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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Saudi restores Nigeria’s 90,000 Hajj slots, removes age limit
A total of 90,000 Nigerians are expected to perform the 2023 Hajj as Saudi Arabia restores the number of slots given to Nigeria before COVID-19.
Only 50 per cent of the number made the holy pilgrimage last year after the suspension of 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
Assistant Director, Information and Publications of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mousa Ubandawaki, in a statement on Wednesday, said the position was made known by the Director General in charge of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj Missions at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Bahauddeen bin Yusuf Alwani.
Bahauddeen, during a preparatory meeting for the 2023 Hajj via a video conference with the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Alhaji Zukrullah Kunle Hassan, said guidelines released for the 2023 Hajj by the Ministry included the removal of age barrier or limit and cancellation of the PCR test.
The statement read, “The ministry has also granted the commission the right of choice of package for pilgrims services from the Mutawwiffs of African Non-Arab countries, the company responsible for the tent, feeding and transportation arrangements at the Mashair.
“In addition, the ministry also stated that henceforth any payment to service providers must be through the e-track or e-wallet platforms as the Kingdom will not take responsibilities for payment outside the two platforms.”
He added that agreement on accommodation would be concluded by February 10 and others by January 24.
“Details of the discussion included that information on the choice of airliners approved by the commission for the airlift operations and their allocation must be submitted early enough to fast-track the Hajj 2023 preparation,” the statement added.
In his response, the NAHCON boss expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the early preparation and restoring the country’s Hajj allocation.
He said that it was heartwarming that the Kingdom through the Ministry of Hajj had restored the hope and confidence of many prospective Nigerian pilgrims that desired to perform the Hajj this year.
The chairman however appealed to the ministry to allow the commission handle the feeding management during the Mashair activities in order to serve Nigerian pilgrims better than what obtained during the 2022 Hajj by the Mutawwiffs.
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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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