall inefficiency of the electricity supply system.
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Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
In an unexpected turn of events, the Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has suspended Vice-Chancellor Augustine Angba on allegations of severe misconduct.
The decision was reached at a meeting of the Governing Council on Monday, May 6, 2024, where they resolved to release Angba of his duties with immediate effect.
The council has nominated Professor Stephen Oshang of the Faculty of Agriculture to serve as the interim Vice-Chancellor until further notice.
The suspension comes on the heels of a vote-of-no-confidence passed by some staff members of the university on January 17, 2024.
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The staff, who were protesting the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears, had carried placards with slogans like “This Management and the VC must go” and “We don’t want them any longer.”
Angba had previously criticized the staff unions, claiming that four members had hijacked the union and incited others to protest on the streets.
However, the Governing Council’s decision suggests that they found merit in the allegations against the embattled Vice-Chancellor.
Despite several attempts, Vanguard efforts to reach the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Onen Onen, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful, as his phone line was not answered at the time of filing this report.
Similarly, Professor Angba’s phone line was busy when contacted.
Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
(Vanguard)
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Lagos to experience morning, afternoon thunderstorms for 3 days
Lagos to experience morning, afternoon thunderstorms for 3 days
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja forecasts sunny and hazy conditions on Monday over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina states throughout the forecast period with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba state.
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