Energy

NNPCL Gears Up for Oil Exploration in Ogun

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By Abimbola Bamgbose 

The quest of Ogun State to be an oil producing state will soon materialize as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, NNPCL, sets to begin oil and gas exploration in the Gateway State.

Stakeholders in the oil industry, including the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri,  Managing Director, SHELL Petroleum Development Company Ltd, Mr. Osagie Okubor; Chief Executive, Nigeria Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe and the Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd, Mr Mele Kyari, stormed Ogun State on Friday on plans by the Federal Government to start oil exploration in the state.

They were received by Governor Dapo Abiodun and his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

Hon. Lokpobiri, who spoke at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta said Ogun State had always been part of the Dahomey Basin with prospect of having huge deposit of hyrdro-carbon.

Hon. Lokpobiri who added that oil and gas remain the quickest way to Nigeria’s economic prosperity, said his team is in the State in continuation of the campaign for exploration activities.

He said the visit was also to demonstrate the seriousness and commitment of the federal government to shore up its revenue through the oil and gas sector.

The Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited,(NNPCL) Mr. Mele kyari, while speaking, said Ogun State is blessed to be in the Dahomey Basin corridor with expected high deposit of oil, assuring that the corporation is coming back in ernest to commence exploration activities, even as he expressed the hope that oil would be found in commercial quantity.

Responding, Governor Abiodun said Ogun State is part of the OPLs 302,303 306, 307, saying the acreages present unique opportunities for the qualification as a Frontier Exploration State as defined in the PIA section 9.

He observed that the history and studies over the years allow any investment under the frontier exploration basin funding to not only realize the oil and gas potentials, but also acquire data that would aid Bitumen exploration and exploitation in Nigeria. 

The country, Abiodun maintained holds the second largest resolves in the world of 42,b tons, adding that a lot of studies have shown the potential of the basins, which brings Ogun State to the fore and projecting it towards becoming a beneficiary to achieve commercial success and derive economic benefits from exploration and production within a minimum time schedule.  

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Energy

Anti-Electricity Tariff Hike Rocks Abeokuta

By Web News 230 0

By Oluwatoyin Adegoke

Protest by the labour movement in Ogun State has paralyzed the activities of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

The MKO Abiola Way headquarters of the IBEDC and other outlets in the city were put under lock and key following the visit of organized labour to the premises earlier in the morning.

A combined team of both the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, led by their chairmen, Comrades Hammed Ademola-Benco and Akeem Lasisi during a protest to the IBEDC office, called for the reversal of the tariff hike introduced by the federal government, describing it as totally unacceptable given the country’s prevailing economy. 

The labour leaders said workers were the worst hit by the electricity tariff hike, calling on the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, to desist from promoting what they described as anti-people policies.

They also urged President Bola Tinubu to reverse the hike and find a lasting solution to the issue.

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Energy

Oyo NLC Begins Protest against Electricity Tariff Hike

By Web News 213 0

By Olubunmi Agboola

The nationwide protest by organised labour against the recent increment in electricity tariff has commenced in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Our correspondent reports that the protest led by the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC in the state, Mr Kayode Martins, was staged at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, Capital Building, Ring Road.

The protesters carried various placards with different inscriptions such as “Nigerian Workers and People Reject Increase in Electricity Tariff” and “Astronomical Increase in Electricity Tariff is not Acceptable”.

Speaking with newsmen, the Oyo NLC Chairman, Mr Martins said the protest would continue until the increment is reversed.

Mr Martins claimed that electricity tariff hike had brought more hardship on the masses and would not be accepted by Nigerian workers.

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Energy

Tariff Hike: NLC, TUC Issue Reversal Ultimatum to NERC

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By Adeniyi Bakere

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have issued ultimatum to Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission to immediately reverse the hike in electricity to N65/kwh.

In a statement by the President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo give NERC till Sunday 12th May, 2024 to comply.

The two labour centres says failure to reverse the hike in electricity will lead to swift mobilization of members to occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DISCOs nationwide until justice is served.

The Organized Labour promised to defend the rights of citizens against exploitation and injustice.

“Such actions would not be tolerated; we refuse to accept the new norm” the statement reads.

The two centers had rejected electricity tariff hike across the country from 65kwh to 225kwh.

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Energy

New Power Sector Bill Passes First Reading in Delta Assembly

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By Oghenero Eghweree

The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly Mr. Imomotimi Guwor, says measures to repeal the 2022 Electricity Act and to establish a new power sector law in the state have passed the first reading.

Mr. Imomotimi Guwor stated this in Asaba, while briefing newsmen on the extent of collaboration between the 8th State Assembly and the Executive, regarding the promotion of laws and oversight of programs of government in the past year.

The Speaker noted that the review of the federal power sector law was aimed at attracting private sector investment and addressing challenges associated with the epileptic power supply to the state.

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Mr. Guwor also expressed support for the establishment of state police formations in the 36 states, stressing there were adequate laws to address the concerns that such a force in the states might be abused by state governors.]

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On infrastructure development in the state, Mr. Imomotimi Guwor said the government had focused on completing outstanding projects by the previous dispensation, while it has also awarded new projects including the over seventy billion naira contracts aimed at giving Warri metropolis a facelift.

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Energy

Tariff Hike: Labour Unions Issue Ultimatum for Reversal

By Web News 139 0

Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and its Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, a counterpart have given the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission till May 12 to withdraw the recent hike in electricity tariff or face unprecedented industrial action.

The ultimatum was issued in a joint letter to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, dated May 3, 2024, and copied to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, the Ministers of Labour and Power, and the electricity distribution companies, DisCos, among others, Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, President of NLC and its TUC’s counterpart.

The letter read, “This is to refer you to our May Day address where we expressed grave concerns regarding the recent announcement of an astronomical hike in electricity tariff across the nation from N65/kWh to N225/Kwh by your commission.

“We believe that this decision is not just morally reprehensible considering the difficulties Nigerians are faced with currently, but it blatantly disregards fundamental principles and statutory obligations.

“We are miffed that NERC has become a tacit collaborator in crafting the oppressive pricing regime being perpetuated against Nigerian workers and people. The Laws that set up the commission mandate it to act as an unbiased ombudsman in the electricity industry. ‘’Unfortunately, the reverse is the case as it has acted in cahoots with the Distribution Companies, DisCos, and the Generating Companies, GenCos, to promote their nefarious market practices.

“The announced tariff hike not only defies the established procedure mandated by law but also tramples upon the rights of Nigerian citizens. It is a flagrant abuse of power and a clear violation of the trust bestowed upon your commission by the Nigerian people. Such actions will not be tolerated, and we refuse to accept them as the new norm.

“Nigerian workers and masses led by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, stand united in denouncing this injustice. We must defend the rights of our fellow citizens against exploitation.

“Therefore, we demand an immediate reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kwh, immediate cessation of the discriminatory practice of segregating electricity consumers into arbitrary bands, and restoration of the supremacy of the statutes governing the conduct of operators within the electricity industry.

“We give you until Sunday, May 12, 2024, to comply. Failure to do so will result in swift and decisive action on our part as we will not hesitate to mobilize our members and occupy all NERC’s offices and those of the DisCos nationwide until justice is served.”

On April 3, the NERC approved an increase in electricity tariff for customers under the Band A category to N225 per kWhN from N66.

The commission said customers under the classification are those who receive 20 hours of electricity supply daily.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

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Energy

Oyo Govt, Shell Sign Agreement on Gas Supply Infrastructure

By Web News 160 0

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State Government and Shell Nigeria Gas (SNG) have signed an agreement to develop a gas supply and distribution infrastructure that will deliver gas to industrial and commercial users in the state. 

SNG will build and operate the gas distribution network, which will serve customers across Oyo State, for 20 years. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, described the project as “a catalyst for development in the state.” 

He said: “This project fits into our plan to drive innovation and industrialisation in Oyo State and we’re ready to partner with more companies and other organisations to enhance the delivery of relevant projects.”

Managing Director SNG, Ralph Gbobo, said the agreement was “a significant milestone for SNG and Oyo State to boost economic activities in Nigeria by supplying industries and manufacturers with natural gas, a more reliable, cost-efficient and environmentally friendly source of energy.” 

He explained: “The gas distribution project will be a game-changer in the industrialization drive of the Oyo State Government and help boost internally generated revenue and result in more job opportunities. 

“For SNG the project is a milestone in our effort to continue growing the energy supply to businesses in Nigeria in line with Nigeria’s ambition to drive progress on the back of natural gas availability across Nigeria under the Decade of Gas initiative.”

The project will start with the construction of gas distribution infrastructure along 15km of pipeline route and will grow to deliver up to 60 million standard cubic feet of gas per day across the state. The first gas is expected Q4, 2025.

Managing Director of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd and Chairman, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor said: “This event points to the value of partnership as Shell continues to power progress in Nigeria through more and cleaner energy solutions for commercial and industrial customers. Building on our presence in the country since the 1960s and the wide marketing and trading reach of Shell Energy, we are excited about developing gas distribution solutions and delivering competitive and reliable energy for power generation and industrial use across Nigeria.”

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Energy

OGHA Asks Govt. to Ensure Compensation of Gas Explosion Victims

By Web News 154 0

By Omolara Adasofunjo

Ogun State House of Assembly has called on the State and Federal Government to ensure compensation to residents affected by the Compressed Natural Gas explosion. 

House of Assembly Committee on Environment led by the chairman of the Committee, Mr Lawal Samsideen made the call during an on-the-spot assessment visit to the site of the explosion.

The lawmakers sympathized with the victims of the incident and asked the Ministry of Urban and Physical Planning to embark on sensitization for residents who were expected to maintain standard setbacks to avoid a recurrence. 

Mr Lawal, who commended the prompt actions of first responders, emphasized the need for the Government to formulate a policy framework to regulate the movements of vehicles conveying the Compressed Natural Gas product across the State.

Also, Mr Adegoke Adeyanju and  Babatunde Tella assured the people that the House of Assembly was ready to partner with the State Government on enforcement of safety standards and measures.

He emphasized the need for heavy-duty trucks, especially those conveying gas and other flammable products to ensure strict compliance with environmental and road safety regulations to avert road crashes that could result in avoidable loss of lives and property.

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Energy

Address worsening fuel scarcity, Osun NUJ Urges Government 

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By Mojisola Oladele 

Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Osun State Council has called on governments to address worsening fuel scarcity in the State.

A statement by the Chairman and Secretary of the council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu and Comrade Adeyemi Aboderin noted that the situation has crippled business activities in the state as many vehicles and motorcycles have disappeared from the roads while many workers are facing serious challenge transiting to their places of work.

Comrade Ajadosu who called on the Osun State Task Force on Petroleum products to move around all filling Station to checkmate allegations that some filling stations are hoarding the product, urged the government to speedily intervene as long queues have permeated a few stations dispensing the product.

He frowned at the high cost of Petrol by those dispensing which now stands at between #900 and #1000 as against the official price.

The Chairman, Osun NUJ, called on the government in the state to look into the cause of Petroleum scarcity and possibly bring culprits to book.

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Energy

Task Force Warns Osun Fuel Marketers Against Hoarding

By Web News 150 0

By Mojisola Oladele 

The Osun State Government Taskforce on Petroleum Price Monitoring has cautioned owners of petrol stations across the state against hoarding petroleum products to create artificial scarcity.

A statement by the Chairman of the Taskforce and the Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Mr. Kazeem Akinleye, noted that its surveillance across the state revealed that most filling stations are hoarding petrol products, thereby worsening the fuel supply situation.

Mr. Akinleye explained that the surveillance activities conducted in major towns and the state capital in the last three days had revealed  deliberate hoarding of fuel to create artificial scarcity.

The Chairman stressed that affected filling stations which are already listed as direct culprits have been directed to open up their tanks and dispense fuel to the members of the public.

Mr. Akinleye who urged marketers to be public spirited in their pricing of Petroleum products reminded them of the present harsh economic situation being experience by members of the public.

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Energy

Gas Explosion Razes Vehicles,Claims Live in Abeokuta.

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By Francisca Irekpita

Five vehicles, including a truck were razed, while a man was reportedly killed in the fire outbreak from a gas tanker explosion in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

Witnesses claimed that the inferno which also destroyed some shops and houses around the busy Ita Osin area of the city had killed 4 persons, but the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC has affirmed the motor boy, trapped in  the burnt truck as the only casualty of the explosion.

The Public Education Officer, FRSC, Ogun State Sector Command, Mrs Florence Okpe, who attributed the crash to brake failure, explained that the vehicle crashed on the road barricade and went into flames, burning vehicles and shops around the vicinity.

She noted that the fire service personnel were promptly contacted while the scene was cordoned off to prevent secondary crash and the corpse of the victim was deposited at the State General Hospital morgue Abeokuta,  while the injured persons were evacuated by their families.

Apart from the fire fighters, operatives of the FRSC, the State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, TRACE, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, as well as the Police were found at the scene of the incident, engaged in rescue operations, working to contain the inferno, clearing obstruction on the road and directing traffic.

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Energy

Address Problem of Irregular Power Supply, Adeleke Charges IBEDC

By Web News 364 0

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has tasked Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company IBEDC to urgently resolve the crisis of irregular power supply just as he unveiled the power sector agenda for the state.

The Governor made this known when he met the Managing Director of IBEDC in Ibadan, Oyo State Capital.

Addressing the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company IBEDC at a private meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital, Governor Adeleke described Osun as a critical stakeholder in the Nigerian power sector with Osogbo hosting the National Transmission Control Centre.

He said it is therefore unacceptable that the State will be having epileptic power supply, the situation which the Governor stressed has been affecting local economy and businesses badly.

Apart from the fact that power outages contribute to growing insecurity, the Governor harped on the extortion of customers through transformer procurement, estimated billing that exploits the consumers and inability of some residents of the state to buy energy due to the old metering system.

To this effect, Senator Adeleke said Osun is already working to enact the State’s Electricity System Law that will enable it to set up a Power Sector Regulatory Agency with a view to ensuring that people of Osun State are properly served within IBEDC franchise areas.

“As a Government, we are already working to enact the Osun Electricity system law. We will be setting up a power sector regulatory agency. We will introduce off-grid options and widen alternative energy sources”, Mr Governor posited.

In his own remark, Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Prince Adewale Egbedun called on the distribution company to cooperate with the Osun State government so that the firm will be able to carry out its business smoothly while residents of the state will also have value for the money being paid for energy consumption.

Responding, the Managing Director of IBEDC, Mr. Kingsley Achiefe appreciated the Governor for the interface saying the firm is also ready to collaborate with Osun State Government with a view to serving their customers better.

According to him, the epileptic power supply in Osun State was caused by the drop in power generation.

He said out of the 1600 megawatts of electricity required to power Osun State, the firm is currently receiving less than 400 megawatts of energy from the generation companies.

He identified vandalisation of energy installations and energy theft through bypassing of meters as some of the challenges causing the firm to lose revenue adding that many of the about 2800 transformers that are in Osun State are old and faulty.

He called on the state government to assist the company to stop the ugly trend of illicit and illegal meters where people buy meters from other States, bringing such surreptitiously into the state and vending for energy from another state.

The Governor has therefore set up a committee with the Commissioner for Energy, Honorable Fetus Adéyemo, Commissioner for Finance, Hon Shola Ogungbile, Commissioner for Rural Development, Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa, Chairman House of Assembly Committee on Power, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media, Hon. Hezekiah Olabamiji and representative of the private sector, Mr. Tayo Adegbemle who is an energy analyst.

The committee’s terms of reference include facilitating early passage of the draft Electricity bill, addressing issues impeding regular power supply, promoting embedded power alternatives, resolving the issue of debt owed IBDC, and fashioning ways and means of securing energy infrastructure across the state. 

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Energy

IBEDC Restores Power Supply to UCH

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By Fasilat Lawal

Distribution Electricity Company, IBEDC, has restored power supply to the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan.

Chairman Joint Action Committee JAC UCH  Mr Oladayo Olabampe confirmed the development to Radio Nigeria Ibadan.

Mr Olabampe said a meeting would be reconvened to enable workers to resume their normal shift for prompt health service delivery.

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) said the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan has paid 10 per cent of its indebtedness, and subsequently, a payment plan has been worked out.

The IBEDC spokesperson, Busolami Tunwase said she hoped the hospital management would fulfill its side of the agreement.

It would be recalled that Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, disconnected the  Power Supply at Teaching Hospital from National Grid on the 19th of March this year over an accumulated bill of 495 million naira.

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Energy

IBEDC Promises Stable Power Supply to Customers

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The management of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, Plc has promised customers in its franchise that there would be a stable power supply during the Easter celebrations.

In a statement on Friday, the IBEDC Managing Director, Kingsley Achife, said the company would also keep its technical team on standby to address all issues that may arise during the festivities.

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

“ Achife reaffirms IBEDC’s commitment to providing good service delivery throughout the Easter festivities.

“He assures customers that the technical team will be on standby to promptly address any electrical faults that may arise during this period,” the statement read partly, urging its customers to call for assistance through its customer care line,” the statement read.

The managing director cautioned against the engagement of unqualified individuals to handle electrical issues within communities, stressing the importance of adhering to safety protocols and proper earthing of premises.

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

Achife urged motorists to exercise caution on the roads and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol while adhering to traffic regulations to prevent accidents involving electrical infrastructure.

The IBEDC’s promise of stable power supply is coming amid complaints of power outages from its customers in Ogun, Oyo, Osun, and others.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Energy

FG Halts Cooking Gas Export to Crash Price

By Web News 185 0

The Federal Government has banned the exportation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, popularly called cooking gas, in a bid to increase its volume domestically to warrant a crash in price.

It stated on Thursday that LPG producers in Nigeria and key stakeholders in the industry had been told to stop exporting the commodity out of Nigeria, following the recent jump in the cost of cooking gas.

Findings showed that the cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and some other states had climbed to about N18,000. It was specifically N17,500 in Abuja on Thursday, a product that sold for less than N9,000 in November last year.

LPG dealers under the aegis of the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers had predicted mid-last year that a 12.5kg cylinder would cost N18,000 going by the incessant hikes in its cost.

To tackle this, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, constituted a committee in November 2023, headed by the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, Farouk Ahmed.

But up till today (Thursday), the cost of the commodity has maintained a northward movement, as many LPG users are gradually shifting to the use of charcoal.

But while speaking on the sidelines of the internal stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja on Thursday, Ekpo stated that the Federal Government had asked LPG producers to stop exporting the commodity.

In November 2023, a kilogramme of cooking gas was about N700, but the product is now sold at about N1,400/kg. Some operators stated that the cost would increase further if the government failed to intervene.

Ekpo said, “With the issue of gas, you have seen the demonstration of the Federal Government by withdrawing all taxes and levies from the importation of gas-related equipment. It is a big incentive.

“On the issue of LPG (cooking gas), we are interacting with the critical sectors to ensure that there is no exportation of LPG. All LPG produced within the country will have to be domesticated. And when this is done, the volume will increase and, of course, the price will automatically crash.

“I’m in contact with the regulator, NMDPRA, we have meetings almost daily with the producers of the gas like Mobil, Chevron and Shell. So there is that hope that things will turn around.

“And that is also why we are having this engagement to know exactly what the problems are so that we can address them once and for all.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Energy

Tanker Driver Suspends Strike

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The two-day suspension of operations concerning the lifting of petroleum products by the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, has been called off by the oil transporters.

NARTO confirmed this in Abuja on Tuesday evening after the intervention of the Federal Government through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri.

Lokpobiri as well as the President, NARTO, Yusuf Othman, told journalists that stakeholders in the downstream oil sector had reached an agreement to increase the freight rate of petroleum transporters, and to gradually settle other concerns raised by the tanker operators.

Aside from the minister and his team, and NARTO officials, other participants at the meeting in Abuja include officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, led by their Chief Executive, Farouk Ahmed; representatives of the Major Energy Marketers Association of Nigeria; Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria; and others.

The meeting among parties had been ongoing since Monday. Participants could not reach an agreement on Monday, and had to continue on Tuesday before resolving to meet some of the demands of NARTO.

“We have reached some agreements and members of NARTO have agreed to resume operations so as to reduce the plight faced by Nigerians with respect to getting petroleum products,” Lokpobiri stated.

The two-day suspension of operations by NARTO led to fuel queues by motorists in many states and the Federal Capital Territory on Monday and Tuesday.

NARTO members have repeatedly raised concern over the high cost of diesel price which was between N1,250 to N1,400/litre depending on the area of purchase required to power their trucks for the transportation of petroleum products across the country.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Energy

Makinde Signs Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill into Law

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By Simeon Ugbodovon

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has signed into law Oyo State Electricity Regulatory Commission Bill.

Governor Seyi Makinde made this known on his verified X handle @seyiamakinde.

According to Governor Makinde, the law will facilitate the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity within Oyo State.

The State’s helmsman said his action was a fulfilment of the promise he made earlier in the week, pointing out that in years to come citizens will be able to hold State Governments accountable on the issue of electricity supply.

Governor Makinde noted that the development is a mark of fiscal federalism, a reflection of what the amendment of the Constitution brings about.

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Energy

Minister of Power Vows to End Vandalism of TCN

By Web News 238 0

By Iyabo Adebisi

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has declared war against vandals working against improvement in the power supply and vandalising power facilities.

He said his ministry has the support of President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu to deal with vandals and saboteurs in the Power sector. 

The former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), said this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, during his inspection of the 46-year-old Ayede sub-regional station in Ibadan as part of his working visit.

The Minister who decried the level of vandalisation of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by nefarious saboteurs across the country, said the present administration would deal decisively with saboteurs who are making money from the menace.

He urged the staff of the Ayede to support President Bola Tinubu’s administration in its renewed hope agenda and expose anyone found working against the efforts of the government in the power sector.

The Minister said: “We must live up to expectations. We will not relent until we achieve improvement in power supply. We are working with everyone to protect national assets. We are working with the NSA for adequate protection of power facilities. We can see the saboteurs at work.

“Some people are not happy that we are improving supply, but we cannot be intimidated. They will meet us there. We have the support of the President and the National Security Adviser to deal with saboteurs who are poised to vandalise the nation’s installations, destroying power distribution activities. 

“They are not happy about our efforts at repositioning the sector and delivering ourselves from their clutches because that is where they are making money. But we shall not relent. Let no one intimidate you. The rate of destruction going on in the northern part of the country is alarming. These installations being destroyed cost the Federal Government billions of naira to put in place. This is a fight we must fight jointly”.

The Minister also charged the staff of the sub-station to be committed and dedicated, saying their efforts would be rewarded. 

Adelabu said: “Whatever we can do to improve your people’s welfare to improve on your job, I will do. We are going to implement whatever good suggestions you bring to our attention. Good performance will be rewarded, but more reward means more work”.

The Minister later paid courtesy call on Governor Seyi Makinde to seek areas of collaboration with the government to improve the Power supply in the state. 

Responding, Governor Makinde lauded all the plans and initiatives put in place by the Federal Government and assured the minister of his administration’s support to actualise all the plans. 

Places visited by the minister include the headquarters of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and 132 KVA sub-station, Oluewu, Oyo

The minister is expected to Commission a Power plant in Ogbomosho. 

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Energy

Disregard alarm about increase in pump price of petrol – IPMAN

By Web News 256 0

By Uche Ndeke

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has advised members of the public to disregard the alarm and speculations about an increase in the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as fuel.

Chairman of IPMAN, Enugu Depot, Mr Chinedu Anyaso made the call in an interview with Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke.

He said the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, being the sole importer of the product has not in any way informed marketers of price increase.

Mr Anyaso called on Nigerians to disregard the speculations in social media.

The IPMAN, Enugu Depot Chairman said contrary to media reports, the Port Harcourt refinery is yet to come on stream.

” There is no need for panic buying as there is enough product being made available to marketers at different depots by the NNPCL.

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Energy

FG Inaugurates Grids Monitor Centre

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The Federal Government has inaugurated an energy management and control centre established in Abuja to monitor electricity mini-grids operating across the country.

It said the centre, known as the Energy Management System, would serve as the off-grid electricity supervisory control and data acquisition system for mini power grids in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of the centre in Abuja on Wednesday, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said, “For us, the EMS is not just a tool; it is a mechanism we plan to optimise to alleviate the existential problem of poor energy data in the nation’s energy space.

“It is surely a gateway to a future where data becomes a strategic asset in our pursuit of reliable, accessible, and sustainable energy. This system will revolutionise the way we manage and utilise energy data across our electrification programmes.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Rural Electrification Agency, Ahmad Salihijo, said the centre, constructed in the Abuja headquarters of REA, was made possible with the support of the Korean government under its Official Development Assistance.

He explained that the Electricity Act 2023, under Section 154 (Monitoring of Rural Electrification Projects), mandated the REA to put in place appropriate machinery for the monitoring of rural electrification implementation projects nationwide.

“Furthermore, the mechanism for rural electrification monitoring should include the use of geographic information systems and geo-mapping technologies to monitor projects effectively and generate and analyse project data without physical visits to projects’ locations.

“In a landscape where data is paramount, the EMS stands as a beacon of efficiency and transparency. It is a tool that will empower us to make informed decisions, optimise our energy resources, and enhance the impact of our electrification initiatives across Nigeria,” Salihijo stated.

He said the system would integrate with REA’s existing programmes, providing real-time insights and enabling the agency to navigate the dynamic energy landscape with precision.

“For instance, the system will further strengthen our collaboration with the power distribution companies on the development, integration, monitoring, and management of interconnected mini-grids,” Salihijo stated.

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Energy

Low investment in energy sector dangerous for economy – Professor Adenikinju

By Web News 176 0

By Iyabo Adebisi

The President of the Nigerian Economic Society, NES, and expert in Petroleum Economics, Professor Adeola Adenikinju says low investment in the nation’s energy sector portends great danger for the economy of the country in the future.

The Professor of Petroleum Economics at the University of Ibadan, UI, lamented that divestment by international oil companies, IOCs, is taking a toll on the economy of the country.

The former Director of the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, CPEEL, UI, stated this in an interview with journalists in Ibadan. 

He said vandalism, oil theft and other challenges were hampering the sector’s contribution to the nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

Professor Adenikinju who is a member of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria, (CBN) stated further that Nigeria was losing a lot of money, adding that from the last four quarters, the oil sector has been contributing negatively to Nigerian economic growth.

He said: “You have to break the issue in the oil sector down. At the off-stream where you do production, until recently, there has been a lot of volatility. There was a time when we were doing one million barrels per day because of security, pipeline vandalism, oil theft and so many challenges that were going on in the sector.

“Nigeria was losing a lot of money. In fact, from the last four quarters, the oil sector has been contributing negatively to Nigerian economic growth.”

“The oil GDP has been negative and as I have mentioned in some other meetings, we should not normalize that. We shouldn’t accept that. That’s not the way to diversify the oil sector; it is not by losing money. It is caused by the oil sector growing. So, we need to address that.

“There is also something like divestment in the sector, the multinational oil companies are not investing much again, either because of the challenges of some of them trying to move away from hydrocarbons to other energies that are greener or because of some of the security challenges that they have and maybe because of the fiscal system that we have. So, we don’t have enough investment. Investors are not coming into the sector and in fact, we may not have the full effects until later, because when you do investment, it takes years before that translates into production.”

“So, the low investment that we are having now, we may not start to see the impact until much later when the existing production fields start declining and we are not able to replace and expand what we are doing.”

“So, we have those kinds of challenges and the unfortunate thing is that when we shut in or shut down or not producing enough oil, that also affects gas, because most of the gas we produce in Nigeria is associated gas, in fact, for some time, NLNG was not able to meet the quota of gas because the oil sector is not producing the required quantity and that was affecting the amount of gas that was available for the NLNG’’.

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Energy

TCN Denies Report on National Blackout

By Web News 284 0

As workers commenced a nationwide indefinite strike on Tuesday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, has said there is no truth in a media report about a looming national blackout.

TCN emphasised that the claim made by an online news outlet alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN predicted a national blackout was inaccurate and misleading.

This was revealed in a statement signed by TCN management which was shared on its X account on Tuesday.

The statement clarified that no such declaration was made by the Public Affairs Head, disclosing that the country’s power grid remained intact, consistently providing substantial electricity to distribution load centres across the nation.

The statement said, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria hereby states that the publication by Daily Post alleging that the Head of Public Affairs of TCN said that there will be a national blackout is false and totally misleading.  “The statement is mischievous and baseless as TCN, through the Public Affairs Head, did not make such a statement.

“We hereby note that the nation’s grid is intact and supplying bulk electricity to distribution load centers nationwide.

“As at when issuing this statement, the TCN National Control Centre Osogbo which controls bulk power transmission nationwide, is actively operational.”

Punch/ Oluwayemisi Owonikoko

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Energy

Stop panic buying, root cause of queues addressed-  NNPC

By Web News 273 0

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited said it has noted the appearance of fuel queues in some parts of Lagos and a few other locations around the country.

The retail management of the NNPC in a statement on Thursday, said the queues are due to reduced Depot loadout in Apapa, Lagos over a few days.

It added that the root cause of the queues has since been addressed.

“We assure all Nigerians that there is ample supply with sufficiency of at least 30 days,” the statement said.

The NNPC, however, advised motorists to desist from panic buying as distribution will normalise over the next couple of days.

“NNPC Retail Ltd. notes the appearance of fuel queues in some parts of Lagos and a few other locations around the country. This is due to reduced Depot loadout in Apapa, Lagos over a few days, and the root cause has since been addressed.

“We assure all Nigerians that there is ample supply with sufficiency of at least 30 days. Motorists are advised to desist from panic buying as distribution will normalise over the next couple of days,” the company said in a statement signed by management.

The last notable queues at petrol stations happened in May after President Bola Tinubu announced an end to fuel subsidy during his inauguration.

Tinubu had said the 2023 budget made no provision for fuel subsidy and more so, subsidy payment is no longer justifiable.

The announcement had led to scarcity of petroleum products, resulting in long queues at petrol stations across the country, with a litre of petrol rising from N184 per litre in Lagos to over N500.

Leadership/Simeon Ugbodovon

Energy

Investors to enjoy maximum power supply – Shettima

By Web News 308 0

By Abimbola Bamgbose

Investors in Nigeria will begin to enjoy maximum power supply to boost production capacity while contributing to the general economic growth of the nation.

Vice President Kashim Shettima gave the assurance during the Agbara Business Roundtable held in Agbara, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State.

Vice President Shettima, who is the Chairman, Board of Directors, Niger Delta Power Holding Company, said the country holds tremendous opportunities for not only foreign investors but also for local investors.

Senator Shettima who expressed displeasure that industries in the Agbara Cluster rely on other sources of power supply aside from the national grid, said the federal government through the Niger Delta Power Holding company, NDPHC, was committed to ensuring that clusters like the Agbara Industrial Hub benefits from a cheaper means of generating power in their various factories. 

In a remark, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun said without adequate power supply, all infrastructures provided for the use of the people both at the state and federal levels would be in vain.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who also disclosed that his administration has gone beyond the establishment of the Agbara Cluster by adding four additional clusters, said the state government would collaborate with the federal government to provide necessary support for investors.

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Energy

We’ll sanction any DisCo that fails to comply with extant rules – FCCPC

By Web News 482 0

By Olawale Asake

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, FCCPC, says it will not fail to sanction any Electricity Distribution Company, DisCo, that fails to comply with extant rules and regulations in the power sector.

The Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, CEO,  of the Commission, Mr Babatunde Irukera, stated this at the Electricity Consumer Complaint Resolution Platform organised by the Commission in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Mr  Irukera said that non-compliance of some DisCos with the regulations of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, was a bane in the industry, urging the consumers to ensure support the commission towards repositioning the sector.

Mr. Irukera who mentioned some of the complaints from the consumers to include, overbilling, metering, transformer issues, illegal disconnections and poor consumer service delivery, advised the Public not to take laws into their hands while dealing with members of staff of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC in the face of any challenge.

In a remark, Head, Customers Support, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, Mr. Ayoola Adio called on the consumers of the company not to engage in corrupt sharp practices capable of shortchanging the company, describing the step as a great loss to the company on monthly basis.

He disclosed that IBEDC was losing over Three Billion Naira monthly due to corrupt practices of some consumers in connivance with the staff of the company.

Mr. Adio assured customers that the company would resolve all electricity-related complaints, soliciting their support to serve them better

 Speaking, a representative of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, Engineer Umar said that technical safety was key in the electricity industry.

He advised electricity consumers to avoid meters without NEMSA seal or logo, emphasising that those without seal or Logo were not certified by the Agency.

”It is important for consumers to know that before meters are being deployed to them, they must be tested and certified good for use by NEMSA and we will put our seal or logo on the meters.”

”The case of sagged conductors or electricity lines over a rooftop, transformers open or electricity poles that are about to collapse, should be urgently reported to appropriate authorities so that prompt actions can be taken.”

Some of the Consumers at the programme who commended the Commission for organizing the forum urged IBEDC to find lasting solutions to the electricity challenges facing the public

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