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NERC Sanctions PHED Over Audit
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sanctioned the Port Harcourt Distribution Company (PHED) for not complying with the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry directives regarding submission of audited accounts.
A communiqué issued at the end of the sector’s monthly meeting held on Monday in Sokoto, stated that Benin, Kano and Enugu Distribution Companies (DisCos) would also be sanctioned for non-submission of their financial statements.
The Electric Power Sector Reform Act of 2005 established NERC’s authority to impose mandatory reliability standards on the transmission system and to impose penalties on companies that manipulate the electricity markets.
It also administers accounting and financial reporting regulations and conduct of regulated companies such as the DisCos.
NERC consequently directed that DisCos would be required to submit financial statements of their companies in accordance with the provision of their licences.
The communique quoted the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), saying that the meeting was not meant to sanction operators but to find solutions to the problems in the electricity sector.
“Current reports indicated 3500MWh/h delivered by the national grid which represents a steady improvement over the past few months,” the communique said.
It noted that a recent performance report on the power sector reported an average of 3,166MW of power currently unavailable due to gas shortages caused by pipeline vandalism.
The meeting also noted that the remaining vandalised gas pipelines would shortly be repaired.
The communiqué further acknowledged improvements in response rates by Distribution Companies to customer complaints, notably resolving issues in Udu community in Delta State (Benin DisCo).
Improvements were also acknowledged at Rainbow College Ota (Ibadan DisCo) and other locations in other Distribution Companies around the country.
The meeting expressed anticipation of continued improvements in dispute resolution procedure with customers.
It recognised the need for the transmission system and the distribution companies to ensure that all incremental power added to national grid were evacuated by the grid and delivered to customers.
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) used the occasion to announce the completion of Alaoji to Ikot Ekpene 330kv DC line, as well as Calabar to Ikot Ekpene 330kv DC line.
The Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) informed the meeting of a promising outlook on gas by the end of the third quarter of 2016.
“The strategy for gas supply improvement involve restoring previous supply level by completing repairs of ELPS 24” pipeline by mid-November 2016, and incremental supply through new supply additions.
“The supply additions will come from the NPDC Oredo 2, Utorogu NAG2, Odidi, Giga gas and TEPNG.
“The meeting explained steps being taken to address the liquidity problem by government through previous approvals and payments, recognising that billing and payment are continuing occurrences in the business.
“The meeting was briefed about the plans of government to verify MDA debts by requesting DisCos to submit details of customers, while charging DisCos to reduce their own losses by increasing metering and also by furnishing their audited accounts.
“Steps are being taken to resolve interface issues that improve service to DisCos and the progress of transmission grid expansion programmes in Maiduguri, Damaturu, Mayo Balewa and Damboa which fall within the remit of Yola DisCo,” the communiqué added.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) briefed the meeting of the ongoing expansion projects in Sokoto, Kaduna, Zaria, Funtua, and Gusau within the territory of Kaduna DisCo.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol