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New electricity tariff insensitive, wicked – NLC, showdown imminent
New electricity tariff insensitive, wicked – NLC, showdown imminent
- Manufacturers kick, ActionAid says govt will bear consequences of its actions
The stage appears set again for another round of showdown between the organised labour and the government over the latest increase in the tariff of electricity announced on Wednesday by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and manufacturers among other groups have rejected the new tariff hike.
The NERC in announcing the tariff hike said consumers in the Band A classification would pay N225 for kilowatt hour (kwh) instead of N68, being charged before before Wednesday.
The commission said the increase was made based on consultations with the 11 electricity distribution companies (Discos).
It also stated that it was due to the Federal Government’s failure to pay over N2.9 trillion that would accrue by the end of 2024 as electricity subsidy after preventing them from applying cost reflective tariff.
Consumers under the Band A feeders are those enjoying an average of 20 hours of power supply daily, amounting to pay about N135, 000 monthly.
NERC’s Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, said on Wednesday in Abuja that the increase would affect only 15 per cent of the 12 million electricity consumers. It is expected to take effect immediately.
In it’s reaction, the NLC described the new electricity tariff hike as insensitive and wicked.
It said this would further impoverish the already pauperised Nigerians battling the hardship caused by the fuel subsidy removal.
Daily Trust quoted Head of Information at the NLC headquarters, Benson Upah, as saying the labour would take a position on the “chaotic” policy after appropriate organs of the movement meet.
He said, “The government’s decision is not only insensitive, it is callous. It will further pauperise consumers, especially workers whose wages are fixed and insufficient.
“It similarly makes the operating environment more hostile for manufacturers with potential for an astronomical rise in cost of goods and services or in the worst-case scenario, more closures and loss of jobs.
“The only people who stand to gain from this mindless social violence against the people are the World Bank and IMF. Pity! We will get back to you on that (next step) after the appropriate organs decide.”
Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, said the government should recognise that its decision to remove the fuel subsidy contributed to the current situation.
“Therefore, the government should be prepared to bear the brunt of these policy decisions without unduly passing on the burden to Nigerian citizens.
“It is important to note that energy security is one of the major areas that contribute to national security and welfare, which explains why nations guide their energy sector seriously and are always up and doing ensuring its availability and affordability,” he said.
A former chairman of NERC, Sam Amadi, said the electricity tariff increase would cause power theft and corruption.
He said the government should allow a special window for the distribution companies to access dollars at a preferential rate.
President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Dele Kelvin Oye, in a statement, said, “While the commission’s efforts to enhance metering and protect consumers from over-billing are commendable, the tariff hike, influenced by the rise in natural gas base prices, has implications for the cost of operations across businesses that already face a fragile economic recovery.
“We understand the necessity of aligning energy costs with market realities to foster sector investment and sustainability, nevertheless, we stress the importance of considering the broader economic impact on industries and the timing of such adjustments.
“NACCIMA continues to advocate for a transparent and gradual approach in policy implementation, emphasizing the need for broad stakeholder engagement to mitigate adverse effects on business competitiveness and consumer prices.’’
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Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.
In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.
The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.
“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.
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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.
“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.
“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.
The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”
The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.
Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo
metro
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.
Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.
“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.
“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.
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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.
“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.
“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.
“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.
The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.
He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.
“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.
13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN
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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.
The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.
He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.
He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.
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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.
“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.
“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.
“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”
NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn
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