Easter: IBEDC Tells Nigerians To Embrace Love

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc extends warm greetings to Christians and all Nigerians in commemoration of. the Easter season.

In a statement issued by the Managing Director, Engr. Kingsley Achife emphasized the significance of Easter, highlighting its essence of love, renewal, and sacrifice, which are fundamental principles for societal harmony and progress.

He urged all citizens, particularly Christians, to embody the spirit of love and compassion, fostering unity and collective prosperity.

He reaffirmed IBEDC’s commitment to providing good service delivery throughout the Easter festivities.

He assured customers that the technical team will be on standby to promptly address any electrical faults that may arise during this period. “To ensure seamless assistance, our customer care line, 07001239999, will remain operational to address inquiries and reports promptly.”

He cautioned against the engagement of unqualified individuals to handle electrical issues within communities, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety protocols and proper earthing of premises.

He underscored the dangers of tampering with electrical installations, stressing that such actions are not only illegal but also pose serious risks to electrical accidents.

Engr. Achife also urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads, avoiding driving under the influence and adhering to traffic regulations to prevent accidents involving electrical infrastructure.

Besides,the Managing Director encourages customers to utilize IBEDC’s hassle-free payment platforms to settle their bills and purchase electricity units conveniently, thereby avoiding service disruptions.

Among these platforms is the newly launched IBEDCPAY app, accessible to both Android and iOS users. Other payment options include Irecharge, Quickteller, Payarena, Jumia, Watu, Buypower, and ATM.

Eko DisCo Board Faults Egeregor’s Publication

Mohammed Shosanya

The Chairman of Eko Electricity Distribution Company (Eko DisCo), Mr. Dere Otubu has issued a disclaimer on a publication made by a board member, Babor Egeregor.

He expressed this in a press statement on Thursday.

He said:“The attention of the Board of Directors has been drawn to the recent statements online and print media from Mr. Babor Egeregor, supposedly acting on behalf of the Board.

“This is to state that the Board of Eko Electricity Distribution Plc (“EKEDP”) did not and has not authorized Mr. Babor Egeregor to issue any statement or press release on its behalf. We therefore urge the general public to regard all communications from him as his personal views and does not represent the position of the Board of “EKEDP”. The Board of “EKEDP” hereby reaffirms that only communications and press releases signed by the Chairman, acting on behalf of the Board is authentic and represents the position of the company on any matter.

“We kindly urge the media houses to be wary about publishing statements from unconfirmed sources or unauthorised persons which may be aimed at misleading the public. Please be guided accordingly.”

The Chairman of the Board, Mr. Dere Otubu, had earlier on Thursday reacted to media reports insinuating that former CEO, Dr. Tinuade Sanda was still in charge.

His reaction, contained in a letter to Mrs. Momoh and the entire staff, on Thursday, March 28, follows a statement by the Director/Chairman, Legal and Regulatory Committee of EKEDC, Babor Egeregor, that removal of Sanda as MD/CEO and replacement with Momoh was not in sync with the directive of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Egeregor said the directive by NERC only covered those that were fingered in the allegations of fraud and negligence

But,in his letter to members of staff on Wednesday, entitled “Recent Management Changes at Eko DisCo, the Board Chairman, stated: “Following my earlier message to you in respect of the above, it has become necessary to send out this message in view of the misinformation being disseminated to the public.

“Kindly note that nothing has changed since the last message to you. No staff of WPG has been returned to Eko Disco. NERC has not nullified any of the actions taken by the Board of Eko Disco.

“All staff in acting roles following the withdrawal of WPG secondees including our Acting CEO Mrs Rekhiat Momoh are to continue doing their work.

“For greater clarity, the reason for the withdrawal of the WPG seconded staff is to allow for the process of employment of any qualified staff directly in Eko Disco. The decision of the board is that all staff members of Eko Disco will have the same conditions of service and be under the same payroll structure.

“There’ll therefore be the harmonisation of the salary structure so that there will be no further earnings dichotomy. This process is still ongoing and you will be informed when it is completed.

“Kindly continue to do your work without any concern or hindrance as what is being planted in the papers is only intended to cause mischief.

“The Board of Directors of Eko Disco remains the highest organ of governance of the Disco. Therefore, only statements from the Chairman acting on behalf of the Board should be countenanced.

“We have great confidence in all of you to perform your roles effectively and take the company to greater heights.We therefore urge everyone to keep doing their duties diligently.”

Adelabu, Obaseki, Kyari For Maiden Energy Times’ Awards

Mohammed Shosanya

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mele Kolo Kyari; Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Nasarawa State counterpart, Abdullahi Sule, are among dignitaries that will grace the maiden edition of Energy Times’ Awards billed to take place at Eko Hotels & Suite,Victoria Island, Lagos, on 19th of April 2024.

Adelabu,who will lead the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry to the occasion,will be the Special Guest of Honour,a statement said.

Besides,the Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari,will lead top Nigerian Oil and Gas players to the event.

Kyari,who has spearheaded the turnaround of NNPCL from loss-making to a profitable company,will clinch the GCEO of the Year award,while the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will be conferred with the BusinessMan of the Year award.

According to the statement,MOMAS Electricity Meter Manufacturing Company (MEMMCOL),will receive the most Innovative Company of the Year award,while ND Western will fetch indigenous oil company of the year on account of its major role in Nigeria’s oil and gas development.

Heir Energies will be conferred with emerging energy company of the year.

Five long-standing subscribers to the newspaper will be appreciated at the event with certificates of recognition,the statement added.

The awardees which were carefully selected based on their contributions in the energy sector include top industry players, organisations and government agencies whose contributions have impacted the economy and people’s lives positively.

The newspaper’s Editorial Board Chairman, Alhaji Yakubu Lawal,hinted that in order to make the event a memorable one, a team of industry experts were constituted into a body of Advisers to deepen the content of the award.

He also explained that this year’s award was meant to appreciate and recognize individuals and companies whose works had impacted people’s lives positively.

He said: “These subscribers, including an organisation, have in no small measure, stood by us in ENERGY TIMES from the beginning till date. We are impressed by their sacrifices and the trust they have in us.”

ENERGY TIMES started as a weekly newspaper and is today a bi-weekly publication based in Lagos, the nation’s commercial and economic hub. It was established in March 2017, to fill the vacuum in in-depth Energy news analyses and reportage in Nigeria.

With a current subscribers’ base of 1,815 that cuts across the country, ENERGY TIMES has offices in Lagos, Abuja and Port-Harcourt.

N400m Debt: IBEDC Disconnects Supply To UCH

Mohammed Shosanya

The management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc, has been compelled to disconnect the supply to the University of Ibadan College Hospital (UCH) due to an outstanding debt exceeding N400 million.

This drastic measure comes after exhaustive attempts to engage with the hospital’s management regarding the substantial overdue balance,which has persisted for over six years,a statement by the company’s Chief Key Accounts Officer,Mr. Johnson Tinuoye,said.

According to the statement,despite numerous written correspondences and multiple meetings, UCH management has displayed an uncooperative attitude toward addressing the outstanding debt.

It explained that,IBEDC’s fiduciary responsibility to its stakeholders and market operators necessitates timely and complete remittances, especially considering the liquidity crisis facing DISCOs.

The statement quoted that unpaid electricity bills hinder electricity distribution companies’ ability to fulfill obligations to GENCOs and purchase gas for power generation, contributing to the nationwide issue of low power supply.

It added:”It’s worth noting that UCH operates more than 70 diesel-generating sets, consuming diesel at 1,600 Naira per liter. This means they generate energy at 400 Naira per kilowatt, significantly higher than the tariff of 74 Naira per kilowatt that IBEDC sells to UCH.

“Additionally, IBEDC has provided infrastructure to ensure 20-24 hours of dedicated supply to UCH, yet they have refused to settle their outstanding debt or propose a workable repayment plan.
It’s pertinent to highlight that UCH is not the only Teaching Hospital within IBEDC’s franchise.

“Teaching Hospitals in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara State, and others in Ogun State promptly settle their bills. IBEDC questions why UCH differs in this regard.

“While recognizing the crucial role hospitals play in society, IBEDC emphasizes the necessity of adhering to payment obligations, particularly amidst challenging economic conditions.

“As our regulator, NERC, has warned DISCOs of potential license withdrawal for non-performance, IBEDC encourages all customers to pay for electricity consumption promptly to ensure the viability of the sector”.

“IBEDC remains committed to excellent service delivery and urges other customers owing the company to make prompt payments, enabling the company to meet its obligations effectively and provide reliable services”.

Rekhiat Momoh Is New Acting CEO  of Eko Disco

Mohammed Shosanya

Eko Electricity Distribution Company,Tuesday,appointed that Mrs Rekhiat Momoh,as its new Acting Chief Executive Officer

The development follows the redeployment of the company’s erstwhile MD/CEO Mrs Tinuade Sanda back to WPG Ltd, the core investor who seconded her to Eko Disco,a statement said.

According to the statement,Mrs Momoh has been in the power sector for more than 31 meritorious years. She has risen through the ranks in the power sector from the days of NEPA, PHCN and now Eko Disco, receiving several excellence awards, commendations and medals along the way.

It added:”A consummate marketing professional by training, she holds an MBA from Lagos State University. She’s a fellow of several professional bodies including Nigeria Institute of Management, National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria and several others. She has attended several leadership and management courses and training programmes both locally and internationally.

“We have great confidence in her ability to perform this role effectively and take the company to greater heights”.

Meanwhile,the former CEO of the electricity company,Dr.Tinuade Sanda,has cleared air on her exit from Eko Electricity Distribution Company.

She said,she has not been dismissed but has instead been redeployed along with all other management staff, in accordance with a directive from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

She explained in a statement that,the directive, aimed at addressing the ghost worker issue within EKEDC, has led to the cessation of the secondment arrangement, thereby granting EKEDC the authority to directly employ its management team as it sees fit following a comprehensive investigation.

She added:”This restructuring is designed to enhance accountability and transparency within the organization. Additionally, NERC has empowered EKEDC to enforce disciplinary measures against any staff implicated in the ghost workers scandal, ensuring the maintenance of integrity and efficiency in its operations”

IBEDC Partners SIPTEO On Fight Against Energy Theft

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc,says it is intensifying its campaign against energy theft within its network area.

Besides,the power company,in collaboration with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences (SIPTEO), is actively pursuing investigations and legal actions against individuals and businesses involved in energy theft.

According to a statement signed by Mr. Johnson Tinuoye, the Chief Key Accounts Officer of the company, IBEDC has identified and recorded over 1,459 cases of energy theft between January and February 2024.

These cases include various offenses such as meter bypass and illegal meter tampering, resulting in significant financial losses amounting to hundreds of millions of naira for the company.

The escalating figures have prompted a strategic partnership with the Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences, a federal government agency dedicated to expediting the investigation and prosecution of offenders within IBEDC’s franchise.

Mr. Tinuoye emphasized that under the Electricity Act, energy theft is now recognized as a criminal offense, carrying severe penalties including imprisonment. In the same vein in Osun region, two individuals were apprehended for stealing energy through meter bypass and illegal connections. Their cases have been formally charged in court for prosecution.

“We want to send a clear message to our customers that energy theft will not be tolerated. Our collaboration with the Federal Government Special Investigation and Prosecution Task Force on Electricity Offences underscores our commitment to ensuring a fair and just electricity distribution system. Energy theft not only undermines the integrity of our operations but also deprives IBEDC of the revenue necessary to provide quality services to our customers.” Mr. Tinuoye stated.

The company implored customers to refrain from engaging in any form of energy theft, emphasizing that the consequences can be severe, as there is no room for negotiation with the SIPTEO Task Force team which is actively patrolling and investigating instances of energy theft for prosecution.

Ramadan: Kebbi Govt Didn’t Pay Electricity Bills For Customers,Says Kaduna Electric

Mohammed Shosanya

The Kaduna Electric,says Kebbi state government didn’t pay the company for electricity supply in favor of individual customers during the holy month of Ramadan.

Abdulazeez Abdullahi,Head, Corporate Communication,who gave the clarification in a statement enjoined the customers to pay their bills promptly during the period.

He added:”Our esteemed customers in Kebbi State are therefore expected to promptly pay for the power they have consumed monthly as has been the case. The bills for the month of February have been distributed, and customers are expected to pay in full to avoid disconnection”

The company also clarifies its ongoing partnership with the Kebbi State Government towards the improvement of power supply to the state during the holy month of Ramadan and beyond.

According to the statement,the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, His Excellency, Governor Nasir Idris, alongside some key government officials and advisers invited the management of Kaduna Electric, led by the Managing Director, Umar Abubakar Hashidu for a meeting to actualize the plan of delivering improved electricity supply to Kebbi State.

It said,despite the numerous challenges of poor generation, the Birnin Kebbi Transmission Station fire incident and the general lack of payment for the electricity consumed by customers, the management of Kaduna Electric resolved to work with the Kebbi State Government to improve power supply to the state by utilizing the Service Based Tariff (SBT) mechanism introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Authority (NERC).

The SBT entails the allocation of power supply to different feeder bands with corresponding tariff reclassification in accordance with the more hours of electricity supply enjoyed by customers.

It added:”After a joint analysis of the status of electricity supply for the feeders in Birnin Kebbi, an agreement was reached to improve electricity supply from the previous average of 6 hours daily to an average of 12 hours daily, with selected feeders grouped into three categories that are allocated 16 hours, 12 hours and 8 hours on a daily basis.

“It is pertinent to note that the improvement in electricity supply was supposed to lead to a tariff increase for the customers in Birnin Kebbi in accordance with the definite hours enjoyed. However, the Governor in his magnanimity agreed to partly pay for the differential as a subsidy and support for the Ramadan period.

“As a gesture of goodwill, the Governor of Kebbi State has also settled all the outstanding debt owed Kaduna Electric for the electricity consumed by the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of the state, he has committed to promptly settle the monthly bills of the state government going forward and also promised to invest in power infrastructure that will improve the availability, quality and reliability of power supply that will enable industrialization and economic development in the state.

“In a different vein, the Governor has also promised to devise strategies to engage the public, the traditional institution and other community leaders to partner with Kaduna Electric to devise effective strategies that will make the residents of Kebbi State treat the payment of their electricity bills as a civic duty that will make Kebbi State be categorized as a viable state that will encourage Kaduna Electric to sustain electricity supply to the state”.

New Legislation To Promote Local Content In Power Sector Underway,Says Adelabu

Mohammed Shosanya

The Federal Government,has revealed plans to introduce legislation mandating local content in the nation’s power sector.

Mr Adebayo Adelabu,the Minister of Power,spoke at the weekend in Ogun State,where he also emphasized the necessity of comprehensive plans for full backwards integration and technical training.

He assured support for local manufacturers investing in domestic production during a working visit to Momas Electricity Meters Manufacturing Company Ltd. (MEMMCOL), Mowe, Ogun State.

He said: “That is the only way local producers can be sustained.But, we need to start developing capacity in terms of investment infrastructure and also ensure mass production.

“We need to develop local capacity to avoid importation.We must have comprehensive plan for full backward integration, so that the locally manufactured products will be achieved.

“We need to start training our people in technical training.”

He outlined the Presidential Metering Initiatives’ target of installing two million to 2.5 million meters annually over the next five years.

Commending MOMAS for its contributions to bridging the metering gap, Adelabu stated, “MOMAS remain our proud local meter manufacturing company in Nigeria. Its investment in metering and other electrical equipment is topnotch.

“I visited the meters manufacturing company to see how they can be supported.lt’s part of my visit to see how they can be supported through the meter expansion programme of the Ministry of Power.

“We know that Nigeria is highly import dependence country, this are one of the reason our currency has lost values.lt one of the intention of government to ensure we are back on import substitution journey.

“The only way we can do this is to support local manufacturers, apart from support.

“We must also incentives them by providing conducive atmosphere that we make their production activities in terms of cost to be competitive,” Adelabu said.

He acknowledged MOMAS’s huge investment in metering infrastructure and emphasised the importance of creating a conducive environment for local manufacturers to thrive.

Adelabu promised to engage with regulatory bodies to expedite meter acquisition plans,underscoring the urgency of addressing the widening metering gap.

He implored other Nigerian businesses to emulate MOMAS’s dedication to local content development, emphasising the government’s commitment to promoting self-reliance and reducing dependence on foreign goods.

“We must also incentivised them by providing conducive atmosphere that we make there production activities in terms of cost to be more competitive,” Adelabu said.

He said the Ministry was impressed with the huge investment in metering installations and metering accessories at MOMAS factory, saying, the Chairman is a patriotic Nigerian.

“I have seen production process of meters and l am impressed with the local content of MOMAS.

“I never believed they had such facilities and technology know-how.Over 80 per cent of there production are done locally. This is commendable and impressive,” he said.

Adelabu promised to discuss with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory (NERC) on how to accelerate meter aquisation plans.

Speaking,Mr Kola Balogun, Chairman of MOMAS, expressed appreciation for the minister’s support and stressed the need for sustained government commitment to local industries.

He highlighted MOMAS’s capability in meter manufacturing and called for increased government support to facilitate raw material procurement and potentially explore export opportunities.

He said that there is need for more of such commitments from government to develop local capacity in power sector.

He added:”Because we can take advantage of the new Africa doctrine of exporting, so, that local manufacturers can export to other part of Africa countries.

” We design meters from scratch and that capability not in doubt because we complied with all the various standard that Nigeria as set and also global best practices in terms of design.

“Virtually, all Discos are our partners, we also supply meter to Liberia, Sierra Leone and others African countries, but the volume Nigeria needed supersedes any volume in Africa.

“The local patronage is still very much needed to be able meet up the investments threshold that qe have done in the country today”

Power Sector:Underperforming Contractors Will Go,Says REF Boss

   
 Mohammed Shosanya

The Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Fund in Rural Electrification Agency, Hon. Engr. Doris Uboh, has advised contractors involved in power sector projects to improve their performance.

She said that the sector authorities are poised to dismiss any contractor failing to meet expectations.

She spoke during an interactive and familiarization meeting with stakeholders in the power industry,where he also emphasized the importance of stakeholders and contractors only undertaking projects that align with their capabilities and expertise.

She expressed her readiness to collaborate with local stakeholders, highlighting that external interventions have not effectively addressed the longstanding issues in the power sector.

She added:”I am impressed with the presentations I have received and listened to so far, especially knowing that you all share my passion and belief that it will take Nigerians to make Nigeria work.

“Bringing in external hands has only worsened the situation for obvious reasons. The fact that there are Nigerians like you who are willing, know the terrain, have the experience, and are ready to work to provide solutions to the issues of epileptic and inadequate power supply is commendable”.

She emphasized the widespread issues faced by Nigerians was due to power instability, as well as the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving them in a timely manner.

She said: “The issues affecting the power sector have become a problem that impacts all Nigerians, regardless of their wealth. These issues now manifest in places that were once thought to be immune.”

“Furthermore, the Honorable Minister is deeply concerned and passionate about ensuring successful outcomes. Fortunately, young people currently play a dominant role in the industry, with many of us having exposure to international experiences through academic studies. This has allowed us to witness the success of foreign power sectors, instilling confidence that similar achievements are possible here.

“Highlighting the importance of maintaining good conduct and honoring contractual agreements, Honorable Uboh emphasized, ‘I recently attended a workshop where I reiterated our zero tolerance policy for failed projects.

“As an agency, we are committed to supporting developers facing challenges within our scope. However, stakeholders must avoid taking on more than they can handle. If necessary, we will reassign projects to more capable individuals to ensure successful outcomes. Our primary goal is to achieve results.

“Even if you are a close relative, excessive delays on a project, as mentioned by the Minister, may lead to consequences. I will not hesitate to take action, even if it means parting ways with family members or colleagues before facing dismissal myself.

“Before you tarnish my reputation, I will assign the job to someone who can execute it because I am exhausted, and so is everyone else, from these recurring power complaints. It feels as if something is fundamentally wrong with us as a people, but in reality, there is nothing wrong with us.”

EKEDC Boosts Power Supply For Surulere Residents With New 2 X 20 MVA Randle Injection Substation

Mohammed Shosanya

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC),has commissioned a 2 X 20 MVA injection substation located off Randle Avenue, Surulere last Saturday.

This is in furtherance of the company’s commitment to improving power supply across its franchise area,a statement said on Monday.

According to the statement,the substation which is the first of its kind in Nigeria with a 20 MVA rating will bring relief to other substations around Surulere and will in turn improve the power supply in the area.

Speaking at the commissioning event, the Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by the Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun.

He said:“Our collaboration with Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), alongside other stakeholders, has been pivotal in bringing this project to fruition. We have demonstrated what can be achieved when public and private entities join forces with a shared purpose. As earlier mentioned, one of the two units of the 20MVA Injection substation was facilitated during my tenure as Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives to restate further our commitment to the improvement of electricity supply in our community.

 “I commend the automobile technicians of Randle Mechanic Village for their understanding and cooperation in allowing us to put this facility in a section of their workshop.”

He further noted that President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring improved electricity supply nationwide. 

He said the Tinubu administration is in constant interface with the stakeholders in the power sector towards addressing the multifaceted challenges impeding the stable supply of electricity. 

He also said,President Tinubu has allocated over 340 billion in the 2024 budget towards improving infrastructure in the power sector. 

He added:”The President is also concerned about cases of energy theft, estimated billing and stealing of power infrastructure. Citizens must protect power infrastructure in their various communities as we expect the electricity distribution companies to address cases of estimated billing and poor meter distribution”.

The Chairman, Board of Directors of EKEDC, Dr. Dere Otubu appreciated the people of Surulere for their steadfastness, tenacity, and patience. He also said “EKEDC stands for improving the quality of lives of its customers by providing reliable, sustainable, and safe electricity supply. This is our commitment to all our customers, and we believe that this infrastructure will help us to meet with this commitment to the good people of Surulere and Lagosian.”

He noted, “Rest assured that we will not rest on our oars but intensify this commitment to distribute power consistently, reliably, and safely to the people.” He also mentioned that the Agbara community are next in line to get their project commissioned soon.

The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, reiterated the State Government’s commitment to ensuring that Lagosians enjoy reliable and constant electricity.

 He also advised the Surulere community to guard the equipment and refrain from all illegal activities that may affect the state of power in the state.