The NERC’s decision to adjust tariffs underscores the complex challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector. With ongoing discussions and debates surrounding the issue, the path forward remains uncertain, as stakeholders continue to advocate for a fair and sustainable solution to the country’s electricity woes.
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JUST IN: Guinea-Bissau President visits Tinubu in Lagos
JUST IN: Guinea-Bissau President visits Tinubu in Lagos
President Bola Tinubu has received the President of Guinea-Bissau, Umaro Sissoco Embalo in Lagos.
Embalo, who is also the Chairman, ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, paid a private visit to his Nigerian counterpart on Saturday.
Tinubu has been spending the Sallah holiday in Lagos since his return from London on Tuesday.
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Embalo’s visit to Tinubu is the first by an African President since the Nigerian leader’s inauguration on May 29.
Though details of the visit have not been made public, it may not be unconnected with Nigeria’s position as one of the most influential nations in the Economic Community of West African States and the African Union.
On issues concerning Africa and ECOWAS, Tinubu on June 13 received former President Goodluck Jonathan, who doubles as the Head of the ECOWAS Mediation Team to Mali and the Chairman of the West African Elders Forum.
The former Nigerian leader had noted that the visit was to discuss issues pertaining to Africa and the West African subregion.
JUST IN: Guinea-Bissau President visits Tinubu in Lagos
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Electricity customers insist on reversal of tariff increase, scorn reduction
Electricity customers insist on reversal of tariff increase, scorn reduction
Nigerians across various sectors have voiced their dissatisfaction with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) decision to reduce the tariff payable by Band A customers. Despite the reduction from N225/kWh to N206.8/kWh, stakeholders including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, electricity consumers, and civil society organizations are calling for a complete reversal to the subsidy era tariff.
The initial tariff hike, implemented just 33 days prior, saw a staggering 240 per cent increase in electricity tariffs for Band A customers. This move, which withdrew subsidies completely from Band A consumers, was met with widespread criticism and opposition from various quarters.
While the Federal Government cited potential savings of N1.5tn as justification for the tariff adjustment, concerns have been raised about the impact on consumers, particularly the financially vulnerable. The House of Representatives, organized labor, and the Nigerian Bar Association have all condemned the hike, with calls for its suspension and reversal.
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Defending the increase, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu warned of a nationwide blackout within three months if the tariff hike was not implemented. Despite opposition, government spokesperson Florence Eke asserted that the tariff adjustment would remain in place.
However, in a surprising turn of events, the NERC announced an eight per cent reduction in tariffs for Band A customers, attributing the decision to changes in macroeconomic indices, particularly the appreciation of the naira against the dollar. Following the NERC’s directive, several electricity distribution companies (Discos), including Abuja, Ikeja, and Ibadan, promptly announced the implementation of the tariff reduction.
While the reduction may provide some relief to consumers, stakeholders remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for broader reforms in the energy sector. Critics argue that mere tariff reductions do not address fundamental issues such as inadequate fuel supply and the overall inefficiency of the electricity supply system.
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Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
In an unexpected turn of events, the Governing Council of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) has suspended Vice-Chancellor Augustine Angba on allegations of severe misconduct.
The decision was reached at a meeting of the Governing Council on Monday, May 6, 2024, where they resolved to release Angba of his duties with immediate effect.
The council has nominated Professor Stephen Oshang of the Faculty of Agriculture to serve as the interim Vice-Chancellor until further notice.
The suspension comes on the heels of a vote-of-no-confidence passed by some staff members of the university on January 17, 2024.
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The staff, who were protesting the non-payment of five months’ salary arrears, had carried placards with slogans like “This Management and the VC must go” and “We don’t want them any longer.”
Angba had previously criticized the staff unions, claiming that four members had hijacked the union and incited others to protest on the streets.
However, the Governing Council’s decision suggests that they found merit in the allegations against the embattled Vice-Chancellor.
Despite several attempts, Vanguard efforts to reach the university’s spokesperson, Mr. Onen Onen, for comments on the matter were unsuccessful, as his phone line was not answered at the time of filing this report.
Similarly, Professor Angba’s phone line was busy when contacted.
Nigerian varsity VC suspended over alleged gross misconduct
(Vanguard)
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Lagos to experience morning, afternoon thunderstorms for 3 days
Lagos to experience morning, afternoon thunderstorms for 3 days
NiMet’s weather outlook released on Sunday in Abuja forecasts sunny and hazy conditions on Monday over parts of Yobe, Jigawa, Kano and Katsina states throughout the forecast period with chances of morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba state.
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