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Discos install 504,729 meters, unmetered customers now 7.1million

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Discos install 504,729 meters, unmetered customers now 7.1million

The number of power consumers without meters across the country is now 7,117,167, as a total of 504,729 meters were installed by electricity distribution companies between January and September 2023.

Data obtained from the latest third quarter report of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission indicated that as of September 30, 2023, there were 12,825,005 registered electricity customers in Nigeria’s power sector.

The NERC stated that out of this number, only 5,707,838 customers had been metered, which implies that over 7.1 million registered power users across the country lack meters.

A further analysis of the first, second and third quarter reports of the power sector regulator indicated that electricity distribution companies installed a total of 504,729 meters during the nine-month period.

They installed 175,281 meters in the first quarter, deployed 181,059 meters in the second quarter, while this dropped to 148,389 meters in the third quarter. Meter installations are ongoing in this current fourth quarter.

Providing an explanation on metering in its latest third quarter 2023 report, the commission said, “As at September 30, 2023, there were 12,825,005 registered electricity customers in the NESI (Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry) out of which only 5,707,838 (44.51 per cent) are metered.

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“Over the course of 2023/Q3, 148,389 end-user customers were metered. Ikeja, Abuja and Ibadan Discos had the highest number of meter installations in 2023/Q3, accounting for 27.35 per cent, 20.78 per cent and 17.53 per cent respectively of the total installations.”

It stated that the 148,389 meters installed in 2023/Q3 represented a decrease of 32,670 installations (-18.04 per cent), when compared to the 181,059 meters installed in 2023/Q2.

“The new installations resulted in a 0.35pp increase in net end-user metering rate in the NESI between 2023/Q2 (44.16 per cent) and 2023/Q3 (44.51 per cent),” the commission stated.

It noted that during the quarter, 147,736 meters were installed under the Meter Asset Provider framework, while 207 meters were installed under the National Mass Metering Programme framework.

The Vendor Financed framework recorded 446 meter installations while no meter installations were recorded under the Disco Financed framework,” the power sector regulator stated.

Operators in the sector have repeatedly blamed the liquidity crisis in the sector for the low deployment of meters and other challenges in the industry.

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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, had during the recent power sector ministerial retreat in Abuja, admitted that financing was a major challenge in the business of electricity supply in Nigeria.

He disclosed this while speaking on finance, revenue assurance and capital investment programmes across the electricity value chain in Nigeria.

“The heart of NESI’s proposed reforms hinges upon securing long-term financing across the entire value chain.

“While past discussions highlighted concerns about the financial capacities of private sector players from the 2013 privatisation, our focus must centre on collaborative solutions to alleviate present liquidity challenges.

“Initiating this quest for robust investment involves attracting domestic institutional investors and reputable partners from well-governed sectors within the electricity value chain.

“At this retreat, we’ve invited established infrastructure financiers and fintech innovators to infuse fresh thinking into our industry, aiming to develop innovative policies enabling capital investment programmes and fiscal incentives that elevate the risk profile of sector opportunities to financeable levels,” the minister stated.

Discos install 504,729 meters, unmetered customers now 7.1million

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2027: Politicians plotting to undermine Tinubu’s support base — Arewa group

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

2027: Politicians plotting to undermine Tinubu’s support base — Arewa group

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has voiced concerns about alleged attempts by certain politicians to undermine President Tinubu’s support base ahead of the 2027 reelection by interfering with his cabinet.

AYCF President General Yerima Shettima applauded President Tinubu’s administration for its accomplishments, attributing them to a dedicated team of ministers and officials who have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s progress.

Shettima highlighted the roles of several key figures in President Tinubu’s administration, including Femi Gbajamiala, the Chief of Staff, Yusuf Bicci, the Director-General of the State Security Service, Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget, and Bello Matawalle, the Minister of State for Defence. He praised their contributions to governance, national security, infrastructure development, law enforcement, aviation, fiscal management, and military capabilities.

“First and foremost, Femi Gbajamiala, the Chief of Staff, has been instrumental in coordinating the President’s agenda and ensuring smooth communication and collaboration within the administration.

“His strategic leadership and organizational skills have streamlined decision-making processes and enhanced efficiency in governance. Gbajamiala’s professionalism and dedication make him a trusted advisor and confidant to President Tinubu.

“Yusuf Bicci, the Director-General of the State Security Service, has played a critical role in safeguarding national security and intelligence-gathering efforts.

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“His expertise and experience in counter-terrorism and counter-intelligence operations have been instrumental in protecting the nation from internal and external threats. Bicci’s unwavering commitment to national security makes him a key asset to the President’s administration.

“Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, has been instrumental in developing and improving infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory. His innovative projects and policies have transformed the FCT into a modern and dynamic city, attracting investments and creating opportunities for its residents. Wike’s commitment to excellence and ability to deliver results make him a valuable asset to the Tinubu administration.

“Hon. Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has been leading efforts to improve security and law enforcement in the country. His initiatives have led to a significant decrease in crime rates and enhanced the safety and well-being of Nigerian citizens. Ojo’s dedication to protecting the nation and upholding the rule of law make him a key player in President Tinubu’s cabinet.

“Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation, has been driving reforms and modernization efforts in the aviation sector. His initiatives have enhanced safety standards, improved infrastructure, and promoted efficiency in air travel. Keyamo’s vision for a world-class aviation industry in Nigeria has positioned the country as a regional hub for air transportation. His leadership and innovation make him a key player in President Tinubu’s administration,” Shettima said.

“Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of Budget, has been instrumental in managing the nation’s finances and ensuring fiscal responsibility. His strategic planning and budgeting skills have helped steer the country towards economic stability and growth. Bagudu’s prudent financial management has earned him respect and admiration within the administration,” Shettima said.

As the 2027 reelection approaches, Shettima urged President Tinubu to maintain strong relationships with his key allies and supporters, relying on their dedication and expertise to navigate political adversity and sustain his administration’s progress.

2027: Politicians plotting to undermine Tinubu’s support base — Arewa group

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Fuel sells for N2,500/litre black market as scarcity persists

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Fuel sells for N2,500/litre black market as scarcity persists

Nigerians continue to bemoan the immense hardship they endure as a result of the statewide fuel shortage, which has made conducting business and other activities extremely challenging.

Commuters in Sokoto state said most filling stations are locked under the guise that they lack product to dispense, while black marketers are selling a litre of fuel between N2,000 and N2,500 across the metropolis, Channels TV reported.

Some residents, speaking with a reporter, called on the government to intervene to bring the situation under control so as not to degenerate.

They said the situation has started affecting business activities and making life difficult for people as the black market price of N2,500 per litre is becoming scarce, and this is bringing business and other activities to a standstill in the metropolis.

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Chronicle NG reported that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has blamed the fuel queues that have resurfaced in Lagos, Abuja, and other states of the Federation on “logistics issues.”

However, NNPC Limited declared that the issues had been resolved.

“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) wishes to clarify that the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit currently being experienced in some areas across the country is as a result of logistics issues and that they have been resolved,” the company said in a statement on Thursday evening.

“It also wishes to reiterate that the prices of petroleum products are not changing.”

NNPCL called on Nigerians to “avoid panic buying as there is a sufficiency of products in the country.”

Fuel sells for N2,500/litre black market as scarcity persists

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Coastal highway: Minister present as demolition of Landmark Beach begins

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Coastal highway: Minister present as demolition of Landmark Beach begins

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, on Saturday in Lagos, flagged off the demolition of a section of the Landmark Beach, the Mami Chula Beach Lifestyle, to give way to the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

Umahi began the demolition after he inspected kilometre 13, 16 and 20 to ensure the most economical and viable way to access the coastal roads without much damage.

He noted that the demolition was necessary since the landmark centre was located on Federal Government’s Right-of-way.

He stressed that a number of structures would be affected by the demolition, adding that compensation would be provided.

Umahi said, “So with the utmost fear of God, gratitude to God Almighty and the commitment to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in our infrastructural development agenda in particular, I wish to flag off this demolition.

”It’s in a right-of-way within the coastal corridor which is legitimate right of way of the Federal Government.

“Before the flag off of the demolition of landmark, I graciously increased the grace period by another seven days and yet another four days and here we are because the project stopped because of lack of demolition.

“And I want to commend the likes of Bolaji, incidentally from kilometre zero to four from what I’m seeing, he is the only one that is majorly affected. That’s the only infrastructure I can see that is affected.”

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The Minister, who acknowledged that some people were opposed to the project, insisted that it was necessary for economic development.

He assured those affected by the demolition that they would be adequately compensated, adding that documentation would start between May 2 and May 3.

Umahi also assured that he would be available throughout the week to address any confirmation or payment issues related to the demolition.

Responding, the Chief Executive Officer, Mami Chula Beach, Mr Bolaji Ariyo, acknowledged the project’s necessity for development, even when it causes inconvenience for a small number of people.

He said, “We all hope this is the renewed hope that we all clamoured for, during the campaign, we all prayed for development in Nigeria.

“And some of us have so much belief in Mr President that he will do it well, and this is an opportunity.

“For example, I’m a Lagosian and this is also a development that has been set down for a very long time. It is good that Mr President is doing that right now.

“It is unfortunate. We all prayed for development, and in every development, some people pay the price and sacrifice for the development.

“You might be wondering why I’m talking like this, maybe because I was also on the other side before, so, I understand what governance means.

“I understand when a government is promising to make life easy for the entire Nigerians.

”Some of us are affected, no doubt about it, but those of us affected are not up to 0.1% of the millions of people that will enjoy the coastal roads.

“That’s why people like me, have taken it to heart to also support Mr President and the honourable minister to ensure that this road comes to life.”

Coastal highway: Minister present as demolition of Landmark Beach begins

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