Business

Revoke PHED Contract, FG Urged

Published

11 years ago

February 16, 2015

Hon. Belema Okpokiri (left), member representing Okrika Constituency, Rivers State House of Assembly explaining a point to HRH Emmanuel Obudibo (JP) Amayanabo of Ogoloma (right) during the commissioning ceremony of an ultra modern market in Okrika recently, while Chief E. A. G. Inimgbatuboni III, Head Chief, Amadi-Ama Community and others watch. Photo: Ibioye Diama

Consumers of electricity
in Port Harcourt and its environs have called on the Federal Government to revoke the contact with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) as a result of poor power supply to the people of Rivers State.
Some of the consumers who spoke to our correspondent in an interview on Friday said the former contractors, Power holding Company (PHC) are far better than the current ones, and alleged sabotage and incompetence on the job.
They said that all what the PHEDC is after had been exorbitant and frivolous bills without corresponding electricity supply, pointing out that the situation is fast becoming alarming that if no action is taken, the Federal Government would be blamed for the failed project.
According to them, it is unfortunate and disheartening that despite the full and concrete assurance by the Federal Government on constant or improved Power Supply, it is even the worst with the current Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company.
The consumers lamented that for the Federal Government to redeem its image and promises of improved electricity Power Supply in the states, they should revoke the contract and award it to more competent hand that could satisfy the yearnings of the taxpaying masses, as they have a right to enjoy constant electricity supply as one of the social amenities by the Government.
Senibo Allwell hart in his comment said people are no longer enjoying electricity in Port Harcourt unlike before, and that since PHED came on board, it is exorbitant bill only.
Hart however called for improved Services so that people could do business and relax with the Power Supply.
Mrs Florence Johnbull has this to say, “If the Government is sincere enough to the electricity supply to the masses, let them call PHED to order or cancel the contract, because we are not benefiting from the light which they promised to improve upon.
They should do something on the light because the situation is worst with the Port Harcourt electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC). Let them try”.
Monday Eni also decried the poor electricity supply in Port Harcourt, saying that as a welder, he could not do his business except to buy diesel to power his plant when at the end of the month, PHED brought bill that no one could understand.
According to Eni, “if they cannot give the masses light, let them tell the government and the people of the state for a better company to take over”.
A liquor dealer, Mrs Priest-ba-Soberekon said the situation was getting worst every day. She could not freeze her dinks for sale except when she used the generator, which is not suppose to be as a taxpayer as well as electricity bill every month, and called on government to take action before the consumers lose their temper.
In his reaction, the Manager Public Communication of PHED, Jonah Iboma said customers dismay over poor electricity supply is normal, but that honestly, they could not improve on their distribution when the Federal Government power generation is less than 3,000 mega watts in the country.
Iboma however appealed to the consumers to understand and to expect some improvement this year as the government and the company are intensify in plans to satisfy the public with improved electricity supply.

Collins Barasimeye

Business

Agency Gives Insight Into Its Inspection, Monitoring Operations

Published

13 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Director, South South Zone National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacist Chujwuma P.Oligbu has said its thorough implementation of its core mandate of monitoring has no link with witch-hunting or fault finding as perceived at some quarters.

Oligbu, made this known when he spoke as as guest at the maiden Rivers state Supermarkets stakeholders’ Seminar/Workshop in Port Harcourt recently.

Rather, he said they were mere opportunities for education, correction and continuous improvement.

The Agency’s South South Boss, noted that Supermarket operators who maintain transparent records, cooperate during inspections, and promptly address identified gaps demonstrate professionalism and commitment to public health standard.

He listed the deserving essence of supermarket operation to include the key aspects of supermarket operation that deserves emphasis is product sourcing.

“Supermarkets must ensure that all regulated products stocked on their shelves are duly registered with NAFDAC and sourced from legitimate manufacturers or distributors”, he said .

According to him, the presence of unregistered, expired, counterfeit, or improper labelled products undermines consumer confidence and poses serious health risks.

He pointed out that such has the likelihood of exposeing supermarket operators to legal sanctions that could damage their reputation and financial stability.

The NAFDAC Operator, further enlightened the participants that mere registration of a particular product with the Federal agency do not guarantee absolute consumption safety.

“Temperature control, cleanliness, pest control, stock rotation, and proper shelving are not optional practice; they are essential components of compliance”, he said.

The South South zonal director also told the operators of supermarket that their employees rotine training on the basis of the product they display for sale is of utmost importance.

In her presentation a Breast Milk Nutrition Expert , Professor Alice Nte of University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), was against the body’s prime attention to breast milk substitute or baby milk in supermarkets as well as its advertisement or promotion.

Nye jerked up the importance of mothers breast milk to the newborn baby and added that it help in fighting against childhood diseases, infections and combating cancer in breastfeeding mothers.

Meanwhile, NAFDAC Deputy Director, South – South Zone , Mrs. Riter Chujwuma educated the participants on the guidelines for global listing, and the need to adhere strictly to rules guiding global listing to avoid confiscation of their imported products.

By: King Onunwor

Business

BVN Enrolments Rise 6% To 67.8m In 2025 — NIBSS

Published

14 hours ago

January 12, 2026

The Tide

The Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) has said that Bank Verification Number (BVN) enrolments rose by 6.8 per cent year-on-year to 67.8 million as at December 2025, up from 63.5 million recorded in the corresponding period of 2024.

In a statement published on its website, NIBSS attributed the growth to stronger policy enforcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the expansion of diaspora enrolment initiatives.

According to the data, more than 4.3 million new BVNs were issued within the one-year period, underscoring the growing adoption of biometric identification as a prerequisite for accessing financial services in Nigeria.

NIBSS noted that the expansion reinforces the BVN system’s central role in Nigeria’s financial inclusion drive and digital identity framework.

Analysts linked the growth largely to regulatory measures by the CBN, particularly the directive to restrict or freeze bank accounts without both a BVN and National Identification Number (NIN), which took effect from April 2024.

The policy compelled many customers to regularise their biometric records to retain access to banking services.

Another major driver, the statement said, was the rollout of the Non-Resident Bank Verification Number (NRBVN) initiative, which allows Nigerians in the diaspora to obtain a BVN remotely without physical presence in the country.

The programme has been widely regarded as a milestone in integrating the diaspora into Nigeria’s formal financial system.

A five-year analysis by NIBSS showed consistent growth in BVN enrolments, rising from 51.9 million in 2021 to 56.0 million in 2022, 60.1 million in 2023, 63.5 million in 2024 and 67.8 million by December 2025. The steady increase reflects stronger compliance with biometric identity requirements and improved coverage of the national banking identity system.

However, NIBSS noted that BVN enrolments still lag the total number of active bank accounts, which exceeded 320 million as of March 2025.

The gap, it explained, is largely due to multiple bank accounts linked to single BVNs, as well as customers yet to complete enrolment, despite the progress recorded.

Business

AFAN Unveils Plans To Boost Food Production In 2026

Published

4 days ago

January 9, 2026

The Tide

The leadership of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) has set the tone for the new year with a renewed focus on food security, unity and long-term growth of the agricultural sector.

The association announced that its General Assembly of Farmers Congress will take place from January 15 to 17, 2026 at the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industries, along Lugbe Airport Road, in the Federal Capital Territory.

The gathering is expected to bring together farmers, policymakers, investors and development partners to shape a fresh direction for Nigerian agriculture.

In a New Year address to members and stakeholders, AFAN president, Dr Farouk Rabiu Mudi, said the congress would provide a strategic forum for reviewing past challenges and outlining practical solutions for the future.

He explained that the event would serve as a rallying point for innovation, collaboration and economic renewal within the sector.

Mudi commended farmers across the country for their determination and hard work, despite years of insecurity, climate-related pressures and economic uncertainty.

According to him, their resilience has kept food production alive and positioned agriculture as a stabilising force in the national economy.

He noted that AFAN intends to build on this strength by resetting agribusiness operations to improve productivity and sustainability.

The AFAN leader appealed to government institutions, private investors and development organisations to deepen their engagement with the association.

He stressed the need for collective action to confront persistent issues such as insecurity in farming communities, climate impacts and market instability.

He also urged members to put aside internal disputes and personal interests, encouraging cooperation and shared responsibility in pursuit of national development.

Mudi outlined key priorities that include increasing food output, expanding support for farmers at the grassroots and strengthening local manufacturing through partnerships with both domestic and international investors adding that reducing dependence on imports remains critical to protecting the economy and creating jobs.

He stated that the upcoming congress will feature the launch of AFAN’s twenty-five-year agricultural mechanisation roadmap, alongside the announcement of new partnerships designed to accelerate growth across the value chain.

Participants, he said wi also have opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange aimed at transforming agriculture into a more competitive and technology-driven sector.

As part of its modernisation drive, AFAN is further encouraging members nationwide to enrol for the newly introduced Digital ID Card.

Mudi said the initiative will improve transparency, ensure proper farmer identification and make it easier to access support programmes and services.

Reaffirming the association’s long-term goal, he said the vision of national food sufficiency by 2030 remains achievable if unity and collaboration are sustained.

He expressed optimism that with collective effort, Nigeria’s agricultural sector can overcome its challenges and deliver a more secure and prosperous future.

Lady Usendi