Business

Grid Collapse: Lawmakers Lambast Power Minister, Demand Improved Electricity Supply

Published

4 years ago

March 23, 2022

Trends Admin

Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu

•Say Nigerians want actions not theories

•Mull return of NBET to power ministry

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Power yesterday criticised the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu mandating him to take concrete actions aimed at solving the current nationwide blackout rather than always presenting theories that do not translate into power supply to Nigerians.

The Committee, led by Hon. Magaji Da’u Aliyu at a meeting with the minister, expressed disappointment over the lackadaisical attitude of the ministry towards power issues whenever there was national emergency, saying there was nothing in his presentation to show that the ministry was solving the challenge of increased power outages being experienced by the country.

The minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Nebolisa Anoka, had enumerated the challenges facing the sector, ranging from low gas supply, low hydro levels, high cost of gas, as well as disequilibrium between power generation, transmission and distribution. This, he said had led to the collapse of the national grid and as well what the ministry was doing to salvage the situation.

He explained that in response to the challenges facing power generation, the ministry recently hosted an emergency meeting with key stakeholders in the gas-to-power value chain, during which far-reaching resolutions were arrived at on key measures needed to ameliorate the situation.

Reacting to the presentation, Aliyu, who earlier explained that the special interactive session was necessitated by the fact that Nigerians were facing the worst energy crisis in recent times, lamented that the situation had affected businesses, both small and large, which according to him had been attracting huge public outcry.

He called for the return of the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET), under the supervision of the Power Ministry, saying that there was not much both the Ministry and the Committee could do if the agency remained elsewhere.

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According to him, these were part of the sectoral problems affecting the country in terms of power, as the agency which was tasked with the responsibility of evacuating unused electricity and bridging the gap debit gap between Gencos and Discos is not properly supervised.

He said, “There is nothing on ground to show that there will be light or generation of up to 5000 megawatts, but we keep hearing about 30,000 megawatts of installed capacity across the power stations.

“It may be recalled that Nigerians whom we represent experience one of the worst moment of electricity supply across the country. This development has caused variety of problems affecting peoples’ welfare which makes social living condition very uncomfortable.

“It has caused collapse of small businesses whose operations depend on stable electricity supply. The situation has also aggravated increased process in commodities and services especially those that require electricity supply.

“The overheated socio-economic environment due to very poor electricity supply attracted huge public outcry for immediate solutions, especially given the contractual nature of provision of power and energy services in the post privatization era by the Nigerian Power Supply Industry.

“Against this background and acting as peoples’ representatives, this interactive session is organised to request the Minister to among others: Explain the remote and immediate causes of the current deplorable power supply across the country; explain the technical, operational and administrative measures taken by the ministry to address the challenges and its devastating consequences against life, welfare and economy; and suggest in your highlight the areas which the House of Representatives or indeed the National Assembly can provide legislative support to overcome the challenges apparently disturbing all Nigerians.”

Corroborating Aliyu statement, members of the Committee, took turns to lament the unending projections by the Ministry that have never come to fruition.

In his contribution, Hon. Sada Soli (APC, Katsina), noted that the concern raised by Gencos as the major reason for the blackout, was the N1.4 trillion debt NBET was owing them as cost of generated but unused electricity.

He also noted three major concerns ranging from the quantity, quality and cost of gas delivered to them for their operations. Also, Hon. Aisha Dukku wondered if the ministry won’t be able to resolve the problem till end of next year

She said: “Mr. Chairman, what the Permanent Secretary is telling us is end of next year. So, that means we will continue to be in darkness until end of 2023? Haba! No, no!”

On his part, Hon. Muraino Ajibola, said, “These problems are not starting now. For instance, we know, every year, there will be shortage of water. We also know that most of time during the period of January to March, there is always this shutdown.

“We have abundance of gas but we are not making use of it. What we do is fire brigade approach. Mr. Chairman, the summary of it is that we are not prepared to give our power and I think it’s very sad. They also bring light when they want to send estimated bills to us.”

Thereafter, the Chairman of the Committee ruled that the Permanent Secretary should return on Friday with more practical evidences of intended interventions.

THISDAY

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Auto

X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2026

Trends Admin

X90 Plus Leads Jetour’s Abuja Drive for Bigger SUV Market Share

Jetour Nigeria is taking its premium SUV battle to Abuja, with the seven-seater X90 Plus set to headline the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, as the automaker moves to capture a larger share of Nigeria’s fast-growing high-end family SUV market.

The three-day motoring showcase will give prospective buyers, families and auto enthusiasts in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to experience the X90 Plus and other models in the Jetour range through test drives and hands-on demonstrations.

The Abuja showcase follows the success of the brand’s earlier Jetour Experience in Lagos, where strong customer interest, inquiries and sales momentum reportedly encouraged the company to take the initiative to the Federal Capital Territory.

Jetour Nigeria said growing demand from customers in Abuja and neighbouring states was a major factor behind the decision to expand the experience to the northern market.

Positioned as a full-sized family SUV, the X90 Plus is designed for executives and families seeking a combination of space, technology, performance and comfort without the price tag associated with some luxury SUVs.

The model is offered with 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The powertrain produces up to 254 horsepower and 390Nm of torque.

Inside the cabin, the X90 Plus features a 12.3-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system, panoramic sunroof, Sony premium audio system and wireless charging.

Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and electronic stability systems.

Jetour’s growing profile in Nigeria has also earned the brand recognition from the Nigeria Auto Journalists Association (NAJA), which named it Fastest Growing Auto Brand, while it was also recognised as Auto Brand of the Year at the Nigeria Transport Lecture.

To support its expanding customer base, Jetour Nigeria, the sole authorised distributor, operates through seven accredited dealer partners across the country: Elizade Nigeria Limited, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Tab Autos Limited and New Era Auto Vehicle Services Limited.

The Abuja Experience is expected to provide Jetour with another platform to engage potential customers and reinforce its position in Nigeria’s increasingly competitive SUV market.

Business

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

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2026

Trends Admin

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

Auto

Jetour Takes Award-Winning Dashing, Other SUVs to Abuja

Published

2 days ago

September 12, 2026

Trends Admin

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.