₦airaland Forum

The Depots, and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) has called on the government to give petroleum marketers access to foreign exchange at the official Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) rate to enhance the supply and distribution of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) across the nation.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, DAPPMAN Chairman, Mrs. Winifred Akpani, said the burden of sourcing FX through the parallel market for transactions domiciled in Nigeria had left petroleum marketers in “dire straits”. “Accessing USD for our operations has been an insurmountable hurdle for petroleum marketers. The difference between CBN exchange rate and the Parallel market exchange rate continues to get wider by the day,” she said. Akpani noted that in addition to core operational expenses that are denominated in USD, petroleum marketers also contend with sourcing funds from the parallel market to pay for fees and levies, some
unauthorised, that are also charged in USD.

“For example, to charter a vessel to convey 20,000 MT of PMS within Nigeria for 10 days, freight charges are denominated in USD, that comes to about N220 million at official FX rate of N440 and a whooping N440 million for petroleum marketers who have to source FX from the parallel market at N880. This implies an additional cost of N11 per litre for this transaction due to the FX official/parallel market
differential,” she said.

According to her, for the same transaction, Jetty fees, also charged in USD amount to N15.4 million at official FX rates and N30.8 million for petroleum marketers who source from the parallel market.

In addition, Jetty Berth is charged in USD and comes to N2.2m at the official FX rate and N4.4 million at parallel market rate, while Port dues, charged in USD by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), which are charged in USD, come to N71.51 million at official FX rate and N142.796 million for marketers who source FX from the parallel market.

“DAPPMAN hereby calls on the government to establish a level playing field in the sector by giving petroleum marketers access to FX at the CBN exchange rate for their operations. This is a passionate appeal to the government as we can confidently state that accessing FX through the CBN window will significantly enhance capacity and facilitate the seamless supply of PMS and birth a regime of sustainability in terms of storage, distribution, and supply across the nation,” she added.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, which historically served as the supplier of last resort, is now the major oil downstream company in Nigeria with the acquisition of OVH and has full access to USD at CBN’s official rates. The NNPC also has access to products through swap arrangements. Akpani decried the absence of a level-playing field that guarantees access to USD for all marketers at
official rates, noting having the NNPC as the sole importer of PMS was not sustainable, considering the huge consumption of the product.
She said strategic decisions must be made in the industry to ensure Nigeria takes full advantage of expected growth in oil products demand across Africa. “For us in Nigeria, this will include full deregulation of the sector and a deliberate strategy geared towards creating an enabling environment for all petroleum marketers to add value, alongside the NNPC,” she stated.

Akpani said DAPPMAN considers the government’s plan to remove subsidy in 2023 as the right decision that will reposition the sector for sustainable growth and development while freeing up funds to shore up the capacity needed to transform the health, education, defence, and transportation sectors among others.

“As we approach the Yuletide and transition to the election year in 2023, the nation needs the full involvement of all operators to shore up capacity and ensure product availability at excellent service levels. While there might be fears regarding possible scarcity of PMS, DAPPMAN assures Nigerians of its ability and willingness to work assiduously to ramp up supply as the government addresses the
challenges of FX availability in the sector,” she said.

DAPPMAN lauded the Federal Government and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Regulatory Authority for emerging gains in the sector, especially, following the introduction of the Petroleum Industry Act. “There have been important meetings aimed at shaping a sustainable future for the sector.

These must continue as the success of the sector in the face of the intervening global energy crisis depends on collaboration and consideration of how operators can shore up capacity on the wings of market-friendly policies and a level-playing field,”Akpani concluded.

The Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dumebi Kachikwu, has said that the humongous amount spent on subsidising Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) should be invested on social infrastructure.


Speaking during a live programme on Arise TV, ahead of the 2023 general elections, Kachikwu stated that fuel subsidy was not really benefiting the poor masses, as the money was not getting to them.


Nigeria spends trillions of naira annually on PMS subsidy. Figures from the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited shows that between January and June this year, the country has spent over N2tn on fuel subsidy.


"You use the money for social infrastructure. When the Jonathan-led government was trying to take out subsidy, they were looking at where to put the money to cushion the effects on the poor or the less privileged," Kachikwu stated.


He added, "That is what we must do and when we start doing that, at some point we will have an equilibrium. But we must do that.


"A nation like Nigeria cannot afford to stay in this lacuna where we don't think that it is important to invest in social infrastructure by taking care of the weak, elderly, less privileged, women or the young people. We must do that."


The ADC presidential candidate said Nigerians must understand that the trillions spent on subsidy were not getting to the target masses, rather few persons were the ones benefiting the most from the funds.


He argued that the right thing to do was to channel the funds to the development of infrastructure that would benefit everyone no matter their level in the society.


"So understand first of all that this money doesn't get to these (poor) people, that is what you must say to yourself. It doesn't get to these people. So they are not getting it right now. Think about it. They are not getting this money right now," Kachikwu stated.


He added, "So it makes sense to then take that money from those who are getting the money and use it to invest in social infrastructure across the board that benefits everyone."

The N3.92tn spent as subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol, from January 2020 to June 2022 is higher than the cumulative individual federal budgets for health, education, and defense during the 30-month period.

Findings show that over the last 30 months, Nigeria has spent more on fuel subsidies than on the health, defense, or education ministries.

An analysis of petrol subsidy expenditure and ministerial budgets from January 2020 to the first half of 2022 indicated that while the Federal Government spent N3.92tn to subsidize PMS during the period, its budgets for education, health, and defense during the same period were N2.28tn, N1.68tn, and N3.06tn respectively.

This shows that the government spent more funds on petrol subsidy in the 30-month duration than what the health, education or defence sectors got in the same review period.

Further analysis showed that in 2020, the combined budgets of health, education and defence was N1.922tn, while fuel subsidy alone gulped N450bn.

Fuel subsidy spending, however, jumped in 2021 to N1.43tn, whereas the combined budgets for health, education and defence in that year were estimated at N2.288tn.

In the first six months of this year, the government spent N2.04tn on fuel subsidy, while the cumulative budgets for health, education and defence stood at N2.81tn.

Economists as well as oil and gas experts told our correspondent that the Nigerian fuel subsidy impact was not just taking a huge toll on education, health and defence, but wondered whose interest it was really serving.

They were not comfortable with the persistent rise in Nigeria’s fuel subsidy amidst the country’s high indebtedness and other economic challenges.

They explained that the fuel subsidy cost over the last 2.5 years represented a lost opportunity to invest in key capital resources to raise the literacy, standard of living, and security of the average Nigerian.

“Nigeria’s fuel subsidy programme has continued to limit remittances to the Federal Account Allocation Committee by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited for distribution to the Federal Government, states, and local government areas,” the President, Petroleum Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, Billy Gillis-Harry, told our correspondent.

Analysts believe that many Nigerians are shouldering the cost of education, health, and security through sundry private arrangements, while fuel subsidy offers zero succor.

They explained that a better-incentivized workforce in the health, education, and defense ministries was possible by realizing savings from subsidy removal or reduction.

They also stated that civil service compensation and the national minimum wage remained a delicate topic as the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities underscored the need to address and lay to rest the civil service compensation and incentives conversation.

The PUNCH, for instance, exclusively reported recently that the Nigerian Economic Summit Group had raised the concern of the impending fiscal crisis in Nigeria following the continued rise in fuel subsidies.

It disclosed this in its September 2022 report titled, “The State of Nigeria’s Economy,” stressing that the Federal Government’s huge fuel subsidy spending had been a drain on the country’s revenue despite the rise in crude oil prices in 2022.

The NESG said the government should cut its fiscal deficit to avert an impending fiscal crisis, highlighting the gradual withdrawal of fuel subsidy as one of the measures to achieve this.

“Embark on the gradual phasing out of the fuel subsidy programme,” the economic think-tank told the Federal Government, stressing that sustaining the programme was “disastrous.”

It added, “Aside from taking a clear position on the fuel subsidy issue, the Federal Government must begin the shutting down phase of subsidy programmes to save the country from impending fiscal crisis.

“Understandably, this suggestion will affect the welfare of the citizens, but it is only in the short term. On the other hand, the more extended effects of sustaining this programme are disastrous.”

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises, Dr. Muda Yusuf, stated that the government should accelerate the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021.

The PIA calls for the halt of petrol subsidy, but the government has not implemented that aspect of the Act after passing it into law since August last year.

“The oil and gas sector reform, which is now being anchored on the Petroleum Industry Act, should be accelerated in order to ensure the unlocking of the enormous value in the oil and gas sector, particularly the gas sector,” Yusuf stated in his remarks on the Nigerian economy after 62 years.

Source: https://punchng.com/n3-92tn-fuel-subsidy-topples-defence-health-education-budgets/

Sahara Foundation, the corporate social responsibility vehicle of Sahara Group, launched the Sahara Steamers Programme to give young inventors a platform to showcase their innovative abilities and hone their technical skills. The program which was designed to create an opportunity for 150 participants across three countries; Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda to explore ways of proffering solutions to global issues through interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM).


It also gives them access to a deep dive learning experience in practical classrooms, and world-class labs, leading them on the journey of becoming technical problem solvers. The classroom sessions were conducted by the program’s implementing partner, STEMCafe, a non-linear learning center as well as mentors from Sahara Foundation Volunteer Group.

After a rigorous National Demo preliminary that held in Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda, the top three teams that emerged winners went ahead to represent their respective countries at the regional competition. The regional finalists presented prototype designs of their solutions targeting several sectors including home automation, agriculture, security, energy, health, and transportation. The students displayed a profound understanding of embedded systems, additive manufacturing, and the ability to use human-centered design in creating sustainable solutions to prevalent social problems around them.


At the end of the regionals, Igbobi College contingents also Known as ‘The Watchmen’ took the first position. The group comprises of Njubigbo Onyeka, Ayo Mofe Moses, Ayilo John, and Maduanusi Chigozirim. The students produced a remarkable ‘Silent Digital Alarming Device’ which they named ‘The Watchman.’ The device can help combat home and commercial burglary, as well as tackle unauthorized access into designated buildings and kidnappings in the society.

The students explained that the device enhances security through detection of the crime at the time the crime begins, and alerts authorized persons through a registered device making them aware that a crime is in progress. The device can also send a phone call to the police station registered on the device. “The device is ready for mass production, and we are confident that it would help increase security and lead to a safer community for all,” they said.

The student from St Peters, Kampala, Uganda emerged first runner-up with their ‘Plant Watering System’ invention. The team included Samantha Nabaggala, Ntende Paulson Muyinda, Tumuhaise Bridget, Nabaasa Beckham, Otim Jeremy Jason, and Mbabazi Meshack. The remarkable ‘Plant Watering System’ named ‘Ziggo’ was invented to address the issue of food insecurity in Uganda, as explained by the young innovators.

The students further explained that the Ziggo plant watering system uses sprinklers and an underground pump consisting of a soil moisture sensor to detect water levels of the soil and a thermos sensor to detect soil temperature. They added that the invention would support water harvesting, improve irrigation farming, and reduce the rate of famine significantly in Uganda and Africa as a whole if the device is applied widely.

The Ziggo plant watering system inventors finished first runner-up behind the group from Igbobi College, Lagos, Nigeria who emerged the overall winner with their ‘Silent Digital Alarming Device’.


Vincent Mutua, Braxton Lumbasi, Joshua Mwilwatsi, Larryson Muthama, Linah Mideva, and Martin Ochola; collectively known as ‘Venus Inventors’, from Olympic High School, Kenya finished as the second runner up. The students produced an amazing ‘Ultrasonic Distance Sensor Alarm System’ that helps combat insecurity and promote energy efficiency. The students explained that the device would help reduce home and car burglaries in Kenya. It is also designed to reduce energy consumption, which reduces living expenses. The students used components such as Arduino, jumper wires, and passive infrared motion sensor to create this device.


Managing Director, Sahara Group, Emmanuel Magani said: ‘‘The Sahara Foundation STEAMers program has again reinforced the ingenuity of Africa’s young minds, and to see a such array of top-quality inventions targeting key issues in Africa, developed by secondary students, validates Sahara’s commitment to investing in Africa’s next generation of inventors.”

He also urged the students to stay curious, to keep exploring their creativity, to deepen their STEAM knowledge further, and to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation toward solving challenges around them.

Bosun Tijani, Founder, STEMCafe, in his words, stated that ‘‘The opportunity to expose more young people to STEM through projects that solve real-life problems drives our goal of raising a new generation of changemakers across Africa.” He said the organization’s partnership with Sahara Foundation had paved the way for taking the “desire to dream” to more young Africans.

Director, Sahara Foundation, Pearl Uzokwe commended all participants for being “worthy ambassadors of Africa” and a source of hope for “sustainably prosperous Africa in which no one will be left behind.” She further mentioned that the goal of Sahara Foundations STEAMers initiative was to identify, train, and empower the next generation of Africa’s smart technologists, creative thinkers, and confident problem solvers. “Sahara Foundation desires to produce a well-rounded army of youths with the confidence to achieve outstanding feats that will advance Africa’s socio-economic development. We are delighted with this maiden edition and look forward to much more,” she added.

Uzokwe thanked the program’s implementing partner, STEMCafe, the principals and management of all participating schools, as well as other stakeholders that contributed to the success of this year’s program. She announced that plans for the next edition are in progress.

“Education is our passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today.” ― Malcolm X

Sincerely, Personal Social Responsibility (PSR) is an individual emotional investment that can last a lifetime and beyond. It can transform communities for a sustainable future and encapsulate the very essence of humanity -- to be humane.

When I stood in the presence of compassionate Leaders on the 1st of October, 2021 at the Leadership Reboot – 01 to commence the QHSES Leadership Academy, a tuition-free and prestigious Academy driven by a passion for humanity and envisioned to develop Sustainable Leaders who strive to have positive and lasting impacts on people, organizations and society through professional excellence, integrity and spirit of service….some of the audience looked around with faces that deemed it impossible!

People asked me why we should impact people without collecting program fees and how we facilitate robust lectures for six months with two semesters coupled with assessments, examinations, and group project defense, I replied with the following quote from a great leader in Africa, Dr. Nelson Mandela….“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.”

Truly speaking , with good heads and good hearts from my colleagues, we formed a formidable team with outstanding collaboration (UBUNTU), we did it!!!!....Saturday, 13th of August, 2022, Ninety Four (94) graduands were celebrated in a very colourful and outstanding event in the history of our great country with some of the graduands from other countries….to the Faculty, you have my deepest thanks… I owe the success of the program to your expert guidance, lecture delivery style and advice….THANK YOU!

To all the professional bodies/Associations (IOSH-WAD, ISPON, WSO-Ng, IIRSM-Ng, AERMP, ECRMI, IETC – Graduate School, SOWSHE-A, QMSAI, ANWSP and The SAFETY ADVOCATES) that endorsed this initiative, we say a big thank you, we celebrate your passionate leadership.

Our undiluted gratitude goes to the Lagos State Safety Commission, the only state-created safety regulatory body in Nigeria, we appreciate the Director General of the Commission and Mr. Governor, His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support for safety and sustainability through the THEMES Agenda of the State Government

To our graduands, thanks so much for registering your passion to join the Academy and also having the resilience to complete the program….congratulations to you all, we are happy to be associated with you and proud of you…..you are amazing!....welcome to the ALUMNI Club

To all the attendees including Captains of Industry and those who out of magnanimity and love for humanity gave special rewards including prayers to the graduands, words are not enough to express our gratitude, may GOD honor you

Above all, I give all praises and adorations to the Almighty Wise Creator, the First without a beginning and the Last without an end…..How many of HIS favors can I count?


QHSES Leadership Academy…..raising Sustainable Leaders to make a lasting impact.

More pictures from the event.

Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo on Saturday 11th June 2022, challenged Nigerian youths not to abandon the country to "those who are messing it up."

He told them to hold their future in their hands with a firm belief that "today is their day", as against the famous cliché - youths are the leaders of tomorrow.

Obasanjo spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State, at an event tagged "OBJ @85 Free Keke Programme," where 85 tricycles (Keke) were distributed to beneficiaries as part of the activities marking the former President's 85th birthday.

The tricycles were donated through the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) with beneficiaries drawn from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

In his remarks, Obasanjo said despite many challenges confronting Nigeria, there are "opportunities galore" and asked the younger generation to take advantage of it.

He also charged them to roll up their sleeves and make necessary contributions towards addressing the challenges of the nation.

According to him, If the youth leave things to those who are messing it up, and who are saying they are the leaders of tomorrow, they will never have that tomorrow.

He said " The first thing we want to prove is that there are opportunities galore in this country. Yes, things are not what they should be but you, as youths, individually and collectively, must make up your mind, and make contributions in order to make things the way they should be.

"If you leave things to those who are messing it up for you and who are saying you are the leaders of tomorrow, you will never have that tomorrow. Today is your day.

"Then the third point is; yes, sometimes you may get people who would help you and a times you may not even get who would help you; you must remember God has given you innate ability to be what He wants you to be and if you make up your mind on what you want to be, God will help you and He would provide those people who would help you to reach the sky which should be your limit."

The Chairperson of the Centre, Dr. Bisi Kolapo implored the youth to emulate Obasanjo's passion and commitment in an effort to build the "Nigeria of our dreams."

Kolapo also warned them against corruption and greed, saying it would be difficult to fight those menaces if you're a culprit. She harped on courage, fortitude, forthrightness, respectability, knowledge, loyalty, passion, and responsibility as some of the virtues expected of the youths in order to move the country forward.

Responding, two of the beneficiaries, Bashir Alimodu and Asembe Ngumimi, respectively from Borno and Benue States, applauded the centre for the donation, which they said would enhance the growth and development of their trades.

They also promised to make judicious use of the tricycles, just as they urged other wealthy Nigerians to take a clue from the gesture in order to lift young entrepreneurs across the country.

Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), said it has spent over N200m in the last one year on the purchase of different types of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as well as organizing interactive occupational health and safety training for employees.

The DisCo noted that proximity to installations such as transformers, electric poles, or power lines contravenes the extant law, therefore people in such locations should vacate those areas urgently in order to protect their lives and property.

According to the Head of Quality, Health, Safety & Environment (QHSE) for Ikeja Electric (IE), Engr. Jamiu Badmos, the warning became necessary because it has been observed that such acts are perpetrated with impunity irrespective of the dangers associated with such violations. He also noted that Ikeja Electric in line with its Quality, Health, Safety and Environment (QHSE) policy consistently sensitizes customers on the dangers of trading and building near, around or under power lines.

He also reiterating the company’s commitment to entrench a value driven safety culture that goes over and beyond safety requirements to build a world class safety conscious environment.

Speaking on the defiance of the law guiding proximity to power installations, Badmos said that Section 3.1 of the Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards (NESIS) Regulation 2015 stipulates a mandatory distance of 5.5 meters, 15 meters and 25 meters setback from 33/11kV, 132kV and 330kV lines respectively. However, some members of the public have continued to violate the law, making them vulnerable to the risk of unfortunate incidents, which sometimes result in fatalities.

“As a responsible and safety-conscious organization, safety enlightenment is a top priority and we constantly sensitize members of the public on the dangers of improper handling of electrical issues through our Public Safety Sensitization Programme (PSSP).

This, it said, presents the opportunity to articulate the required safety measures such as the appropriate rating of materials, proper installation, and maintenance of earthing on buildings, curbing illegal technicians and vandalization of network infrastructure, dangers of building and trading under powerlines,” he explained.

The DisCo recently embarked on a SafeAware initiative at all Customer Service touchpoints and other strategic locations across the Business network in an effort to embed attitudinal change to safety practices amongst staff and customers.

To ensure compliance with the safety standard, Badmos called on “the Federal and State Government as a matter of urgency, to harmonize efforts to find a lasting solution to this issue by wielding the big stick on defaulters while DisCos continue to sensitize customers on the inherent dangers associated with continued violation of safety practices.”

Ikeja Electric remains committed to raising the bar on safety standards in the Power Sector with the safety and well-being of Customers and will continue to uphold this as top priority.


https://energytimesonline.com/ikeja-electric-invests-over-n200m-on-safety-equipment/

Ikeja Electric has announced that the outage resulting from the upgrade of the 132kv lines embarked upon by TCN, is not total blackout as misrepresented by some online blogs but will happen between 8am and 6pm.

Subsequently, power supply will be restored to customers between 6pm and 8am for the duration of the upgrade.

The upgrade is aimed at expanding the conductor capacity and ultimately improving power supply to customers.

The upgrade will affect customers within Alausa, Oregun, Anifowoshe, Ojodu, Magodo, Omole Phase 1, Oba Akran, Oke-Ira and parts of Ikeja GRA.

The Incident occurred this morning at about 7.45am.

The incident scene is at 18, Jibowu street where the El Adonai Evangelical Ministry (Aladura) Church

As the church was preparing for their Annual anniversary celebration and needed to change the church's flag which was raised on 28ft mettalic pole

While trying to remove the pole from the ground to change the old flag (there is no flag removal mechanism), the pole deflected and made contact with the blue phase of the Agbe Rd 11kV feeder which was on potential

The two persons holding the pole received electric shock and were electrocuted

In a bid to rescue the two affected people, two other members of the church rushed to them and also received electric shock and were electrocuted.

The electric shock received led to the electrocution of the 4 members of the church; this could be as a result of the victims not wearing shoes which could have served as insulation for them hence they were grounded.

Y'all just open your mouth waaaaaaa.... Visit other discos in Nigeria and compare them with Ikeja disco, you'll thank God for being under their network.

There's a due process for the prepaid meter application, we got 10 free meters in my house without paying a dime. Just apply normally on the application link and you'll be metered within 3months.

This rubbish you spewed no be am at all.

Pointblank09:
Ikeja Electric is just a typical Nigerian organization. Corrupt and non transparent. If you register for a pre paid meter your account will be opened and they will make sure there is at least 100,000 on the meter before it will be issued to you. When you eventually have the meter you will be paying the devilish 60 to 40 ratio on any payment made That is 60 for outstanding debt and 40 to buy new units.
Meanwhile these meters are abundantly available according to an insider who works with the company that is in charge of metering.

Where in ikorodu

Reason for the question is because I stay in ikorodu and we are not experiencing the balderdash you just spewed.

Appreciate the innovation and stop watering it down, if you have any issue, visit the NEPA office close to you and stop acting like a slowpoke.

I come in peace ✌️

Bluntemperor:
O P, are you jazzed?
We're you paid to do this dirty write- up?
Please don't be slaves to the wicked System.
For over 3-Weeks now around Ikorodu,no light. Everytime there is Grid -break-down,yet the Ikeja Discos is so terrible that most of the equipments since they were acquired from NEPA were dilapidated and never replaced! They were just collecting money, money from the happless Populace!
Shameful people everywhere!

Ikeja Electric (IE) Plc said it had installed prepaid meters for about 400,000 customers out of 1.1 million since 2013 when it took over the company from its former owner.

Mr Ugo Obi-Chukwu, Chief Marketing Officer, IE, who disclosed this during a visit of the Senate Committee on Privatisation and Commercialisation to the company in Lagos, noted that the number of metered customers under Ikeja Electric was the highest among all the 11 DisCos.

He said the company was intensifying efforts to further bridge the metering gap adding that the company had been making investments to upgrade its network in order to guarantee reliable and stable power supply to its customers.
Obi-Chukwu said the company in the past few years introduced innovative ideas that would ensure customer satisfaction for its commercial and residential customers.

According to him, the development led to the bi-lateral power optimisation being utilised by some areas in Lagos State such as Magado, Ogudu Government Reservation Area ( G.R. A), Ikeja G.R.A, Gbagada Phase Two, among others.
He added that the Service-Based Tariff used by the company in these locations was adopted by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in the new national tariff model.
Obi-Chukwu said Ikeja Electric had estimated a Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) that would strengthen its distribution network, improve revenue collection, reduce technical losses and efficient service delivery going forward.
He said the company was, however, faced with some challenges particularly an outstanding N70.97 billion debt owed to the company by its customers.
Obi-Chukwu said bulk of the debt was owed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
He stressed that efforts were ongoing to ensure the repayment of the debt.
Obi-Chukwu said other challenges included energy theft, difficulty in accessing foreign exchange to procure equipment, volatility of the naira and disruptions from the transmission network.

Earlier in her address of welcome, Mrs Folake Soetan, Chief Executive Officer, Ikeja Electric, thanked the lawmakers for the visit to the company. Soetan attributed the company’s achievements to collaboration with NERC, the Bureau of Public Enterprises and other stakeholders.

She said the company would continue to invest in modern technology and equipment to ensure quality power supply to its customers.
The committee was led on the oversight visit by its Chairman, Sen. Theodore Orji, a former Governor of Abia.
He explained that the visit of the committee was in line with its statutory responsibility to oversight privatised entities for better performances.

He noted that the debt owed the DisCo was huge and an impediment to its vision of providing quality supply of electricity to its customers.
He assured the management of the company that the legislative arm of government would look into the issue since majority of the debt was owed by MDAsnan.


https://premiumnewsng.com/2021/07/30/ikeja-electric-meters-400000-customersexplains-growth-pattern/

Popular Safety professional, Engineer Jamiu Badmus has asked the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to probe the leadership of the Institute of Safety Professionals of Nigeria (ISPON).

He also enjoined the Federal government to disband the two factions of the organization and set up a caretaker committee to conduct new elections.

According to Jamiu, the national leadership crisis, which started in 2013 and tore the organization into two factions, is hindering the progress of Nigeria’s safety Industry.

While lamenting the failure of the government to enact new and contemporary laws supporting the safety industry, he opined that ISPON, the only safety organization with an Act, is unable to perform the role of pressuring the government to see a need because they “have a divided house”.

In his words, he said “Whatever you do in life is teamwork. You cannot clap with one hand, you have to come together. The only professional body in Nigeria in safety that was given an act in 2014 turned the act to what we have today, instead of turning it to blessing”.

Read Also: HSEQ Drivers: Get A Sponsor, Choose A Champion, Build A Team, By Olawale Ogunyebi
Engineer Jamiu described the ISPON crisis as pathetic, one born out of selfishness against the tenet of the safety profession—the passion to save lives.

“The two factions have not done well the way it is. What are you fighting for? If your interest is the safety of people in the workplace, the safety of Nigerians, then what are you fighting for?” He said.

He went on to add that “you don’t personalize safety such that you are now fighting yourselves; you personalize safety as passion, you say nobody must die—that is the word we expect from the leadership of health and safety in this country”.

“Safety professionals have done almost everything to make these two factions come together. I am telling you this because I am aware and part of that peace movement”.

He narrated how the efforts of three safety professionals (Engineer Green, Exxon Mobil; Engr Oladimeji, Deltafrik and Mr Herbert, former ASSP President) were frustrated.

The three financed and facilitated a peace talk which ended with a common agreement that was later compromised by both factions a week later, Engineer Jamiu recalled.

Jackreece Enefa, an ISPON member who refused to mention the names concerned told our correspondent that anyone familiar with the ISPON crisis would be able to deduce that a faction is always ready to “comply with resolving the issue, while the other faction deviates from the agreement.”

A safety professional who pleaded anonymity adjudged that the tenure of both factions have expired and should, therefore, step down.

Source: https://hsenations.com/2021/04/06/ispon-crisis-efcc-is-the-solution-jamiu/?feed_id=52&_unique_id=606c788ae3c59

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT !!!

Dear ikeja Electric Customer,

Kindly be informed that the outage you may be experiencing is due to ongoing load shedding from TCN (Transmission Company of Nigeria), in a bid to maintain system balance. This has created a shortfall in the power allocation we receive from the national grid. We hope that once the grid becomes more stable, power supply to affected areas within our network will be restored.

We regret all inconveniences this may have caused you and will keep you updated on the situation.

IKEJA ELECTRIC

Ikeja Electric, Nigeria’s leading Electricity Distribution Company, has scored another first in the electricity sector, after bagging three latest International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018 in recognition of its effective implementation of Occupational Safety & Health, Environment Management and Quality Management processes. In addition, the DisCo also emerged as one of the runners-up for the ‘Most Responsive Organization to COVID-19 Crisis at the Nigeria Risk Awards 2020, and also bagged the AfriSAFE Merit Award 2020.

The Management of Ikeja Electric, last week, were presented the ISO 9001:2015 (Quality Management System), ISO 14001:2015 (Environmental Management System), and ISO 45001:2018 (Occupational Health and Safety Management System) 2020. The official presentation was held at the company’s headquarters in Lagos, attended by Country Director, DQS, Mr. Lawrence Ogudu; Organizer of AfriSAFE Award, Mr. Femi Da Silva; Chairman of Ikeja Chapter, Nigerian Institution of Power Engineers (NIPE), Engr. Vincent Obaseki and General Manager, Conrad Clark (Nigerian Risk Award), Femi Iroko, Hon.Wale Bakare (one of the AfriSAFE Judges) among others.

Speaking on the achievements, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ikeja Electric, Folake Soetan said the company has again reaffirmed its commitment to high standards, in line with global best practices. According to her, these prestigious awards demonstrate that IE management processes and operations are effectively conducted by quality policies and forward-thinking leadership. She said: “We are indeed honoured by these certifications. I am dedicating these achievements to the entire management and staff who continuously give their best through strategic initiatives and innovation that deliver growth, improved service delivery and customer satisfaction for the brand”.

“The fact that we have gained these recognition does not mean we have attained the desired peak or that we would become complacent, but rather we will continue to work hard towards operational excellence and improvement of service in line with our manta – ‘Customer first; technology Now,” Soetan noted. Also commenting on the occasion, Head of Quality, Safety, Health and Environment (QHSE), Engr. Jamiu Badmos, explained that the IE remains the industry trailblazer in areas of innovations including occupational health & safety and environment initiatives. The result of the audit as approved by Technical Committee from DQS in Germany has again certified Ikeja Electric to be compliant with global best practice.

According to Engr. Badmos, adoption of technology and purposeful engagement of staff, customers and stakeholders has greatly contributed towards achieving effective quality, health, safety and environmental performance and operational excellence. “We will continue to use risk-based thinking throughout our operations to promote a proactive approach for identifying risks and opportunities, thereby making continual improvement in order to enhance governance, customer experience, operational excellence and sustainability’ He said. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is world’s largest independent, non-governmental organizations that develops of voluntary international standard and facilitates world trade by providing common standards among nations.

Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/03/ie-bags-latest-iso-certifications-reiterates-commitment-to-operational-excellence/

Popoola Olakunle, an employee of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company, has been stabbed on his head.

He was stabbed in the course of performing duty at Oladeroun area of New Oko-Oba in Fagba area of Lagos State.

The culprit, Saheed Olanrewaju, a.k.a. Usama, a resident of No. 12, Abiodun Street, Iju-Ishaga, was on Wednesday apprehended with the assistance of the traditional ruler in the area and handed over to the Oko-Oba Police Station for immediate prosecution.

Plans have been concluded to arraign the suspect today before the Ogba Magistrates’ Court.

In his reaction, the Head of Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric, Felix Ofulue, cautioned against continuous assaults on IE field staff, stressing that the company had strong commitment to safety and well-being of its employees and would not compromise in its efforts to safeguard this commitment.

“Ikeja Electric will continue to condemn these attacks on its employees in strong terms. While we understand that sentiments regarding utility services can be quite emotive, we maintain that wanton attacks on our staff is completely irrational, irresponsible and unproductive, especially where Ikeja Electric has provided multiple channels through which our customers can lodge formal complaints with respect to our service. Where responses from these channels are deemed unsatisfactory, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has also set up a robust forum office for the redress of customer complaints,” he said.


Source: https://guardian.ng/news/man-stabs-ikeja-disco-worker-to-be-arraigned-today/

Ikeja Electric will continue to condemn attacks on its employees in strong terms. While we understand that sentiments regarding utility services can be quite emotive, we maintain that wanton attacks on our staff is completely irrational, irresponsible, and unproductive, especially where Ikeja Electric has provided multiple channels through which our customers can lodge formal complaints with respect to our services. Where responses from these channels are deemed unsatisfactory, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has also set up a robust forum office for the redress of customer complaints.

In the interest of the safety of our employees and for a harmonious relationship with our customers, Ikeja Electric will continue the deliberate engagement of all stakeholders in flashpoint areas to find ways to amicably resolve all pertinent issues of concern to its customers and communities. 
However, where these attacks persist, Ikeja Electric Plc, in line with her obligation to provide service under a conducive atmosphere to its customers, will as a matter of course, continue to escalate such matters to law enforcement agencies and will promptly withdraw its services from communities and customers that prove too hostile to operate in. 

We wish to therefore urge all stakeholders, community leaders, leaders of youth groups, and all persons of interest to remain mindful of these matters and adopt a more civil approach to engagements as all parties are deserving of reciprocal respect and regard as espoused by all laws.
While there may be concerns and disputes arising from time to time, we remain committed to finding long-lasting peaceful resolutions in the equitable interests of all parties.

Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), has revealed that some communities in Ikorodu, who are requesting to be disconnected from the services of the DisCo, currently have over 20 hours of power supply per day but have refused to pay their bills on the allegation that they are being overbilled.

The DisCo made this reference while reacting to recent report in the media regarding the 22 Community Development Associations (CDAs) under Ikorodu North Local Community Development Area (LCDA) that reportedly requested the disconnection of the distribution transformer in their communities based on allegations of outrageous billing.

In a statement issued, Ikeja Electric said, “It is important to clear the air and state that the claim by the communities in the news report is erroneous. On the contrary, these communities have been enjoying average of 20 hours of supply daily following the commissioning of the new Fakale-Maya 33kv feeder, which now supplies customers in these communities. “The new feeder was commissioned to complement the Agbowa Feeder that was, hitherto, supplying this axis including the 22 communities. They currently have steady supply however, apathy towards payment in rife and majority of residents are not paying their bills regularly. Beyond the benefits for both residential and commercial customers, the improved availability has also reduced security threats within the communities,” Ikeja Electric explained.

According to DisCo, the challenge is the poor response to payment of electricity bills in these communities. This is detrimental to the growth of the company and Electricity industry at large.

Ikeja Electric is, once again, appealing to members of the communities with steady supply to pay their bills, while urging customers contesting their bills to address the issues individually by approaching the Undertaking Office with valid proof, in order for proper investigation and fair resolution. According to IE, the Joint CDA do not possess the capacity to request for the disconnection of every member of their community, because each customer is treated as a separate entity in this context, since some have Prepaid meters while others are post-paid customers. Ikorodu Business Unit through the Undertaking Office continues to engage the community leaders to advice members of their communities to register for meter under the current National Mass Metering Programme as this will assist on de-escalating billing issues.


Source: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2021/03/ikeja-electric-urges-ikorodu-communities-on-steady-supply-to-pay-bills/

Osinbajo is a man of peace. A man for all. God bless him and guide him.

I once read about a governor that has over 300 aides, so what's the fuse about the number of Osinbajo aides?

We don't know our problem in this country.

Obono should leave Osinbajo's name out of his mouth. The cabal have used and dumped him, he should carry his L jawe.