Shell exclusively paid a total of $1.09 billion in corporate taxes and royalties to the Government of Nigeria last year through the operations of The Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Ltd (SPDC) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company of Nigeria Ltd (SNEPCo.)

The figures, announced in the just published 2023 Shell Briefing Notes, show that SPDC paid $442 million, while SNEPCo remitted $649 million. Similar payments made by the two companies in 2022 amounted to $1.36 billion.

“These payments are Shell exclusive and do not include those made by our partners,” said SPDC Managing Director and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor. “Shell Companies in Nigeria will continue to contribute to the country’s economic growth through the revenue we generate and the employment opportunities we create by supporting the development of local businesses.”

Shell has invested in Nigeria for more than 60 years. The Briefing Notes report on the progress of the businesses of Shell Companies in Nigeria – SPDC, SNEPCo, Shell Nigeria Gas and Daystar Power for 2023.

The reports show that the companies continued to power progress, working closely with stakeholders and communities to promote socio-economic development and providing cost-effective and cleaner energy solutions.

Mr. Okunbor added: “It is important to emphasise that Shell is not leaving Nigeria and will remain a major partner of the country’s energy sector through its deep-water and integrated gas businesses. Our collective focus remains on delivery of safe operations and care for our people.”

The management of Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) on Tuesday entered into partnership with iRecharge Technology to block bills payment leakages and ease payment of electricity bills.

The iRecharge payment product was launched in Kano.

The Managing Director of KEDCO, Malam Abubakar Yusuf, expressed delight over the partnership, urging customers to embrace the initiative.

He described the iRecharge payment platform as a positive milestone deployed to allow customers pay their bills with convenience.

According to him, the initiative marks the beginning of a new era for KEDCO,  as it embarks on the strategic partnership with iRecharge Tech.

“Today, KEDCO is adding a new dimension to its digital solutions by embarking on a promising and exciting journey that will ultimately reposition our company’s revenue drive.

“It will also support our efforts towards the reduction of commercial and collection losses.

“Our collaboration with iRecharge Technology signifies our commitment to leveraging technology for enhanced service delivery, plugging revenue leakages, and ultimately providing better payment solutions’’ he said.

He was hopeful that the partnership would not only streamline the company’s operation and improve collections but also enhance customer satisfaction.

“The solution is not only convenient but also cost-free and effortless for our esteemed customers. Either through bank transfers, the use of USSD, or other user-friendly options, no matter your preferences, you are covered.

“Therefore, we are optimistic that in weeks to come this payment solution will begin to yield the desired objectives.

” I solicit the support and commitment of all the stakeholders towards achieving the laudable objectives of this important partnership with iRecharge”, he said.

Demonstrating the payment solution, the Chief Growth Officer of iRecharge Technology, Abubakar Mohammed, explained that the iRecharge payment platform is the easiest and smartest way to pay electricity bills.

According to him, Utility Loans allow customers who open payment account with iRecharge to receive loans, pay their bills promptly and enjoy power supply without hitches.

He said payments could be made through many platforms, including e-payment,  whatsAPP platform with 09096666612, www.irecharge.ng, *6606*1#, among others.

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has announced a reduction in electricity tariffs for customers in the Band A feeders across the South-East region.

This decision follows the directive issued by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), instructing all 11 Discos to adjust their tariffs to N206.80/kWh instead of the previous rate of N225/kWh for customers in Band A feeders.

The announcement was made in a statement released by Mr. Emeka Ezeh, the spokesperson for EEDC, in Enugu on Monday.

The statement reads: “We wish to inform our valued customers that the end-user tariff for our Band A feeders has been revised downwards from N225/kWh to N206.80/kWh under MYTO 2024, effective from May 6, 2024.

“We assure our customers that the daily minimum 20-hour supply will continue uninterrupted. Please note that the end-user tariffs for Bands B, C, D, and E feeders remain unchanged.”