society
Discos make N1tn amid grid crisis
Discos make N1tn amid grid crisis
Despite the persistent epileptic power supply nationwide, revenue generation by electricity distribution companies in Nigeria surged to N1.1trn within the 12 months of 2023, a new report has revealed.
The figure represents an increase of N234.4bn or 28.2 per cent from the N831bn generated by the power firms over a similar period in 2022.
This latest data was disclosed in the electricity report released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Monday.
The latest data came despite the sporadic power grid collapses recorded during the year.
Nigeria’s national power grid collapsed 46 times from 2017 to 2023, a report by the International Energy Agency said in a report.
According to the report, Nigerians endured more nationwide blackouts in 2023, especially on September 14 when the grid collapsed due to a fire on a major transmission line.
Despite the challenges, the distribution companies have continued to smile at the bank, allocating outrageous billing to customers.
An analysis of the revenue data showed that the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company got the highest revenue of N218.6bn, up by 31.7 per cent or N52.7bn from N165.9bn recorded in 2022. It was followed closely by the Eko Distribution Company which got a revenue increase of N52.8bn or 42.3 per cent from N124.8bn in 2022.
Third on the list is the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, with a revenue generation of N167.4bn from N125.7bn recorded in 2022.
Similarly, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company got a revenue of N111.3bn, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company got a revenue of N82.5bn, Yola Electricity Distribution Company (N22.3bn), and Benin Electricity Distribution Company (N84.6bn), and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (N32.4bn).
Also, Jos Electricity Distribution Company increased its revenue to N38.9bn, Kano Electricity Distribution Company (N55.2bn) and Port-Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (N74.7bn).
Findings also showed that the increased efficiency in revenue collection might not be unconnected to rise in the overbilling of customers especially those on estimated billing system.
Also, it was observed that Discos were able to capture more customers under estimated billings system.
A further analysis stated that the number of metered numbers increased by 9.38 per cent or 480,833 while the number of customers under estimated billings reduced slightly by 1.73 per cent to 5.8m.
“Similarly, metered customers stood at 5.61 million in Q4 2023, indicating a decrease in the growth rate of 1.32 per cent from 5.68 million recorded in the preceding quarter. On a year-on-year basis, this grew by 9.38 per cent from the figure reported in Q4 2022 which was 5.13 million,” the report read.
Recently, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, declared that it would deduct N10,505,286,072 from the annual allowed revenues of the 11 power distribution companies during the next tariff review as part of sanctions over their non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.
It stressed that the billing of unmetered customers in their various franchise areas for 2023 revealed non-compliance with the monthly energy caps issued by the commission.
The commission explained that the Discos would pay about 10 per cent of the amount they over-billed their customers between January and September 2023.
The regulator also ordered the Discos to refund the cheated customers in full and to ensure compliance in the future, stressing that to deter future occurrence, a 10 per cent fine had been imposed on the utilities.
Since the start of this year, Nigerians have grappled with intermittent power supply, which has adversely impacted businesses and households, prompting numerous individuals and firms to seek alternative sources of energy.
The poor power supply situation was worsened by the fuel subsidy removal of June 2023, with the jump of the average pump price of petrol from N238.11 per litre to over N600 per litre.
This demand for power has been exacerbated by a succession of heat waves, amplifying the environmental and health-related challenges.
Last week, authorities in public and private hospitals lamented the poor power supply situation amid the high cost of diesel in the country, noting that the poor power supply was affecting healthcare delivery.
On February 2, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu in a post on X formerly Twitter attributed the main cause of poor power supply in the country to the low supply of gas to generating companies.
He said the poor supply had impacted the quantum of bulk power available on the transmission grid for onward transmission to the distribution load centres nationwide.
“I had crucial discussions with power Generating companies and Distribution companies to address the ongoing issue of blackouts in parts of our country. After investigations, it’s clear that the main cause of poor power supply is the low supply of gas to GenCos,” Mr Adelabu said.
To stem the tide, the Federal Government had threatened to revoke the licences of power Distribution Companies over persistent poor power supply across the country, but the situation has not changed much.
The situation is partially attributed to the over $1bn indebtedness to gas producers who provide the gas required for running thermal gas-fired power plants amid the collapse of the national grid.
Consumers kick
Commenting on the report released by the NBS on Monday, the National Secretary, Nigeria Electricity Consumer Advocacy Network, Uket Obonga, said the Discos made money in 2023 as result of policies initiated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
These policies, according to Obonga, benefitted the Discos more, but did not increase power supply to consumers, adding that the Discos also failed to improve their networks in order to serve their customers better.
“They are making money and smiling but they have not expanded their network to meet the demands of customers. What is giving them money is the Service Based Tariff that was initiated by NERC, which is questionable; another is the Performance Improvement Plan, which again is questionable.
“On SBT, you are aware that since this year, no consumer can comfortably say he or she has received up to eight hours of supply in a day. Many consumers suffered the same thing last year.’’
“Now, you have over 60 per cent of unmetered customers and the Discos will bring bills to these customers whether these Discos supplied power or not to the power users. And they will still harass customers with threats of disconnection if the customers fail to pay.
“And the regulator of the sector has not done anything concrete to address this. So tell me, why won’t the Discos make money? They are making money by distributing darkness,” the NECAN secretary stated.
Obonga called for sanctions against Discos that fail to meter their customers, stressing that had it been most consumers were metered, it would be difficult for the power distributors to defraud their customers with estimated bills.
Discos sanctioned
“The NERC recently revealed how the Discos overbilled their customers over a certain period of time and declared that the power firms would make refunds. That declaration should be enforced,” he stated.
@Punchng
society
IGP Closes PMF Commanders’ Training, Pledges Better Welfare, Tactical Capacity
IGP Closes PMF Commanders’ Training, Pledges Better Welfare, Tactical Capacity
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Wednesday closed a Squadron Commanders’ Training Programme at the Police Mobile Force (PMF) Training College in Ende-Hills, Nasarawa State, vowing to strengthen leadership and operational effectiveness across the force.
At the ceremony, the IGP inspected training facilities including the simulation ground and shooting range, where he personally took part in tactical exercises. He told cadets of the Nigeria Police Academy undergoing training at the college to remain disciplined and focused, stressing that their effectiveness on the field would depend on the quality of their training.
“Resilience, professionalism, and strict adherence to human rights principles must guide your conduct,” Disu said.
Addressing the graduating squadron commanders, he urged them to apply their newly acquired skills in leadership, operational discipline, and tactical efficiency. He described the PMF as a “highly disciplined, responsive, and reliable tactical arm” of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP further reaffirmed his commitment to improving officers’ welfare and boosting operational capacity, assuring that formations would be adequately equipped to tackle evolving security challenges nationwide.
society
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)
Oyo 2027: Ajadi Secures Oke-Ogun PDP Backing, Holds Closed-Door Talks with Samuel Adejumobi (Agbarapo)
Stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Oke-Ogun zone of Oyo State on Tuesday received a leading governorship aspirant, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, in Saki, pledging political backing for his ambition ahead of the party’s primaries.
The stakeholders’ meeting, held at Saki City Hall, drew party leaders, community figures, and grassroots mobilisers from across the zone, reflecting the growing momentum surrounding Ajadi’s consultations across the state.
Addressing party faithful, Ajadi reiterated his commitment to building on the achievements of the current administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde, noting that continuity and expansion of ongoing projects would form the cornerstone of his policy direction.
“I will leverage the developmental strides of the present administration and ensure that their impact is extended to more communities across the state. Governance must be progressive, not disruptive,” Ajadi stated.
He outlined key areas of focus, including workers’ welfare and pension administration, promising a disciplined financial structure that guarantees prompt salary payments.
“Our workers deserve dignity and certainty. Salaries will be paid on or before the 25th of every month, and our retirees will receive improved attention. A government that neglects its workforce cannot deliver sustainable development,” he added.
Ajadi also disclosed plans for extensive grassroots engagement across all 33 local government areas of the state, aimed at identifying peculiar needs and integrating them into policy formulation.
“This is not just about ambition; it is about understanding the people. I will be embarking on a statewide tour to listen, learn, and design policies that reflect the realities at the grassroots,” he said.
Party leaders and stakeholders from Saki West and the wider Oke-Ogun zone pledged their support for Ajadi, citing his accessibility, philanthropic engagements, and perceived capacity to lead the state. Among those who spoke were Alhaji Rasak Aderele (popularly known as Super), Adeleke Thomas (Baba Elepo), and Hon. Coach Kehinde Adetola, who described him as a unifying figure capable of strengthening the PDP’s electoral chances.
Addressing concerns about internal party dynamics, Ajadi reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, dismissing speculation about a possible defection.
“I remain committed to the PDP. This is my party, and I believe in its vision. My focus is on securing the mandate of our members through consultations and consensus-building,” he said.
Shortly after the stakeholders’ engagement, Ajadi proceeded to a closed-door strategic meeting with a fellow PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Samuel Ademola Adejumobi, popularly known as “Agbarapo.”
Adejumobi, a prominent political figure from Atisbo Local Government Area in the Oke-Ogun zone, is a former Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly and currently serves as Special Adviser on Legislative Matters to Governor Makinde. The meeting, held indoors away from the larger gathering, was seen as part of ongoing consultations and alignment efforts among aspirants within the party.
Observers note that such high-level engagements signal a strategic attempt to foster unity and strengthen internal cohesion ahead of the PDP governorship primaries.
With growing grassroots support and intensified consultations across Oke-Ogun and beyond, Ajadi’s political activities continue to gather pace, positioning him as a formidable contender in the race for the party’s ticket.
society
Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)
Four Times Primate Ayodele Warned About Resurfacing Of Covid-19 In Nigeria (VIDEOS)
Nigerians have been gripped by fear since the report of the COVID-19 variant in Cross River.
The Cross River State Ministry of Health has begun profiling and tracing individuals in the state who have been in contact with a Chinese national admitted after testing positive for the COVID-19 virus.
Not many people expected this to happen in Nigeria, because since 2020 when the global pandemic happened, there hasn’t been a single case of the virus in the country until yesterday, about five years later.
However, despite the fact that Nigeria was declared Covid-19 free, popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele, warned about three times that he foresees the virus coming back to Nigeria.
In his first prophecy regarding it, he warned that Nigerians should not pray to see Lassa fever and Covid-19 coming back in some areas.
“Let’s pray so that we don’t see Lassa Fever again. Let’s pray so that Covid will not come back in some areas”
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dYjCMS/
This wasn’t given attention by many because it felt Nigeria has been immune to the virus. Everyone went about their business as usual, and in the midst of all that, Primate Ayodele warned intensely again.
“Let’s watch this for the World Health Organization, I see airborne disease, Covid in another dimension that can cause cough, cold, air disease, it’s a warning and that’s what the Lord said.”
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9dj5UL5/
This time, he specifically called out the World Health Organization about re-occurrence of Covid; and gave directions regarding how it would happen. He also emphasized that it was what the Lord said, but how many people actually listen?
Again, during a church service, Primate Ayodele warned that Covid is coming and will happen in a different way compared to the previous one. He made it known that the way of contacting it will be different from the previous one.
“Also, Covid is coming, but the way it’s going to come will be different from the way we experienced it that time. The process of contacting it will be different from the previous one.”
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/
https://vt.tiktok.com/ZS9djao7v/
Likewise, in his annual prophecy book titled Warnings to the Nations, Primate Ayodele warned that another round of COVID is coming. This book was released in July 2025.
“Another round of COVID will come up, and another disease epidemic. I foresee that a lot of money will be spent, and they will face some challenges in getting things right. The workers of this Body will be attacked, and there will be changes in leadership” (Page 36)
All of these have fulfilled the prophecies of Primate Ayodele. Beyond the prophecy fulfilment, this is a call to relevant authorities to always listen when God is warning them about anything through his prophet.
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