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Rep to establish complaint desk to address electricity issues
Rep Joshua Obika, representing Abuja Municipal (AMAC)/Bwari Area Councils in the House of Representative says he plans to establish a legislative complaint desk to address electricity issues in his constituency.
Obika said this on Wednesday at the AMAC/Bwari Legislative Intervention Workshop on Electricity Consumer Protection in Abuja.
The theme of the workshop titled “Applying Legislative Instrument to Enhance Implementation of Electricity Consumer Protection Provisions of Electricity Act 2023 in AMAC/Bwari Federal Constituency.
“It is my duty as a representative of the people to channel people’s complaints to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to do the needful as we can no longer accept disservice to the people.
He said that the complaint desk would enable his office to have all complaints and make sure the issues are taken up with AEDC whose responsibility is to solve the problems.
“There is a signed contract that gives AEDC the powers, so AEDC has to meet up its obligation to the people and that is why I am here to make sure it happens.
“All the laws are already in place and in this country; our problem most times is not the law but the implementation. So, the people saddled with the job to ensure proper implementation must do it.
“I am giving the AMAC and Bwari constituency the opportunity to come up with their complaints in time pass, maybe their complaints were not attended to but this time around it will be different, ‘’ he said
Obika urged all community leaders to encourage their people that have electricity challenges to submit written complaints to the office for proper handling of the issues.
He said that legislative representation was better achieved through regular consultation with constituents.
According to him, this will enable the lawmaker to understand details of the matter by hearing from the institutions whose responsibilities are to carry out oversight and investigation.
“And to also hear from his constituents who are on the demand side of the governance curve. This process will enable the lawmaker to make informed decisions on the right legislative action to follow.’’
The lawmaker said he received numerous complaints concerning electricity billing, metering, disconnection, handling safety standards and absence of electricity in some rural communities due to infrastructural challenges, amongst others.
Obika said that he had consulted with stakeholders in the power sector to find a way of resolving these complaints.
In his keynote address, Prof Sherif Ibrahim, Head of Department, Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, emphasised the need to protect the rights of consumers.
Ibrahim said, “that is why there is the need for perpetual monitoring and evaluation of laws to ensure they are checked and implemented.
“Members of the legislature can synergise with the members of the executive as well as the institutions of judiciary in making sure that these legislations are implemented.
“They should also ensure punitive measures or penalties are imposed on those who fail in their responsibilities.’’
Ibrahim said that it was good that the members of the legislature have an obligation in terms of oversight function to ensure the protection of right of consumers as it relates to power consumption.
He said that areas through which the consumers should maintain and fulfill all their obligations had also been identified.
“Especially at protecting the power installations as well as payment of their monthly or quarterly bills.
“As well as cordiality in their relationship with their officials who come to supervise or inspect power facilities and installations, ‘’ he said.
On his part, Mr Dalahatu Musa, the Commissioner, FCT Public Complaint Commission, said that his office was partnering with the legislature to ensure that the right thing was done.
Musa said that the era of government and private agencies going away without doing the right thing was gone.
“We are joining hands with Rep Obika and other government agencies to check some of these abnormalities.
` I have told him that my office is ready to partner with his office to make sure people get the services they paid for. The worst is that these services are not free. We paid for these services, so they must be rendered,’’ he said.
Mr Princewill Okorie, Special Adviser, Consumer Affairs and Public Complaints to Rep Obika, said that the workshop was a pilot one.
According to him, it is expected that members of the House of Representatives going by the section 88 of the constitution that gave them the power of oversight and investigation function would be able to carry out consumer engagement in their constituencies.
He said that this would enable the lawmakers to know the way consumers are served in their various constituencies.
“By so doing, legislative activities that will improve the sector based on consumer information,’’ he said.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on Friday, graduated 271 of it’s personnel trained in different specialties to enhance its operational capability.
In a remark at the ceremony in Kaduna, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, said that NAF would continue to place high premium on capacity building and development of personnel for effective and8 imperatives.
Abubakar described the graduation as a milestone not only in the history of both training institutions but also in the careers of the graduating officers.
According to him, the NAF Institute of Administrative Management (NAFIAM) has continued to provide training in human resource management and other administration-related specialties, in line with global best practices for enhanced professionalism of NAF personnel.
“Similarly, the NAFSMAM has provided skilled medical professionals for effective healthcare delivery in support of NAF objectives,” he said.
Abubakar also said that the two training institutions have continued to live up to their mandates and urged them to keep up the good work they were doing.
The Air Chief said that NAF, under his leadership, is committed to deliberate training and mission-oriented force development which, he said, was one of the key enablers of his command’s philosophy.
“It thus gladdens my heart that the NAFIAM is working towards becoming an accredited diploma-awarding institution.
“I am aware that the institute is in top gear to affiliate with Lagos State University and the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria.
“This move will help upgrade the institute and give it the recognition it deserves,” Abubakar said.
He, therefore, advised the Commandant of NAFIAM not to relent in his pursuit to affiliate the institute with the civil tertiary institutions.
He further said that NAF Headquarters was reviewing the modalities for the commencement of Advanced Personnel and Administrative Management Officers’ Course.
“This novel initiative will enable the institute to enhance the skill sets of senior officers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle complex administrative tasks and personnel management responsibilities, effectively.
Also, he described the Basic Medical Course as being the first of its kind in NAF.
“I would, therefore, like to commend the Chief of Medical Services and entire Medical Services Branch for this remarkable achievement.
“I would also like to commend the NAFSMAM for the successful accreditation of Pharmacy Technicians Course by the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria.
“The success of the accreditation has paved the way for the commencement of a three-year professional diploma course in the next academic session,” Abubakar said.
He disclosed that notable accomplishments of the NAFSMAM prompted NAF authorities to approve the German Technical Advisory Group’s proposal to incorporate the Air Mobile First Aid Unit as a department within the school, thereby enhancing its training capabilities.
“You must show commendable level of professionalism in discharging your assigned tasks, remember that your core duty is to protect the territorial integrity of this great nation.
“I am confident that, with our continued commitment and sustained effort, we shall overcome every threat to the peace and security of our dear country, Nigeria,” Abubakar said.
Accordingly, the NAF has equally re-strategised for utmost utilisation of all equipment and resources provided by the government in order to continually attain the NAF’s establishment roles and functions.
“Do not forget that discipline is the bedrock of any fighting force.
“You must, therefore, uphold the high standards of discipline that the Nigerian Air Force is known for,” Abubakar said.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unrelenting support to NAF.
The graduands were from NAFIAM and NAFSMAM also reports that 248 graduated from NAFIAM and 23 from NAFSMAM.
Highlights of the ceremony was the presentation of awards to deserving students, who distinguished themselves during their studies.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has launched the operational manual for inland dry port projects.
The launching took place in Jos on Thursday.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr Akutah Pius, made this known in a statement he issued on Friday.
He said that the council had played a pivotal role in ensuring the development of inland dry ports across designated locations in the country.
He said that the Jos Inland Dry in Heipang was one of the dry port projects being facilitated by the NSC to bring shipping facilities to shippers in the hinterlands.
“It is also to create employment opportunities for citizens and accrue substantial revenue to the government,” he said.
He said that, with concerted efforts of the host state government and other key players, the Jos Inland Dry Port project would soon become a reality.
According to him, the Jos Inland Dry Port is strategically located to serve not only the host state but also neighbouring states.
He noted that the Plateau State Investment and Property Development Company had acquired Jos Inland Dry Port from Duncan Maritime Services Ltd. in 2022.
He said that with the new development, the new concessionaires and the host state government would drive the project.
Pius quoted Plateau Gov. Caleb Murtfwang as describing the launching of the Inland Dry Port as a milestone, considering the economic potential of the state.
Pius also quoted Plateau Commissioner for Commerce, Mr Musa Sule, as describing Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a key partner in the development of the port project.
He also quoted the Coordinator, North Central Zone of the council, Alhaji Ahmed Umar, as saying that the launching of the operational manual was to adequately guide stakeholders and operators on how best to use inland dry ports.
He equally quoted the President of Plateau State Shippers Association, Hajia Aisa Bashir, as giving the assurance of the association’s readiness to enlighten shippers on the operational manual.
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has reiterated its commitment to protecting consumers, promoting fair competition, and ensuring the safety of products in the market.
Its Acting Executive Chairman, Dr Adamu Abdullahi, gave the assurance in an interview with newsmen after a surveillance exercise by the commission at some steel companies in Lagos State and Ogun on Friday.
The companies include African Foundries, Monarch Steel Mill Ltd., and Kam Steel Integrated Company, all on Ikorodu-Sagamu Expressway.
The FCCPC boss said that intelligence and surveillance reports obtained by the commission indicated that certain companies were involved in anti-competitive behaviour.
“This is why we decided to visit three of these companies to examine their operations and review their records, as well as analyse ten of their products.
“We aim to identify any false, misleading, and deceptive practices that could harm consumers,” he stated.
He said that one major concern noted was the discrepancy in product specifications.
“For instance, consumers purchasing 12mm rods often receive 10mm rods instead, which contributes to the building collapses we frequently witness.
“Ensuring the safety of our people is a core responsibility, and these deceptive practices are unacceptable,” said Abdullahi.
He stressed the need for thorough inspections and transparency.
“We are looking at their processes to determine if any corners are being cut. If we find evidence of such practices, we will apply the full extent of the law,” he added.
Abdullahi, also said that the companies visited cooperated with the commission’s officials by providing information needed during the surveillance exercises.
He said, “So far, they have been very cooperative. They consulted their lawyers, who advised them to comply with our investigation, and they have provided us with the required information.”
On collaboration with relevant industry bodies, he said that FCCPC had been working with the Steel Manufacturing Association, the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria, and the Standards Organisation of Nigeria, among others.
He also said that the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) had provided technical advice, ensuring the commision was guided by industry standards.
Addressing the timeline for the investigation, he explained, “The duration depends on the volume of information gathered.
“Some investigations have taken longer due to the sheer amount of data involved.
“We assure you that we will work diligently to conclude as quickly as possible and publish our findings.”
Regarding market impact and potential punitive measures, he noted that sanctions depend on the nature of the offence and would be on strictly adhering to the guidelines set out in the FCCPC Act.
NAF trains 271 specialists, prioritises capacity building – CAS
Shippers’ Council launches operational manual for inland dry ports
