Electricity: Free meters distribution begins today ahead of new tariff – Newstrends
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Electricity: Free meters distribution begins today ahead of new tariff

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 By Fola Raheem

Distribution of free electricity meters is expected to commence across the country today as indication has emerged that power customers may start paying new rate for electricity consumed from next week.

Already, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has through its Development Financing Department, released a framework for the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP).

The National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) will roll out the free meters with a simultaneous launch of the scheme in Kano, Kaduna, Eko and Ikeja Disco franchise areas, according to a Presidency source.

President Muhammadu Buhari had initiated the programme to close the metering gap in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry and eliminate arbitrary estimated billing in the electricity sector.

Newstrends learnt that all arrangements for the launch had been concluded with relevant groups and authorities including representatives of the organised labour and civil society on the ground for adequate motoring and guide during the distribution.

The CBN said an analysis provided by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission put the metering gap in the NESI – based on recent customer enumeration data – at over 10 million.

“This comprises unmetered customers as well as customers with obsolete meters that need to be replaced,” it stated.

The Presidency source said the “NMMP is to roll out six million meters for all connections points on grid without meters over the next 18 to 24 months, estimating to impact 30 million consumers nationwide.

“Following Mr President’s directive on mass metering, the Central Bank of Nigeria, on October 18th, approved guidelines for funding the mass metering programme which entailed that all meters under the scheme will be locally sourced, creating thousands of manufacturing jobs through lead manufacturers such as MOMAS, MOJEC and others.”

The source also said, “The launch of the NMMP will be part of a continuous effort where all DisCos will go from location to location across the country with their respective Meter Asset Providers to install meters for all Nigerians.”

Minister of State for Power, Prince Godwin Jedy-Agba, had said out of the six million meters planned for distribution, the government would start with one million were expected to be distributed before the end of December this year.

Meanwhile, the government may have given a nod for the resumption of the collection of Service-Based electricity Tariffs (SBT) from next week.

Following a threat of strike by the organised labour, government suspended the implementation of the new electricity tariff regime in September.

But it was learnt on Friday that the labour might have backed down on the issue after the government had agreed to roll out free electricity meters.

It was also resolved that the tariffs for certain categories of power consumers should be reviewed downward.

Those in A and B bands were reduced by 10 per cent, the tariff for C band customers was reduced by 30 per cent.

For the D and E bands, there will be no increase in their tariff.

The Special Adviser on Infrastructure to President Muhammadu Buhari, Mr Ahmad Zakari, confirmed this during the 51st virtual Power Dialogue organised by Nigeria Electricity Hub in Abuja on Thursday.

He said since labour had accepted the new terms, the implementation would begin next week.

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JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan

JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Abu Dhabi in the early hours of Sunday to participate in the 2025 edition of Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW).

President Tinubu touched down at 2:14 a.m. local time and was received by Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Themed “The Nexus of Next: Supercharging Sustainable Progress,” this year’s ADSW summit will see President Tinubu highlighting Nigeria’s achievements and reforms in energy sufficiency, transportation modernization, public health improvements, and economic development.

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His presence underscores Nigeria’s commitment to tackling global challenges through sustainable and cooperative strategies.

During the summit, the President is expected to hold bilateral discussions with UAE leaders, focusing on strengthening ties and exploring shared opportunities.

President Tinubu is accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar and other senior officials.

He is slated to return to Nigeria on Thursday, January 16.

ADSW 2025, a globally recognized event for sustainability innovation, brings together business leaders and civil society representatives to advance sustainable development and foster economic progress.

Over its 15-year history, the summit has established itself as a key platform for forging partnerships and driving impactful initiatives in clean energy and global growth.

JUST IN: Tinubu arrives Abu Dhabi for sustainability week

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Delta Gov Oborevweri sacks commissioner for information 

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Delta Gov Oborevweri sacks commissioner for information 

 

Delta State Governor, Chief Sheriff Oborevweri, has sacked his Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza.

The governor has reportedly directed the state Commissioner for Works (Rural roads), Charles Aniagwu, to take over the affairs of the ministry.

Director General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communication, Dr. Fred Latimor Oghenesivbe, confirmed the development.

“Charles Aniagwu will take over the two ministries (Works and Information) for the meantime,” he stated.

It was learnt that Osuoza was sacked after a series of complaints of alleged incompetence.

Aniagwu had served as Chief Press Secretary (CPS) and Commissioner for Information during ex-Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s eight year tenure.

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Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support

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President Biola Ahmed Tinubu and Ghana’s newly inaugurated President, John Dramani Mahama

Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support

President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria has assured Ghana’s newly inaugurated President, John Dramani Mahama, that he can count on Nigeria’s support.

The remark was made on Tuesday during Mahama’s inauguration ceremony at the Black Star Square in Accra.

He noted that Ghana has answered the question of whether Africa is capable of democratic and productive endeavors, and that it is time for Africa’s critics to stop asking the continent to prove itself.

The Nigerian president emphasized the importance of African unity and cooperation, adding that the legacy of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah is a guiding spirit for African progress. Tinubu urged African nations to avoid conflict and choose peaceful dialogue to resolve differences while resisting external forces that seek to divide them.
Addressing Mahama, Tinubu said, “My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support at any given time you call on me. We are your brothers and sisters. We shall always be there for you.”

Tinubu’s remarks read:

It is always good when a friend and brother can visit the home of a close neighbour to celebrate his success and progress with him.

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We celebrate African Democracy today as Ghana and her beloved people mark the transition from one democratic government to another. This moment does more than symbolise another milestone in the evolution of Ghanaian democratic society. It lays to bed the question of whether Ghana and Africa are capable of democratic and productive endeavours. Ghana has answered that question resoundingly. It is time that Africa’s critics stop forgetting the strides your nation, Nigeria and others have made by continuing to ask us to prove ourselves. We have nothing to prove to anyone except ourselves. We have found the critical path to our success. We shall lift our nations out of poverty and build a resilient economy at our own pace.

Today, I am here not only as the President of Nigeria but also as an African in resolute support for Ghana and her people. This moment is a source of pride and honour for you, the entire Continent, and its Diaspora.

The sun is out, and the sky says daylight, but I see today a Black star rising high in the African sky. This black star shines over this nation, and its rays spread across this Continent with a sense of shared history, hope, compassion, unity, and devotion to our common welfare.

While others may seek to demean Africa and keep brother pitted against brother, that shining star reminds us of who we are. Better yet, it reminds us of who we can be. That star means that we shall always strive to work together. Even when we disagree, we shall dialogue and discuss until we reach an agreement. Never, never shall we harm others and never allow any outsider to hurt us or disrupt the unity for which so many of our heroes gave their sweat, blood, and very lives to achieve.

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The spirit of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, is here today, lifting that star higher and higher. Just as Ghana draws inspiration and a well of strength from Kwame Nkrumah and many of its past leaders, Nigeria similarly draws inspiration from its founding leaders who not only fought for her independence but also cherished the close relationship between our two nations.

May we always walk in the way and the spirit of these enlightened leaders.

Ghana is in harmony with that spirit, and President John Mahama’s inauguration today reflects that.

Your new president is a man of patriotic vision and substance. He loves his nation and its people to the core. He believes that your nation has a mission and intends for you all to fulfil it. No one can ask more of a leader than that.

President John Mahama and I share a deep friendship. My dear brother, I am here to work with you. You know you can count on Nigeria’s support and goodwill whenever needed. We are your brothers and sisters. The bond is strong and cannot be broken.

May your administration be a profound success and progress for you, Ghanaians, and our entire region.

I am confident that the new government, under the leadership of President John Mahama, will work with Nigeria to strengthen this powerful bond, leading to greater shared prosperity for our people. I have no doubt that your administration will bring about positive change and progress.

Your ascension to power should also mark a new and invigorated momentum in pursuing subregional integration and progress. With laser focus, we can tackle our people’s most pressing concerns: poverty, youth unemployment, instability, insurgency, and many other problems hampering our desired progress.

May Ghana’s democracy continue to grow stronger. May progress and prosperity be your portion. Let us all look forward to a future filled with hope, opportunity, and prosperity.

God bless Ghana and its Beloved People.

God bless Nigeria and its Beloved People

God bless ECOWAS

God bless our Beloved Africa.

I thank you for your kind attention.

Tinubu to Mahama: You can count on Nigeria’s support

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