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Discos make N1tn amid grid crisis

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Discos make N1tn amid grid crisis

Discos make N1tn amid grid crisis

 

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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.

 

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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.

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Discos make N1tn amid grid crisis

 

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

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LASRRA Eases Registration with New Centre at Blue Line Rail Terminal

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LASRRA Eases Registration with New Centre at Blue Line Rail Terminal

…Highlights Benefits of LAG-ID Card

 

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The Lagos State Residents’ Registration Agency (LASRRA) has taken a significant step towards improving its database by launching a registration centre at the Blue Line Rail Terminal.

The event, which occurred at Marina, Lagos Station, on Thursday, seeks to encourage commuters who reside in Lagos State and use the corridor daily to register and validate their information with LASRRA.

The General Manager of LASRRA, Mrs. Bilikiss Adebiyi-Abiola, expressed the agency’s commitment to providing convenient registration facilities for residents. Currently, LASRRA operates 62 registration outlets across the five divisions of Lagos. However, the agency plans to establish more centres to cater to the teeming population of the largest city in West Africa.

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She highlighted the importance of bringing the registration process closer to residents, particularly those with busy schedules.

“By setting up centres at strategic locations like the Blue Line Terminal, LASRRA aims to ensure that all residents can fulfill their civic responsibility of registering with the agency.

“Similar registration centres will be established at other terminals across the state in the near future. This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to inclusivity and ensuring that no resident is left behind. The benefits of the LAG-ID Card, the end product of the registration process are enormous.

“Besides serving as a legitimate form of identification, the LAG-ID Card offers multifaceted usage. To check the status of their cards, registered individuals can simply dial the short USSD code *347*641#.

“It is important to note that the registration process is not complete until individuals collect their printed LAG-ID Card and receive a notification on their registered phone number for pick-up,” she noted.

The highlight of the event was when participants had the opportunity to use their LAG-ID Cards to board the train and experience a ride from Marina to Mile 2. This symbolic gesture showcased the seamless integration of the LAG-ID Card with public transportation and further emphasized the importance of registration for all residents.

She emphasized that LASRRA remains committed to its mission of capturing the information and biometrics of Lagos State residents to provide better services and meet their needs, and the launch of the registration centre at the Blue Line Rail Terminal is a significant step towards achieving this goal and ensuring the inclusivity of all residents in the state’s development plans.

 

LASRRA Eases Registration with New Centre at Blue Line Rail Terminal

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Grace Nation PHDS : Angels don’t Comes to Places Where there is No Prayers – Dr Chris Okafor

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Grace Nation PHDS : Angels don’t Comes to Places Where there is No Prayers – Dr Chris Okafor

…. God works in a Mysterious Ways.

 

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When God is at work it takes People with the eyes of God to see what God is doing because only the spiritual people that understand things of the spirit.

Speaking at Grace Nation Mid-week Prophetic Healing Deliverance and Solution service held at the international Headquarters of the church in Ojodu Berger Lagos, The Generational Prophet of God and Lead Pastor Grace Nation world-wide Dr Chris Okafor said you must pay the Price to fall down the wall of Jericho.

The Generational Prophet of God who speak on the Topic, with subtitles spiritual designs, Wall of Jericho must Go down reiterated that for God to be in charge you must consistently understand the Principles of altars that relates to Prayers.

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The Man of God said for the Jericho of your life to come down, your Prayer life must be very high, highlighting that demons and angel don’t come to a place, where there is no Prayer, Demons operate well in a cool place, immediately the place is firerised demons gives way.

The Generational Prophet of God Dr Chris Okafor said anyone that want to win a battle must be ready to fight, therefore for you to bring down the wall of Jericho in your life , you must be committed says the Apostle of altars.

The Mid-week Prophetic service also witness Restoration of lost Glory, Mind blowing Miracles, the Mighty Hand of God was evidential throughout the Services.

Inherited battles and bloodline diseases were all destroyed by God through his Servant the Generational Prophet of God as God visited a couple married for over 16 years without the fruit of the womb, God open the case file and blessed them with A miracle baby. There was testimonies of financial breakthrough, foreign benefits and various deliverance, all to the Glory of God.

 

Grace Nation PHDS : Angels don't Comes to Places Where there is No Prayers - Dr Chris Okafor

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Outrage in Elepe as Monarch Exposes Notorious Land Grabber, Adeyinka Bolaji Fakoya aka Bora’s Crimes

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Outrage in Elepe as Monarch Exposes Notorious Land Grabber, Adeyinka Bolaji Fakoya aka Bora's Crimes

Outrage in Elepe as Monarch Exposes Notorious Land Grabber, Adeyinka Bolaji Fakoya aka Bora’s Crimes

…Says Endless Police Harrassment Frustrating, Disturbing Community Peace

 

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The Baale of Elepe community in the Ikorodu area of Lagos State, Chief Ganiu Omotayo, has cried out to the state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Inspector General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and put an end to the menace caused by protracted land grabbing activities of one Adeyinka Bolaji Fakoya aka Bora and his cohorts in the community.

 

 

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Outrage in Elepe as Monarch Exposes Notorious Land Grabber, Adeyinka Bolaji Fakoya aka Bora's Crimes

The aged monarch lamented that Adeyinka aka Bora and his accomplices have also been involved in criminal intimidation, violence, evading judicial processes, threat to life, giving false information to police, and breaching public peace of the community.

Addressing the media on Wednesday in Elepe in the company of representatives of all five arms of the royal families of the town, Omotayo said he and the Ijaolu rulling royal family have become very frustrated by their inability to get justice after exploring legal options including taking many expensive trips to honour invitations at police headquarters in Abuja over the matter as the notorious land grabbers, led by Adeyinka have continued to sell lands duly owned by people for decades with clear titles, and evade judicial prosecution while truncating effort of various police formations to curb his ciminal and atrocious activities and bring him to justice.

The landgrabber has instead perfected a habit of courting different police formation with false information, for endless and indiscriminate arrest and intimidation of the aged monarch and community youths, while refusing to attend susbsisting police interviews with parties, and prosecution processes.

“As an elder, I’m tired of the endless circle and Adeyinka has refused to let peace reign despite all offers the community has extended to him which he usually takes before resuming his violent activities again. Even when we gave him and youths acres of land, he accepted and sold it but returned to his criminal ways thereafter.

“Once he writes one frivolous petition to police and I attend their invitation, he will not show up for interview, the next we will hear is another petition in another police formation. When they invite us and I attend, he will never show up. He did that at SCID, Panti, also at Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan Lagos, and also at
Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Abuja. He has been playing this hide and seek game but refused to show up at Area N Police Area Command in Ijede, Ikorodu where he is a wanted person for jumping bail since 2017.

“Even when we went with police officers from Ijede Area Commander to the lands unlawfully invaded by Adeyinka, we met him and his cohorts in company of some other police officers. It was decided that all parties and the two police groups return to office of Area Commander but enroute police station, Adeyinka vanished leaving us to wait out the entire day at Area Commander office but he never showed up since then.”

The visibly worried traditional ruler narrated how Adeyinka invaded and started selling lands owned by late Chief GOK Ajayi, SAN, since 1975, to unsuspecting buyers from 2016 and despite being warned refused to stop and as a result was arrested and arraigned. Due to his unrepentance, a petition to Area N Police Command by the community led to his arrest but he later ran away with his surety and since became untraceable by police.

He added that having spent almost 50 years on throne as the monarch of Elepe town, he and the ijaola Royal family members have become perplexed by indiscriminate harrassment from some police officers acting on instructions of Adeyinka, as well as having to endlessly bear the financial burdens of at least five visits to Police Headquarters in Abuja and many offices in Lagos, with no result while the culprit remains untouchable for the police and stayed away from lawful prosecution.

He revealed that Adeyinka at will comes to town in company of violent cultists with guns and other dangerous weapon to cause unrest and threatened his life.

He said he enjoyed the majority support of the lawful youths of the town because as a father after the youths had initially requested for share of community land, he had ensured the community gave out two acres to them, prompting them to sign undertaking to support the traditional leaders and maintain peace.

Adeyinka however had after exhausting the sales of the lands greedily proceeded to grabbing already owned lands and fomenting chaos with the elders, prompting other community youths to dissociate from him and his nefarious activities.

He appealed to the government and police authorities to save him and the royal family from the dilemma of the huge cost of attending endless meetings in Abuja while the assailants appear untouchable in Lagos, evading prosecution.

One of his numerous petitions to the police authorities on December 14, 2017 , signed by his lawyers read in part, “According to our Client, one BOLAJI ADEYINKA (A.K.A BORA) a notorious and dangerous criminal popularly known for his act of land grabbing, encroachment and selling of other people landed properties has continued to exert efforts to truncate the effort of various Potice formations to curb his ciminal and atrocious activities in order to avoid the lonig arm of the law.

“That sometime in 1975, our Client’s forefather sold portion of the land at Ewu Elepe to various persons, and these people have been in peaceful possession and quiet enjoyment of their landed properties until sometime last year when our Client received a call from Mrs. Ajayi who informed our Client that the said Bolaji Adeyinka A.K.A (BORA) encroached on her husband’s land and sold portions
thereof to unsuspecting buyers.

“That our Client who did not have prior notice of the unlawful and criminal
activities of the said Bolaji Adeyinka and his cohorts warned the said Bolaji Adeyinka to desist from his unlawful and criminal dealings with other people’s lands but despite our Client’s warnings the said Bolaji Adeyinka continued in his unlawful and criminal activities and as a result of which he was arrested by the police and arraigned before the Magistrate Court of Lagos State, Ijede, via Ikorodu, Lagos State in Charge No. IKD/E/06/2017.

“That thereafter, the said Bolaji Adeyinka did not stop in his criminal activities, he
intensified his acts of encroaching other people’s landed properties resulting in breach of peace, and public tranquility and our Client wrote a petition to the Area
Commander, Area N Command Headquarters. ljede, via Ikorodu, Lagos State, and upon which the said Bolaji Adeyinka was arrested by the police and granted bail with surety, and directed to report to the said police station on a later date.

“That the said Bolaji Adeyinka and his surety ran away and did not comply with the directive to report to the police at the said Area N Command Headquarters, Ijede, via Ikorodu, Lagos State and all efforts to trace them by the police were abortive until sometime in July, 2017 when our Client received an invitation from the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos directing our Client to report to Officer in Charge, General investigation (D”), SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos.

“That upon the above, our Client honoured the said invitation and went to the said
Officer in Charge, General investigation (D3), SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos on 30th May
2017 where our Client’s statement was obtained, and the parties again directed to
attend an interview with the Officer in Charge, General investigation (D3), SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos on several occasions but on all such occasions, and throughout the period our Client reported to the said Officer in Charge, General investigation (D’),. SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos the said Bolaji Adeyinka (A.K.A BORA) refused to show up, and upon which the said Officer in Charge, General investigation (D’), SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos returned the case file to Area N Command Headquarters, ljede, via Ikorodu, Lagos State.

“That as soon as the said Bolaji Adeyinka realized that the police at General
investigation(D”), SCID, Panti, Yaba, Lagos could not to be used as a tool for the
perpetration of his unlawful and criminal activities, the said Bolaji Adeyinka again
wrote another petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2 Command Headquarters, Onikan Lagos, and our Client was again directed to report to the Officer in Charge, Zonal Monitoring Unit; Nigeria Police, Zone 2 Command Headquarters. Onikan Lagos: vide
an invitation with AR: 3000/SZN.2/MTV/TM2/VOL.1. Dated. 7th of July, 2017.

“That our Client again honoured, the said Police Invitation and as a good citizen
volunteered his statetent to the police, and the parties were again directed to come
for an interview with the -Officer in- Charge, Zonal Monitoring Unit, Zone 2 Command.

“That recently our Client again received a letter of invitation from the office of the
Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, Force Headquarters, Loius Edet House, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja by which invitation it is so glaring that the said Bolaji
Adeyinka again intends to use the said police formation to truncate ongoing
investigation into the matter and prevent the possibility of his being arraigned-in court for his numerous criminal activities by the police at General Investigation, Force
Headquarters, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos.

“That upon the preceding paragraph, our Client who live in Lagos had once again been directed to report to the police at the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit
Force Headquarters, Loius Edet House, Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja without any regard for the enormous cost, expense and risk such a journey portend to our Client who is a pantry community leader in Ewu Elepe, via lkorodu, Lagos State.

“Our Client is of the sincere belief that the the matter for which our Client is being
summoned by the police, at the Inspector General of Police Monitoring Unit, Force
Headquarters, Loius Edet house, Shehu Shagari Way Abuja is already being effectively handled by the police at General Investigation, force Headquarters, Alagbon, Ikoyi, Lagos and for the fact that both parties reside in Lagos till date, it will serve the ultimate end of justice if the matter is left for the police at General Investigation, Force Headquarters. Alagbon., Ikoyi, Lagos for the conclusion of investigation into the matter
in the interest of all concerned.

We as Solicitor on behalf/of our Client-humbly pray that you look into this matter and prevent the desperate efforts of the said Bolaji Adeyinka. (A.K.A BORA) and his cohorts to use the Nigeria Police as a tool in an attempt to escape prosecution for their criminal activities by bringing them to book.”

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