In a statement released on Monday, November 18, NERC expressed concern over reports that some DisCos are instructing customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty or obsolete meters within their franchise areas.

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission is aware that some Distribution Companies (DisCos) have instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas,” the statement read.

The commission highlighted that this practice goes against its Order No. NERC/246/2021, which governs the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

According to the directive, it is the responsibility of the DisCos to replace any faulty or obsolete meters at no cost to the customer, provided the damage was not caused by the customer. Furthermore, the order prohibits the forced migration of customers with functional meters to the estimated billing regime.

NERC reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding consumer rights and enforcing compliance among its licensees. “The Commission is determined to protect customers’ interests by ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and will impose penalties on non-compliant licensees,” the statement added.

Customers have been urged to report any instances of non-compliance to NERC through its designated channels. This warning comes amid ongoing challenges in the Nigerian electricity sector, where meter replacement and billing transparency remain significant concerns for consumers.

The Commission in a statement on Monday, November 18, explained that as long as meters were not tempered with by consumers, replacement must be done by the utility company at no cost to the consumers.

Data from NERC showed that as of the end of the second quarter of 2024, 45 percent, or 5.99 million, out of 13.19 million customers in the industry had meters, with seven million customers subjected to estimated billing.

NERC said it “is aware that some Distribution Companies have instructed customers to apply and pay for the replacement of faulty and obsolete meters within their franchise areas. This instruction contravenes the Commission’s Order No. NERC/246/2021 on the Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete end-use Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry. The Order clearly states that no customer with a meter should be forcefully migrated to estimated billing. If any customer’s meter is adjudged by any DisCo to be obsolete or faulty, it is the responsibility of the DisCo to replace the meter free of charge, provided that the fault was not caused by the customer.The Commission restates its commitment to protect customers’ interests and rights by ensuring compliance with established regulatory standards and enforcing regulatory penalties for non-compliance by its licensees”.

In a post on its X page on Monday, Nov. 18, the command said men of the rapid response squad (RRS) arrested the suspect last Wednesday, Nov. 13, while he was removing the battery cables of the electronic sign.

“Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) arrested a man last Wednesday for vandalising one of the electronic road signs installed on Five Star Bridge, Oshodi, to caution road users to slow down,” the post reads.

“The suspect, Lekan Olanrewaju, 30 years old, was arrested around 2:00 a.m. while removing the battery cables of the electronic sign.

“Vandals had a week before stolen the battery of one of the two road signs installed at the inward Apapa end of the bridge to caution motorists.”

The police said the suspect’s arrest came after Shola Jejeloye, the RRS commander, deployed a patrol team to combat traffic robbery and safeguard public infrastructure.

The command said operatives recovered cables and pliers from the suspects, adding that he has been charged and sentenced to one and a half years in prison.

The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, Michael Achimugu, disclosed this while speaking at a roadshow organised by NCAA at the Lagos airport on Monday, November 18.

Achimugu announced that the agency will impose fines of $170 and N10,000 on foreign and local airlines, respectively for delayed passengers’ luggage as a first measure to guide against such an act.“For way too long, Nigerians have been claiming not to know about the existence and the duties of the NCAA. Our duty, which is what we owe Nigerians, is to bring awareness to the industry. The passengers need to become more aware of their rights so that airlines will not continue to cheat them. The little things about the regulations that the passengers need to know, for instance, if you arrive at an airport and your luggage didn’t arrive with you, most passengers do not know that they have a right to demand compensation from the airlines. If it is a domestic flight, you can walk to the airline’s counter to demand for your N10,000 for not bringing your bag with you. For international flights, it is $170. A lot of passengers do not know this thing, but today, we are bringing an end to that circle of ignorance. We are bringing the regulations to Nigerians in an exciting manner.

Achimugu stated that the BCAA website is easily accessible for aggrieved passengers to make complaints against erring airlines

Air France is said to have the highest number of missing baggage with 2,075 cases among foreign carriers flying into Nigeria followed by KLM with 1,938; Egypt Air, 1,850; Royal Air Maroc, 1,745, British Airways, 1,428; Lufthansa, 1,535; Kenya Airways with 1,346; and Delta Airlines, 1,101.

Others include Qatar Airways, 980; Ethiopian Airlines, 545; Air Cote d’Ivoire, 424; Rwandair, 365; Asky, 290, South African Airways, 77; Air Peace, 49; Africa World Airlines, 35; Taag Angola, 31; and the Middle East with only five missing luggage.

The summary from NCAA further indicated that no fewer than 19,274 passengers’ luggage, across all airlines – foreign and local were declared delayed/missing in the first half of 2024.

This was stated in a statement signed by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.

The FAAN said the power shutdown will be carried out with minimal disruption to flight operations and passenger facilitation.

Royal Air Maroc, which operates within the maintenance hour, will be relocated for check-in and arrival formalities to the International Terminal 1.

The statement reads, “Airlines, security agencies, and concessioners will be notified appropriately.”

The airport authority, however, assured passengers of continuous movement even amid the development.

“FAAN regrets any inconvenience caused to our stakeholders and passengers. The safety and security of all airport users will always be paramount in our considerations, “ the statement concluded.

In a statement released to mark the United Nation’s World Diabetes Day slated for November 14, the National President, DAN, Dr. Ejiofor Ugwu, said that 30,000 to 40,000 Nigerians die annually from the condition.

According to Dr. Ugwu, “About 6-8 million Nigerians (5.7 percent) have diabetes. This figure represents the tip of the iceberg, as two-thirds of diabetes cases in Nigeria are still undiagnosed due to a lack of routine screening. Diabetes kills an estimated 30,000? 40,000 Nigerians annually. Managing diabetes in Nigeria is faced with a lot of challenges, including a high level of poverty, low diabetes awareness, shortage of manpower especially diabetes specialists, unhealthy cultural and religious beliefs, and inadequate diabetes care facilities. In the past one year, the cost of diabetes medications and consumables has gone astronomically high, beyond the reach of most patients. Insulinvial for instance, which used to cost about N4,000 now sells for about N18,000, representing over 400 percent increase. This poses a significant barrier to optimal diabetes care in Nigeria as majority of patients can no longer afford care, resulting in increased diabetes complications and premature deaths.”

On the way out, he said, “The Federal Government should, as a matter of urgency, subsidize diabetes medications and consumables to make them more affordable to the teeming population of people living with diabetes in Nigeria. DAN recommends a complete tax waiver in the importation of diabetes medications and consumables Sugar sweetened beverages tax, which was stopped in June 2024, needs to be revived, and there should be legislation to channel the funds accruing from it to diabetes and related noncommunicable disease prevention.

There is a need for a well-conducted national survey on noncommunicable diseases as soon as possible. This will provide accurate data to guide health care policymaking,” he said

This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Education, Folashade Boriowo.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, ordered the suspension of the students based on a viral video showing some students of the school engaging in acts of bullying.

Alausa reaffirmed the ministry’s unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe and conducive learning environment in all federal schools across the country.

According to him, a recent report received by the Federal Ministry of Education highlighted the bullying incident at the FUC, Enugu, which raised significant concerns about safety and discipline within the school environment.

The report read, ”The findings of the ministry, the incident involved the gang assault of an SS1 student (a day student) by a group of students on Nov. 7.

”The incident came to light showing the circulation of a disturbing video on social media platforms.

”In response, the Federal Ministry of Education established a disciplinary committee to investigate the matter.

”Based on the findings, all 13 students involved have been placed on a six-week suspension pending the report of the investigative committee.”

The minister also directed the School Based Management Committee to collaborate with security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation, including possible affiliations with external groups.

He added that immediate measures have been implemented to enhance security at the College by engaging law enforcement agents while also reviewing existing safety protocols.

”Additionally, counseling and rehabilitation support will be provided to address all forms of problems while promoting their reintegration into a positive school environment,” he said.

IPMAN also revealed that the price of petrol from the $20 billion Lekki-based plant was N940/litre and N990/litre when purchased using ships and trucks, respectively.

Our correspondents further gathered that the independent oil marketers might not import petrol again following the deal to begin direct lifting from the Dangote refinery.

Speaking on Channels Television on Tuesday, IPMAN President, Abubakar Garima, said the pump prices of petrol at its retail outlets will drop following the agreement with the Dangote refinery to lift products directly from the plant

On Monday, IPMAN agreed with the Dangote refinery to directly lift petrol, diesel, and other petroleum products.

This agreement follows months after the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation suspended its plan to serve as the sole off-taker of petroleum products from the 650,000 barrels per day refinery.

The IPMAN president explained that the Dangote refinery had been obliged to allow marketers to lift PMS, AGO, and DPK directly for onward supply to their depots and retail outlets but didn’t reveal the price.

Giving an update on pricing during the interview, the IPMAN national officer said the Refinery has provided two different rates for marketers based on their preferences.

He said marketers can load at the gantry at a price of N990 per litre or N940 through vessel transportation.

Garima said, “Presently, we have been given two different arrangments on how to buy fuel from the refinery. There is the one that we can load the vessels and carry to our various depots at the rate of N940 per litre. Then for the depots, it is at the rate of N990 per litre.

“The difference is because we have to load it and carry it to another part of the state. We use vessels to carry these products and there is another one to load from the gantry.

“For Port Harcourt, Warri, Calabar, we have to use vessels because there is no Dangote loading gantry there, we have to carry it to our private depot and discharge and distribute it to our members.”

Checks by our correspondent showed that the new price is lower than the N960 and N990 per litre revealed by the refinery for ships and trucks last week.

Garima noted that the collaboration aims to ensure a consistent and affordable supply of Premium Motor Spirit and other products nationwide.

He further projected that the petrol price may be reduced by N50 or more, depending on the location of purchase.

Garima explained that direct purchases from the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery will eliminate payments to intermediaries, such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company and depot owners.

According to him, this reduction in costs will be reflected in the prices of petrol within the coming weeks.

“We have the overall market in the country. We go everywhere in the country. The implication goes beyond the issue of price, but still, price is the main target.

“The masses are looking for how we, Independent Petroleum Marketers, can reduce price for them. So the price too will reduce because we are not buying through the third party.

“So the profit that we have been giving to the third party like NNPC and depot owners will be reduced. That is the issue.

“For instance, the current price in Maiduguri now is N1,200 per litre. So with these current changes, it may likely reduce to N1,150, which there is a reduction of N50. So that’s N1,150. It may even be below that.

“And as we continue, you know, this thing, since it’s deregulation. Yes. As we continue. It can go down. It can go down continuously because, provided that the product is available, you may find that the market will come a little bit low, and then the naira will start appreciating. And then if the crude oil price is reduced, automatically, the same thing will be reduced.

Garima also highlighted that this arrangement will help end fuel scarcity, as products will be more readily available.

“Again, the availability is also there. If a marketer pays for a product before, these retailers hold our money before supplying us with fuel. That’s the reason why you may find sometimes these filling stations don’t have fuel.

“But now, since we are getting the product directly from the Dangote refinery, the issue of delay is eliminated. Immediately, we get the product, we discharge to our filling stations,” he added.

Furthermore, Garima revealed that the NNPC has begun settling its N4bn debt owed to marketers.

“The NNPC has been paying our money back. We have been loading. Our money with them is reducing drastically. That one is not a problem for us now.

“The only thing still is that there are some remaining balances that they have not been able to pay our marketers to load the products. I spoke with the MD retail of NNPC and he told me that our balance will soon be sorted out,” Garima said.

On how much Nigerians will purchase, he said, “With this recent development, definitely anywhere you go, you will find that at the end of the day, we have the lowest price.”

Confirming this, the IPMAN National Publicity Secretary, Chinedu Ukadike, has stated that the association has started the completion of the necessary documentation to begin lifting products.

Ukadike, in an exclusive interview, also confirmed that the product would be purchased in bulk on behalf of its members.

He said, “For now, we are going to be doing it comprehensively, in an off-taker manner. All independent marketers will be buying from Dangote as directed by our president.

“We are still putting together our papers on when to start loading as quickly as possible, but the gig now is that we have been granted permission to load.”Meanwhile, the IPMAN Vice President, Hammed Fashola, told one of our correspondents that if petrol is available locally, there is no need for importation any more.

Fashola recalled that IPMAN had made it clear right from the start that it would support the Dangote refinery and that the new agreement would be a win-win for all.

“We have set it from the onset that we are ready to work with Dangote. We need to encourage him. We are very conscious of that. Based on this, we believe it is going to be a win-win situation for both Dangote and IPMAN. I am sure the price will be reasonable. We are just after the price. Once the price is okay for us, we are good to go,“ he stated.

The protest comes after a 17-day power disconnection by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company due to unpaid bills.

The hospital is being billed under the “band A” tariff structure, resulting in a monthly bill of N80million.

The lack of power supply has affected essential services at the hospital, including surgeries, diagnostic tests, and other critical medical procedures.

A video shared by Oyo Affairs on X shows patients and their families gathered at the hospital to express their frustration.

“Stop k!lling people. People are d¥ing here. The managers are thieves. We need light,” One of the protesters was heard saying.

NNPC’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, disclosed this on Monday at the ongoing conference of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists, which was held in Lagos and themed ‘Resolving the Nigerian Energy Trilemma: Energy Security, Sustainable Growth and Affordability’.

This is coming at a time when some petroleum marketers insisted that they would import petroleum products and sell at a price lesser than that of the $20bn dollar refinery.

In August, President Bola Tinubu said the country spent an average of N2tn on fuel importation monthly.

According to Tinubu, the launch of compressed natural gas into the country would save the country “over N2tn a month used to import PMS and AGO and free up our resources for more investment in healthcare and gas education.”

The President’s statement means that the country spends about N24tn yearly to import petrol and diesel, excluding aviation fuel, kerosene, and gas.

Despite being an oil-producing country, Nigeria has for years imported its fuels due to a lack of local refineries.

Speaking at the NAPE Conference, Kyari disclosed that the NNPC, as of today, is not importing any fuel as it now buys from local refineries.

“Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries,” he revealed.

Recall that the NNPC was the sole off-taker of Dangote PMS until the Federal Government permitted other marketers to approach the refinery for direct lifting.

Kyari debunked the allegations that the NNPC was sabotaging the Dangote refinery.

Speaking on domestic refining, he said there were several media stunts around saying the NNPC was now a saboteur of domestic refining by not willing to support domestic refineries.

“The point is very far from it and I’m going to speak to it straight. We are very proud part-owners of Dangote refinery, no doubt about it. We saw an opportunity that there is a clear market for at least 300,000 barrels of our production; we know that as time moves on, people will start struggling to find markets for their production.

“It will happen, It’s already happening. Oil is found, as you know, in many unexpected locations across the world and people have choices. Therefore we saw an opportunity to log supply to the domestic refinery, not just Dangote but any other refinery that operates in the country, so it was a very informed business decision.

“Therefore, from day one, we knew that it is to our benefit to supply crude oil to the domestic refinery, so we don’t need to be persuaded; we don’t need anyone to talk to us, there is no need for any pressure from the streets for us to do this. We are already doing this,“ he clarified.

On the request that Nigeria needs to domesticate its oil, he posited that Nigerian crude is ’Lamborghini crude ‘, so the products would be pricey.

According to Kyari, the issue of high-quality fuel should be a relative thing, saying many refineries do not patronise Nigerian crude because of the price.

He revealed that some global traders buy the crude and blend it with dirtier fuel to save cost.

He said, “We should never forget that Nigerian crude is ’Lamborghini crude’, if we choose that every product that we have in this country must come from domestic production, then we must deal with pricing. Otherwise, out there in the global market, everybody buys Nigerian crude and blends it with dirtier crude to process, a lot of you will confirm this. So, no one takes Nigerian crude except one or two refineries that I know. Straight processing of Nigerian crude, nobody does this, because you do have a gap in value if you do this.

“Therefore, as a country, and I believe this strongly also, that we must process all the crude that we produce in the country to the optimum. You can do intermediate products and sell to the market, you are still adding value. You don’t have to sell gasoline that is coming from Nigerian production.

“You can do something different so you can process it domestically, but it’s going to be high quality. As we all know and it’s very clear in the media that we are selling high-quality products, that’s very true but you need not do this. You are driving a Keke-Napep and you want Lamborghini fuel, you do not need it. So, the quality issue is a relative thing, it’s by geography, by location, and we will do everything possible to make sure that we domesticate this. Today, NNPC does not import any product, we are taking only from domestic refineries. But I also know that we are working jointly with the government to make sure that we manage the issue around prices if we have to source all our supply from the domestic market. It will be an issue and we are already resolving it. I can confirm that substantial work has been done and this will no longer be an issue.”