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NERC Begs FG Over Mounting Power Sector Debt

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NERC

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) said it had communicated the need for the federal government to intervene over the longstanding trend of non-payment and debts by international customers, and others to the power sector.

According to a report, as of the quarter under review, electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) and four international customers serviced by the Market Operator (MO), did not remit a total of N97.5 billion to the power sector in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Statistics obtained from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s 2023 fourth-quarter report, said the 11 DisCos held unto N81 billion, while four international customers (Paras SBEE, Transcorp SBEE, Mainstream NIGELEC and Odu-Pani-CEET ), did not remit $12 million (N16.5 billion when converted using N1,367/$1 rate) invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in the third quarter of 2023

This puts total debt by the DisCos and international customers at N97.5 billion for the period under review.

A breakdown of the explanation of the debt by the DisCos showed that in Q4 2023, the cumulative upstream invoice payable by DisCos was approximately N270 billion, consisting of N223 billion for generation costs from the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company, and about N47 billion for transmission and administrative services by the MO.

However, out of this amount, the DisCos collectively remitted a total sum of N188.7 billion (N156 billion for NBET and N32.5 billion for MO), with an outstanding balance of about N81 billion.

This translates to a remittance performance of about 70 per cent in Q4 2023 compared to the 76 per cent (remittance of N158 billion out of the total invoice of N208.7 billion) recorded in Q3 2023

The total revenue collected by all DisCos in Q4 2023 was N294.9 billion out of the N399.7 billion that was billed to customers. This translates to a collection efficiency of 74 per cent.

In comparison, the total revenue collected by all DisCos in Q3 2023 was N268 billion, out of the N349 billion billed to customers which translated to a 76 per cent collection efficiency. The 74 per cent collection efficiency recorded in Q4 2023 is –2.77 per cent lower than the efficiency recorded in the preceding quarter (76 per cent).

The report further detailed that none of the four international customers being supplied by GenCos in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), made payment against the cumulative invoice of $12.02 million issued by the MO for services rendered in Q4 2023.

The report, however, noted that some international customers made payments during Q4 2023 for outstanding MO invoices from previous quarters.

It also said that there were no remittances by bilateral customers against the cumulative invoice of N1.9 million issued to them by the MO for services rendered in Q4 2023.

The recurrent delay of remittances by international and bilateral customers, NERC said should prompt the MO “to invoke the provision of the market rules to curtail the payment indiscipline being exhibited by the various market participants”.

The special customer (Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd and the host community) did not also make any payment towards the N0.72 billion (NBET) and N0.07 billion (MO) invoices received in the last quarter of 2023.

“This continues a longstanding trend of non-payment by this customer and the Commission has communicated the need for intervention on this issue to the relevant FGN ministries,” NERC added.

The power sector debt continues to rise, as the country battles inadequate power supply as a result of low generation.

The GenCos currently generate about 5,000 megawatts (MW) despite the grid having a combined capacity of about 12,000 MW making the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) transmit the same to the DisCos for onward distribution to end users.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Pastor Ogbueli’s Abuja Night of Glory Holds Today

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Abuja Night of Glory

By Blaise Udunze

Momentum is gathering for the Abuja Night of Glory taking place today, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The crusade is being hosted by Dominion City Church headed by Pastor David Ogbueli and it starts by 7pm.

The all-night programme will feature dynamic worship leaders like Nathanial Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Theophilus Sunday, Chioma Jesus, Kaestrings, Sunmisola Agbebi Okeleye, Minister GUC, Ebuka Songs, Anthony Kani, and DC Angels.

Reputed as a teacher of righteousness and anointed minister of the gospel, evidenced by the miracles that have trailed his ministry, and one who champions the cause of the poor through empowerment initiatives, Dr. David Ogbueli will be joined by renowned ministers from within and outside Nigeria, including Evangelist Andres Bisonni, Dr. Charles Ndifon, Evangelist Dan Scott, Apostle Ikechukwu Nnajiofor, and several others.

Night of Glory has, in previous editions held across Nigeria’s cities, recorded remarkable results, such as immediate healings and freedom from chronic ailments, recovery of vision and movement after many years of paralysis, along with liberation from dependencies and emotional distress. Numerous participants have also shared testimonies of breakthroughs and big personal changes after the experience. Organisers state that this year’s event, in Abuja, is anticipated to exceed previous editions.

The event is intended for all individuals trusting God for divine intervention in any area of life.

Understanding the role of faith in the destiny of individuals and nations, a dedicated prayer session for Nigeria will take place during the crusade to tackle some of the current challenges being faced in the country and also to uplift he leaders and institutions before God.

Attendance is free, and registration is encouraged via the QR codes on event banners. Organisers expect a massive turnout as worshippers travel from across the country for what is anticipated to be a transformative encounter.

Adequate security and free transportation have been put in place ALL over the city of Abuja, while those outside Abuja are expected to join online.

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Rivers Speaker, 15 Other Lawmakers Leave PDP for APC

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rivers speaker Martin Amaewhule defect

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Mr Martin Amaewhule, has defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

At the plenary on Friday, Mr Amaewhule joined the ruling party from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with 15 other members of the state parliament.

This development comes some months after they had earlier declared their support for the APC in the wake of a crisis with the state governor, Mr Sim Fubura.

The lawmakers had an issue with Mr Fubura, which led to a state of emergency declared on the oil-rich state by President Bola Tinubu in March 2025.

This embargo was only lift in September 2025 after the duration of the six-month emergency rule in the state.

A few days ago, members of the Rivers Assembly passed a vote of confidence on President Tinubu, backing him to remain in office till 2031, when he would have spent eight years in office if re-elected in 2027.

Announcing their defection today, the lawmakers pinned their decision on the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level.

It is not certain if their political godfather, Mr Nyesom Wike, who is the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), will join them in APC.

Mr Wike, who governed Rivers State from 2015 to 2023, has been accused of instigating the crisis in the opposition PDP. He was expelled from the party last month at a national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State.

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Nigeria Risks Brain Drain in Energy Sector—PENGASSAN

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energy sector

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has warned that Nigeria risks massive brain drain in the oil and gas sector due to poor remuneration.

The president of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo, said at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the union on Thursday in Abuja that the industry was facing challenges arising from Naira devaluation and inflation, noting that, oil and gas skills remained globally competitive.

Painting an example, he said, “A drilling engineer in Nigeria does the same job as one in the US or Abu Dhabi,” noting that the union must take steps to bridge the wage gap to prevent members from leaving the country for better opportunities abroad.

“If we don’t act, the brain drain seen in other sectors will be child’s play,” he said.

According to him, PENGASSAN has recorded significant gains through collective bargaining across oil and gas branches.

“We signed numerous agreements across government agencies, IOCs, service and marketing sectors,” he said.

He said the agreements brought relief to members facing rising costs of living, adding that, the association’s duty is to protect members’ jobs and enhance their pay.

Mr Osifo urged companies delaying salary reviews and those foot-dragging as a result of the prevailing economic realities, to do the needful.

He said the industry employed some of the nation’s best talents, making competitive pay critical to retaining skilled workers.

“This industry recruits the best. Companies must provide the best conditions,” he said.

On insecurity, Mr Osifo urged government to take decisive action against terrorism and kidnappings across the country.

“We are tired of condemnations. government must expose sponsors and protect citizens,” he said.

He urged government at all levels to prioritise tackling insecurity through better funding and equipment for security agencies.

Mr Osifo said PENGASSAN supported calls for state police to improve local security response, adding that decentralising policing will protect citizens better than rhetoric.

He also said economic indicators meant little, if food prices remained high and farmers could not return to farms due to insecurity.

“Nigerians want to see food on the table, not macroeconomic figures,” he said, urging the government to coordinate fiscal and monetary policies to ensure economic gains reach households.

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