Energy
Gomo hails FG’s decision to halt increase in electricity tariff
By Abba – Eku Onyeka, Abuja
Gomo the III of Karmo Sabo, Abuja the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Chief Umar Garni Sarkin Karmo has hailed the Federal Government’s (FG) decision to halt the increase effected in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), saying that before the decision of the FG on the electricity meter tariff, those under his domain and environs had been complaining about the new development.
Though NERC was recently alleged to have effected an increase in electricity tariff, which attracted reactions from Nigerians, including Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) that threatened to go on strike against it, but NERC has since denied the said increase in the system.
The village head recently spoke to our correspondent in his palace in the ancient village, located in the Federal Capital City (FCC).
Still commending FG for the intervention, he informed that before that, the consumers were happy for the metre made available to them, but regretted that the increase was unbearable to them; a complaint he advised them to be patient with, hoping that there must be a way out. He however urged the government to ensure that they look into the matter with care for the interest of the governed.
Hailing the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for primary and junior secondary schools made available to them, he appealed for urgent provision of social amenities, such as senior secondary school, primary healthcare centre and good drinking water, which if done, according to him would make the thickly populated people of Karmo to enjoy dividend of democracy. He admitted that there was already a primary healthcare centre within the area, but was quick to say that it is not enough, considering the teaming population of Nigerians in his domain.
Decrying harsh economy the second wave of COVID – 19 has caused within his domain and environs and noting with concern that the popular Karmo daily market, known his domain with, that used to full to its brim with people and goods, has all of a sudden become scanty, due to the pandemic, he however advised those within and outside his domain to help in curtailing the spread of the disease by strictly abiding by the guidelines from the authority and the health sector.
The Gomo therefore appealed to the FCTA to assist them address the problems allegedly being caused in their farms by herders, which if done, according to him would enable them make ends meet as farmers, even as he said that herders have not been allowing them to enjoy the proceeds of their farms in the few and limited farm lands left for them by the government.
Energy
Synergy, commitment crucial to clean energy transition, sustainability in Africa — CEO, Egbin Power
As carbon emissions reduction and energy security remain a crucial focus in the global sustainability agenda, shared commitment, synergy and decisive actions are the cornerstone of accelerating the transition to cleaner energy and achieving a sustainable environment.
Having analysed the percentage of global greenhouse emissions attributed to sectors including electricity/heat production, agriculture/forestry and land use, transportation, industry and others, the Chief Executive Officer, Egbin Power, Mokhtar Bounour, charged for synergy and renewed commitment among stakeholders.
He made this known at the maiden edition of Asharami Square, a Sahara Group initiative aimed at amplifying the discourse on sustainability through impactful media advocacy.
While highlighting Egbin Power’s unwavering commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable energy sources, Bounour further stressed the need for deepened engagement and advocacy to further prioritise sustainability.
Bounour outlined Egbin Power’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, which includes an array of pragmatic initiatives such as obsolescence management, asset upgrades, energy efficiency improvement, sustainability and environmental impact management, and fugitive emissions minimization.
These programs are strategically designed to effectively address carbon emissions and promote cleaner energy initiatives.
According to him, Egbin Power drives sustainability through afforestation, adoption and enforcement of ANSI Lighting Design Standards for the Egbin built environment, a gradual switch from Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the integration of Electric Vehicles (EVs) into the company’s operations, among other interventions.
“These actions demonstrate Egbin Power’s commitment to thinking globally and acting locally, ensuring that deliberate and impactful steps are taken to promote sustainability and environmental consciousness actively.
“As a responsible organisation Egbin Power is steadfast in its commitment to promoting sustainability.
“Our roadmap and initiatives are designed to align with global sustainable development goals and to ensure that we contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape in Africa.
“Our pragmatic initiatives which include obsolescence management, asset upgrades and overhauls, energy efficiency improvement, sustainability and environmental impact management, and fugitive emissions minimization as part of programs designed to address carbon emissions.
“We are committed to treating the environment with the utmost care, knowing well that every activity we engage in – either as an individual or collectively as an organisation has an impact on the ecosystem,” Bounour explained.
By Esther Agbo
NNPC Retail Limited has swiftly responded to allegations circulating on social media regarding coercive practices at one of its filling stations.
A video clip surfaced on social media, X (formerly Twitter) precisely, purportedly showing customers being pressured to purchase lubricants or engine oil in order to obtain Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol. The attendant in the video claimed that this directive originated from NNPC Retail Management.
In a statement issued, NNPC Retail categorically refuted the allegations, asserting that such practices are entirely false and do not align with the company’s Customer Service Charter. According to NNPC Retail, customers visiting any of their filling stations are under no obligation to purchase additional products as a condition for buying petrol.
Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, Mr. Huub Stokman, emphasised the company’s commitment to transparent and quality service delivery.
He stated, “We are dedicated to providing clear, transparent and quality service to all our customers, guaranteeing that their needs are met without any recourse to unnecessary and unscrupulous conditionalities.”
In response to the incident, NNPC Retail Limited has initiated an investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the video. The company has assured the public that appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken against any individuals found responsible for misconduct.
“The public is hereby advised to disregard the information in its entirety and report any such occurrences to the appropriate authority.
“In the meantime, NNPC Retail Limited has launched an investigation into the unfortunate incident and assures that appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the culprit (s).”
In line with the Electricity Act 2023, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, issued an order transferring regulatory oversight of the electricity market in Imo to the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
This was contained in a recent order signed by NERC Chairman Sanusi Garba.
The order shall take effect on July 1, 2024.
The implication is that Imo State will be responsible for the complete regulation of its electricity market.
The order stated: “Section 230 (3) of the Act mandates the commission to develop a transition plan and timeline for the transfer of regulatory oversight of the intrastate electricity market from NERC to ISERC upon receipt of formal notification from the State
“EEDC shall complete the incorporation of EEDC SubCo within 60 days from the effective date of this Order and, EEDC SubCo shall apply for and obtain a licence for the intrastate supply and distribution of electricity from ISERC.
“EEDC shall identify the actual geographic boundaries of Imo State and carve out its network in Imo State as a standalone network with the installation of boundary meters at all border points where the network crosses from Imo State into another state.”
With the development, Imo becomes the fourth state to get electricity regulatory authority after Enugu, Ondo and Ekiti states.
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