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FG not paying electricity subsidies, Discos lament
Electricity distribution companies in Nigeria have said that the Federal Government has not been fulfilling its promise to pay the cost of subsidising the electricity consumed by customers on Band B to E.
The Executive Director of Research and Advocacy of the Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors, Sunday Oduntan, stated this on Wednesday while featuring on Arise News TV to discuss the state of electricity in Nigeria, especially amid the frequent grid collapses.
According to Oduntan, only customers on Band A pay the right cost of electricity consumed, while the government subsidises about 67 per cent of what other customers should pay.
However, he said the government promised to pay for the shortfalls, but it has continued to default.
“Today, only people in Band A pay the true cost of electricity. If you are in Band B, C, D, or E, the government is subsidising your electricity consumption by as much as 67 per cent, which means you are not even paying up to half of what you should be paying, and the so-called subsidy is not being paid by the government. It is now a kind of shortfall because it continues to pile up,” Oduntan said.
He lamented that Discos have been selling electricity below the cost of production, saying electricity cost should not be about whether or not the people can afford it.
Oduntan maintained that while other countries started and completed their power projects in a few years, the Mambila power project has been ongoing for many years due to a lack of cost recovery.
“Many talk about people’s affordability, which should not determine the cost of electricity. It should be the other way around. It is time for us to put on our thinking cap. What is the landing cost of electricity? If the government thinks people’s earning power needs to be improved, that’s a part of their duties. Go and find out how much it costs to buy a brand new Land Cruiser and ask me how many meters or transformers I can buy with the cost of one Land Cruiser Jeep. So, it’s about priorities.
“The point I’m making is that the issue of cost has nothing to do with the private businessmen who have to recover their costs. Once we all agree on the landing cost, then we should know that we should not sell below that cost.”
What has happened to Nigeria over the years is that the government kept on asking that electricity should be sold far below the landing cost, and the government keeps on promising, ‘Don’t worry, we’ll give you the shortfall’, that is the subsidy. But it has never been done, that is the problem,” he lamented.
Recall that the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has repeatedly called for a cost-reflective tariff as the government over the years failed to pay electricity subsidies.
Speaking further, Oduntan said the country needs a minimum of 30,000 megawatts of electricity to enjoy stable power supplies and reduce grid collapses but it is currently generating 5,000MW.
He attributed the challenges in the power sector to many years of neglect, saying Nigeria built no power plant between 1989 and 1999.
“The incessant grid collapse is because of lack of proper maintenance, lack of investment, and failure by successive governments to do the right thing over the years. Whatever you fail to do in the power sector in 1984 will catch up with you in 2024. What we have witnessed is, over the years, the government paid lip service to doing the right thing in the Nigerian power sector. And that is a fact.
“Between 1989 and 1999, a period of 10 years, Nigeria had four leaders. Nigerian population grew rapidly within that period of 10 years, but not a single power plant was built in our country. You built your power infrastructure in accordance with the growing population. And what we have had is the neglect on the fact of the government to do what they are supposed to do over the years,” he added.
Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke celebrated his administration’s Second Anniversary with a Novelty Match between the Osun State House of Assembly Members and the Cabinet members otherwise known as the Executives at the Ataoja School of Science on Saturday, November 23, 2024.
This match was Day (2) of the activities lined up for the second anniversary celebrations.
The match that ended 1-0 in favour of the Executive was full of excitements and funs.
Adeleke who presented the Cup to the winner attributed the success of his administration to the dedication, commitment and loyalty of members of his cabinet, the lawmakers, the Judiciary, the Civil Servants and all the residents of the State who showed their love for his administration.
He took a swipe at the opposition on the confusion in their camp, as they are asking among themselves on how Adeleke has been able to manage the affairs of his administration with massive infrastructural developments and good governance in two years, what they could not do in four years.
He said he was able to achieve in two years what others could not achieve in four years due to the fact that God is with him, “whoever traded with God will never suffer any loss, that is the secret of our success.”
“We have been able to reach this milestone without borrowing because we made the people the centre of our focus. When there is no way, there is always a way through God. We will not relent, from November 26, 2024 we will start commissioning our projects across the state.”
He added that on assumption of office Osogbo was dark but when I came in there was light everywhere.
“The only thing we can do to Osun electorates and the residents is to give them the dividend of democracy and that is what we are doing now.”
The program continues on Sunday, November 24, 2024 with Thanksgiving Service at the C&S, Oke-Gada, Ede from 10.00am prompt.
By Gloria Ikibah
As part of the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, the House of Representatives is set to lead a historic march on Monday, November 25, 2024, in a bold effort to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.
The march, which begins at 8:00 AM, will see over 1,000 participants, including lawmakers and members of the public walk from the National Assembly to the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja. The event will culminate in the submission of a petition to the Inspector General of Police, demanding decisive action against GBV and greater protection for vulnerable groups.
Speaking about the initiative, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD., GCON, said, “This march and the activities that follow are not mere gestures but a reflection of our determination to confront gender-based violence head-on. We are committed to building a society where justice, equality, and safety prevail for all Nigerians.”
In a statement by the House Spokesperson, Rep. Akin Rotimi on Saturday in Abuja, he said, “The 10th House of Representatives has reaffirmed its commitment to systemic reforms, collaboration, and accountability in the fight against gender-based violence.
“In addition to the march, the House has outlined key activities in alignment with its Legislative Agenda (2023–2027) to sustain awareness and action throughout the campaign period.
“Sash Demonstration Ceremony – Tuesday, November 26, 2024
“Convergence of State Assembly Speakers – Monday, December 9, 2024. A strategic meeting at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, will bring together Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to discuss legislative measures for combating GBV nationwide.
“National Citizens’ Summit and GBV Conference 2024 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024. The summit will focus on constitutional reforms and securing endorsements for gender equality initiatives led by the House of Representatives”.
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s 16 Days of Activism aims to galvanise nationwide efforts and inspire collective action to protect human rights, ensure justice, and create a safer, more equitable Nigeria.
OSUN: Adeleke Celebrates 2nd Anniversary With Novelty Match Between Lawmakers And Executives
HoR to Lead March, Launch Initiatives Against Gender-Based Violence
NUJ-FCT Elections: Comrade Ike To Flag-Off Campaign With Free Medical Checks, Treatment
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