The Nation Newspaper

Category: Energy

  • ECN unveils achievements at stakeholders’ workshop, introduces new energy standards

    ECN unveils achievements at stakeholders’ workshop, introduces new energy standards

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) convened a high-level Stakeholders’ Workshop to showcase the remarkable progress of its ongoing initiative on energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling solutions. 

    The event also served as a landmark moment to unveil Nigeria’s newly approved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners.

    Director-General of ECN Dr Mustapha Abdullahi highlighted the workshop’s significance in driving Nigeria’s sustainable energy agenda.

    “The Energy Commission of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and with financial backing from the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), has been spearheading the Scaling up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling project since 2022. 

    Read Also: ECN, UNIDO, key stakeholders strengthen Nigeria’s industrial energy efficiency

    ”This initiative is strategically designed to fast-track the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners that utilise climate-friendly refrigerants, aligning with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement,” Abdullahi stated.

    The Federal Government’s approval and enforcement of the new MEPS for air conditioners mark a significant milestone in the nation’s pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainability. These standards are poised to drive significant economic and environmental benefits, including substantial energy savings, reduced electricity demand, and expanded energy access for millions of Nigerians.

    Abdullahi emphasised the crucial need for awareness and collaboration among key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and importers of air conditioning units. 

    He also highlighted the workshop’s key role in encouraging discussions on a sustainable Waste Management Mechanism for air conditioners and domestic refrigerators, strongly focusing on refrigerant management and safe disposal strategies.

    Key objectives of the workshop include showcasing the project’s achievements and impact since inception, presenting the details and implementation framework of the newly approved AC MEPS, and proposing a comprehensive waste management strategy for air conditioners and domestic refrigerators in Nigeria.

    Abdullahi appreciated Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) for its instrumental role in reviewing the MEPS under this initiative. 

    He also acknowledged the Clean Cooling Collaborative’s financial support and the United Nations Environment Programme’s technical expertise. Key partners, including the National Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment, were also recognised for their invaluable contributions.

  • Group raises the alarm over alleged plot to derail Tinubu’s reforms on local refineries

    Group raises the alarm over alleged plot to derail Tinubu’s reforms on local refineries

    A group of concerned citizens has raised the alarm over an alleged plot to sabotage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms on local refineries.

    The group, Concerned Nigerians led by its  National Coordinator Obinna Francis, claimed to have uncovered a sinister plot to stop the supply of crude oil to domestic refineries.

    According to Francis, the plot is being orchestrated by a cabal within the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in collaboration with importers of fake petrol.

    The group alleged this cabal is seeking to undermine the government’s economic reforms, which have led to a significant reduction in fuel prices and a subsequent decrease in the cost of food items.

    Read Also: Reps extends deadline for submission of memoranda on state, LG creation

    The concerned citizens believed that the plot is driven by a desire to return Nigeria to the era of petrol importation and the reintroduction of subsidies.

    They argued that cutting off crude oil supply to domestic refineries would create a shortage of refined products, forcing the country to import fuel.

    The group claimed that the cabal has been manipulating officials in the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to justify the planned refusal to supply crude oil to local refineries.

    They also alleged that the cabal has the support of individuals who hope to capitalise on public anger and protests to bring down the government.

    Francis added: “The members of the cabal, working through certain officials of NNPCL, have been manipulating their colleagues in the NUPRC, which has responsibility for overseeing the supply of crude oil to refineries in Nigeria.

    “Their plot includes sabotaging exploration and distribution infrastructure to justify the planned refusal to cut off crude supplies. This unholy alliance has the support of individuals who have been angling for a regime change.

    “Our suspicion is that while the NNPCL/NUPRC cabal pursue the monetary gains of truncating the steady supply of refined products, their political wing anticipates that a disruption in refining capacity would lead to petrol scarcity, drive fuel prices up and hike food prices with the attendant anger against the government of the day.

    “They desire to weaponise such public anger into anti-government protests that would bring the administration down. We are concerned that if not stopped, this plot will undo all the gains that have been made in the implementation of economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government and doom us all.

    “We are further concerned that such a plot at this critical time of our economic evolution would plunge the country into an abyss from which it may never resurface.”

    The group called on President Tinubu and the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene and prevent the plot from being executed. 

    They praised the President’s economic reforms, which have driven Nigeria towards energy sustainability and revived the oil industry.

    The group warned that if the plot is not stopped, it would undo all the gains made by the government and plunge the country into economic chaos.

    They urged the President to ensure that no one in NNPCL, NUPRC or any other connected agency undermines the achievements recorded in the sector.

  • ​The road to universal energy access: A conversation on investments, policy, Innovation

    ​The road to universal energy access: A conversation on investments, policy, Innovation

    In this insightful discussion, Experience Efeosa Akhigbe, a seasoned expert in energy financing and energy infrastructure development, shares profound insights from his journey in transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape.

    As a key player in renewable energy investments, public-private partnerships, and sustainable infrastructure, Experience has been instrumental in driving innovative financing solutions that bridge the energy gap across Africa. His work spans policy advocacy, financial modeling, and transaction advisory, ensuring that energy projects are both commercially viable and socially impactful.

    What inspired you to focus on energy infrastructure financing, and how has your experience at PwC and EY shaped your perspective on sustainable energy investments?

    I have always been passionate about solving real-world problems, and energy access is one of the biggest challenges in Africa. While working at PwC and EY, I saw firsthand how financing can either make or break infrastructure projects. Many great energy ideas never take off because they lack funding or the right investment structure. This made me realize that energy finance is not just about money—it’s about creating the right conditions for long-term success. I became interested in how public and private investors can work together to build projects that bring electricity to millions while remaining profitable.

    What trends do you believe will shape the future of energy financing in Nigeria, Africa, and globally, and how can stakeholders prepare for them?

    The future of energy financing is shifting towards sustainability and innovation. Globally, we are seeing more investments in renewable energy, green bonds, and carbon credits. In Nigeria and Africa, I believe decentralized energy solutions like solar mini-grids will attract more funding. Also, blended finance—where governments, private investors, and development banks co-fund projects—will become more common. To prepare for this, stakeholders must create policies that encourage private investment and make energy projects more bankable.

    Read Also: Reps extends deadline for submission of memoranda on state, LG creation

    How can blended finance models, such as public-private partnerships (PPPs) and green bonds, unlock new opportunities for renewable energy development?

    Blended finance is a game-changer. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) allow the government to share risks with private investors, making energy projects less risky and more attractive. Green bonds provide funding specifically for renewable energy projects, allowing investors to support sustainability while earning returns. These models help bring in large-scale investments, making projects possible in places where traditional financing alone wouldn’t work. The key is strong policies and transparency so that investors feel confident putting their money into African energy markets.

    With rapid advancements in renewable energy technology, what innovations do you believe will drive Africa’s energy transition in the coming decade?

    I think the biggest innovations will be in battery storage, smart grids, and AI-powered energy management. Battery storage will help solve the problem of unreliable electricity by allowing solar power to be stored and used when needed. Smart grids will help manage electricity distribution more efficiently, reducing power wastage. AI can help predict energy demand and optimize supply, making electricity cheaper and more reliable. These technologies, if well funded, can revolutionize Africa’s energy landscape.

    What are the biggest challenges governments face in accelerating energy access, and how can policies be restructured to support private sector-led solutions?

    One major challenge is funding—governments don’t have enough money to finance large-scale electrification alone. Another issue is bureaucracy—long approval processes and inconsistent policies discourage private investors. To fix this, policies should focus on speeding up project approvals, providing tax incentives for renewable energy investments, and ensuring stable regulations. Governments should also partner more with the private sector to share the financial and operational burden.

    What role should private stakeholders play in driving sustainable energy investments, and how can companies collaborate with governments to scale projects?

    Private companies should bring innovation, efficiency, and funding into the energy sector. Unlike governments, they have the flexibility to test new technologies and scale successful ones. However, for this to work, governments must create an investment-friendly environment by ensuring clear regulations and reducing red tape. The best collaborations happen when governments provide initial support (such as land and subsidies) while private companies handle project execution.

    What lessons can be learned from global energy transition success stories, and how can Nigeria and Africa implement similar strategies?

    Countries like Germany, India, and Kenya have made big strides in renewable energy, and we can learn from them. Germany’s feed-in tariff system made solar energy affordable. India focused on large-scale solar parks, reducing costs. Kenya embraced mobile-based microfinancing for solar home systems, making electricity accessible to low-income households. For Nigeria and Africa, the key lessons are: Create financial incentives for investors and Invest in large-scale solar and wind projects to bring costs down.

    Finally, what are your plans for the future in the energy sector? Are there any new frontiers—such as AI in energy, carbon markets, or hydrogen power—that you are particularly eager to explore?

    I’m excited about how AI can optimize energy distribution, making electricity supply more reliable and efficient. I’m also interested in carbon markets, where companies can earn revenue by reducing emissions. Another area I want to explore is hydrogen power, which has the potential to become a clean fuel for industries and transportation. Ultimately, my goal is to continue driving energy financing and innovation to ensure that Nigeria and Africa have a sustainable, accessible, and affordable energy future.

  • ECN, UNIDO, key stakeholders strengthen Nigeria’s industrial energy efficiency

    ECN, UNIDO, key stakeholders strengthen Nigeria’s industrial energy efficiency

    The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) are ramping up efforts to enhance energy efficiency in Nigeria’s industrial sector. 

    In a technical review meeting held in Abuja, stakeholders gathered to refine key policy and training documents under the GEF-UNIDO Project, a crucial initiative aimed at improving industrial energy performance and promoting cleaner production.

    The meeting focused on three key outputs: the Compendium of Industrial Energy Efficiency Policies and Regulations, the Training Manual on Energy Management Systems (EnMS), and the Industrial Energy Efficiency Database (IEEDb). These tools are designed to support Nigeria’s push for sustainable industrial practices, economic growth, and climate resilience.

    Read Also: FAO boosts business skills of veterinary paraprofessionals through training

    Government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Environment, the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the Federal Ministry of Power, the Bank of Industry, and the National Council on Climate Change, participated in discussions alongside industry experts. 

    Acting Director of the Energy Transition and Linkages Department at ECN, Dr. Shehu Mustafa, underscored the urgency of adopting energy-efficient practices to boost Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness and meet global environmental commitments.

    Dr. Mustafa however called for ongoing collaboration, emphasising that energy efficiency is not just an environmental concern but a national economic priority. 

    The review of the Compendium of Industrial Energy Efficiency Policies and Regulations led to key updates, including the integration of Nigeria’s Long-Term Low Emissions Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) and a broader representation of regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the National Energy Management Agency (NEMSA).

    In his presentation, Industrial Energy Efficiency Project Consultant, Engr. Okon Ekpenyong, said the manual aligns with ISO 50001 standards and follows the plan-do-check-act (PDCA) cycle, equipping industries with a structured framework for optimizing energy use and cutting operational costs.

    Stakeholders also examined the Industrial Energy Efficiency Database (IEEDb), a tool designed to track and analyze energy consumption across key industries such as steel, petrochemicals, textiles, and food processing. 

    The database aims to enable data-driven decision-making, improve monitoring, and identify energy-saving opportunities.

  • Court reaffirms Halkin E&P as legal owner, operator of OML 46

    Court reaffirms Halkin E&P as legal owner, operator of OML 46

    The Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, has ruled in favor of Halkin Exploration and Production Limited, affirming its rightful ownership and operation of the Atala Marginal Oil Field, OML 46.

    The dispute over OML 46 had been ongoing between Halkin Exploration and Bayelsa Oil Company Limited.

    In his judgment, Justice Ayo Emmanuel dismissed the suit filed by Bayelsa Oil Company Limited, ruling that the case was statute-barred and that the plaintiffs lacked the legal standing to challenge the re-award of OML 46 to Halkin Exploration.

    The court further held that the plaintiffs failed to meet the required legal conditions before initiating the lawsuit, rendering their claim an abuse of court process.

    Justice Emmanuel, citing Section 2 of the Public Officers Protection Act and Section 307 of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021, which bar certain claims after a specified period, dismissed the suit by Bayelsa Oil Company in its entirety.

    The court reaffirmed Halkin Exploration’s legal ownership and operational rights over the Atala Marginal Oil Field.

    Reacting to the ruling, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which filed an objection to the suit by Bayelsa Oil Company, through its counsel, Chikaosolu Ojukwu, S.A.N, said: “This judgment upholding Halkin E&P’s ownership of OML 46 marks a significant victory for the upstream oil and gas sector. This outcome underscores the seriousness and integrity behind the bidding and awarding processes of marginal fields and deep offshore assets.”

    Read Also: FG unveils plan to tackle growing unsafe water crisis

    According to Ojukwu, the ruling is a further affirmation that under the leadership of the NUPRC’s Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, the Commission has consistently upheld the rule of law, ensuring that all operators in the upstream sector comply with regulations.

    “This commitment has contributed to improved crude oil production and promoted the Seven Pillars of Divestment, fostering sustainable development within the industry.”

    The dispute dates back to February 25, 2003, when the former Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) now NUPRC, awarded OML 46 to Bayelsa Oil Company Limited.

    However, on April 6, 2020, the Federal Government revoked the lease due to the company’s failure to develop the field and bring it into full production. For a long time afterward, Bayelsa Oil Company failed to contest the revocation, and OML 46 was re-awarded to Halkin Exploration on July 7, 2021.

    Seeking to overturn this decision, Bayelsa Oil Company filed a lawsuit on June 20, 2024, at the Federal High Court, Yenagoa Judicial Division, requesting a declaration that the re-award of OML 46 to Halkin Exploration was unlawful, null, and void.

    On July 18, 2024, Halkin Exploration, represented by its counsel, Mr. Kehinde Ogunwumiju, S.A.N., filed a Notice of Preliminary Objection,

  • CNG Project in Kogi not Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts, says Waive

    CNG Project in Kogi not Akpoti-Uduaghan’s efforts, says Waive

    Fresh facts are emerging following the controversy over the attribution of NNPCL and the Presidential Gas Initiative’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) projects in Kogi State to Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who allegedly claimed credit for influencing the project.

    Social media has been flooded with posts, particularly from supporters of a former Deputy President of the Senate, criticising Delta’s three APC senators for failing to counter Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s alleged diversion of projects meant for Delta State to Kogi State. 

    Some commentators see these as a calculated media attack by the former DSP’s team to undermine the APC senators.

    However, Hon. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, Member of the House of Representatives for Ughelli North, South, and Udu federal constituency, clarified denounced misinformation over the project and emphasised that the gas plant in Kogi is not a political manoeuvre of any senator but an economic decision facilitated by existing gas infrastructure.

    According to him, gas projects fall under the Committee on Gas, not the Local Content Committee, as some claim. 

    He also refuted the notion that the present administration initiated the pipeline transporting gas from the Niger Delta to Niger Republic, reminding Nigerians that former President Muhammadu Buhari started the project. “Such large-scale infrastructure projects require long-term planning and are beyond the tenure of a single administration,” he stated.

    Read Also: NCDMB, Starzs Gas: CNG key to driving industrial growth

    Hon. Waive pointed out that Niger Delta lawmakers in the 9th Assembly never opposed the pipeline construction during Buhari’s tenure. 

    “If this project were truly questionable, why did Niger Delta representatives remain silent then?” He asserted that controversy only arose when political actors sought to exploit it for their gain.

    He reiterated that the decision to construct five CNG plants in Kogi is purely economic, as the pipeline already provides easy access for distribution to the northern region.

     However, he expressed concern that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is attempting to claim credit for the project, misleading the public about her role. He warned that such narratives aim to manipulate public opinion against Niger Delta lawmakers.

    Hon. Waive called for an end to the politicisation of this vital infrastructure project and condemned smear campaigns against leaders working for Nigeria’s economic growth. 

    “Those spreading these falsehoods should reconsider their actions, as misinformation ultimately harms the very people they claim to represent,” he added. 

    A Delta APC chieftain, speaking anonymously, criticised the former DSP’s media team for attempting to tarnish the image of APC lawmakers over political differences. 

    “After reading Hon. Waive’s well-articulated position, one wonders what the former DSP’s media team aims to achieve by spinning false narratives about the Kogi gas project despite knowing the truth; I think Delta APC and its leadership should move past this ugly past,” he added.

    On October 18, 2024, NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) and A4E Energy signed an agreement to construct a 100 mmscf/d natural gas distribution facility in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. 

    According to NNPCL’s official website, the gas facility (city-gate) will supply natural gas to various domestic LNG facilities, CNG compression sites, and other gas-dependent facilities in Ajaokuta.

    These projects align with the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas and Presidential CNG initiatives to drive Nigeria’s industrialization and transportation sector. On January 31, 2025, NNPCL also commenced the construction of five mini Liquefied Natural Gas plants in Ajaokuta as part of its commitment to the country’s gas revolution.

    The initiative aims to expand domestic gas utilization, boost energy access, support industrialization, and create jobs. NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari emphasized that Ajaokuta was chosen for its strategic location, as the company’s pipeline network already reaches the area.

    Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority highlighted Ajaokuta’s emergence as a hub for gas infrastructure projects, including CNG compression and refuelling stations, enabled by government policies such as the Decade of Gas, the Presidential CNG Initiative, and executive directives.

  • Sterling Bank, Sun King partner to expand access to solar energy in Nigeria

    Sterling Bank, Sun King partner to expand access to solar energy in Nigeria

    Sterling Bank Limited has announced a strategic partnership with Sun King, a global leader in solar energy solutions to unlock solar opportunities in Nigeria. 

    This partnership is designed to provide affordable solar energy products and flexible financing options to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and households across Nigeria. 

    Customers can get loans to buy Sun King solar systems and pay over 48 months. After full payment, the system unlocks permanently, providing free energy for years.

    Sun King’s experts across Nigeria are available to support the customers through the process. From site inspection and installation to servicing, backed by top-tier warranties.

    Through Sterling’s financing, customers can choose from Sun King’s affordable solar home systems, which provide essential energy solutions such as lighting, phone charging, and powering compatible TVs, radios, and fans.  

    The partnership will offer Sun King’s advanced solar inverters, like the PowerPlay Pro and PowerHub. These customizable systems fit any home or business, powering all standard AC appliances day and night, even during outages or off-grid use.  

    “At Sterling Bank, we are committed to empowering Nigerians with the tools they need to thrive, especially in an era where energy access is vital for economic growth,” said Ayo Falola, Group Head, Renewable Energy, Sterling Bank. 

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    “Our partnership with Sun King is a step toward a greener, brighter, and more inclusive future, ensuring that small businesses and households can access clean energy without financial and infrastructural barriers.” 

    Eno Umoh, Sun King’s General Manager Partnership Sales, West and Central Africa noted that “the right mix of solar technology and access to finance shields customers from rising generator and electricity costs. 

    “Through our partnership with Sterling Bank, Sun King is enabling quick, easy access to financing, empowering families to go solar, save money, and enjoy reliable electricity.” 

    Key Highlights of the Partnership: 

    Access to Premium Solar Products: Customers will have access to Sun King’s high-performance solar systems, with state-of-the-art solar and battery technology. 

    Flexible Financing Options: Sterling Bank’s credit facilities provide a new way for businesses and individuals to acquire solar systems in affordable installments, reducing upfront costs. 

    Economic Growth: The partnership is open to homes and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing reliable power to fuel productivity and growth. 

    Environmental Impact: The initiative will help reduce Nigeria’s carbon footprint by accelerating the adoption of clean energy solutions. 

    This partnership underscores both brands’ commitment to driving Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy and supporting its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Customers can explore these offerings by visiting any Sterling Bank branches across Nigeria or visit any Sun King shops nationwide. 

  • Baobabplus Nigeria expands clean energy access in rural communities

    Baobabplus Nigeria expands clean energy access in rural communities

    Baobab+ Nigeria is strengthening its commitment to bridging the energy gap in underserved communities by launching new retail stores in Ile-Ife, Mowe, Ore, Ondo town and Ikare Akoko. 

    These five new locations will bring affordable and reliable solar energy solutions closer to thousands of households and businesses in off-grid areas, ensuring they no longer have to rely on expensive and unreliable energy sources.

    With over 90 million Nigerians lacking access to electricity, Baobab+ Nigeria is transforming lives through standalone solar home systems, productive use appliances, and clean cooking technology. 

    Through its Pay-As-You-Go (PAYG) financing model, families can switch to clean energy without the burden of high upfront costs, making solar solutions more accessible to low-income households. 

    By expanding its retail footprint, Baobab+ is reinforcing its mission to increase energy accessibility, promote financial inclusion, and drive socio-economic development in Nigeria.

    Across the country, Baobab+ has already empowered over 200,000 beneficiaries and 40,000 households with solar solutions that have improved education, health, and economic opportunities. 

    In rural schools, students can now study at night thanks to solar-powered lighting. Small business owners, such as traders and food vendors, have been able to extend their working hours and increase their income with solar refrigerators and reliable energy sources. 

    In regions where healthcare facilities struggle with power shortages, Baobab+ solar solutions have provided a lifeline for essential medical services, ensuring consistent electricity for critical operations.

    Speaking on the expansion, Kolawole Osinowo, CEO of Baobab+ Nigeria, stated:

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    “Access to energy is a fundamental right. By opening new stores in these off-grid areas, we are not just selling solar products—we are delivering hope, security, and opportunity. 

    “With reliable electricity, children can study longer, businesses can thrive, and communities can grow. Our goal is to continue driving impact, reducing energy poverty, and fostering economic development across Nigeria.”

    Each new store will serve as a dedicated hub where customers can explore a variety of high-quality solar energy solutions. 

    These include solar home systems to power households and businesses, solar-powered cooling solutions for food preservation and healthcare, and clean cookstoves designed to reduce indoor air pollution. 

    To further provide easy energy accessibility for Nigerians, Baobab+ is expanding to Lokoja, Okene, Anyigba, Gwagwalada, Iseyin, and Benin in the coming months. 

    By helping more Nigerians transition away from fossil fuels and traditional energy sources, the social business is playing a crucial role in the fight against climate change. 

    With a long-term vision to power one million households in the next 5 years, Baobab+ is committed to ensuring that no one is left behind in the global shift toward clean, affordable, and sustainable energy.

  • FG adopts Ondo standard, imposes heavy fines on electricity thieves

    FG adopts Ondo standard, imposes heavy fines on electricity thieves

    The Federal Government has adopted the strict measures put in place by the Ondo State Government to curb energy thefts by imposing a fine of N100,000 on anyone found culpable of energy theft.

    The Ondo State Government in 2020 enacted the first independent state power sector law in Nigeria, which imposed heavy punitive measures on energy thieves through imprisonment and fines and empowered the State Regulator, the Ondo State Electricity Regulatory Bureau, to prosecute offenders.

    Section 64(1)(c) of the Ondo State Electric Power Sector Law (2020) for instance imposes upon conviction an imprisonment term of twelve (12) months or a fine of One Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000.00) on anyone found culpable of altering, or causing, or permitting to be altered, any service or supply line with intent to avoid the accurate measurement of electricity by means of any meter, or to avoid payment, or wilfully or negligently damages any meter while the convict will also bear the cost of repairs or replacement, if any.

    The Federal Government has now adopted a similar measure.

    This was contained in an amended Order on Unauthorised Access, Meter Tampering and By-Pass on Tuesday by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). 

    The Federal Government’s fines range between N100,000 and N300,000, depending on the category the customer belongs to.

    Maximum demand customers are to pay between 450 and 600 per cent of their last recorded energy consumption if caught in the act of energy theft while NERC stated that the Amended Order on Unauthorised Access, Meter Tampering, and By-pass replaces Order No: NERC/REG/41/2017 has taken effect from January 22, 2025.

    The regulator disclosed that the amendment aligns with the Electricity Act 2023 and the Customer Protection Regulations 2023, which allow distribution companies to disconnect unauthorised connections without notice and prescribe reconnection conditions.

    Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has warned energy thieves and operationalise the Ondo State law. 

    The Governor issued electricity generation licenses to private companies on behalf of the State Government and has successfully distributed thousands of meters across the state – both activities being the first of their kind in Nigeria’s history.

    For equity, the Ondo State Power Sector Law also imposes heavy fines upon electricity distribution companies for indiscriminate disconnections. 

    It outlaws community bulk metering and makes apartment or household metering the standard throughout the state unlike in the past when an entire community or estate could be disconnected for a debt owed by some houses within those communities. 

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    When contacted on the possibility of conflict in the regulations announced by the Federal Government and those of states on meters, consumption and theft, Engr. Olatunji Ariyomo, who led the Ondo State’s technical team during the enactment of the law, explained that there is no conflict.

    According to him: “NERC’s regulations on the distribution of energy and the associated metering processes are binding in states within the federation that are still under NERC’s regulatory oversight but do not apply to states that have enacted their electricity laws. 

    ”In states that have their electricity laws such as Ondo, Enugu, Ekiti, Imo, Oyo, Edo, and Kogi, etc, their respective State Regulators are fully in charge”.

    He added: “The constitution is very clear. Distribution within states is exclusively a constitutionally donated privilege to states of the federation. Only the Houses of Assembly of States can make laws on distribution activities within states and the creation of Authorities to regulate those activities. 

    “Anyone who has read the constitution on the subject would have observed that distribution within states is conspicuously not included anywhere within the constitution as part of the items that the National Assembly can legislate, except when the location is within international boundaries. 

    “The implication is that the National Assembly cannot even cover the field on the subject of distribution within states because it does not enjoy concurrency with states’ assemblies in that specific area. 

    ”This is settled if you check the 6 items that described the powers of the National Assembly in the electricity sector in Section 13 of Part II, Second Schedule, of the Constitution under the concurrent legislative list. But then, there is no room for a vacuum. 

    ”The vacuum created by states being asleep to their responsibilities brought NERC into regulating distribution activities within states. So those states that are not asleep to their rights are not under NERC oversight.”

  • NCDMB boss Ogbe urges local content harmonisation for oil & gas growth

    NCDMB boss Ogbe urges local content harmonisation for oil & gas growth

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has said lack of implementation of local content policies is hindering progress in the oil and gas sector.

    Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr Felix Ogbe, made this statement at the ongoing 9th edition of the sub-saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition & Conference, SAIPEC.

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    Ogbe identified harmonisation of local content policies,  human capital development, infrastructure investment, funding provisions and technology transfer as areas where collaboration could be reached.

    Speaking on ‘Sub-saharan Africa Local Content Collaboration Strategy,’ he also highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, AfCFTA, as a vital tool for fostering regional partnerships.

    “Under my leadership, NCDMB remains a regional leader, expanding collaborations with Senegal, Ghana, Uganda, and beyond to strengthen local content frameworks in the African continent.”