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‘GenCos sell cheap power to neighbouring countries’

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‘GenCos sell cheap power to neighbouring countries’

Some electricity Generating Companies (GenCos)  sell electricity to neighbouring countries at a  lower cost than the Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria, a document obtained at the weekend by The Nation has shown.

Although the document did not show the price differentials, it said the errant GenCos were carrying “unregulated sales or secret deals” to earn foreign exchange at all cost”  and in defiance of an existing  Federal Government directive.

The GenCos are also said to be sidelining the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), a government agency in charge of the novation of international agreements. There are 24 registered GenCos in the country.

The Federal Government has been losing revenue from the sales of electricity to the neighbouring, it was learnt.

According to the document, in Q2 and Q4 of 2022, about $16.92 million in invoices were exchanged between GenCos and international customers in Niger, Benin  Republics and Togo.

 The  Federal Government in 2019 streamlined the sale of electricity to foreign or neighbouring countries.

Investigation showed the breaches by the few GenCos include the violation of the transfer Order made pursuant to Section 10 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP).

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Worried by non-adherence to International Power Sale Agreement (IPSA), the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari waded in to guide the GenCos.

In a memo dated  July 12, 2019, the Presidency directed   NBET  to oversee IPSA.

An industry source, who spoke on the development, called on President Bola Tinubu to  take  ”a serious look at the breaches being committed by the  GenCos on international power sales“

The source, who declined to be named, said:  ”What has been happening is the sidelining of NBET. Electricity is now being sold to neighbouring countries in an unregulated way.

“Buhari had directed that all international sales and purchase agreements must be negotiated directly with  NBET  unless otherwise approved by him ( ex-President).

“The directive became necessary in order to align with the configuration of the Nigerian electricity industry after privatisation. But this is not the case.

“The sales of electricity to foreign countries  were  backed up by international cooperation agreements between   Nigeria on the one hand and the Republic of Benin and Togo   for CEB (Communaute Electrique Du Benin) and   Niger Republic for NIGELEC (Societe Nigerine D’electricite)

“As a matter of fact, wheeling of electricity to these countries was being channelled through the network of the Transmission Company of Nigeria(TCN) as there is no dedicated network between the private generating companies and the foreign countries.

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“Prior to these directives and upon the commencement of the Transitional Electricity Market in February 2015, the TCN that received the proceeds of the sale of electricity to international customers began crediting the international customers’ receipts to the account of NBET for payment to GenCos while NBET in turn shares among all the GenCos in a transparent process and in accordance with the approved waterfall.

“The former President’s directive reinforced the earlier directive from the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing to the TCN vide a letter referenced FMP/OPS/360/I dated September 7, 2016, but, despite these, Nigerians were made to purchase expensive energy by selling the cheapest ones to the foreign countries.”

Another source privy to the “secret deals”   said: “The quarterly reports released by the    Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission for 2022   reveal how a  few generating companies under the disguise of selling electricity to the international customers are milking Forex at the expense of other GenCos.

“The sales by the few GenCos are without any transparent procurement process known to any Nigerian Law.

“In 2022, Q 2 alone, the errant GenCos reaped in $7.98 million while $8.94 million invoice was exchanged between them for Q 4 of 2022.

“Part of the energy being sold to the international customers by Nigeria came from the Hydro Electric Generating Companies which is the cheapest cost of energy in Nigeria when compared with the thermal generating plants. The cost of energy from the latter is about six times the cost of the former.

“Prior to when the few GenCos cornered the forex from the international customers, inflows from such transactions were always shared among the entire GenCos in the portfolio of NBET to ameliorate the challenges   faced by them   in sourcing for foreign exchange.”

‘GenCos sell cheap power to neighbouring countries’

The Nation

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FG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams

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BREAKING: OPay Warns Customers Against Viral Shutdown Message, Threatens Legal Action

FG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams

 

Lagos, Nigeria — Following the Federal Government’s introduction of the N50,000 relief package, leading financial technology platform, OPay, has released comprehensive guidelines on how customers can verify their eligibility for the funds. The company has simultaneously issued a stern warning to users regarding the rise of fraudulent schemes targeting beneficiaries.

 

In a statement released on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, and reported by Punch, OPay clarified the procedural steps for Nigerians to determine if they qualify for the government’s financial intervention. The move comes as millions of citizens seek clarity on accessing the relief aimed at cushioning economic hardship.

 

How to Check Eligibility

 

According to OPay, the verification process is designed to be seamless and accessible directly through the OPay mobile application. Customers are advised to log into their updated OPay app to access the dedicated section for the Federal Government’s relief program.

 

The fintech giant explained that users will be required to provide specific details to verify their status. Once logged in, customers can navigate to the designated “Government Relief” or notification tab where the eligibility checker is situated. The system cross-references the user’s verified identity (such as their Bank Verification Number, BVN, and National Identification Number, NIN) with government databases to confirm qualification.

 

Strict Warning Against Fraudsters

 

In a critical advisory, OPay warned customers to remain vigilant against scammers who are leveraging the news of the N50,000 relief to defraud unsuspecting citizens. The company emphasized that it will never ask customers to pay a fee or provide sensitive information over the phone to claim the relief.

 

“OPay urges all Nigerians to be cautious. The N50,000 relief is a government initiative, and no fee is required to check eligibility or receive funds,” a representative stated. “We will never ask for your OPay PIN, passwords, or OTPs via phone calls, text messages, or social media. Beware of fake links claiming to be from OPay or the government.”

 

Security Tips for Users

 

To ensure safety, OPay advised users to follow these guidelines:

 

· Use Only the App: Only check your eligibility through the official OPay mobile application.

· Protect Your Data: Never share your ATM card details, OPay PIN, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with anyone.

· Ignore Suspicious Links: Do not click on links received via SMS or WhatsApp claiming to offer the N50,000 relief.

· Verify Information: Always confirm information through OPay’s official customer service channels or verified social media pages.

 

The company reaffirmed its commitment to the financial security of its customers and stated that it is working closely with relevant government agencies to ensure a smooth and transparent disbursement process for eligible beneficiaries.

 

For those who may face difficulties checking their eligibility, OPay has encouraged customers to contact their customer care team through the in-app support feature.

 

FG’s N50,000 Relief: OPay Details Eligibility Check Process, Issues Strong Warning Against Scams

 

 

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‘I Went to My Pastor for Deliverance, Ended Up in Bed With Him’ – Lady Recounts Encounter

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‘I Went to My Pastor for Deliverance, Ended Up in Bed With Him’ – Lady Recounts Encounter

 

A Nigerian woman has sparked controversy on social media after recounting an alleged sexual encounter with her former pastor during a deliverance session.

 

The unidentified woman reportedly made the revelation during a video interview shared by social media platform NewsVista, claiming that what began as a visit to seek spiritual intervention eventually ended in a sexual encounter.

 

In the viral clip, the woman expressed confusion over how the incident happened, insisting that she still struggles to understand how a session she had expected to be devoted to prayer and deliverance turned into an intimate encounter.

 

The interview has since attracted attention online, with the allegation raising concerns about the relationship between religious leaders and members who approach them for spiritual guidance and counselling.

 

Although details surrounding the alleged incident remain unclear, the woman’s account has triggered discussions about the responsibility of religious leaders to maintain professional and ethical boundaries while attending to vulnerable members of their congregations.

 

Some social media users have criticised the alleged conduct, arguing that pastors and other religious leaders occupy positions of trust and should not exploit their spiritual authority or the vulnerability of people seeking assistance.

 

Others have called for religious organisations to strengthen accountability measures and introduce safeguards for private counselling and deliverance sessions.

 

However, the identity of the pastor, the church involved and the location where the alleged incident occurred have not been disclosed.

 

It is also unclear when the alleged encounter took place or whether the woman has made any formal complaint to the relevant authorities.

 

NewsTrends.ng cannot independently verify the circumstances surrounding the woman’s account. The allegation should therefore be treated as unverified pending further details or an official response from the person concerned.

 

The development has once again drawn attention to the need for accountability, transparency and appropriate boundaries in religious counselling, particularly where individuals place their trust in spiritual leaders for help with personal challenges.

 

‘I Went to My Pastor for Deliverance, Ended Up in Bed With Him’ – Lady Recounts Encounter

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Port Harcourt Married Women Use Husbands’ Cars To Visit Lovers, Lady Alleges

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Port Harcourt Married Women Use Husbands’ Cars To Visit Lovers, Lady Alleges

 

A Nigerian lady has stirred controversy on social media after making a sweeping allegation about the alleged infidelity of some married women in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

 

The unidentified woman reportedly made the controversial claim in a viral video, alleging that some married women in the oil-rich city use vehicles provided by their husbands to visit their secret lovers.

 

According to a report by Gistlover dated November 3, 2026, the lady claimed that the alleged practice was particularly common in Port Harcourt, a remark that has since triggered widespread reactions across social media platforms.

 

In the video, she reportedly expressed surprise at what she portrayed as a disturbing pattern of marital betrayal, suggesting that some women allegedly use the comfort and resources provided by their husbands to maintain extramarital relationships.

 

Her remarks have generated mixed reactions among social media users, with some finding the allegation amusing, while others criticised the generalisation, arguing that infidelity is not peculiar to any city or gender.

 

Others questioned the basis of her claim, insisting that allegations involving marital relationships should not be used to stereotype women or residents of an entire city.

 

The controversy has once again sparked conversations about marital trust, fidelity, loyalty and the growing debate surrounding infidelity in modern relationships.

 

However, the woman’s allegation has not been independently verified, and there is no evidence establishing that the alleged conduct is widespread among married women in Port Harcourt.

 

 

Port Harcourt Married Women Use Husbands’ Cars To Visit Lovers, Lady Alleges

 

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