Mohammed Shosanya

The National Union of Electricity Employees,says the Minister of Power,Mr.Adelabu Adebayo is ignorant about the nation’s power sector.

His public display of ignorance since he assumed office convinced the workers that the Minister lacks the capacity to run Nigeria’s power sector effectively.

Dominic Igwebike,Acting General Secretary of NUEE,who conveyed the union’s displeasure in a statement sent to Premium News on Monday,said since his assumption of office, the Honourable Minister has not deemed it necessary to reach out to critical stakeholders in the Power Sector, with a view to engendering effective collaboration, optimizing productivity and increasing Power output and impeccable Industrial Relations atmosphere required to achieve them.

He lamented that the Minister has rather embarked on a Media frenzy to misinform Nigerians and openly threaten workers in the sector.

He disclosed that the power sector had not experienced any system collapse in over 400 days due to the industrious and hard-working members that make up the workforce.

He advised that the Minister should be guided to the effect that the power sector did not experience any System collapse during the two days warning Strike declared across the nation by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)

He added:”He should be educated to the effect that he cannot decree Strike out of existence.
But the Minister has decided to play to the gallery; like some of his predecessors, by promising thousands of megawatts without any Roadmaps to achieving them. You cannot build something on nothing.

“In order to achieve impeccable improvements and rejuvenate the power sector, it is expedient that the Federal Government puts round pegs in round holes and not Appointees whose qualifications are Political considerations.

“The Honourable Minister should be concerned with outstanding issues which include: the refusal to issue prepaid meters to Nigerians who are being compelled to pay imposed crazy bills; while having less than 4,500mw output of electricity, refusal of most Generation Companies (GenCos) led by Egbin Power Plc who have flagrantly disobeyed all extant Labour laws since taking over in November 2013 and non-payment of 16 months arrears arising from severance; just to mention a few.

“Should the Honourable Minister fails to address these issues within two (2) weeks, he should preoccupy himself with recruiting NSA officials to run the sector.

RMohammed Shosanya

The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is eyeing more investment in Nigeria’s energy by increasing the licensing threshold for mini-grids from 1MW to 5MW.

The agency said,the measure is part of its engagements with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The REA Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad said Nigeria’s energy transition fuels the agency’s review and update of regulations for mini-grids.

In his keynote address at the just concluded Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit,Ahmad said the agency is ready to receive investors as it has “demonstrated the ability to scale off-grid energy programmes and projects by leveraging on public and development funding to catalyse massive investment flows that deliver value for all stakeholders.”

“The market is available, the sector has been derisked (and is still being de-risked with follow-on interventions), and we have demonstrated the will and capacity to support the energy transition, thus we welcome investments in off-grid energy projects to achieve the same,” Ahmad added.

He disclosed that the off-grid energy systems is a major project that the REA finances to improve the lives and livelihoods of Nigerians, especially those in unserved and underserved rural locations.

He said the agency has occasioned the sales of over 1.4 million units of solar home systems, and deployed over 500 mini-grids in rural communities and primary healthcare centres in Nigeria.

Besides, the REA has achieved electrification or in-the-process electrification of 24 federal universities with captive solar power plants and has deployed Productive Use of Energy (PUE) equipment in agricultural clusters,

Ahmad said:“These have translated into over 1 million off-grid electricity connections that have directly impacted and provided energy access for over 9 million Nigerians,” he added.
Ahmad attributed the impact of the REA to the Nigeria Electrification Project which is funded by The World Bank and Africa Development Bank.

He said the REA also administers and implements other projects under the Rural Electrification Fund, including the REA Capital Projects, the Energizing Education Programme, the Energizing Economies Initiative; which is led by the the private sector, the $300 million Solar Power Naija debt lending facility and the 9.3 million euros Interconnected Mini-grid Acceleration Scheme.

He attributed the agency’s impact to its leadership and its leading development partners who work closely with them to provide technical assistance and strengthen local institutional capacities.

Mohammed Shosanya

Ghana says it may begin to export electricity to Nigeria once it achieves 100 per cent energy access.

The Head of Generation and Transmission Unit, Ministry of Energy, Ghana, Mr Hanson Monney, who stated this in Lagos at Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit,said his country
plans to achieve this through adequate plans, policies and programme implementation to grow its power sector further to achieve 100 per cent universal energy.

Presenting the overview, progress and challenges of his country’s power sector,Monney disclosed that Ghana has achieved 80 to 85 per cent universal energy access through a robust policy formulation and implementation.

Monney said, the government was exploring all options, including grid energy, mini-grid and solar-dominated renewable energy, to achieve the country’s universal access to energy by 2024, which the country’s president declared.

He also said: “So, we are working on all these things to make sure that the power system of Ghana continues to be as good as it is or even better, and then, maybe, we can be exporting more to our big brothers in Nigeria when the grid finally settles.”

Mohammed Shosanya

Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) in its efforts to strengthen critical infrastructure to ensure improved service to its customers in the Ikorodu axis of Lagos State recently replaced the faulty 15MVA power transformer at Sabo Injection Substation (ISS) with a new one.

According to the Chief Technical Officer, Ikeja Electric, Engr. Olajide Kumapayi, the replacement of the faulty power transformer which costs close to Two Hundred and Fifty Million Naira (N250m), became necessary to ease the menace of poor power supply being experienced by over fifteen thousand customers that are getting supply from the power transformer one (T1) at Sabo injection substation before it went bad completely.

He noted that the replacement will increase the availability of supply from the previous three hours to a minimum of twelve hours daily. This would be based on the service band tariff class associated with the feeders.

Engr. Kumapayi stated that nine 11kv feeders were radiated from Sabo Injection Sub-station through the two power transformers which includes Ayangburen, Lasunwon, Lagos Road, Marie, Ladega, Erunwen, Igbogbo, Ijebu-Ode and Eyita communities and environs.

He further explained that the construction of a new Injection Substation at the Lagos State University of Technology (LASUTECH) Ikorodu will commence shortly noting that it will provide one dedicated 11kv feeder for LASUTECH and two additional feeders to relieve Erunwen and Ijebu-Ode 11kv feeders in the Sabo Injection Substation.

He assured that these investments will no doubt ensure optimal utilization of the technical assets to guarantee wider access and power availability across all impacted feeders in our resolve to meet the demand of our esteemed customers.

The company’s Head of Corporate Communications, Kingsley Okotie
while expressing IE’s commitment to improved service delivery to her esteemed customers across the entire network coverage area, thanked vigilant customers, community leaders and security operatives who have continued to assist in safeguarding electrical equipment in their neighborhood against theft, vandalism and acts of sabotage as failure to do so will jeopardize concerted efforts of the company from achieving the desired objective of sustainably powering livelihoods, businesses and communities.

The power firm’s spokesman urged customers to take advantage of the new IE Payment Website (www.ie-payments.com) for seamless payment solutions as well as the multi-functional smartKYC@ikejaelectric.com platform alongside other official complaints resolution channels via phone on: 01-7000-250, 01-227-2940.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC),Tuesday approved an upwards price increase in the price of pre paid electricity meters in Nigeria.

The commission’s Chairman and Commissioner Legal, Licencing and compliance, Sanusi Garba and Dafe Akpeneye,conveyed the increment in a circular dated September 5,2023.

According to the circular, a single phase pre paid meter would now cost N81,975.16k from the N58,661.69k while three phase pre paid meters is increased to N143,836.10k from N109,684.36k.

It said the new price was to ensure a fair and reasonable pricing of meters to both MAPs and end-use customers.

It added:“Ensure MAP’s ability to recover reasonable costs associated with meter procurement and maintenance while ensuring that their pricing structure allows for a viable return on investment. Evaluate the affordability of meter services for consumers, aiming to prevent excessive pricing that could burden end-users. Ensure that MAPs are able to provide meters to end-use customers in the prevailing economic realities.

Mohammed Shosanya

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC),has warned members of the public against assaulting or preventing its staff from performing their lawful duties.

The power firm also vowed to mount aggressive war against equipment vandalism and pilferage.

This comes on the heel of the arrest, police investigation, and arraignment of two individuals, one Julius John Adeyemi,who assaulted a staff of EKEDC while performing his duties in the Ijesha area of Surulere, Lagos while the other, Nwokocha Emmanuel, who was illegally found in a distribution substation premises of the Company at Tincan Port, Festac, Lagos, to steal contrary to section 406 of the criminal law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.  

General Manager, Corporate Communications of EKEDC, Babatunde Lasaki,in a statement,described the incidents as criminal and act of sabotage against the operations of the organization. He said “We condemn such callous acts against our staff who go around to discharge their lawful duties. We don’t condone such acts and we advise our customers to use the available channels of redress rather than resorting to self-help.” 

Adeyemi was charged before Mrs Otitoloju of the Magistrate Court 3, Surulere for obstructing the staff from discharging his duties by removing his ladder from an electricity pole and subsequently landing him a blow. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N200,000 with a surety with a tax clearance certificate and a verifiable address. Adeyemi was remanded in the Ikoyi facility of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

Nwokocha on the other hand was arraigned before the Magistrate Court 22, Apapa on a two-count charge of breaking and entry with intent to commit felony to wit stealing and illegal or unlawful purpose. He pleaded not guilty to both charges and was granted bail in the sum of #50,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum. Nwokocha was also remanded in the Kirikiri medium facility of the Nigeria Correctional Service till his bail conditions are fully met.

Lasaki also decried the act of vandalism and stealing of equipment procured by the company to supply electricity to customers.

He said:“These are the setbacks we experience in our quest to fulfill our commitment to ensuring zero downtime in electricity supply. We hereby call on our communities and other stakeholders to help safeguard electricity installations around them to put an end to this menace.”

He urged them to report suspected cases of vandalism to whistleblower@ekedp.com, call 08000033333, or report to the nearest office or Police station.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Transmission Company of Nigeria,TCN,has celebrated 400 consecutive days of uninterrupted grid in the history of the nation’s power sector

This milestone signifies a remarkable advancement in the nation’s efforts at strengthening its power infrastructure and ensuring a reliable and dependable electricity supply to distribution load centres for onward distribution to electricity customers nationwide.

It attributed the sustained stability and reliability of the Nigerian power grid to a combination of strategic measures and investments in the power system .

It said some of the key elements that have contributed to this remarkable accomplishment include Configuration and Enforcement of Free Governor Control, effective Under-frequency Relay Scheme among others.

TCN constituted a three-person committee was formed to go round the country for the configuration and activation of Primary Reserve in coordination with power stations and in line with the provisions in the Grid code.

According to a statement,the committee devised a robust monitoring and enforcement mechanism for generating station compliance after activating the unit governor control.

This innovative approach, known as Free Governor Mode of Operation (FGMO), automatically adjusts generation in response to frequency changes, ensuring stability, reliability, and reduced transmission losses.

Under Frequency Relay Scheme, counters the challenges posed by occasional generation shortfalls and resulting frequency declines, TCN implemented a strategic deployment of under frequency relay scheme.

The scheme operates in critical stages to prevent frequency-related disruptions by initiating circuit breaker trips or alerting network operators, thereby averting system collapse.

TCN in-house engineers deployed the IoT/VPN for Enhanced Grid Visibility by creating an interim solution utilizing loT sensors and devices.

This real-time monitoring capability aids proactive issue identification, preventing potential disruptions.

It disclosed that efforts are ongoing to expand this visibility by incorporating additional transmission stations through loT integration TCN successfully carried out several Infrastructure Upgrades / N-1 contingency transforming the grid from a radial network to a loop system through massive investment in construction and dualization of critical circuits, comprehensive modernization of transmission infrastructure,including commissioning new transmission stations and installing power transformers, has reinforced grid resilience and operational flexibility.

The company also focussed on putting in place an enhanced maintenance regime with regular inspections, prompt repairs, and proactive preventive maintenance strategies to ensure the integrity of power plants, transmission lines,and substations.

This approach sustains infrastructure health, operational reliability, and efficient power flow. Regular maintenance has equally ensured less equipment downtime due partly to regular mechanised line trace which has prevented vegetation from fouling transmission lines. This has helped reduce downtime especially in forest areas where TCN transmission lines transverses.

Besides, dedicated teams of trained staff have consistently demonstrated proactive response during emergencies, contributing to swift crisis resolution and minimal disruptions, their collaboration, clear communication, and continuous training underscore their commitment to grid management and resilience.

It said,collaboration between TCN and stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has continued to yield joint initiatives such as Power Purchase Agreements, Service Level Agreements, Power Evacuation Agreements, and NESI situation room reports. Regular evaluations enhance real-time monitoring and adjustment, fostering a resilient power landscape.

The statement added:”The Nigerian power grid’s achievement of over 400 days of uninterrupted stability showcases the nation’s commitment to advancing its power infrastructure.

“This success is a result of increased efficiency, technologies, dedicated personnel, strategic measures, and collaborative partnerships. this achievement reflects the potential for positive transformation within the energy sector.

“With unwavering determination, ongoing investments, and collective efforts, the nation is poised for a stronger and dependable power system”.

Mohammed Shosanya

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu,has said that the task of fixing the ills in the nation’s power sector won’t be easy,but he’s determined to put the challenge behind him in order to stabilize the sector.

He disclosed this when he briefed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on how Nigeria can achieve uninterrupted power supply in the country.

In a tweet on Tuesday morning by the Minister, Chief Adelabu said he joined other Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the inaugural Federal Executive Council meeting (FEC) on Monday.

He said:”As Minister of Power, I am determined to succeed in the onerous task of nation building. We will not disappoint Nigerians, we will not disappoint Mr President in this task. We are not saying it would be easy, but we are determined to succeed with the Almighty God on our side”, promising that, “in the coming days and weeks, Nigerians will start to see the result of our efforts in the Power Ministry. It is a promise from me to all Nigerians”.

The Minister said he gave summary of the activity plans of the ministry with regards to “turning around its reputation in line with achieving its mandate of driving community and economic growth by driving policies and programs to ensure reliable and affordable electricity to Nigerians”, at the meeting.

He noted that so many investments have gone into all segments of the power sector value chain without commensurate results in terms of output to end consumers.

“Each of the segments from generation, transmission to distribution has its unique and peculiar issues, the solution of which have to be prioritised for households and businesses to have a quick relief after years of deprivation.

“We are currently analysing the issues, meeting the various stakeholders, and visiting sites to have a proper and unhindered understanding and unbiased diagnosis of the issues and proffer workable solutions, in the next few weeks, the master plan for turning around the power sector with deliverables bucketed into short, medium, and long term would be unfolded.

“This will be done in an elaborate press conference together with all industry stakeholders”.

He also revealed that as part of his contributions during the meeting as a finance expert, he made suggestions that would aid in addressing the ravaging inflation and exchange rate crisis, adding, “we are to work and collaborate with the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Central Bank of Nigeria”, towards finding lasting solutions to the problem.

He also visited a former Minister, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola who had once held forth in the Ministry of Power, “in continuation of my stakeholders’ consultation with unbiased, historical perspective to the power sector issues. It was a useful meeting with lots of revelation that will help us resolve the sectoral issues with workable solutions”.

Adelabu said the former Minister also promised to continue to support the Ministry of Power to achieve success, “in our new responsibilities”.

Mohammed Shosanya

Niger State can now generate power, sell, and compete in the energy industry as the governor, Mohammed Umar Bago,has set up the new Ministry of Power and Energy in line with the signing of the Electricity Bill 2023.

Niger State Commissioner of Power and Renewable Energy, Yarima Lokogoma,announced that Niger State would be able to sell electric power to other states and enjoy uninterrupted power supply due to the establishment of the new ministry, the enacted electricity supply bill, and the refurbishment of the four dams in the state.

Logoma,who spoke during his first interactive session with the Permanent Secretary, Lucky Barau, and senior staff of the ministry,implored the personnel to brace up for the challenge ahead.

He said: “On the power side, you and I know the incessant power supply issues in Niger State and Nigeria. We are coming to partner with stakeholders to ensure that electricity is constant. I am looking at a time when Niger State will generate its own electricity, consume, and even sell to other states that don’t have. The governor is excited about the prospect, and it is achievable.”

He stated that the new law had given the state authority to obtain a licence to generate power through hydro, solar or other sources, stressing that Niger’s strength lay in solar, biomass and hydro.

He added:“The state expects us to initiate energy policies and ensure that those policies are implemented. It expects us to initiate a good business climate that will attract participation and then private practice. It expects us to develop a legal and institutional framework that could allow for healthy competition in the industry, among others.”

According to him, the four dams, Jeba, Kainji, Shiroro, and Zungeru, would work with the ministry. He further stressed the responsibility of the ministry to provide power to both the rural and urban areas to drive the economy of Niger State and Nigeria as a whole.

Mohammed Shosanya

The Rural Electrification Agency has announced the deployment of 103 mini-grids in the country,representing new milestone on the Solar Hybrid Mini-grid component of its Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP).

The feat coincides with the hosting of the 10th Mini Grid Roundtable discussion,held virtually on Wednesday,in conjunction with developers.

“The REA has successfully deployed 103 mini-grids across Nigeria under the Performance Based Grant (PBG) subcomponent of the NEP, signaling a crucial advancement in enhancing electricity access for households, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as public facilities in rural an d underserved regions of Nigeria”,according to a statement by the agency.

At the 10th mini-grid roundtable discussion, the Managing Director/Chief Executive of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), expressed the agency’s dedication to bridging the energy access gap in Nigeria.

“The REA was established with the mandate to increase access to electricity by bridging the energy access deficit in Nigeria. Since inception, we have made significant progress in achieving this goal.

“The agency is implementing various electrification programmes – like the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) — targeted at creating lasting impacts by fostering economic growth, improving education, and enhancing the overall quality of life of Nigerians,” he stated.