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Nigeria set to experience total darkness as Power distribution companies lament N400Billion Debt

Published

7 years ago

November 19, 2016

Sahara Weekly

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Nigeria may be set for a total blackout as power generation as well as distribution companies say over N400bn debts are stifling their operations.

While GENCOs’ debt is put at over N300bn, DISCOs have complained of being owed over N100bn by customers.

With such a huge debt burden, the power firms said they lack the funding required for their operations, including the purchase of equipment and spare parts.

The Executive Secretary, Association of Power Generation Companies, Dr. Joy Ogaji, said, “The debt is over N300bn that GENCOs are being owed. If the situation is not checked, there will be blackout. It is so imminent that I don’t know if most of the generation we are having now can go beyond Christmas if the payment problem is not solved. We can’t pay contractors; most of the machines are packing up.”

Ogaji said the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company Plc should be blamed for the problem, saying, “As GENCOs, we don’t really have any direct relationship with DISCOs at the moment; GENCOs are meant to generate power and government brought NBET as a wholesaler, which takes all the power being generated by GENCOs and sells to the DISCOs. So the onus lies on NBET to collect the money from the DISCOs.

“The claim on whether DISCOs are remitting money or not should not be the problem of the GENCOs, but that of NBET. Government told us that NBET is properly capitalised and has enough money to meet all of the GENCOs’ payments. But unfortunately, NBET has not been able to do that.”

A recent advert that was placed in The PUNCH newspaper by the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, the umbrella body for the DISCOs, stated that its members were being owed N100bn by consumers. ANED had earlier identified the military and government Ministries, Departments and Agencies as their biggest debtors.

However, different operators in the sector blamed the DISCOs for the drastic illiquidity in the power market, as they argued that the DISCOs were not doing enough with respect to revenue collection from electricity consumers.

Officials at NBET told one of our correspondents on Friday that regardless of the fact that the organisation was established to support the sector financially, the bulk electricity trader would not use taxpayers’ money to settle the huge debts owed the GENCOs.

“This is primarily because of the inability of the DISCOs to make the required remittance to the NBET,” an official, who spoke to Saturday PUNCH on condition of anonymity, said.

Aside the NBET, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company recently urged the DISCOs to ensure adequate remittance to the bulk trader in order to enhance smooth operations of the power business.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, NDPHC, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo, stated that the indebtedness to his company by the power market as of August 2016 was over N105bn.

He particularly stated that the huge debt to the NDPHC and the power market was primarily because the DISCOs were not remitting more than 50 per cent of what they should remit to the bulk trader for onward payments to producers of electricity and gas suppliers.

“The total energy invoiced by the eight operational NDPHC plants since they started functioning amount to about N235bn. But out of this amount and as of August 2016, we were being owed about N105bn,” Ugbo told our correspondent in Abuja.

Also, the President, Nigerian Gas Association and Managing Director, Frontier Oil Limited, Mr. Dada Thomas, in an exclusive interview with Saturday PUNCH, blamed the DISCOs for the illiquidity being experienced in the power sector.

He said, “The sector is not generating enough money. So what we have today is that the DISCOs are collecting possibly only about 20 per cent of what they should be collecting. And therefore, there is nobody coming up to pay the GENCOs and the GENCOs are not paying the gas operators.”

But the DISCOs had argued that aside the fact that the current Multi Year Tariff Order put together by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission was not cost reflective enough, the refusal of ministries, departments and agencies of government to settle their electricity bills was also hampering their ability in making the required remittances.

The Chief Executive Officer, ANED, Mr. Azu Obiaya, recently told our correspondent that to avert an increase of over 200 per cent in electricity tariff payable by residential consumers in the near future, the Federal Government had to intervene in the sector.

He explained that the government’s intervention was vital in order to address the N809bn revenue shortfall in the industry.

Obiaya insisted that the intervention could come in form of subsidy to consumers, access to foreign exchange by the companies, as well as commercial reasonable financing for the DISCOs.

He explained that DISCOs were not willing and could not impose any increase in tariff on consumers, but maintained that to avoid a situation where the consumers would have to pay as high as N70 to N105 per kilowatt-hour as energy charge, the Federal Government must do something.

Currently, the average rate being paid as energy charge by residential consumers across the country is N22.8/KWH, but this may increase if nothing is done to address the N809bn revenue shortfall in the power sector, according to the DISCOs.

The President of Association of Small Businesses of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Egbesola, who demanded stable power supply, said a blackout would lead to the closure of small businesses.

Also, a Lagos-based manufacturer-cum-economist, Mr. Akeem Babajide, said the government should urgently pay the debts it owed the GENCOs and DISCOs to avoid a blackout.

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PRESIDENT TINUBU’S APPOINTEES FROM THE NORTH MUST TAKE A STAND

Published

1 day ago

April 15, 2024

Sahara Weekly

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PRESIDENT TINUBU’S APPOINTEES FROM THE NORTH MUST TAKE A STAND

Following my position on the recent attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by a spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, it has come to my attention that Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed who once served as the Spokesperson of the group and currently a Special Adviser on Political Matters in the Presidency took to his page on it to express a different position.

Dr. Baba-Ahmed declared that my stand against the unjust attack against the new administration of President Tinubu that is working very hard to reposition our country for better as ‘ill-advised’. He suggested I could have done a better job in my defence of the administration where I have the rare honour to serve as a Minister.

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Dr. Baba-Ahmed’s relationship and or affinity with Northern Elders’ Forum is well-known. The fact now is that he is an appointee of the administration as Special Adviser. Any committed official of the administration has a duty to work for the success of the government he is a part of, protect and defend the government against unjust and undue attack from those who hide under ethnic and other primordial interests to heat up the polity.

It is more important to state that every appointee of President Tinubu including Dr. Baba-Ahmed owe the government a duty to promote and advance the good work and commendable efforts of the government across all sectors.
As appointees of the government from the North, we must all take a stand, be unequivocal in our support and work for the success of the administration we are serving. This is not the time to dither and waiver. We must stand up to be counted for the government or take our exit.

Bello Matawalle
Minister of State for Defence

April 15, 2024

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Sen Moallayidi: The untold story of Adamawa born politician who introduced Facility Management course in ABU By Dr Salihu Mohammed Lawal

Published

3 days ago

April 13, 2024

Sahara Weekly

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Sen Moallayidi: The untold story of Adamawa born politician who introduced Facility Management course in ABU

By
Dr Salihu Mohammed Lawal

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In the different spheres of life there exist quintessential Nigerians who have silently achieved fame and glory without making noise about such feat; rather preferring to remain silent while still creating waves and continuing to bestrode the landscape with ingenuity that breaks new grounds.

Sen. Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi is one of such great Nigerians, who represented Adamawa southern Senatorial District in the Senate between 2015-2019 comes readily to mind. A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, a Certified Public Private Partnership Professional (IP3,Washington DC) also holds a Facility Management Professional (FMP) of (IFMA,USA). Moallayidi is a 1980 graduate with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Honours in Quantity Surveying and an Masters Degree in Construction Management.

This amiable gentleman in the year 2010, pioneered the designed and institutionalization of a facility management course in Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU). He single handedly served as the sole lecturer for it (Post graduate studies in Facility Management ABU). His pioneering efforts were the basis for having facility management courses in Nigerian Universities.

The None serving Senator is an accomplished professional in managing facilities, resources and humanity is leading the private company called Integrated Facility Management Services Ltd among other endeavors that handled some of the most complex facility management services in Nigeria. These facilities include; Management and improvement of the Abuja International Conference Center (ICC) Management of Eagle Square Abuja Kaduna International Trade & Investment Centre, Kaduna (1997-2010). Murtala Mohammed Square Kaduna,and Nigerian Export and Import Bank, Abuja. He also managed Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) Headquarters & Residential Quarters in Abuja, Presidential Complexes in Lagos (Dodan Barracks and State House, (Marina) and Nigerian Army Strategic Bulk Storage Facility in Enugu.

The Rehabilitation and start-up operations of Health and Medical Industries Jos, a company specializes in the manufacture of cotton wool, bandages and gauge.

MOALLAYIDI AS A MEMBER OF VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL BODIES AND ASSOCIATIONS

Senator Moallayidi is an acumen of managing facilities was the pioneer President of International Facility Management Association in Nigeria (Abuja City-based Chapter) IFMA and is a Fellow Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, a Fellow of Nigerian Institute of Management Consultants (NIMC) and a Fellow Association of Facility Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AFMPN).

He participated in the Technical Committee on Commercialization and Privatization T.C.P.C. that commercialized government companies for improved performance.

This is the highly revered personality that is leading the management of the Abuja International Conference Center as the Managing Director of integrated Facility Management Services Ltd for which he has set an unprecedented record of upgrading the ICC to global standard in the management and improvement contract after the noticeable failure over the years before the coming of IFMSL.

MOALLAYIDI AS A POLITICIAN

The political journey of this personality of unique humble character, Senator MoAllahyidi is a founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from the Legacy Party. He contested and won the Senatorial election and represented Adamawa South Senatorial District and sworn-in as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2015. MoAllayidi while in the Senate, he distinguished himself as a vocal Senator in the red chambers and served as a Vice Chairman/Member of various standing and Ad-hoc committees.

Some of the communities is belonged to were; Vice Chairman Committee on Oil & Gas, Vice Chairman Culture and Tourism, Member Banking and Other Financial Institutions, Member Education (Basic & Secondary), Member Legislative Compliance and Member Federal Character and Inter Governmental affairs.

Other committees he belonged to were Member Committee on Bureaus of Public Procurement (BPP), Member ECOWAS Parliament and also held strategic positions where he played critical leadership roles for the APC such as: 2015 Senatorial Candidate (APC), Adamawa Southern Zone, 2014 Secretary APC Reconciliation Committee North Eastern Zone, 2014 Member of APC Congress Committee, Yobe State
(2014).

MoAllayi Joined APC as a result of the merger of CPC, ACN and ANPP (Legacy party) in 2011 Joined CPC and Contested for Adamawa South Senatorial Seat, 2007 he was the Director of Logistics of ANPP Presidential Campaign. While in 2003 the Man MoAllayi was the Director of Logistics ANPP Presidential Campaign.

His political might grew mightier for having a stronger voice for a common Man. in June (2022) the Senator convened the setting up of Arewa New Agenda (ANA) a Pan Northern socio-political organization with the aim and objectives as follows :

Setting up an agenda for the continuing relevance of the North in Nigerian Governance. It is to harmonize and project Northern positions on critical national issues. And to protect Northern interest in the Nigerian Political discourse and evolution.

ANA is an umbrella organization comprising of over 126 network affiliate groups across the 19 Northern States and FCT which Moallayidi became its extended leader as its Patron of Fulbe United for Peace and Development. It’s
the association of over 33,360 Ardos (The Fulbe Umbrella group) leaders across Nigeria.

The distinguished Senator was honored with the respected commander of Nigerian Students (CNS), an award by National Association of Nigerian Student NANS

Dr. Salisu Mohammed Lawal
Writes from Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State
And be reached through this means; emeles20o1@yahoo.com

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MEET THE LAGOS STATE TAMPAN ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES

Published

4 days ago

April 12, 2024

Sahara Weekly

MEET THE LAGOS STATE TAMPAN ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVES

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Oladunjoye, Oluwasseun Olayemi
A Graduate of Lagos State Polytechnic
A Publisher of Soft sell Magazine (*HIGHFLIERS*)
A Film Producer
An Actress
Currently Publicity and Research Secretary of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria. Lagos Chapter
A Native of Ogun State, Abeokuta to be precise

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*TAJUDEEN BAMIDELE AYOBIOJO*
A journalist and movie practitioner. I joined Tampan Lagos State Chapter since inception in 2014 as the interim State Chapter Secretary.
In November, same year, I was elected as the State Chapter Publicity and Research Secretary.
In November, 2018, I got elected as the State Chapter Secretary.
In November, 2022, I was elected as the Governor, Lagos State Tampan Chapter.

*Adegboyega Kayode Olubori*
A film producer and Director under TAMPAN Association I’m the Lagos State Treasurer of the Association. I am from Osogbo in Osun State. I’m also a Lagos Island indigene. My Mother is from Lagos State.
I was born in July 21st 1965

*Marian Oluyemisi Odunaiya* is a multifaceted talent in the theatre industry from Lagos Mainland Local Government excelling as both a movie artiste and producer, with a captivating presence on screen and behind the scenes. She is a graduate of Lagos Sate University, Ojo and University of Lagos, Akoka (B.Ed & M.Ed) She is currently the Chief of Staff to Tampan Lagos State Governor, Mr Tajudeen Bamidele Ayobiojo. She is also a seasoned Lecturer in one of the Federal Colleges of Education in Nigeria. A Lagos and Osun indigene and married to Ijebu Odogbolu.

*MOSHOO AJANI OGUNLEYE.a.k.a bigman*
A movie actor, producer and a director, am a member of TAMPAN Lagos State Chapter, also the current state organising secretary.
Am also a member of TAMPAN GUILD OF DIRECTOR ( TGD),
I had produced over 20 movies and directed over 150 good movies
Am the CEO of OBEKETV you tube channel.
Thanks

*My name is Tinuade Oke Chukwurah (Mrs), born and brought up in Lagos island, Lagos State Nigeria*
*I am a Nigerian*
*I was born 13th of May by Elder Stephen Maradesa and Madam Elizabeth Oke*
*I am married to Mr Martins Omotayo Chukwurah, from Anambra state Nigeria. we are blessed with wonderful good children, to God be the glory*
*My primary school education was at WJ David Memorial Baptist school broad street Lagos State Nigeria*
*Later proceed to Fiditi grammar school Fiditi, in Oyo State Nigeria*
*I went to Rimax institute of computer studies and science at Meiran Ijaye Lagos State*
*I was a student of Yaba tech, at Yaba Lagos State Nigeria*
*I am a actor, a film producer, I trained under Alhaji Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo films) at Odunfe caucus, at Odunfa Mainland Lagos which Alhaji Olayinka Quadry ( Masomo) is the chairman, while Alhaji Abbey Lanre and Alhaji Pefuele were our leaders*
*I am practicing my carrier under Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (Tampan ) I have received so many awards, I have served in so many areas in the association just to mention few, a Treasurer, Liaison officer represent Lagos State at national level, Financial Secretary.*
*I am doing second term as Financial Secretary Tampan Lagos state*
*I am into business at the same time*
*To God be the glory, I blessed God for my life.*

HAKEEM ATANDA OLANREWAJU
A DIRECTOR/PRINCIPAL in Lagos state ministry of Education and Theatre/ movie practitioner. I joined Tampan Lagos State Chapter since inception in 2014 as the interim State Chapter Financial Secretary.
In November, same year, I was elected as the State Chapter Financial Secretary.
In November, 2018, I got elected as the State AUDITOR
In November, 2022, I was re-elected as the AUDITOR Lagos State Tampan Chapter.

I, am, Alashe Hammed Adewale.
An Actor, Director for both Stage drama and films, also Art Director.
( The 1st ever Olu Omo of Tampan Lagos.), The 1st interim mainland Tampan Chairman.
The 1st Executive to Mainland Tampan Chairman.
The Former Publicity and Research Secretary (PRS) for Tampan Lagos State, The Newly Elected General Secretary for Tampan Lagos.
The *OGO YORUBA* *AWARD* (OYA) Winner as the best Stage Technical Director in 2017, FNW award winner in 2028 as Lagos State best Stage actor, National Theater Festival of Unity t Double honored actor in year 2020.

*OYELEYE ADEDEJI STEPHEN*
A movie Director and Producer,
I joined TAMPAN LAGOS STATE Chapter since inception in 2014 as the Interim Alimosho LG Chairman,
In November, same Year I was elected as the Alimosho LG Chairman chapter
2 Term elected as Lagos State Chapter Provost Marshal

PRINCE WASIU ISHOLA OJO.(omoiyaghanaADEDIBUTAMPAN)
A THEATER/MOVIE PRACTITIONER( DIRECTOR /PRODUCER)/ REAL ESTATE MANAGER.
I Joined Tampan Lagos State in the year(2014 )
First Interim chairman Oshodi/Isolo(2014)
Elected Chairman,4years(2014)
Appointed chief of staff to former Governor Tampan Lagos state (Chief Mrs Esusu Oyewunmi) 2018.
The present Deputy Governor of TAMPAN Lagos state Chapter November 2022.
Member Guild of Directors (TGD).
Member Guild of Producers (TGP).
CHAIRMAN/CEO : FREE NEW WORLD ENTERTAINMENT.

LAWAL OLUWARANTIMISIRE ADEOSUN
*A professional fashion designer
*A dancer
*An actress
*A film producer
*C.E.O Of Roqwas entertainment
*A chanter (ALAGA IDURO, ALAGA IJOKO)
*The Former Vice Chairman Of Shomolu Bariga TAMPAN Local Government ,And Now Currently the Social Secretary Of Lagos State Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures
Practicioners Association Of Nigeria
*A Native of OGUN State (Abeokuta)

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