Business

Disco Owed N1.15 trillion in Power Supply Tariff Shortfall –NERC

Published

5 years ago

August 26, 2019

Disco Owed N1.15 trillion in Power Supply Tariff Shortfall –NERC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) has revealed that 11 power distribution companies across the country are owed a total of N1.15 trillion by electricity consumers in the space of four years; 2015 to 2018.

NERC revealed this in a document published on its website titled, ‘2016-2018 Minor Review of Multi-Year Tariff Order 2015 and Minimum Remittance Order for Year 2019 for the Discos’.

The commission also urged the Discos to disconnect electricity supply to any Ministry Department and Agency (MDA) of government that refuses to pay for power consumed, adding that it is mandatory for Discos to assign them meters of their choice.

It said “All discos reserve the right to disconnect any MDAs defaulting in the payment for electricity in line with the Regulation on Connection and Disconnection Procedures for Electricity Services”.

The commission, however, acknowledged that the rise in debt with the period under review was as a result of its failure to review and approve the right tariffs for the Discos; a decision it made based on orders by the Federal Government. It explained that the reviews, meant to be done periodically, are in two phrases; minor and major phrases. At both stages, economic determinants necessary for power generation and supply such as such price of gas and exchange rates, are reviewed and that a disregard of the reviews would affect the Discos as they would supply power on terms that were not workable.

According to the commission, Port Harcourt Disco suffered a loss of N104.31 billion in shortfall while Abuja Disco recorded N102.22 billion.

Also, Kano Disco recorded a shortfall of N97.82billion, Enugu recorded, N95.64billion and Jos, N88.36billion.

The largest shortfalls were recorded by Ibadan Disco with a shortfall of N161.88 billion, followed by Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company with N124.17 billion, Benin Disco at N155.35 billion and Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company at N144.54 billion.

The lowest shortfall was recorded by Yola Distribution Company with a shortfall of N51.63 billion. The Yola Disco was taken over by the Federal Government in July 2015 after the exit of key investors following insecurity challenges in the North-East Region.

According to NERC, in accordance with the Power Sector Recovery Plan (PSRP) approved by the Federal Government, all accrued liabilities in Discos’ financial records arising from tariff shortfalls would be transferred off the balance sheet and fully settled under the financing plan of the PSRP initiative.

“All Discos with excess of tariff shortfalls over market shortfalls shall be compensated accordingly for the differences. All interest payable by Discos on unpaid invoices issued by the NBET and the MO and attributable to tariff shortfalls shall be transferred off the balance sheet of the utilities, ” It said.

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Samed Olukoya

Is the CEO and Founder of Investors King Limited. He is a seasoned foreign exchange research analyst and a published author on Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, Nasdaq, Entrepreneur.com, Investorplace, and other prominent platforms. With over two decades of experience in global financial markets, Olukoya is well-recognized in the industry.

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Business

New Website Unveiled by FG for Pay-Later CNG Conversion to Cut Transport Costs

Published

2 days ago

October 10, 2024

Yetunde Olugbenga

The federal government has unveiled a website that offers a pay-later option for commercial and private car owners looking to convert their petrol-powered vehicles to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG).

This was in response to the incessant increase in transportation fares following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

According to the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) the initiative will help ease transportation costs and encourage more transporters to embrace CNG.

In a post on X, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) revealed that this initiative ensures a hassle-free experience for CNG users through an easy online application and a quick approval process.

“Switching to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) is now more accessible than ever. With flexible payment plans tailored to fit your budget, transitioning from petrol to CNG has never been smoother or more affordable. These payment options allow you to convert your vehicle now and pay later with affordable monthly installments at competitive rates.” NOA stated.

The installment payment option aims to achieve the federal government’s projection of a 30-40% fare reduction as more motorists adopt this initiative.

In addition to the distribution of 2,000 CNG-powered tricycles among youths in the transportation sector across Nigeria, the pay-later option is intended to encourage more people to adopt CNG, thereby providing affordable mobility options.

Business

Nigerians Fear Increase in Fake Products as NAFDAC Officials Commence Indefinite Nationwide Strike

Published

4 days ago

October 8, 2024

Ugwoke Ogbodo

There are indications that fake producers of consumables and other items across the country may have a field day following an industrial action embarked upon by workers of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Investors King gathered that the nationwide strike which started on Monday is indefinite and nationwide.

The decision of the staff of the agency to down tools followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to their management.

The decision to shun work was confirmed after a congress of NAFDAC staff convened on Friday, October 4, 2024 over unresolved issues.

The striking workers, under the directive of the Senior Staff Association of Statutory Corporations and Government-Owned Companies (SSASCGOC) have been instructed to withdraw all services and vacate offices.

They were also ordered to remove personal belongings as the strike began.

The demands of the staff include a review and re-evaluation of the 2024 promotion examination results, which currently reflect a pass rate of just 35%.

The union is pushing for a minimum benchmark of 80% for this year and future exams. Another key demand is the settlement of salary arrears for employees hired in 2022 among others

In a statement signed by Secretary of the Association, Ejor Michael, the union accused NAFDAC management of ignoring their grievances, calling the inaction insufferable.

The staff have vowed to continue the strike until all demands outlined in their communiqué are met.

NAFDAC, which plays a critical role in regulating Nigeria’s food, drug, and pharmaceutical industries, is expected to face significant operational disruptions as a result of the industrial action.

Before now, there had been public outcry over the increase in fake products as Nigerians called out the agency and tasked it to be more proactive.

They expressed fear that there is a tendency that manufacturers of fake products would have ample opportunities to saturate the markets with dangerous products as those who would tackle them are now on strike.

Business

27.75% Interest Rate Painful but Necessary – CBN Gov Cardoso

Published

4 days ago

October 7, 2024

Bassey Marshall

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Yemi Cardoso, has described the recent increase in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.25% as a painful but necessary move.

Cardoso made this known in Lagos, during his address to members of the Harvard Club of Nigeria on the topic: “Leadership in Challenging Times: Restoring Credibility, Building Trust, and Containing Inflation”.

Investors King reported that on September 24, 2024, the apex bank announced another increase in its Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 26.75 percent to 27.25%

The decision was reached during the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting chaired by the CBN Governor.

However, while delivering his speech in Lagos, the CBN boss sympathized with borrowers highlighting the pain the new interest rate will heap on them.

According to Cardoso, the bank’s decision to raise the interest rate was a bold move to reduce excess money in circulation and control inflation effectively.

He emphasized the need for Nigeria to look beyond short-term comfort and strive to secure long-term stability.

Cardoso reaffirmed the CBN’s commitment to rebuilding public trust in the institution.

He said, “Our decision to raise the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) to 27.25% was a bold move. Higher interest rates, while painful for borrowers, are necessary to curb excess money in circulation and control inflation.

“Leadership is about making hard choices to secure long-term stability over short-term comfort in moments like these

“Leading through challenging times means avoiding the temptation to take on too many initiatives. The Central Bank must focus on its core mandate—price stability. It is easy to become distracted by various political and economic pressures, but as a leader, one must prioritise.”

“Trust is the currency of central banking. If the public loses trust in the institution, the efficacy of its policies diminishes.

“Our decision to implement the Electronic Foreign Exchange Matching System (EFEMS) is rooted in this understanding.

“By enhancing transparency and providing more accurate oversight of forex transactions, we send a strong signal that the CBN is serious about fair and efficient markets.”

Meanwhile, The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had criticized the interest rate hike by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The Director General of MAN, Mr. Segun Ajayi-Kadir, made the association’s position known in a statement titled ‘Reaction of MAN on the Report of MPC Meeting on September 23-24, 2024’.

MAN noted that with the higher interest rate, the cost of production will increase.

According to him, the impact of the increase goes beyond the manufacturers, it will stifle investment opportunities.