Benin, Togo owe Nigeria $5.7m electricity debt — NERC - Newstrends
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Benin, Togo owe Nigeria $5.7m electricity debt — NERC

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Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)

Benin, Togo owe Nigeria $5.7m electricity debt — NERC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC has disclosed that International bilateral electricity customers in Benin Republic and Togo owe Nigeria $5.79m for the energy consumed in the second quarter of 2024.

The NERC revealed this in their latest second-quarter 2024 report analysed by The Punch on Sunday.

According to the report, out of the $15.60m invoice issued by the market operator between April and June, the international customers remitted $9.81m.

The foreign companies off-taking power from Nigeria are Para-SBEE in Benin Republic ($1.23m), Transcorp-SBEE in Benin, Mainstream-NIGELEC in Togo ($1.09m), and Odukpani-CEET in Togo ($3.47m).

Para-SBEE in Benin Republic remitted 71.21 per cent of the $4.29m billed, Transcorp-SBEE in Benin remitted 100 per cent of the $4.25m it was billed; Mainstream-NIGELEC in Togo paid 69.72 of $3.59m, and Odukpani-CEET did not remit anything during the period.

In the first quarter, The PUNCH reported that none of the four international bilateral customers being supplied by the power generation companies made payments against the cumulative invoice of $14.19m issued by the market operator for services rendered.

In the Q2 report, it was noted that some bilateral customers (both domestic and international customers) made payments for outstanding invoices from previous quarters.

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“Cumulatively, the international bilateral customers paid a total of $16.65m; Transcorp-SBEE and Mainstream-NIGELEC have made payments towards all outstanding invoices from previous quarters,” the report disclosed.

It added, “The four international bilateral customers being supplied by Gencos in the NESI made a payment of $9.81m against the cumulative invoice of $15.60m issued by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q2, translating to a remittance performance of 62.88 per cent.”

The NERC noted that the domestic bilateral customers made a payment of N1.30bn against the cumulative invoice of N1.99bn issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q2 translating to 65.07 per cent remittance performance.

The market operator received N1.30bn from domestic bilateral customers towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters.

Mainstream Energy Solutions was said to have made payments towards all outstanding invoices from previous quarters.

On electricity subsidy, it was disclosed that between 2024/Q1 and 2024/Q2, the Federal Government’s subsidy obligation was reduced by N253.24bn from N633.30bn (90.57 per cent of the total Genco invoice) to N380.06bn (52.51 per cent of the total Genco invoice).

“The significant decrease in the subsidy obligation of the Federal Government is a result of the policy directive of the government to implement reviews of tariffs charged to Band A customers while the tariffs for Band B-E customers remain frozen at the rates payable since December 2022,” it was explained.

The commission revealed that the total revenue collected by all Discos in 2024/Q2 was N431.16bn out of the N543.64bn that was billed to customers. This translates to a collection efficiency of 79.31 per cent.

In comparison, the total revenue collected by all Discos in 2024/Q1 was N291.62bn out of the N368.65bn billed to customers which translated to a 79.11 per cent collection efficiency.

The 79.31 per cent collection efficiency recorded in 2024/Q2 is 0.20pp higher than the collection efficiency recorded in 2024/Q1.

 

Benin, Togo owe Nigeria $5.7m electricity debt — NERC

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Dangote raises petrol price 6.7% to N1,350/litre

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Dangote raises petrol price 6.7% to N1,350/litre

Dangote raises petrol price 6.7% to N1,350/litre

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has increased its Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol, gantry price by 6.7 per cent, raising it from N1,265 to N1,350 per litre, with the new price taking effect from September 12, 2026.

The latest adjustment represents an N85 increase per litre and is the fourth upward review of Dangote Refinery’s petrol price since August 21, further raising concerns about the possible impact on petrol pump prices, transportation costs and the wider cost of living.

The refinery also increased its coastal price from N1,669,543 to N1,783,530 per metric tonne, representing an increase of N113,987, or about 6.8 per cent.

In a memo to customers, Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced the revised prices and directed customers with existing loading arrangements to return their Authority to Collect (ATC) documents for repricing.

The refinery said new volume contracts would subsequently be issued to allow loading to resume under the revised prices.

The latest increase means Dangote’s petrol price has risen by N185 per litre, or about 15.9 per cent, in 22 days.

The refinery had increased its gantry price from N1,165 to N1,185 per litre on August 21. It subsequently raised the price to N1,200 on August 26 and then to N1,265 on August 29, before the latest increase to N1,350.

The development comes amid renewed pressure in the international crude oil market, with Brent crude recently trading above $100 per barrel as geopolitical tensions and disruptions to oil supplies in the Middle East continue to affect global energy markets.

The pressure on global fuel markets is also being felt by refiners and petroleum traders as disruptions to Middle Eastern refining capacity and shipping routes create concerns over the availability of crude and refined petroleum products.

Dangote Refinery’s management recently said global fuel shortages could persist beyond the current Iran conflict because of damage to refining infrastructure, high refinery utilisation rates and the need to rebuild fuel inventories.

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For Nigeria, the increase comes as the downstream petroleum market continues to operate under deregulation, meaning petrol prices are largely determined by market conditions rather than a fixed government-controlled price.

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) recently identified crude oil sourcing, refinery delivery timelines, imported cargoes, transportation, logistics and taxes among the factors influencing movements in petrol prices.

NMDPRA Head of Public Affairs George Ene-Ita said petrol prices are fully deregulated and therefore exposed to fluctuations across the supply chain.

Consequently, the new Dangote price does not necessarily mean motorists across Nigeria will immediately pay exactly N1,350 per litre at filling stations.

The price consumers pay will depend on the cost at which individual marketers obtain their supplies, transportation and distribution expenses, depot charges, operating costs, location, competition and profit margins.

However, the increase in the refinery’s gantry price is expected to put additional pressure on marketers who source petrol from Dangote Refinery, particularly as they replenish existing stocks.

Recent reports indicate that petrol prices in several parts of the country had already moved higher, with pump prices in some locations reaching the N1,310-N1,350 per litre range before the latest Dangote adjustment.

The latest price review could therefore trigger another round of adjustments by petroleum marketers, especially if the higher wholesale acquisition cost persists.

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The development is also significant because Dangote Refinery has become an increasingly important source of locally refined petrol as Nigeria seeks to reduce its dependence on imported petroleum products.

The refinery has secured at least 16 million barrels of Nigerian crude for October delivery, equivalent to roughly 520,000 barrels per day, according to Reuters. The purchases represent a substantial portion of the refinery’s current 700,000-barrel-per-day capacity and underline its growing role in Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply.

Despite the increase in petrol prices, Dangote Refinery is pursuing plans to expand its capacity significantly. The company announced a $14.3 billion expansion programme that is expected to increase its processing capacity from about 700,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day by 2029.

The refinery is also preparing for a major initial public offering (IPO) aimed at raising about N2.15 trillion, with the offer scheduled to run from September 14 to October 13.

For consumers and businesses, the immediate concern remains the potential effect of the latest petrol price increase on transportation, logistics and the cost of goods and services.

Petrol remains a major input for transportation and commercial activities in Nigeria. Any sustained increase in its price can raise the cost of moving people and goods and increase operating expenses for businesses that depend on petrol-powered vehicles and equipment.

The extent of the impact of the new N1,350 per litre Dangote petrol price, however, will depend on how marketers respond and whether international crude prices remain elevated.

For now, the latest adjustment establishes a higher wholesale benchmark for customers buying petrol from Dangote Refinery, while the retail market is expected to respond according to prevailing supply, distribution and competitive conditions.

Dangote raises petrol price 6.7% to N1,350/litre

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Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja

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Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja

Motorists in Abuja are set for a close encounter with Jetour’s award-winning Dashing and other models as Jetour Nigeria moves to deepen its foothold in the nation’s capital with the Jetour Experience Abuja, beginning September 22.

The three-day motoring event, which runs until September 24, is expected to draw prospective buyers and automobile enthusiasts to a hands-on experience featuring test drives, product demonstrations and direct engagement with Jetour’s seven authorised dealers and product specialists.

The participating dealer network comprises Elizade Nigeria Limited, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, Germaine Auto Centre, R.T. Briscoe, Tab Autos and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.

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The Abuja Experience follows the success of the Lagos edition, which attracted thousands of visitors for test drives and direct engagement with product specialists. According to the organisers, strong demand and inquiries from motorists in Abuja and neighbouring states prompted the expansion of the event to the Federal Capital Territory.

The Dashing has gained attention in Nigeria’s competitive compact SUV segment for its combination of modern styling, technology, performance and competitive pricing.

The SUV is available with 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre turbocharged engines, producing up to 145kW of power and 290Nm of torque, paired with six- or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.

Its features include a 15.6-inch central touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, wireless charging and smartphone integration.

For safety, the vehicle comes with a 360-degree surround-view camera, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, blind-spot detection and multiple airbags.

Beyond vehicle sales, the authorised dealers provide warranty, genuine spare parts and after-sales support to Jetour customers across their respective locations.

The Abuja Experience is expected to strengthen customer engagement and give motorists in the FCT a closer look at Jetour’s growing range of vehicles, while further expanding the brand’s footprint in the northern market.

 

Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja

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Dangote: ₦525 Refinery Shares Could Rise to ₦10,000

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Dangote: ₦525 Refinery Shares Could Rise to ₦10,000
Africa’s richest man and President of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote

Dangote: ₦525 Refinery Shares Could Rise to ₦10,000

Investors who buy into the Dangote Petroleum Refinery may see the value of their holdings multiply significantly in the years ahead, according to Aliko Dangote.

The businessman said the refinery’s shares, which will be offered at ₦525 each, could eventually climb as high as ₦10,000.

The projection comes ahead of the company’s much-anticipated initial public offering, which is scheduled to open on September 14 and close on October 13.

Dangote used a hypothetical ₦5m investment to illustrate his expectation, saying such an investment could be worth more than ₦50m if the share price eventually reaches his projected target.

The IPO will put 4.1 billion ordinary shares on offer, with investors able to apply for as few as 10 shares, equivalent to ₦5,250.

A major feature of the offer, according to Dangote, is that smaller investors will be given preference when shares are allocated.

He said people investing modest amounts such as ₦50,000 or ₦100,000 would be prioritised ahead of institutional investors seeking much larger allocations.

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He also highlighted dividends as another potential attraction, saying shareholders may have the option of receiving their returns in either naira or US dollars.

Dangote argued that receiving dividends in dollars could be particularly useful for Nigerians who have expenses outside the country.

He cited parents with children studying in the United Kingdom as an example, noting that currency fluctuations can significantly increase the cost of foreign expenses.

The Dangote Group president recalled the naira’s steep decline against the dollar, saying the exchange rate had moved from around ₦400 to about ₦1,800 to a dollar, creating difficulties for families and businesses with foreign obligations.

Beyond the potential returns for shareholders, the IPO is expected to help finance the refinery’s expansion plans. The company wants to raise its capacity from roughly 650,000–700,000 barrels per day to 1.4 million barrels per day.

However, the ₦10,000 figure should not be interpreted as a guaranteed future share price. Once the company is listed on the Nigerian Exchange, its market value will be influenced by demand and supply, business performance, investor confidence, refining margins and wider economic conditions.

The company expects the proceeds from the share sale to support its expansion and other corporate needs, while investors will only know the exact number of shares allotted to them after the offer closes and applications are processed.

Dangote’s comments therefore offer an optimistic outlook for prospective shareholders, but the eventual performance of the investment will depend on how the refinery and the wider market perform after listing.

 

Dangote: ₦525 Refinery Shares Could Rise to ₦10,000

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