Business

NERC Has Approved Sum of N21bn To meter end-User Customers Free

Published

11 months ago

June 21, 2024

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) announced on Friday, June 21, the approval of N21 billion for the eleven electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) to provide meters for end-use customers at zero cost. This move is part of the Presidential Metering Initiative under the Meter Acquisition Fund (MAF), aiming to bridge the metering gap and enhance customer satisfaction.

In ORDER NO: NERC/2024/072, titled “The Operationalization of ‘Tranche A’ of the Presidential Metering Initiative Under the Framework of Meter Acquisition Fund,” NERC detailed the operationalization of this initiative. The order states that DisCos will purchase and install meters for customers free of charge, utilizing the funds accrued up to the April 2024 market settlement cycle. The total amount available for this first tranche, known as “Tranche A,” is NGN21,864,851,725.00, with NGN21,000,000,000 approved for immediate use.

“The Commission hereby approves the use of a sum of NGN21,000,000,000 apportioned pro rata to contribution by the DisCos as Tranche A of the MAF scheme. Attached to this Order as Schedule 1 is a breakdown of the funds available for each DisCo for the purchase of end-use customer meters,” NERC stated.

NERC emphasized that all meters procured and installed under this framework will be at no cost to the customers. This initiative is expected to accelerate meter deployment, close the current metering gap, reduce commercial and collection losses for DisCos, and enhance service quality and customer satisfaction.

The first tranche of the MAF Scheme, based on contributions made by DisCos as of the April 2024 market settlement, will focus on procuring and installing meters for unmetered Band ‘A’ customers within their franchise areas. Band A customers are defined as those receiving a minimum of 20 hours of electricity per day and are charged a premium tariff of N208 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

NERC also noted the importance of a transparent and competitive procurement process for meter price determination and the selection and engagement of Meter Asset Providers (MAPs) and Licensed Meter Manufacturers and Assemblers (LMMAs). This process aims to ensure the efficient deployment of meters and the protection of revenue streams within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, previously stated that the federal government would release N20 billion to DisCos for procuring meters for unmetered Band A customers within the next three months. This funding will further help close the metering gap for these customers.

“Before I left the office yesterday, I met with the chairman of NERC, Alhaji Garba Sanusi, and we’ve agreed that we have an accrued N20 billion for metering. I said to him, let us release this N20 billion for the DisCos to procure meters for the unmetered Band A customers before the end of September. That is going to happen. I can assure you that,” Adelabu said.

Business

Dangote Holds Fuel Price Steady

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adewunmi Oluwaseun

Despite the rising cost of crude oil on the global market, Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals has reaffirmed its commitment to keeping petrol prices stable for Nigerian consumers.

The company said its decision to maintain affordable pump prices amid international volatility reflects its firm dedication to supporting the nation’s economy and easing the burden on the public.

According to a statement from Group Chief Branding and Communications Officer, Anthony Chiejina, the move aligns with the Federal Government’s Nigeria First policy and President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“Refining locally at the world’s largest single-train refinery strengthens Nigeria’s energy security, conserves foreign exchange, and boosts economic resilience,” the statement noted.

The firm praised the President’s Naira-for-Crude initiative, which it said has enabled consistent price cuts on petroleum products.

The refinery also assured stakeholders of its continued focus on affordability, quality and national interest in its operations.

Meanwhile, the refinery has taken delivery of 146,000 metric tonnes of crude oil, with another 125,000 metric tonnes expected soon.

Additionally, three vessels have arrived to lift jet fuel exports, further positioning the facility as a key player in the global energy market.

Business

Africa Pushes for Cheaper Flights, Seamless Skies

Published

2 days ago

May 20, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

Top aviation leaders from seven West African countries have renewed the call for urgent adoption of a single air transport market to lower ticket prices and improve connectivity across Africa.

Speaking at the 18th plenary of the Banjul Accord Group in Abuja, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said implementing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), would transform travel on the continent.

“It is time Africa connected itself more. SAATM will make flights shorter, cheaper, and more efficient,” he said.

Keyamo described SAATM as a key driver for realizing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and boosting global competitiveness.

Also speaking, Secretary-General of the African Civil Aviation Council, Adefunke Adeyemi, urged countries to embed SAATM into their national laws and empower aviation regulators to make it work.

Nigeria’s Civil Aviation chief, Captain Chris Najomo, called the meeting an opportunity to tackle major challenges such as infrastructure gaps, skilled manpower shortages, safety risks, and digital transformation.

The gathering includes aviation authorities from Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Cape Verde, and Gambia.

With firm backing from regional lawmakers and regulatory bodies, the push for unified skies across West Africa is gaining momentum.

Abuja Reports

Abuja: Tinubu, Akpabio Lead Talks on Real Estate Reform

Published

2 weeks ago

May 5, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ekaete Bassey

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio are billed to headline the 55th Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), in Abuja.

The week-long event, themed “Transform, Invest, Thrive: Optimising Real Estate Finance and Taxation,” will run from May 5 to 10 at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

A statement by NIESV’s National Publicity Secretary, ESV Richard Olodu, confirmed Tinubu will serve as the special guest of honour, while Akpabio will attend as guest of honour.

The conference aims to chart a transformative path for real estate development through deeper fiscal reforms and investment strategies.

Also expected at the high-powered gathering are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa; and Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.

Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service and Presidential Adviser on Revenue, Dr. Zacch Adedeji, will deliver the keynote address, expected to dissect current tax policies and their impact on property financing.

NIESV President, ESV Victor Adekunle Alonge, has extended an open invitation to estate professionals, public sector leaders, investors and diaspora stakeholders to partake in what he described as a defining moment for Nigeria’s real estate sector.

The conference is projected to offer insights capable of unlocking economic growth, with real estate positioned as a strategic anchor.