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Ikeja Electric Explains How to Get Prepaid Metres via MAP

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Ikeja Electric Prepaid meter

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

As part of efforts to close the metering gap in the country, the federal government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), came up with the Meter Asset Providers (MAPs).

This platform gives third-party companies licenced by the government to provide metres to customers of electricity in the country, and the scheme has since commenced on May 1, 2019.

One of the leading electricity distribution firms, Ikeja Electric, embraced the MAPs so as to serve its customers better and more efficiently.

The company, in its efforts to make the process of obtaining a prepaid metre hassle-free for its customers, has explained in simple terms how to go about it.

In its Frequently Ask Questions (FAQs) sector of its website, Ikeja Electric said, “In line with NERC regulations, customers are expected to pay for meters. The payment for the meter by the customer can either be upfront or in instalments.”

It further noted that a single-phase prepaid metre costs N38,850 and a three-phase meter costs N70,350. These are all inclusive of VAT.”

Ikeja Electric explained that, “Customers who cannot afford to pay for their meters upfront can pay in instalments. The instalment payment is by regulation referred to as the Monthly Metering Service Charge (MSC) and will continue until full amortization of the meter asset cost, as agreed with the MAPs.”

It stated that, “A meter is for one customer account only. However, customers with more than one account can have multiple meters.

Ikeja Electric also said for customers who made upfront payments for acquiring the metres, the meters will be provided and installed within 10 working days of the payment, and for payments in instalments, customers will be metered in line with the MAPs installation schedule.

It further said after installation, the meter would be processed for setup and activation within two days, and customers will be able to vend for energy using any of the IE payment channels.

On if customers will have to pay any additional charges for meter requests, Ikeja Electric simply said, “No. The total amount payable is as stated for single and three-phase meters, respectively. However, where a customer location does not have the right service wiring, customers will be advised to purchase one. This can be obtained from any licensed electricity vendor.”

On how customers can pay for the MAP Meters, the firm said, “All payments for meters should be made into the authorised bank account to be advised by the MAP. No customer should pay cash for meters to any individual.”

Commenting on how to obtain the prepaid metres, Ikeja Electric advised customers to complete or update their details by visiting http://map.ikejaelectric.com/. It also said customers could send an email to CustomerCare@ikeJaelectric.com or call on any of 01-448-3900, 01-700-0250 and 0700-022-5543 for further information.

On if a customer decides not to get a meter, the company stressed that, “The regulation stipulates that all unmetered customers must be metered under the MAP scheme. Customers who refuse meters will be denied service by the distribution company,” adding that all meters will be procured and installed via MAPs.

Speaking on customers having unsettled post-paid bill before applying for a meter, the electricity firm advised that the bill be cleared by taking advantage of the various repayment options available during the KYC process.

“Outstanding balance can also be rolled over into the customer’s prepaid account and paid in instalments in line with IE’s instalment plans,” it said.

Answering question as to whether the Meter Service Charge (MSC) is the same as the Suspended Fixed Charge, the company said, “MSC is not the same as the Suspended Fixed Charge (CFC), noting that the MSC is the monthly repayment of the cost of the meter over a period of time.

On the event of customer’s relocation to another apartment after paying for the meters, Ikeja Electric said if the relocation is within its franchise area, the customer is expected to notify the DisCo and once notified, the company will transfer the service to the new location including the credit on the customer’s account.

“Customers are not allowed to remove their meters from their locations,” Ikeja Electric emphasised.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Nigeria Could Save $267m from Local Polypropylene Production

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77 Polypropylene Grades

By Adedapo Adesanya

The domestic production of polypropylene will help Nigeria to save around $267 million in import costs, according to estimates by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).

The group said investments from Dangote Group in the sector could significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported raw materials for the textile industry.

The local production of polypropylene will not only boost industrial growth but also create jobs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s textile sector.

According to the Director-General of MAN, Mr Segun Kadir-Ajayi, this could help revive and ease the challenges facing a lot of industry in Nigeria, particularly the textile industry, which once employed over 25,000 workers in the northern region.

He attributed the industry’s decline to the lack of local polypropylene production and foreign exchange scarcity, forcing many companies to shut down.

Recently, Business Post reported that Dangote Industries has fully commenced polypropylene production, a move expected to transform Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.

It will help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports for this essential material used in packaging, textiles, and automotive components.

The Chairman of the group, Mr Aliko Dangote, projected that once fully operational, the refinery will meet local demand, eliminating the need for $267.7 million in annual imports.

By producing polypropylene locally, Dangote Industries is set to enhance industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.

Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic used across multiple industries due to its durability, chemical resistance, and lightweight nature.

It plays a vital role in packaging, textiles, automotive, healthcare, construction, agriculture, consumer goods, and electronics. Its applications range from food containers and medical devices to car parts and irrigation pipes.

Local production of polypropylene is expected to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and enhance competitiveness.

Polypropylene’s versatile applications crucial for various industries including packaging, textiles, automotive, healthcare, construction and agriculture.

In packaging, polypropylene is essential for plastic containers and food packaging films. The textile industry relies on it for non-woven fabrics and carpets, while the automotive sector benefits from its lightweight properties in car bumpers and dashboards.

In healthcare, it is used for syringes and medical vials due to its sterility and durability. The construction and electronics industries utilize polypropylene for insulation materials, cables, and battery cases.

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EFCC Declares Aisha Achimugu Wanted for Money Laundering

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Aisha Achimugu

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

An associate of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Ms Aisha Achimugu, has been declared wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The agency is investigating her for an alleged money laundering and criminal conspiracy, a statement said.

The action of the EFCC followed a report by an online newspaper, Peoples Gazette, that President Bola Tinubu was not happy that the some funds made available to Ms Achimugu for the 2023 general elections were used to prosecute the campaigns of his main challengers, Mr Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Mr Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP).

Already, the former Vice President of Nigeria, Mr Atiku, has denied getting funds from the fugitive’s ally, Mr Sanwo-Olu, calling the claims “a blatant lie from the pit of hell.”

“We wish to state emphatically and for the record that this is a political hatchet job aimed at providing a much-needed justification to jettison Governor Sanwo-Olu, who appears to have fallen out of favour with the Bourdillon Cult,” a statement from his media office said.

The EFCC asked anyone with the whereabouts of Ms Achimugu to contact any of its offices in the country.

“The public is hereby notified that AISHA SULAIMAN ACHIMUGU, whose photograph appears above, is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in an alleged case of Criminal Conspiracy and Money Laundering.

“Achimugu, 51, is an indigene of Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State. Anybody with useful information as to her whereabouts should please contact the Commission in its Ibadan, Uyo, Sokoto, Maiduguri, Benin, Makurdi, Kaduna, Ilorin, Enugu, Kano, Lagos, Gombe, Port Harcourt or Abuja offices or through 08093322644; its e-mail address: info@efcc.gov.ng or the nearest Police Station and other security agencies,” the notice signed on Friday by the commission’s Head of Media and Publicity, Mr Dele Oyewale, said.

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Tether Acquires 30.4% Stake in Be Water to Redefine Modern Media

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Be Water Tether

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

In a bid to redefine modern media through technological innovation in content creation and distribution, Tether has embarked on a €10 million capital increase and equity acquisition in Be Water.

A statement from the largest company in the digital asset ecosystem on Thursday said it would take up a 30.4 per cent stake in Be Water by the end of the month to support the company’s technology-driven approach to content production and storytelling.

With this investment, Tether and Be Water will collaborate to enhance digital content distribution, integrate new technological solutions, and support the international expansion of Be Water’s brands.

The partnership will enable Be Water to develop a holistic technology infrastructure that leverages blockchain and advanced digital tools to distribute high-quality, independent content globally.

In addition, Be Water will launch a significant investment plan focused on developing a cutting-edge digital infrastructure for content distribution and production, expanding Chora and Will’s investigative journalism division establishing new strategic partnerships with global talent in film, television, and documentary production, and driving the international growth of Be Water’s brands.

Also, Be Water’s ownership structure will change, with key shareholders now including Guido Maria Brera, Giancarlo Devasini and Paolo Ardoino (Tether), Mario Calabresi, Roberto Condulmari, Saverio Costanzo, Barbara Salabè, Mattia Guerra, Sabina Grossi, Claudio Erba, Alessandro Borghi, Stefano Bises, Cecilia Sala, Riccardo Haupt, Fabio Pirovano, Sabrina Giovannetti, and Giorgia De Paolis.

Equally, the board will be restructured with Guido Maria Brera as Chairman, Barbara Salabè as CEO, and Mario Calabresi, Claudia Lagorio (COO of Tether), and Sabrina Giovannetti (CFO of Be Water) as members.

“At Tether, we recognize the power of storytelling and the importance of independent media in shaping informed societies.

“Our investment in Be Water aligns with our vision to support technology-driven innovation across industries. We are excited to collaborate with Guido Maria Brera and the entire Be Water team to explore new frontiers in content creation and distribution, ensuring that high-quality, independent content and entertainment reach audiences worldwide,” the chief executive of Tether, Mr Paolo Ardoino, said.

Also, the Chairman of Be Water, Guido Maria Brera, said, “Since the beginning, our goal with Be Water has been to build a modern media company capable of producing and distributing content across multiple platforms—podcasting, film, television, and live events—with a strong, diverse, and independent voice.

“With Tether’s entry and the technological expertise of Paolo Ardoino, we have the opportunity to accelerate our growth and expand our reach both in Italy and globally.”

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