Mohammed Shosanya

Mr Johnson Akinnawo,has been appointed as the new he acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (Actg MD/CEO) of the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET).

His appointment follows the retirement
of of the agency’s boss,Dr Nnaemeka Ewelukwa,on 24 July, 2024.

The company’s management,in a statement, described Johnson Akinnawoas a consummate professional with over 25 years of experience, and a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a seasoned Energy Contract Management Specialist, and the pioneer Financial Controller of NBET in 2012.

He was responsible for architecting the seamless setup of NBET’s Accounting Systems, designing, and implementing transparent controls, as well as instituting a culture of transparency and integrity in all NBET energy market settlements.

“He has been an integral part of the NBET management team since inception, successfully managing all NBET market receipts from the distribution companies (DisCos) and payments to the generation companies (GenCos), including government intervention and the Federal Government of Nigeria World Bank Power Sector Recovery Operation (PSRO) funds,” it added.

Before this appointment, as the General Manager, Origination, Contract Management and Administration, the new NBET boss was responsible for directing IPP planning and procurement activities through contract negotiations, managing portfolio risks and ensuring regulatory compliance.

“Among other achievements, he led the team that successfully completed the negotiation of several greenfield IPP projects and closed out on the Trans Afam 726MW Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), facilitating the FGN’s privatization of the Power Plant and paving the way for additional investments of up to N105.3billion.

“He also finalised a SOMW power purchase contract for the Maiduguri Emergency Power Project, restoring electricity to the region after insurgency disruptions.

“Additionally, he achieved the successful implementation of the first-ever industry-wide synchronous capacity test of Power Plants in NBET’s portfolio, to ascertain the plant’s net dependable capacity alongside gas sufficiency/availability in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

“Mr Akinnawo now leads NBET at a time when the company is implementing measures to Stabilise the electricity market and address liquidity in the electricity value chain,” the statement added.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, Sanusi Garba, has announced that the Commission has established regulatory frameworks to support investors in renewable and distributed energy generation.

Speaking at the Summit on Accelerating Scale-up of Renewable and Distributed Energy Resources in Nigeria, its chairman,Sanusi Garba emphasized NERC’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investors to tap into the country’s vast renewable energy potential.

He paffirmed the Commission’s commitment to effectively drive actions to promote the expansion of renewable and distributed energy access in Nigeria, noting that Nigeria’s mini grid regulation by NERC was widely regarded as one of the best in the world.

“Nigeria’s quest for accelerated scale-up of distributed and renewable energy is not without challenges. We have regulatory frameworks designed to provide clarity and certainty for investors, ensuring that they can confidently invest in renewable energy projects and contribute to Nigeria’s sustainable energy future,” he said.

The key frameworks and guidelines, acording to him, include “Electricity Act 2023, which enables NERC to promote all forms of renewable energy through regulation and licensing.

“Supplementary Order to MYTO 2024, requiring DisCos to procure a minimum of 10 percent of their 2024 load allocation from embedded generation, with at least 50percent sourced from renewable energy sources.”

He expressed optimism that efforts and deliberations at the summit will provide a platform for the electricity framework to promote energy access, enhance energy security, inclusive growth and accelerated access to electricity.

The representative of the European Union delegation, Godfrey Ogbemudia, said the EU has partnered with Nigeria to promote renewable energy since 2008 and has put €200 million in grants up until 2020.

He said by 2021, the EU renewed its ability to fund renewable energy with €100 million to fund some 400 renewable energy projects that will benefit five million Nigerians and reduce carbon emissions.

“Let me commend NERC for taking bold steps and being innovative to promote renewable energy in Nigeria,” said Ogbemudia.

Declaring the summit open, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, commended the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC for partnering with key stakeholders to hold the summit when such discussion was needed most.

“In a special way, I want to commend NERC for putting up this summit. This summit is an important step and in full alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidential priorities highlighted in the Renewed Hope Agenda to develop a sustainable energy sector for the country.

“It is expected that intellectual discourse, such as this summit we are gathered here today, will highlight and expose the strategies, regulations and bankable financing arrangements that can be leveraged to deliver our target 30 gigawatts of power supply capacity by 2030 of which 30 percent are from renewable energy.”

Mohammed Shosanya

Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC),has appointed Engr. Chijioke Okwuokenye as its acting Managing Director, with immediate effect.

The appointment,will see Engr. Okwuokenye drive the positioning of AEDC as the foremost, customer-focused electricity distribution company in the Nigerian power sector, a statement by Adefisayo Akinsanya, the Head, Marketing and Corporate Communications of AEDC,said.

Before his appointment, the statement quoted that,he served as the company’s Chief Operating Officer, where he oversaw strategic support units and embedded generation projects of the company.

He brings to the role a wealth of experience and expertise in the power sector, as well as a passion for the attainment of the vision for the Nigerian electricity supply industry.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr. Stanley I. Lawson, said, “Chijioke Okwuokenye is an experienced leader who has been a part of the company’s transformation agenda and is well suited to drive its corporate turnaround. I am confident that, with his technical and commercial background, he will continue to drive value for all AEDC stakeholders”.

The company also announced the appointment of Olumide Jerome as the Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, he served as one of the company’s Chief Business Officers. He will drive efficiency and operational excellence across the company as part of his new responsibilities.

Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) is an electricity distribution company in Nigeria, committed to delivering dependable electricity to millions across the nation’s key commercial centres – Federal Capital Territory (Abuja), Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa states.

In May 2023, a Transcorp-led consortium, became the core investor in AEDC, following its 60% acquisition of the company’s shares. Since this strategic acquisition, the company has intensified efforts to upgrade substations, expand distribution networks, and integrate cutting-edge technologies, to enhance power supply reliability and operational efficiency.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, warned that sanctions would be imposed on any agency or Director that fails to meet it’s expectations in the power sector.

He disclosed this on Wednesday when various agencies in the power sector signed performance contracts aimed to work in synergy to deliver targets and contribute to the overall achievement of the sector’s goals.

The Minister said he won’t wait until the end of the year or end of the quarter before he conduct the assessment,adding that there was need for everyone to get involved in the works on “how you are progressing to achieve your final targets for the quarter”.

He added:”Just like the performance delivery is top-down, reward will also be top-down on achievement. Then, sanctions too, will be top-down, depending on the sanctions that Mr. President is going to mete out to a non-performing minister and a non-performing council, we will determine the sanctions that will be met out to everybody involved here.

“Like I mentioned at the beginning of this meeting, I think you saw a lot of topics. We talked about information sharing, dissemination, and sector-wide coordination.

“You can serve as a supervisory, monitoring, and oversight platform for ministry of power and all the agencies on that.It’s also to serve more like a platform for sector coordination and decentralized project management.

“And the fourth number is the synergy that we intend to gain from coming together of all of us here and capacity optimization. We are going to use the skills that we have across all the agencies and ministries in each of our activities.

“And lastly is the issue of a training platform, a training ground, a refresher opportunity for all of us to know what is happening in the sector so that when we are out there, we can respectively represent the power sector.

“Then covering the entire board is that it is a performance, monitoring, and evaluation platform because we all have targets to achieve at the end of the year. And we will not wait until the end of the year or end of the quarter before we start assessing ourselves.

“We need to get involved in the works on how you are progressing to achieve your final targets for the quarter in your presentation, how much have you achieved, what you set out for the year.So what we are doing now at the end of the meeting is to ensure that we sign more like a performance bond or a performance contract that will compel each and every one of us to deliver on our targets. “

Babatunde Solanke

The Federal Government is seeking the assistance of the World Bank to provide funding worth $50 million to support state governments for the installation of solar plant pilots and infrastructure upgrades.

The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun spoke on the initiative when he met with a World Bank delegate on Monday in Abuja,a statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Finance Ministry, Mohammed Manga,said.

According to the statement,the meeting was held to discuss innovative ways to drive Nigeria’s power sector forward.

The minister explained that the meeting focused on World Bank-supported initiatives, including the Power Sector Recovery Operation and the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme, aimed at improving power distribution and management systems to ensure economic growth and development in the nation.

He disclosed that the programme would ensure the rollout of 3.5m prepaid metres to enhance power distribution and support tariff frameworks, market reforms and co-financing the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Performance Improvement Plan.

He said: “In its renewed determination to drive economic growth and development in the country, the Federal Government has continued to engage with relevant stakeholders to boost power sector investments as a major priority area for achieving the desired objective.

“The initiative will strengthen plans to roll out 3.5 million prepaid metres to enhance power distribution.

“$50 million funding for state solar plant pilots and infrastructure upgrades, with measures to support tariff frameworks, market reforms, and co-financing the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s Performance Improvement Plan.

“This collaboration aims at strengthening Nigeria’s power sector, enhancing energy access, promoting economic growth and development, improving job creation as well as poverty alleviation in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration”.

He reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to reposition the nation’s economy.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu on Monday said the federal government has been steadfast in its mission to transform the country’s power sector.

Adelabu gave this assurance during the 9th Edition of Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF 2024) conference in Lagos.

The NEF 2024 theme was entitled: “Energizing Sustainable Industrialisation”.

According to the minister, over the past few years, we have significantly increased our installed generation capacity by bringing new power plants on line and rehabilitating existing ones.

“This has resulted in a substantial increase in the overall power supply to the national grid,” he said.

Adelabu,represented by Dr. Sunday Owolabi, Director Renewables and Rural Development, called on stakeholders, government agencies, private sector partners, international organizations and Nigeria people to join them in this endeavour.

Mr Peter Olowononi, Head, Client Relations, Anglo West Africa, Afrexim Bank, said the bank is one of the biggest financial institutions, supporting energy and industrialization in Nigeria.

“We are also financing a lot of the oil and gas companies who produce gas required to fire some of the generation companies in the country.

“We are at the forefront of light up Africa, industrialize Africa and ensure that we are able to improve the economies of the African countries,” he said.

Caroline Eboumbou, the Chief Executive Officer, All On, said the mission of the company is accelerating the closing of access to energy gap in Nigeria with a special focus in Niger Delta.

According to her, this is by increasing access to commercial energy products and services for off-grid communities both under-served and unserved.

Svein Baera, Norway’s Ambassador to Nigeria, said “we are supporting deployment of solar and battery energy for supermarket chain Justrite in Nigeria, and delivering an energy for development programme, for mitigating gas flaring in oil and gas installations”.

Engr Ife Oyedele, the Executive Director, Networks, Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) said the company had constructed 10 power plants with total planned capacity of approximately 5,000Megawatts.

“We have undertaken over 121 transmission line and substations projects expansion works,” he said.

The UNDP Resident Representative represented by Muyiwa Odele, Environment Team Leader said “unlocking Nigeria’s potential will require reliable, affordable and equitable access to sustainable energy to fully realize its full economic and industrial development potential”.

Ajibola Adebutu, the Chief Executive Officer J B farms, represented by Seyi Atilary, Deputy Managing Director, said the company is bridging the gap in integrated oil palm farming and agro-processing across the nation.

According to him, the company is helping by gainfully employing youths and supplying homegrown oil palm products for domestic consumption, thereby strengthening the naira.

“We have palm oil mills to turn up the value chain of palm oil and refine palm oil products into other products and also developed a soap business from the refined palm oil product,” he said.

In his remarks, Dr Oluwole Adeuyi, the Chairman, NEF, said the 2024 forum followed successful origination of a landmark 40m US dollars agro-industry financing deal at NEF2023 between Afrexim Bank and a homegrown manufacturer.

“The 2024 forum is building on the success of last year’s story, and we have set a minimum target to originate and mobilize over $100 million US dollars of new financing.

“This is to foster expansion of agro-industry and accelerate solid mineral processing in Nigeria, and the goal is to see our local manufacturers thriving globally,” he said.

Also, Engr. Adekunle Makinde, NEF co-chair said, “the 2024 Tertiary Institutions Student Energy Pitch Contest Finals was supported by All On.”

“First Prize of 1.5 million Naira was awarded to Renewable Clean Cooking Project, Landmark University, Kwara State.

“Power Control Box project from Imo State University won the second prize of 1.1 million Naira. Third prize of 900,000 Naira was awarded to Solar Food Chain project, University of Benin”, he said.

Mohammed Shosanya

ASI Engineering Limited (ASI),has acquired 60% equity stake in Kaduna Electricity Company Plc (Kaduna Electric).

This acquisition,the company said,marks a significant milestone for ASI Engineering Limited as it continues to expand our global footprint and contribute to the development of critical infrastructure in emerging markets.

According to a statement,the acquisition of Kaduna Electric aligns perfectly with its strategic vision to enhance energy access, reliability, and efficiency in Nigeria.

It noted that Kaduna Electric serves as a vital lifeline for residents, businesses, and industries in the franchise states (Kaduna, Zamfara, Sokoto, and Kebbi),adding that ASI is committed to leveraging its expertise, resources, and technology to optimize its operations and service delivery.

The statement quoted that ASI is collaborating with stakeholders, especially the state governments within its franchise licence area,to create sustainable solutions that align with the region’s unique needs.

It explained that these unique collaborations will attract the needed investments to upgrade and turn around electricity distribution in the Kaduna Electric franchise area.

It reiterated its vision to make Kaduna Electric a national leader in electricity distribution, driving sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life through innovative and reliable solutions.

It hinted that the company’s collaborative approach will focus on modernizing the electricity distribution network,implementing innovative solutions for energy management, and fostering greater customer satisfaction and engagement.

It added:”The acquisition of 60% equity of Kaduna Electric, which NERC has approved, marks a new dawn in the turnaround and repositioning of Kaduna Electric. ASI Engineering Limited’s entry
into the Nigerian Electricity Market currently is a testimony and demonstration of faith in the efficacy of the renewed hope agenda of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“ASI Engineering Limited is bringing new dynamic leadership to Kaduna Electric through a newly invigorated board and management with vast experience in utility turnaround. We want to thank the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the interim board and the Administrator of Kaduna Electric for their work so far at Kaduna Electricity distribution company.

“As part of the acquisition agreement, ASI is committed to upholding the highest standards of corporate governance, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. We will prioritize investments in infrastructure upgrades, employee training and development, as well as community engagement initiatives to create lasting value for all stakeholders”.

Mohammed Shosanya

The United States of America under the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged to commit 75 million Dollars, (N115 billion) in order to support electricity reforms in Nigeria.

Speaking at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between USAID and the Ministry of Power in Abuja,Melissa Jones, USAID/Nigeria Mission Director, explained that the development would support electricity sector reforms, market transparency, and expanded access to sustainable, reliable, and affordable power for Nigerians.

The agency continued that the agreement “will facilitate the implementation of a ₦115.2 billion (approximately $75 million) U.S. government grant-funded technical assistance program for power sector development and reforms in Nigeria.”

“Currently, over 85 million Nigerians lack access to grid power, while many others face unreliable supply.

These challenges force many Nigerian families and businesses to rely on expensive, emission-intensive gasoline and diesel backup generators,” she emphasized.

The USAID Director maintained the U.S. government’s commitment to advancing electrification in Nigeria, adding “Today’s goal is to strengthen collaboration between USAID and the Federal Government of Nigeria and provide a framework for partnerships with other key actors, including state and local governments, electricity generation and distribution sectors, and the off-grid sector.”

Power Africa Coordinator Richard Nelson, attending the signing ceremony during his first official visit to Nigeria, noted, “Nigeria is at the core of Power Africa’s strategy.

“I look forward to elevating our partnership to advance Nigeria’s progress towards our shared goal of ensuring access to reliable, sustainable, affordable power for all.”

Speaking,the Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mahmuda Mamman, disclosed the partnership’s potential to transform the country’s power sector.

He stated, “This collaboration with USAID is a significant milestone towards achieving sustainable and reliable electricity supply for all Nigerians.

“Together, we will address long standing challenges, ensure transparency, enhance market liquidity, and accelerate our transition to clean energy solutions.”

He explained that the US agency’s efforts are captured under the North American country’s Power Africa Initiative, a U.S. government-led partnership that leverages public and private sector resources to double electricity access in sub-Saharan Africa.

He added that the initiative, which is reportedly new, aims to strengthen policy frameworks, enhance regulatory capacities, and encourage private sector participation, driving Nigeria towards its clean energy and net-zero carbon emissions targets.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced the availability of meters following the recent acquisition of a new stock through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme.

This initiative aims to improve service delivery and address concerns over estimated billing among our valued customers,the power firm said in a statement on Tuesday signed Engr. Francis Agoha, its Acting Managing Director.

The statement quoted him as encouraging customers to register for meter acquisition through the dedicated platform at msms.ibedc.com.

This platform has been designed under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) Scheme to ensure a seamless and secure metering experience for all our customers,the statement said

On recent reports regarding unauthorized individuals collecting cash payments for meters and other services, Engr. Francis Agoha cautioned IBEDC customers against making cash payments to third parties.

“To safeguard your transactions, we recommend visiting our official website at msms.ibedc.com for meter registration and payments,” he emphasized.

” IBEDC provides multiple secure payment options including IBEDCpay, USSD,24-hour Self-Service Kiosks, IRecharge, and Fets Wallet, designed to facilitate convenient and secure customer transactions.

“For those who must make cash payments due to limited access to online services, Engr. Agoha underscores the importance of obtaining a valid receipt for every transaction.

“Ensure the receipt issued bears the customer copy to prevent any potential fraud.We urge all customers to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with unauthorized agents claiming to represent IBEDC,” added Engr. Agoha.

Babatunde Solanke

Aliko Dangote has announced plans to provide alternative energy sources for a lasting solution to resolve energy crisis confronting Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology (ADUSTECH) Wudil.

The efforts by Aliko Dangote,who doubles as the Chancellor of the University,is targetted at exploring solar mini grids as lasting option to boost electricity supply to the institution.

A press statement by the Vice Chancellor of the Science based tertiary Institution, Prof. Musa Tukur Yakasai,revealed that Africa’s foremost industrialist has chosen to realise the lofty goals through the Dangote Foundation.

Prof. Tukur Yakasai said: “the Dangote Foundation is exploring a lasting solution to the University’s electricity supply problem through means such as solar mini grids, etc.”

He disclosed that the development was sequel to the restoration of power to the institution on Friday by the Distribution company after “Alhaji Aliko Dangote through the Dangote Foundation made an initial payment of the sum of N100m with the commitment by Kano State Government to offset the outstanding liabilities of not only the University but other State MDA’s.”

The statement by the Vice Chancellor reads in parts : “I am pleased to announce to esteemed members of the University Community and the general public that the University was reconnected with electricity by KEDCO today Friday 5th July, 2024 about 16hrs(4pm) local time. This is sequel to the prompt intervention of Kano State Government and Dangote Foundation”.

It further reads, “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate members of the University community both Staff and Students for the understanding and patience shown during this very trying time.”

Professor Yakasai “The entire University Community is deeply grateful for the timely intervention and efforts of the Kano State Government under the stewardship of His Excellency Alh Abba Kabir Yusuf through the office of the SSG Dr Abdullahi Baffa Bichi and the Commissioner Ministry for Higher Education Dr Yusuf Kofarmata.”