Oil & Energy
2015: Nigerians Expectations From Power Firms
As a new year (2015)
sets in, most Nigerians wish to know what the power firms particularly the Generating Companies (GENCOS) and Distribution Companies (DISCOS) have for them. With the low efficiency that sparked off and sustained crises in 2014 rule the day, or will the private dominated sector show some improvements in 2015?
As our correspondent samples the feelings of consumers, government officials and authorities of some power firms, divergent views were expressed in hope of a promising future ahead.
Authorities of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) last week rekindled the hope of its customers in Port Harcourt when it promised them better power supply to power the socio-economic activities of the residents and companies which constitute the firms major customer.
However, Chief Nicholas Njoku, a Port Harcourt-based businessman said, “such promises have always been made but they have not been able to change the situation.
Njoku, who condemned the poor supply of PHEDC last year expressed strong need for the firm to live up to the expectations of the people.
“What can Nigeria in its totality be without good power supply? It is high time we got the point clear that our dream of industrialisation would remain a mirage until adequate power supply is given to the people,” said Njoku.
“Yes, PHEDC has made a good promise, but the company should not forget that such a promise has raised people’s expectations and I advise that PHEDC should match its promise with action,” he stated.
A senior staff in the office of Diobu Business Manager of PHEDC who pleaded anonymity said the company is ready to improve on power supply particularly of the volume of gas supplied to the company improves.
“You should understand that the new power firms that took over the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) were relatively new,” he said appealing that the companies which were more or less studying the industry needed some patience, understanding and high level of co-operation from the public.”
“As the days roll by, there is the natural likelihood that improvement would come and when our customers are happy, the power firms would also feel fulfilled,” he stressed.
But the issue of non-availability of metres was raised by Chidinma Okoroafor, a trader at Mile 1 Market in Port Harcourt.
“My concern is that when I sell my goods to customers, they pay me according to the value of the goods in monetary terms. PHEDC does not apply that principle in their business operations,” she said.
Okoroafor is worried that, “PHEDC chooses the amount of power they supply and also forces you to pay any amount it wishes. What kind of business is that,” she queried and noted that until an acceptable mode of payment which must correspondent with services rendered, is applied the promise of better supply is not enough.
She insisted that electricity meter, which is the universal measurement for power supply must determine supply, condemning the outright fixing of pay by the company.
“What annoys me most is that the government appears unconcerned about the cries of the masses and I begin to wonder who protects the people.”
An official of the Rivers State Ministry of Power who identified himself simply as George expressed strong hope that 2015 would come with better supply.
George said, “if you check round in Rivers State, you will observe that more communities especially in the rural areas now have light. I can tell you that more would have power supply because a good number have their rural electrification projects at various completion stages.”
Also expressing hope of better days ahead, a former staff of PHCN, Ihekoronye Obodo, noted that as PHCN operations transited to the new investors, consumers are yet to change their attitude. “They still think that power supply is in the hands of government but that is wrong because private investors are out to make profit to remain in business.”
Obodo solicited for patience and co-operation and expressed hope that with time, the private firms that are daily upgrading their facilities are prepared to improve supply to their customers.
“They must stop the attitude of power stealing because it is criminal, and let government establish special court to handle the issue of power theft, vandalism of power facilities and irregular payment for services used,” he stressed.
“As far as I am concerned, I have told PHEDC to disconnect me because I am no more interested in its power supply or whatever you call of PHEDC is an embarrassment to me because PHCN which was equally poor in service supply is even better than PHEDC,” said another consumer, Cletus Alaye.
Alaye, who said he returned from Canada two years ago would not see any need for PHEDC’s promises, stressing, what have I to do with promises. May be, the firm will ask people to pay for the promise it made. Let them prove to the people that they know how to do their job and until I see light regularly, I will continue to use my private generator.”
He, however, advised the Federal Government not to rely on the DISCOs and GENCOs but to diversify.
“Nigeria as a growing economy should look at the alternative means of supply to the masses. Solar energy, coal and other areas should be given proper attention,” he said and suggested that since so many rivers are in the country, experts should concert these potentials to provide energy.”
The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo, last week disclosed Federal Government’s intention of providing over one million prepaid meters to reduce metering gap nationwide.
The minister, who stated this during a town-hall meeting with stakeholders in Abuja said the intervention was to help electricity distribution companies in which government has 40 per cent equity to reduce the metering gap.
He said the only way to reduce over billing was to provide meters to all consumers in the country.”
“Government still owns 40 per cent of the DISCOs. This is why it is still giving out its own counterpart funding,” Nebo stressed.
On pipeline vandalism, he said plans were underway by the government to digitise the pipelines to forestall vandalism and emphasised the need for a legislation to provide stiffer penalties to punish pipeline vandals.
Several efforts have also been made by the government to upgrade and build new power stations. It is believed that if the incidence of theft for which Nigeria is noted as the highest amongst countries of the world, is checked, meters provided to check the over-billing of power distribution firms to their customers and more dedication to responsible service provision as well as increased improvement on facilities are maintained, 2015 may reduce the so much darkness and provide light for socio-economic advancement of the nation.
Chris Oluoh
Oil & Energy
Nigeria Loses More Crude Oil Than Some OPEC Members – Nwoko

Nigeria’s losses due to crude oil theft has been said to be more significant than those of some other members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries(OPEC).
The Chairman, Senate Ad- hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft, Senator Ned Nwoko, made this known in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
Nwoko noted with dismay the detrimental impact of the issue, which, he said include economic damage, environmental destruction, and its impact on host communities.
According to him, the theft was not only weakening the Naira, but also depriving the nation of vital revenue needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education and social development.
The Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District described the scale of the theft as staggering, with reports indicating losses of over 200,000 barrels per day.
Nwoko disclosed that the ad hoc committee on Crude Oil Theft, which he chairs, recently had a two-day public hearing on the rampant theft of crude oil through illegal bunkering, pipeline vandalism, and the systemic gaps in the regulation and surveillance of the nation’s petroleum resources.
According to him, the public hearing was a pivotal step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing the nation.
‘’Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually to crude oil theft. This is severely undermining our economy, weakening the Naira and depriving the nation of vital revenue needed for infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social development.
‘’The scale of this theft is staggering, with reports indicating losses of over 200,000 barrels per day more than some OPEC member nations produce.
‘’This criminal enterprise fuels corruption, funds illegal activities and devastates our environment through spills and pollution.
‘’The public hearing was not just another talk shop; it was a decisive platform to uncover the root causes of crude oil theft, bunkering and pipeline vandalism.
‘’It was a platform to evaluate the effectiveness of existing surveillance, monitoring, and enforcement mechanisms; Identify regulatory and legislative gaps that enable these crimes to thrive.
‘’It was also to engage stakeholders, security agencies, host communities, oil companies, regulators, and experts to proffer actionable solutions; and strengthen legal frameworks to ensure stricter penalties and more efficient prosecution of offenders”, he said.
Nwoko noted that Nigeria’s survival depended
Oil & Energy
Tap Into Offshore Oil, Gas Opportunities, SNEPCO Urges Companies

Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd. (SNEPCo) has called on Nigerian companies to position themselves strategically to take full advantage of the growing opportunities in upcoming offshore and shallow water oil and gas projects.
The Managing Director, SNEPCO, Ronald Adams, made the call at the 5th Nigerian Oil and Gas Opportunity Fair (NOGOF) Conference, held in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, last Thursday.
Adams highlighted the major projects, including Bonga Southwest Aparo, Bonga North, and the Bonga Main Life Extension, as key areas where Nigerian businesses can grow their capacity and increase their involvement.
“Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Ltd. (SNEPCo) says Nigerian companies have a lot to benefit if they are prepared to take advantage of more opportunities in its offshore and shallow water oil and gas projects.
“Projects such as Bonga Southwest Aparo, Bonga North and Bonga Main Life Extension could grow Nigerian businesses and improve their expertise if they applied themselves seriously to executing higher value contracts”, Adams stated.
Adams noted that SNEPCo pioneered Nigeria’s deepwater oil exploration with the Bonga development and has since played a key role in growing local industry capacity.
He emphasized that Nigerian businesses could expand in key areas like logistics, drilling, and the construction of vital equipment such as subsea systems, mooring units, and gas processing facilities.
The SNEPCO boss explained that since production began at the Bonga field in 2005, SNEPCo has worked closely with Nigerian contractors to build systems and develop a skilled workforce capable of delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget both in Nigeria and across West Africa.
According to him, this long-term support has enabled local firms to take on key roles in managing the Bonga Floating, Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel, which reached a major milestone by producing its one-billion barrel of oil on February 3, 2023.
Oil & Energy
Administrator Assures Community Of Improved Power Supply

The Emohua Local Government Area Administrator, Franklin Ajinwo, has pledged to improve electricity distribution in Oduoha Ogbakiri and its environs.
Ajinwo made the pledge recently while playing host in a courtesy visit to the Oduoha Ogbakiri Wezina Council of Chiefs, in his office in Rumuakunde.
He stated that arrangements are underway to enhance available power, reduce frequent outages, and promote steady electricity supply.
The move, he said, was aimed at boosting small and medium-scale businesses in the area.
“The essence of power is not just to have light at night. It’s for those who can use it to enhance their businesses”, he said.
The Administrator, who commended the peaceful nature of Ogbakiri people, urged the Chiefs to continue in promoting peace and stability, saying “meaningful development can only thrive in a peaceful environment”.
He also charged the Chiefs to protect existing infrastructure while promising to address the challenges faced by the community.
Earlier, the Oduoha Ogbakiri Wezina Council of Chiefs, led by HRH Eze Goodluck Mekwa Eleni Ekenta XV, expressed gratitude to the Administrator over his appointment and pledged their support to his administration.
The chiefs highlighted challenges facing the community to include incessant power outage, need for new transformers, and the completion of Community Secondary School, Oduoha.
The visit underscored the community’s expectations from the LGA administration.
With Ajinwo’s assurance of enhancing electricity distribution and promoting development, the people of Oduoha Ogbakiri said they look forward to a brighter future.
By: King Onunwor