Dons EzeCOURT STOPS IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW ELECTRICITY TARIFF
COURT STOPS IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW ELECTRICITY TARIFF A Federal High Court in Kano has issued an order restraining the National Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Kano Electricity Distribution Company from implementing the new electricity tariff for Band A consumers. The suit marked FHC/KN/CS/144/2024 was filed by Super Sack Company Limited and BBY Sacks Limited. Others are Mama Sannu Industries Limited, Dala Foods Nigeria Limited, Tofa Textile Limited, and Manufacturers Association Of Nigeria Limited. However, ruling on an ex-parte motion by Abubakar Mahmoud, counsel to the plaintiffs, the presiding judge, Abdullahi Liman, ordered NERC and KEDCO from going ahead with the impending tariff pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it. The order also restrained the defendant from intimidating and threatening to disconnect the applicants’ electricity supply for non-acceptance of the new increased tariff. In April, NERC approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A classification. With the new tariff, customers under the category, who receive 20 hours of electricity supply daily, would begin to pay N225 per kilowatt, starting from April 3 — up from N66.The sudden hike has since been criticized by the House of Representatives and other stakeholders who have asked NERC to suspend the implementation of the new tariff.
ANGER AS MINISTER TELLS NIGERIANS TO ACCEPT TARIFF HIKE OR FACE BLACKOUT
ANGER AS MINISTER TELLS NIGERIANS TO ACCEPT TARIFF HIKE OR FACE BLACKOUT Strong reactions have trailed comments by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, that there would be total blackout in the country in the next three months if the proposed electricity tariff hike is not implemented. Adelabu said this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Power, which is investigating electricity tariff hike by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). This followed the rejection of the new tariff regime by the Senate committee, led by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe. “The entire sector will be grounded if we don’t increase the tariff. With what we have now in the next three months, the entire country will be in darkness if we don’t increase tariffs. “The increment will catapult us to the next level. We are also Nigerians, we are also feeling the impact,” Adelabu said. Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media have expressed anger with the minister’s comments. Writing via Facebook, one Owuru Odun-Itan Emmanuel said: “A govt that derives pleasure in inflicting pains, hardship and suffering upon her citizens.” Abdulrahman Zubairu: “Tinubu and his ministers are just a disappointment. We have really made a costly mistake in his election. I sincerely hope God give us the wisdom to make amends in the near future.” Oyeyemi Olugbami: “And this one want to govern my State! Why must the price of everything increase under this Government. No mercy for the masses at all!!” Ahmad Shehu: “We’re tired of hearing of investors since the return of democracy in 1999. Electricity Tariff is always on increased and nothing attracted investors rather than suffering by Nigerians. The whole system is collapse. Nigerians are always in blackout. Ihave never seen the worse power minister like this man.” Muhammad Nasir Jabaka: “It’s this kind of minister that will make me pray for coup de tat in this country, this government underrated it’s people and their capabilities.” Tweeting via @mazinwonwu, one Chiagozie Fred Nwonwu: “As I type this, there is no power in my house. A rechargeable standing fan is battling back the stifling heat. Energy bulbs powered by a battery provide luminance. I am so used to the unwieldiness of public power supply that I get worried when it stays on for 24 hours.” @DengeTyro: “These people don’t care about advancing as a society… or providing people with better living conditions. All they care about is putting more money in their pockets. And as long as society rewards greed, those are the kind of leaders we’ll keep having.” @mayorz16_: “All I know is that if this man contest in next governorship election in oyo state and any one vote for him, that person no go make am in life again.” @ometere29: “But we have started paying for light with the new tariff, what is this threat for again. You guys think you won’t lose money too. Clowns.” @Tee_Classiquem1: “I hope people of Oyo state are taking note of this Adelabu guy, do everything in your power to make sure he doesn’t smell that governorship sit.” On Instagram, @sd_sammy.kings, wrote: “They haven’t removed this man already?” @alegrotravels: “Pls Tinubu should sack this fellow. He has no control of his utterances. A public office should manage what he says to the public!” @joegel 109: “de pity your governorship ambitions oga if u enter na ur room for this Oyo state we de wait u Omo Osan.” @smab_bint_bakare: This statement is insensitive! Fuel subsidy, gone! Prices of good and services, skyrocketed! And yet still the power supply…. not so good! We are not here to suffer, anyway.” @olawealth360: “I thought they remove him @officialasiwajubat kindly replace the minister of power he his incompetent enough sir”
COURT STOPS INCREMENT IN PRICES OF DSTV, GOTV SUBSCRIPTION
COURT STOPS INCREMENT IN PRICES OF DSTV, GOTV SUBSCRIPTION A Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal (CCPT) sitting in Abuja, on Monday, restrained Multichoice Nigeria Limited, owners of Dstv and GOtv from increasing their tariffs and cost of products and services scheduled to begin on May 1. The three-member tribunal, presided over by Saratu Shafii, gave the interim order following an ex-parte motion moved by Ejiro Awaritoma, counsel for the applicant, Festus Onifade. The tribunal, in a ruling, restrained Multi-Choice from going ahead with impending price increase schedule to take effect from May 1, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed before it. “The 1st defendant is hereby restrained from taking any step(s) that may negatively affect the rights of the claimant and other consumers in respect of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice,” Shafii declared. She, therefore, directed all parties in the suit to appear before the tribunal on May 7 at 10am for the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. Onifade, in the suit marked: CCPT/OP/2/2024, had dragged Multi-Choice Nigeria Ltd and Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) before the tribunal. In the suit filed on April 29, Onifade, also a legal practitioner, sought two orders. These include, “an order of interim injunction of this honourable tribunal restraining the 1st defendant, whether by themselves, her privies, assigns by whatsoever name called from going ahead with impending price increase schedule to take effect from 1st May, 2024, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice. “An order restraining the 1st defendant from taking any step(s) that may negatively affect the rights of the claimant and other consumers in respect of the suit pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice.”Other members of the tribunal include Thomas Okosun and Dr. Umar Duhu.
9TH MILE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO REDEFINE ENUGU ECONOMY – PRESIDENT
9TH MILE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE TO REDIFINE ENUGU ECONOMY – PRESIDENT The President of 9th Mile Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (9ccima) Leonard Ugwu has described the City Chamber as an industrial hub set to redefine the economy of Enugu State. Ugwu who stated this while briefing journalists in his office at 9th Mile Corner Enugu, said the Chamber would open up businesses in the State as 9th Mile is a gateway to the southeast geo-political zone. He said the 9th Mile will be an industrial park where there would be a pool of graduates that would be trained in anti-ICT crime and partner with the Enugu State Government to add value to the system. The cardinal objective of the chamber he maintained is to promote entrepreneurs and businesses in Enugu West Senatorial zone in particular and the state as well as the country at large through support. There are three City Chambers in Enugu State at the moment, namely; 9th Mile Chamber, Nsukka Chamber and lately Awgu Chamber In addition to the umbrella body, the Enugu Chamber of Commerce.The 9th Mile Chamber of Commerce was commissioned in 2022 and the location is blessed naturally with infrastructure including a water basin that cannot be equalled to any water in West Africa that has attracted some beverage industries to the area.
ENUGU GOVT AWARDS CONTRACT TO REVAMP HOTEL PRESIDENTIAL
ENUGU GOVT AWARDS CONTRACT TO REVAMP HOTEL PRESIDENTIAL Governor Peter Mbah Administration in Enugu State government has awarded a contract for the revamping of Hotel Presidential, a premier hotel in the heart of the state’s capital. The administration also said it was currently perfecting the terms of agreement for the resuscitation of the state-owned Nigergas Company Limited sequel to a memo by the Enugu State Investment Development Authority in line with Dr. Peter Mbah’s target to rehabilitate, refurbish, and commission all dormant state assets such as Nigergas. The government made these known after the State Executive Council (SEC) meeting presided over by the governor at the weekend. Briefing Government House correspondents, the commissioner for information and communication, Mr. Aka Eze Aka and his culture and tourism counterpart, Dame Ugochi Madueke, said the moves were in line with the governor’s promise to convert all dormant assets in the state to productive assets. Madueke said revamping of the Presidential Hotel would not only put Enugu State in the world map as the premier destination for investment, tourism and hospitality, but would also create jobs for the teeming youths in the state. “It is with great joy that I make this announcement because the hotel has been abandoned and has gone moribund over the past years. However, bringing it back to life will not only put our state on the world map again, it will equally create economic value-chain, market, tourism and employment for our youths,” the commissioner said. Hotel Presidential was built by the administration of the late premier of the defunct Eastern Region, Dr. Michael Okpara, and opened in 1963. It ran as a prestigious hotel until it became moribund decades after. Speaking on the Nigergas Company Limited, Mr. Aka observed that the present administration was focused on reviving all moribund industries to create an economy of scale for the state, and lead to the state selling its products beyond the East of the Niger. He said the approval for the revamp of the comatose company was based on a rigorous assessment of many commercial proposals and models presented to the state, establishing a compelling business case and profitability. On his part, the managing director and Chief Executive Officer of the Enugu State Investment Development Authority, Dr. Sam Ogbu-Nwobodo, while throwing more light on the move, said the demand for medical oxygen and industrial gas in the country far outpace the supply, hence the need for the state government to partner a reliable private player with proven integrity and track record to revamp this Nigergas and take advantage of the huge inherent opportunities. “The “re-engineering, refurbishment, and subsequent commissioning of Nigergas is a deliberate step by the Governor Mbah Administration to provide the much-needed medical oxygen and industrial gas for the South East and the entire country because the country is hugely underserved. “The profitability profile, commercial and investment have been vetted with prospects of huge profit. “We have everything on ground, and our timeline to kick off is certain. What remains is the paperwork because we already have the approval of the governor and now that of the State Exco,” he added. Nwobodo said the Nigergas Company would employ over a thousand workers, when resuscitated.He said the move to revamp Nigergas was one in the series of projects aimed at reviving other moribund state-owned enterprises such as Niger Steel Ltd., Sunrise Flour Mills, and the aluminum smelting company at Ohebe Dim.
ENUGU GOVT GEARS TO REPOSITION ANAMMCO
ENUGU GOVT GEARS TO REPOSITION ANAMMCO The Enugu State Government has stated its desire and preparedness to reposition the old Anambra Motor Manufacturing Company (ANAMMCO), based in Enugu, to upscale its economic relevance in the state. The State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Chika Ugwoke, made the pledge after Gov. Peter Mbah took a facility tour of the ANAMMCO vehicle production facilities on Thursday. ANAMMCO was conceived by the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Second National Development Plan (1970–1975). Addressing newsmen, Ugwuoke said the essence of the tour was to have a first-hand assessment of the company’s production and after-sales support capacity. Ugwoke said the governor’s unparalleled passion for infrastructural development for his state made him ever-ready to collaborate with the private sector in the actualization of his development goals. “He simply concluded that ANAMMCO will soon bounce back to its days of serial and concerted vehicle production,” Ugwuoke said. Earlier, the ANAMMCO Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Ben Ejindu, said that Enugu State was a stakeholder in ANAMMCO and that the current administration led by Mbah was poised to integrate the firm into its rapid strategic transformation plan for the state. Ejindu said that ANAMMCO had the potential to give employment to the teeming masses at every stratum of manpower. He added that the company was one of the greatest assets of Enugu State, and as such, Gov. Mbah would ensure that it became more operational. “Enugu State is a stakeholder and host state of ANAMMCO. The firm has the potential to give employment to middle-, low-, and high-level manpower within the state.” He stressed that Mbah was interested in ensuring that ANAMMCO was repositioned to provide robust, comprehensive auto sector services to the state and its residents. Also commenting on the tour, Mr. Uche Okeke, a director of the company, said that the visit was a major step in the right direction for the state in harnessing the huge potential of ANAMMCO. “The collaboration will provide cost-effective mass transit solutions, boost employment rates, and guarantee youth empowerment through relevant skills development,” he said. The company was incorporated on Jan. 17, 1977, and its factory was inaugurated on July 8, 1980, by the first executive president of Nigeria, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, while its commercial production of trucks began in January 1981. The incorporation of ANAMMCO was the fulfilment of a joint venture agreement between Nigeria and Daimler AG of Germany, which became the pioneering technical partner and co-shareholder.
ENUGU GOVT CAUTIONS NERC, EEDC AGAINST OVERCHARGING ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS
ENUGU GOVT CAUTIONS NERC, EEDC AGAINST OVERCHARGING ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS The Enugu State Government says it will not condone any act of overcharge or extortion of electricity consumers in the state by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). Gov. Peter Mbah gave the warning on Thursday while declaring open a three-day Customer Complaints Resolution Meeting organised by the Nigerian Electricity Regulation Commission (NERC) in Enugu. Mbah, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, identified electricity as a product, adding that it should have cost implications which should be fair and reflective of economic realities to all stakeholders. “I urge NERC not to derail on the steady and quality power supply according to the band classifications,” According to him, the state government is committed to ensuring that people have access to electricity services in the state. The governor said that the government was currently studying underserved and unserved communities and would soon constitute the management of the newly established Enugu State Electrification Agency. “Enugu State is poised to catalyze the economic growth of the South-East through a cost effective and efficient power supply to grow our Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and industries among others,”. While commending NERC for organising this event, the governor charged the regulatory body to endeavour to resolve most of the challenges faced by customers as complained by them. He said that the government had started engaging with developers and investors interested in setting up power generation plants under the willing-buyer and willing-seller commercial agreement.Mbah said that when completed, it would catalyze economic and industrial growth of the state and South-East.
34 STATES SHUN ENUGU INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR
34 STATES SHUN ENUGU INTERNATIONAL TRADE FAIR No Fewer than 34 states in the country failed to honour invitation to attend the just-concluded 35th Enugu International Trade Fair. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that only the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja; Ebonyi State and the host state, Enugu State, graced the 11-day international goods, services and idea showcasing fiesta. The fair, which began on April 5 and ended on Monday, April 15, was themed: “Promoting made-in-Nigeria products for global competitiveness.” Reacting, the Director-General of Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Mr Uche Mbah, said that the chamber followed due diligence in the invitation of all states to the fair. Mbah noted that official letters were sent and official follow-up on the letters were made to ensure their presence and availability. According to him, “we did everything to get them to add colour and increase the showcasing of products from different parts of the country and their investment viability. “We did put in spirited efforts to see that all states participated, as most of them do previously. “But it is unfortunate that many did not respond after receiving official letters, phone calls and interpersonal follow-ups were made. “We got clear assurances from Kano State but they did not show up. “We pushed harder to get Abia State but in the end, we were told that the governor did not approve,” he said.Over 100 organisations were at the fair, which included: over 50 private companies as well as over 45 Federal and State government ministries, agencies and departments.
NIGERIAN BREWERIES TO SUSPEND OPERATIONS IN TWO LOCATIONS
NIGERIAN BREWERIES TO SUSPEND OPERATIONS IN TWO LOCATIONS Nigerian Breweries Plc has indicated plans for a company-wide reorganisation which include the temporary suspension of operations in two of its nine breweries. In a statement obtained by Nairametrics, the company emphasized its commitment to minimizing the impact on its workforce by exploring all feasible alternatives. These measures include relocating and redistributing employees to the remaining seven breweries and offering support and severance packages to those that become unavoidably affected. According to the company, following the recent announcement of its Business Recovery Plan, Nigerian Breweries Plc has indicated plans for a company-wide reorganisation aimed at securing a resilient and sustainable future for its stakeholders. The statement signed by Sade Morgan, Corporate Affairs Director, noted that this move is essential to improve the company’s operational efficiency, financial stability and enable a return of the business to profitability, in the face of the persistently challenging business environment. “In letters signed by the company’s Human Resource Director, Grace Omo-Lamai, and addressed to the leadership of the National Union of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employees (NUFBTE) and the Food Beverage and Tobacco Senior Staff Association (FOBTOB), the company informed both Unions that its proposed plan would include operational efficiency measures and a company-wide reorganisation that includes the temporary suspension of operations in two of its nine breweries. As a result, and in accordance with labour requirements, the Company invited the Unions to discussions on the implications of the proposed measures,” the company said. The company recalled that recently it notified the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX) of its plan to raise capital of up to ₦600 billion (Six Hundred billion naira) by way of a rights issue, as a means of restoring the company’s balance sheet to a healthy position following the net finance expenses of N189 billion recorded in 2023 driven mainly by a foreign exchange loss of N153 billion resulting from the devaluation of the naira. Speaking on these developments, Managing Director/CEO Nigerian Breweries Plc, Hans Essaadi, described the business recovery plan as strategic and vital for business continuity: “The tough business landscape characterised by double-digit inflation rates, naira devaluation, FX challenges and diminished consumer spend has taken its toll on many businesses, including ours. This is why we have taken the decision to further consolidate our business operations for efficient cost management and optimal use of our resources for future sustainable growth”. “We recognize and regret the impact that the suspension of brewery operations in the two affected locations may have on our employees. We are committed to limiting the impact on our people as much as possible by exhausting all options available including the relocation and redistribution of employees to our other 7 breweries; and providing strong support and severance packages to all those that become unavoidably affected. We are also committed to supporting our host communities in ways that ensure they continue to feel our presence. “We remain wholly committed to having a positive impact on our host communities and our consumers; leveraging our strong supply chain footprint; excellent execution of our route to market strategy; and our rich portfolio of brands across the Lager, Stout, Malt, Soft drinks, and Energy drinks categories; and more recently, Wines and Spirits with the acquisition of Distell”, he added. The company also recalled that it recently added to its broad portfolio with the acquisition of an 80% business stake in Distell Wines and Spirits Limited, a local business in the wines and spirits category, as a demonstration of its resilient and forward-thinking strategy to deliver long-term value creation for its shareholders and other stakeholders. The Nigerian Breweries’ Business Recovery Plan includes a rights issue and a company-wide reorganisation exercise which includes temporary suspension of two of its nine…
OUTAGES: SOUTH EAST CONSUMERS CALL FOR ONE-MONTH BOYCOTT OF EEDC
OUTAGES: SOUTH EAST CONSUMERS CALL FOR ONE-MONTH BOYCOTT OF EEDC Electricity consumers in the South-East geo-political zone of the country have threatened a one-month warning boycott to “remain in darkness,” to protest against incessant power outages, outrageous and estimated billings, extortions, as well as non-provision of pre-paid meters to consumers across the region. Findings showed that both commercial and economic activities in the area have largely been paralysed due to incessant power outages across the region, which has therefore affected most shop owners and small scale enterprises, who now depend on running their businesses on diesel, while some who could not afford the cost of diesel have closed down their shops/businesses “temporarily,” pending when power situation improves. This was just as residents across the region are also lamenting what they called “outrageous and irritative estimated electricity billing” in the midst of power outage from Enugu Electricity Distribution Company. EEDC distributes electricity to South-East states such as Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi. Their position to embark on a one-month warning boycott was made known after a stakeholders’ meeting held simultaneously across the five states of the region on April 4. The meeting was convened under the aegis of South-East Electricity Consumers Association. Speaking through a communiqué issued at the end of the meetings, SEECA Chairman and Secretary, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, JP, and Mr Ogubuike Ibeagi resectively, said SEECA aimed to stand in the gap to interface between the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, Discos and electricity consumers, with a view to strengthening the operations of the Discos to deliver their contractual responsibility to the people of the region. Obioha and Ibeagi explained that during the “warning strike,” which would be declared after a stakeholders meeting in May, everybody will be in “total darkness” and those on prepaid meters will not recharge, lamenting that the NERC/EEDC have kept the people not only in “epileptic or kwashiorkor-ridden electricity supply for far too long, but in darkness presently.” They explained that the aim of the exercise and engagement was to assist NERC to monitor and implement their regulations and responsibility towards the Discos and to consumers, as well as to provide a collective voice in advocating for the rights of the consumers, to enjoy the full benefits of accessing electricity without let or hinder. SEECA also rejected the 300 per cent increase in electricity tariff announced by the Federal Government, and strongly requested that prepaid meters be installed in every household and businesses before the implementation. The communiqué further read, “From this day, April 4, 2024, no consumer of electricity under the DisCo, EEDC, should pay for prepaid meter/s. Meter/s is the property of EEDC and therefore by law must be issued free to consumers. “No individual/s or community/ies should buy or provide transformers for their electricity consumption. If that is very unavoidable, the transformer procurement should be done after negotiations and MoUs with the EEDC or Geometrics. In that case if feasible, the cost of the transformer/s should be imputed in the energy usage of the consumers involved by the DisCo “The DisCo must give at least two weeks’ notice after delivery of bills on consumption as estimated if not contested, before cutting of lights. “We demand that estimated bills be stopped and prepaid meters issued to all consumers or else, consumers’ lights must not be cut. “We frowned at and condemned the 300 per cent increase in tariff announced by the Federal Government and strongly request that prepaid meters be installed in every household and businesses before the implementation. “We request that no consumer should hinder, fight or quarrel with any EEDC employee climbing the pole with ladder to cut light.’’ “After our meeting scheduled for May 2, 2024, we will announce a period of…