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FG, states, LGs Owe Electricity Firms N45bn

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Kano

The debt owed the 11 power distribution companies by the three tiers of government has risen to N45bn, according to the latest data compiled by the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors.

It was learnt that the debt, which rose from N32bn some months ago to the present N45bn, was accumulated by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the three tiers of government since November 1, 2013 when the power firms were officially handed over to private investors.

The Executive Director, ANED, Mr. Sunday Oduntan, told our correspondent that the development had severely hampered developments in the power sector.

He wondered how the country would record significant improvement in power supply if the agencies of government failed to pay their bills.

Explaining why many electricity distribution firms were still not making profits, Oduntan said, “I went public months ago to state that the MDAs and governments’ debt to the Discos was N32bn; but right now, as we speak, it has increased to N45bn. It may interest you to know that before the coming of the present administration, the military used to beat up our workers whenever they make attempts to collect electricity bills.

“But we are in talks with the new Minister of Power, Works and Housing, the Ministry of Defence and other key ministries in a bid to iron out these issues. All arms of government, federal, state and local councils, as well as Ministries, Departments and Agencies are owing us, including the National Assembly.

“We kept compiling the figures and these are debts owed since November 1, 2013. So, what I’m telling you now is that the debt has risen to about N45bn, up from the N32bn that was compiled by the 11 Discos some months ago.”

Oduntan urged the government to intervene in the matter, stressing that it would not speak well of the country if the Discos should embark on a massive disconnection of federal and state MDAs from the power grid.

He said, “As I speak to you, we have not been paid this money. We are not blaming the President or the Federal Government alone for this. For instance, the Abuja airport, which we had to cut off some months ago, make so much from passengers and airlines, but it has failed to pay its bills. So, it is the attitude of Nigerians who run these agencies, the attitude of unwillingness to pay for electricity, as if it is a social service. This must not continue and it is an appeal.

“However, may I clarify that some governments pay very well. For instance, the Lagos State Government pay its bill, Ogun also does well but majority do not and it is very pathetic. We want to believe that we have a listening President and vice president, and a credible Minister of Power, Works and Housing, and we hope that with this set of people, we will have some tangible change.”

Is the CEO/Founder of Investors King Limited. A proven foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Businessinsider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and many more. He has over two decades of experience in global financial markets.

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Government

Senate Suspends Senator Abdul Ningi for 3 Months Over Budget Padding Allegations

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Abdul-Ahmed-Ningi

The Senate has announced the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi for three months following his allegations of budget padding to the tune of N3.7 trillion in the 2024 budget.

Ningi, who represents Bauchi Central and chairs the Senate Committee on Population, had made the claims in a recent interview with the Hausa service of the BBC.

During a plenary session, Senator Olamilekan Adeola, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, raised a motion to address Ningi’s allegations, citing the urgent need to address what he termed as “false allegations.”

The transcript of Ningi’s interview was read on the Senate floor, prompting deliberation on the appropriate action to take.

Initially, Senator Jimoh Ibrahim proposed a 12-month suspension for Ningi, but Senator Chris Ekpeyong moved to reduce it to six months.

Eventually, Senator Garba Maidoki amended the motion further, suggesting a three-month suspension.

The amended motion was put to a voice vote, and Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the decision to suspend Ningi for three months.

Following the ruling, Ningi was escorted out of the Senate chamber by the Sergeants-at-arms.

The suspension comes amidst division within the Senate over Ningi’s claims, with some senators disowning his allegations and calling for a thorough investigation.

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Government

Ekiti Governor Unveils Multi-Billion Naira Relief Programmes Amid Economic Crisis

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Biodun Oyebanji

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji, has announced a comprehensive relief package aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by the people of the state.

The relief programs encompass various sectors to cushion the impact of the economic downturn.

One of the key initiatives entails clearing salary arrears amounting to over N2.7 billion owed to both State and Local Government workers.

This move signifies the government’s commitment to addressing the financial burdens faced by its workforce.

Furthermore, Governor Oyebanji has approved a substantial increase of N600 million per month in the subvention of autonomous institutions, including the Judiciary and tertiary institutions.

This augmentation is intended to enable these institutions to implement wage awards in alignment with State and Local Government workers’ salaries.

In addition to addressing salary arrears, the relief programs extend to pensioners, with the approval of payments totaling N1.5 billion for two months’ pension arrears.

Moreover, an increase in the monthly gratuity payment to state pensioners and local government pensioners will provide additional financial support, totaling N200 million monthly.

The relief initiatives also encompass agricultural and small-scale business sectors.

The allocation of funds for food production and livestock transformation projects underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing food security and economic sustainability at the grassroots level.

Governor Oyebanji emphasized that these relief programs are part of the state’s concerted efforts to mitigate the adverse effects of the economic downturn and foster shared prosperity.

The comprehensive nature of the initiatives reflects a proactive approach towards addressing the challenges faced by Ekiti State residents.

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President Tinubu Orders Immediate Settlement of N342m Electricity Bill for Presidential Villa

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power project

President Bola Tinubu has directed the prompt settlement of a N342 million outstanding electricity bill owed by the Presidential Villa to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC).

This move comes in response to the reconciliation of accounts between the State House Management and the AEDC.

The AEDC had earlier threatened to disconnect electricity services to the Presidential Villa and 86 Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) over a total outstanding debt of N47.20 billion as of December 2023.

Contrary to the initial claim by the AEDC that the State House owed N923 million in electricity bills, the Presidency clarified that the actual outstanding amount is N342.35 million.

This discrepancy underscores the importance of accurate accounting and reconciliation between entities.

In a statement signed by President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency affirmed the commitment to settle the debt promptly.

Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila assured that the debt would be paid to the AEDC before the end of the week.

The directive from the Presidency extends beyond the State House, as Gbajabiamila urged other MDAs to reconcile their accounts with the AEDC and settle their outstanding electricity bills.

The AEDC, on its part, issued a 10-day notice to the affected government agencies to settle their debts or face disconnection.

This development highlights the importance of financial accountability and responsible management of public utilities.

It also underscores the necessity for government entities to fulfill their financial obligations to service providers promptly, ensuring uninterrupted services and avoiding potential disruptions.

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