“Government has not improved on the wheeling capacity of TCN (Transmission Company of Nigeria) as provided in the agreement. The government has not given them cost reflective tariff as provided in the agreement.”
Business
Power generation drops, Discos, FG battle for control
The planned takeover of three power distribution companies by Fidelity Bank and the restructuring of two others by the Federal Government have led to an intense battle between the Discos and the government.
The takeover of the three Discos by Fidelity Bank is being backed by the Federal Government through the Bureau for Public Enterprise.
This came as findings show that Discos have continued to launch fresh legal battles with a view to preventing their takeover by the government and the bank.
However, industry stakeholders are divided over the development with both parties receiving commendations and condemnations from power sector experts.
While industry stakeholders gave diverse views on the development, it was observed on Monday that power generation on the national grid dipped by about 141.3 megawatts when compared to what was recorded on the grid on July 9, 2022.
Figures obtained by our correspondent from the Federal Ministry of Power showed that power generation rose to a peak of 3,992.6MW on July 9, 2022, but the peak generation on July 10, 2022 fell to 3,908.8MW.
This dropped further on Monday, as data from the FMP showed that power generation on the grid as at 6am on July 11, 2022, was 3,851.31MW, indicating a drop of 141.3MW when compared to figures posted on July 9, 2022.
Meanwhile, industry experts have raised diverse concerns over the planned takeover and restructuring of some power distribution companies as recently announced by the Federal Government.
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Last Tuesday the Federal Government announced the planned takeover of Kano, Benin and Kaduna electricity distribution companies by Fidelity Bank Plc after the bank initiated action to take over the boards of the three Discos.
It also announced through the Bureau of Public Enterprises that with the takeover of Ibadan Disco by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria, the BPE had obtained approval from NERC to appoint an interim managing director for the distressed power firm.
The government had further stated in last Tuesday’s restructuring notice that it was restructuring the management and board of Port Harcourt Disco to forestall the imminent insolvency of the utility. The notice was signed by the Director-General, BPE, Alex Okoh; and Executive Chairman, NERC, Sanusi Garba.
But in reaction to the announcement, the receiver/manager’s nominee of Integrated Energy Distribution and Marketing Company had argued on Wednesday that it was the legal and beneficial owner of 60 per cent (controlling and managing) shareholding interests in the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company.
Also, the management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc had argued on Wednesday that there was no legal basis for the takeover of the company following the purported activation of the call on its collateralised shares by Fidelity Bank.
Commenting on the development on Monday, a member of the National Technical Investigative Panel on Power System Collapses (June 2013), who doubles as the President, Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, told our correspondent that the move by the government should be commended.
He explained that ordinarily, the licensees had a 10-years tenure, as the mid-term review ought to have taken place five years into the post-privatisation exercise.
“This was not done across board,” Olubiyo stated.
He added, “The open book review, service level agreement, mass metering, investment in network improvement and overhauled, governance structure, the so-called (Discos) failed in all benchmarked global best practices and Key performance indicators.”
“As against investments in the immediate, medium and long term, what we saw was rent-seeking, profiteering and lack of fiscal responsibility and the much-needed discipline.”
Olubiyo noted that no sector could survive where there were no sanctions for impunity and no consequences for infractions.
“In the prevailing circumstances, we are on the same page with relevant stakeholders in the present efforts to clean up the mess and free our economy held by its jugular by the non-performing utilities,” the NCPN president stated.
In his submission on the matter, another power sector expert, Prof. Yemi Oke, observed that in 2009, the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria generated about 3,800 megawatts of electricity.
“Today, after all the noise about privatisation, the generation is 2,400MW,” he stated.
Oke added, “In 2009 NEPA (National Electric Power Authority)/ PHCN had only one MD/CEO (managing director/chief executive officer) managing the sector.
“Today and post-privatisation there are over 25 MDs/CEOs helping themselves from the revenue accruing from a paltry generation of 2,400MW. And they are Crying about illiquidity.
“Where will they have the money to service this inefficiency? 25 MDs/CEOs and over 100 executive directors etc, depending on 2,400MW. This is the problem: jobs for the ‘boys’! We’re in a deep, serious crisis as far of energy sector is concerned (petroleum, gas and power)!”
The professor stated that at least five Nigerian banks might collapse under heavy burdens of power-sector acquisition financing/lending.
He said three banks had gone already, adding that “one just revealed itself by this move.”
Oke added, “80 per cent of the Discos are technically insolvent, hence the problems of the power sector may continue. We will continue to experience an average of five to six national grid/system collapses per annum.”
The energy expert, however took a swipe at the BPE, describing the agency as incompetent in the handling of the power sector.
He said, “It suits their incompetence and ignorance of what they profess they know how to do best that Nigeria and Nigerians are worst-off in their post-power sector privatisation.
“They should be happier that a lot more industries have closed or been shut-down due to their breach of national confidence reposed in them. At least, no electricity to power industries.
“BPE should recall that this is a privatisation designed, midwifed and delivered by the BPE. Let them sell the remaining NDPHC (Niger Delta Power Holding Company) assets for ‘political patronages’ as usual. They lack moral basis to talk down on Discos and their owners.”
Also speaking on the matter, a public private partnership consultant, who took part in process for the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector, Joe Tsavsar, argued that the government had not fulfilled most of its part in the agreements reached with power firms since the sector was handed over to private investors in November 2013.
He insisted that the government had not performed its obligations to the investors and must share in the blame of poor performance by operators in the industry.
Tsavsar said, “Government has not given the so called Discos the MW of electricity as provided in the agreement. The Discos can’t give what they are not given. Government has not given the Gencos (generation companies) gas to produce power as provided in the agreement.
Auto
Jetour Set to Storm Abuja Show with Rugged Luxury T2
Jetour Set to Storm Abuja Show with Rugged Luxury T2
Abuja is set for a taste of rugged luxury as Jetour Nigeria puts its adventure-ready T2 SUV in the spotlight at the Jetour Experience Abuja from September 22 to 24, 2026, giving motorists in the Federal Capital Territory and neighbouring states an opportunity to test its blend of off-road capability, premium comfort and advanced technology.
The three-day showcase at Maha Event Centre, Area 8, Garki, will feature test drives, live demonstrations and direct interaction with Jetour product specialists, offering prospective buyers a closer look at the T2 and other models in the automaker’s growing Nigerian line-up.
Positioned as a premium SUV combining off-road capability with comfort and advanced technology, the Jetour T2 is designed for motorists seeking a vehicle capable of handling both city driving and challenging terrain.
Jetour Nigeria is distributing the T2 and other models via its seven accredited dealers — Elizade Nigeria Limited, New Era AutoVehicle Services Limited, Germaine Auto Centre, Kojo Motors, Mandilas Autos, R.T. Briscoe Motors and Tab Autos Limited.
The T 2 SUV is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 254 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque. The engine is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and BorgWarner sixth-generation intelligent four-wheel-drive system.
It also features five driving modes — Eco, Sport, Mud, Rock and X Smart — designed to provide improved adaptability across different road and terrain conditions.
Measuring 4,758mm in length, 2,006mm in width and 1,880mm in height, the SUV offers 220mm ground clearance and a 70-litre fuel tank, giving it the capability for extended journeys and off-road adventures.
Inside the cabin, the T2 combines rugged styling with modern comfort, featuring ergonomic seating and a 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and intelligent voice control.
Its safety and driver-assistance features include a 360-degree panoramic camera, rear parking sensors, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Anti-lock Braking System and Emergency Brake Assist.
The SUV also comes with off-road crawl control as well as push-button and remote-start functions.
The Abuja experience follows Jetour Nigeria’s recent showcase in Lagos as the automaker continues to expand its presence and customer reach across the country.
With its combination of performance, technology, safety and luxury, the Jetour T2 is expected to attract motorists seeking an SUV capable of combining everyday urban mobility with adventure and off-road driving.
Business
NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays
NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays
Thousands of Nigerian air passengers faced delays in August as domestic airlines struggled to keep to their scheduled flight times.
Now, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is taking regulatory steps that could lead to sanctions against airlines responsible for persistent delays.
The regulator’s August data showed that 4,765 of 7,961 scheduled domestic flights were delayed. In other words, nearly 60 per cent of the flights did not leave as scheduled.
Air Peace and United Nigeria Airlines recorded some of the highest delay rates, with 71 per cent and 76 per cent of their flights respectively affected.
NCAA Warns Airlines
NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, said that the regulator had already engaged some of the airlines involved.
According to him, the NCAA met with Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines and Max Air and issued stern warnings over their operations.
The authority is now weighing further regulatory measures as the problem continues to affect passengers.
Achimugu also urged travellers to consider other airlines when repeated delays make a particular carrier unreliable.
“When one airline is continuously misbehaving, buy tickets on another airline and make your flight” he said.
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Passenger Rights Put Enforcement Under Spotlight
However, aviation consultant Capt. John Ojikutu believes the recurring problem exposes a wider weakness in the sector.
Ojikutu said Nigeria has regulations intended to protect air travellers, but questioned how consistently those rules are enforced.
“The regulation is there to protect the customer. What is the enforcement?” he said.
He noted that passengers can report violations to the appropriate authorities. But, in his view, regulators must follow up on those complaints with meaningful action.
The aviation expert also recalled experiencing severe delays himself.
He said he once travelled to Abuja and passengers had to board an aircraft three times before another plane was brought in to complete the journey.
The disruption, he said, left him returning to Lagos considerably later than expected.
Are Airlines Planning Their Routes Properly?
Ojikutu also linked the industry’s problems to the way some airlines plan their operations.
He questioned the number of carriers competing on the Lagos-Abuja route, particularly when several airlines operate multiple flights each day.
His argument is that airlines should first establish the level of passenger demand before selecting routes, aircraft sizes and flight frequencies.
According to him, deploying aircraft capable of carrying more than 100 passengers without sufficient demand can put additional financial pressure on an airline.
He therefore advised carriers to consider routes with enough passengers but less competition.
Smaller Aircraft Could Serve Regional Routes
Ojikutu said the industry could also learn from the operational model used by the former Nigerian Airways.
He recalled that the airline used larger aircraft on major routes while smaller planes connected regional destinations to major airports.
He suggested that modern carriers could adopt a similar approach by connecting cities such as Sokoto, Kaduna, Jos and Minna to larger aviation hubs.
Rather than having every airline compete directly on major routes, he said carriers could develop regional networks that feed passengers into bigger airports.
He also called for more airlines to establish bases outside Lagos.
According to him, encouraging operations in other parts of the country could reduce the heavy concentration of airlines in Lagos and create stronger regional connections.
Concern Over Airline Survival
Ojikutu further questioned the short lifespan of many Nigerian airlines.
He attributed part of the problem to weak business planning and argued that airlines should present credible, sustainable plans before receiving regulatory approval to operate.
The latest development therefore puts both airlines and the aviation regulator under scrutiny, as passengers continue to deal with delays despite existing rules designed to protect them.
NCAA Moves Against Airlines Over Rising Flight Delays
Business
Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action
Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action
Workers’ unions and fuel sellers appeal to the government to protect families from soaring transportation and food costs.
Fuel stations across Nigeria have raised the price of petrol to as high as ₦1,500 per litre, creating fresh financial strain for working people, small business operators, and families. Across cities such as Kano, Maiduguri, Damaturu, and Sokoto, drivers and commercial riders now pay higher rates at the pump, while stations in central and southern communities also report steady increases.
Because transportation costs directly influence the price of everyday essentials, bus drivers and tricycle operators have raised passenger fares to cover their fuel bills. As a result, parents and commuters face steeper daily travel expenses and rising grocery bills.
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To address this pressure, the Nigeria Labour Congress urged federal authorities to step in quickly with practical relief measures. These proposals include providing cost-of-living allowances to workers, ensuring local refineries can purchase crude oil directly in local currency, and using surplus oil earnings to keep pump prices affordable.
At the same time, fuel sellers warned that pump prices could rise even further if international oil markets remain volatile. Retail associations noted that recent wholesale adjustments from local refineries have increased costs for station owners, who must pay more to restock their tanks.
To keep fuel affordable for the general public, union leaders and station operators are encouraging the government to reduce shipping and regulatory fees, helping ensure that reliable energy remains accessible to every community across the country.
Fuel Prices Climb to ₦1,500 per Litre Across Nigeria, Sparking Calls for Urgent Action
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