Connect with us

News

PHED Rakes In N5.2bn In One Month …Targets Revenue Recovery From 70,000 Debtors …To Metre More 10% Customers By Dec

Published

3 years ago

on

As part of efforts to achieve the tripod pillars of increased revenue growth, standardisation of processes, and efficient people and performance management on which its core values stand in line with global best practices, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc, has raised its revenue collection to N5.2billion in August from N4.3billion in July, 2022.
This shows an increase of N900,000,000, representing a leap of approximately 20.94percent in revenue collection over a 30-day period in its franchise four states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, and Rivers.
The revenue collection falls short of the N7.4billion value of bills submitted to customers across the value chain in the franchise states in August, alone.
This also means a daunting shortfall of N2.2billionn in revenue collection against projected target, which the company attributed to the resistance of some energy consumers in communities and cities, including private and public sector organisations, to pay electricity bills as at when due.
Managing Director of PHED, Dr Benson Uwheru, who revealed this feat at his maiden parley with media executives in Port Harcourt, last Friday, said the success recorded was in fulfillment of part of Federal Government’s desires for implementing the restructuring of the power sub-sector, last July.
Uwheru also said that the improved performance could not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of management and staff of PHED as well as the confidence, support and cooperation of customers and other stakeholders.
He, however, lamented that despite the sterling performance, no fewer than 70,000 customers have refused to pay for energy consumed over the last six months.
While appealing to all stakeholders to support and cooperate with PHED to accelerate steady electricity supply to customers, Uwheru quickly reminded energy consumers reluctant to pay bills that when both parties fulfill their obligations, there would be more electricity to drive industrialisation, boost job creation, enhance social and economic development, and promote peaceful coexistence, just as it also helps reduce poverty, crime rate and violence in the franchise states.
The Tide recalls that in early June, 2022, the energy distribution company had raised the alarm that consumers in Rivers State alone were owing the company more than N16billion on defaults from bills payment, just as it regretted the rising spate of attacks on PHED staff, vandalisation of facilities, energy theft and metre bypass.
But expressing optimism that things were beginning to turn around for the better, Uwheru said that with a determined management team, motivated workforce, and a customer base that was increasingly showing understanding following sustained sensitisation and awareness on the need to pay for energy bills, a more congenial atmosphere to facilitate electricity supply that meets rising demands would soon emerge.
He said that to achieve the energy for all goal set by the Federal Government, PHED has targeted to install pre-paid metres for no fewer than 10percent of the outstanding 40percent unmetred customers by December, 2022, adding that the company had earlier metred 60percent of its unmetred customers in the four states.
Uwheru further said available records show that PHED had metred 100percent of customers allocated to it by the Federal Government in the phase zero of the pre-paid metring regime, and expressed confidence that the company would be given its pride of place in the anticipated phase one of the metre manufacturers (MAP Vendors) scheme under the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission-supervised National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) to enable it meet the expectations of the over one million unmetred customers.
The Tide investigations show that 4Power Consortium Limited, owners of PHED, had inherited a huge profile of about 800,000 unmetred customers from Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in November, 2013, a culmination of 14-year power reform policy, and immediately launched an aggressive pre-paid metering campaign across its franchise states.
In 2020, it procured and distributed 79,000 pre-metres to customers who had indicated interest to transition from analogue to pre-paid metering structure; and in 2021, PHED procured more than 400,000 new pre-paid metres for distribution to customers, to reduce the demand-supply gap.
Out of that number, PHED had installed more than 149,000 pre-paid metres in homes and offices of desiring customers as at June, 2022, and targets to close the gap more with installation of pre-paid metres for over 10percent of the remaining enumerated unmetred customers by December.
On standardisation of processes and optimisation of performance, Uwheru said that a new technology App that meets global best practices has been developed and would soon be deployed to ensure simplified and seamless bills processing and payment system and guarantee fairness to all in the value chain.
The managing director also listed massive vandalisation of facilities in communities and huge energy theft as well as metre bypass by the rich and poor across all PHED franchise states as some of the major challenges confronting the energy company, and appealed to the media and other key stakeholders, including state and local governments, community leaders and security agencies to partner PHED to achieve set goals.
Between 2019 and June, 2022, the management embarked on proactive redistribution of more than 10 feeders; repaired over 300 transformers; procured and installed over 30 new transformers; and installed more than 10 automatic circuit reclosers to boost and balance electricity supply to customers, who are connected to electricity through more than 10,000 transformers in the network.
In all, PHED imported many 2MVA to 1000MVA transformers to boost distribution capacity; installed, replaced and/or repaired 59 distribution substations; replaced poles; cables of various sizes and types; installed conductors and risers; installed a 60MVA substation at Rumuosi in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; and concluded talks for bilateral agreement with the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and First Independent Power Company Limited (FIPC) to evacuate 100MW and 20MW electricity, respectively, within the franchise area.
It also intervened by supporting the rehabilitation of facilities of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its valued customers.
On people’s management, Uwheru noted that on assumption of duty in July, he initiated working visits to all security formations in the franchise states, adding that the result of that synergy was the setting up of a special unit by the Rivers State Police Command to respond to PHED concerns, saying that other formations were also partnering with the DisCo to enable it perform its duties without let or hindrance.
Uwheru also restated his readiness to respect the rights of workers and work with the labour unions to ensure that issues around the welfare of staff were prioritised, as according to him, an energised and motivated workforce was an enabler for scaling up profitability and growth in the business.
The Tide checks reveal that before he took over in July, PHED management had procured and put to use over 100 vehicles; procured over 1,000 PPEs for technicians and engineers; and 345 ladders to enable technical crews respond to customer needs as quickly as possible.
It also promoted 722 staff in 2021; 62 in August, 2021, and 66 in January, 2022; and launched engineering training scheme where 25 young engineers have already undergone training this year, all geared toward motivating workers.
Uwheru said that the improved revenue collection in August shows enhanced customer confidence in PHED, adding that more pro-people initiatives were being implemented to boost company-customer relations, reduce hostility against PHED staff, as well as curtail other sticky issues of energy theft, metre bypass, and vandalisation of critical electricity assets.
Before July, PHED had intensified public enlightenment campaigns across all the franchise states to create awareness on the dangers of vandalisation of electricity assets, consequences of energy theft, and the blow-back of refusal to pay for electricity consumed by customers.
In addition to media campaigns and public education initiatives, special community liaison officers/teams had been engaging beneficiary communities to further deepen interactions with the aim of fostering understanding and cooperation while creating buy-in of stakeholders to protect PHED facilities and also ensure improved revenue inflow.
To consolidate on the gains already made, PHED also began implementing impactful corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes that contribute to national development in many ways through interventions to enhance quality education, healthcare delivery and social development in communities, particularly among the vulnerable ones.
The initiatives include the donation of over 1,400 bags of rice to vulnerable people during the COVID-19 pandemic era in 2020; organisation of women’s week and visit to Motherless Babies’ Home, and Home for the Elderly in Port Harcourt in 2020; as well as supply of complete set of school bags to one of the state government-owned primary schools in Port Harcourt.
The PHED further sponsored Innovate Arts Academy for schools worth over N2.8million in Bayelsa State in 2021; school children’s competition in 2021; and donation of over 1,000 writing materials during the 2022 Children’s Day to schools in Rivers and Cross River states.
Uwheru said that his team would continue with the good policies already helping to scale up the company’s performance while introducing new strategies to bridge existing gaps, including keying into the walk-for-security road show and featuring on live interactive media programmes in Port Harcourt, among others.

By: Nelson Chukwudi

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

News

RHI: First Lady Gives N50m Business Grants To Rivers PWDS, Disabled Veterans  …As RGS Unveils Free Medical Services For Vulnerable Persons

Published

10 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a major financial lifeline to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and disabled veterans in Rivers State.

The support comes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, a nationwide economic empowerment effort.

The event, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, coincided with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with the theme: “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, presented the small business grants to the beneficiaries.

The RHI empowerment effort covers all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations (DEPOWA).

Each jurisdiction will have 250 PWDs receive a N200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grant per beneficiary, amounting to N50million. In total, with N1.9 billion being disbursed to 9,500 PWDs across Nigeria.

Expressing delight at unveiling the programme under the RHI Social Investment Framework, Senator Tinubu noted that the launch was intentionally scheduled for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

She emphasised the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating that the nation becomes stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute.

According to the First Lady, “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in

Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country. To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity.”

Mrs Tinubu said that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.

She announced that the RHI Governing Board has approved making the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event every December 3.

She thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, for their support, and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.

In her speech, Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative in the State will collaborate with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to promote an inclusive society where the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities are guaranteed.

She said that the celebration of the 2025 World Disability Day, reaffirms the government’s commitment to create a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable State, where no one is left behind.

Lady Fubara also delivered a strong message of empowerment to the beneficiaries, saying “You are not defined by limitations. You are defined by your strength, your creativity, your persistence, your brilliance, and your unique contribution to this State.”

She urged society to champion inclusion, noting that disability is not a tragedy but that discrimination, silence, and exclusion are.

The governor’s wife confirmed that 250 beneficiaries in Rivers State received the N200,000 grant, and urged all the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely.

“Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family,” she said.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr Vetty Agala, announced the enrollment of the 250 persons with disabilities into the state’s contributory health protection programme, adding that the beneficiaries will now enjoy free medical care and services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the State.

“You’re going to not only access primary care, but anytime you require secondary or tertiary services, you will be referred to those levels of care at no extra cost,” in line with the government’s “Health For All Rivers Initiative,” she said.

In her own remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lorenta Davis-Dimkpa, stated that efforts are underway to establish a South-South office for the Disability Commission.

She also confirmed that there was an ongoing work to domesticate the 2018 Disability Act.

In her goodwill message, former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), commended both the Federal and Rivers State governments for taking bold steps to ensure persons with disabilities are included in governance.

Earlier in her speech, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon Tonye Briggs Oniyide, had said that the programme was carefully designed to address the needs of persons with disabilities and disabled veterans, helping them upscale their businesses across the State.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Kie Obamanu, called for the full implementation of disability laws to eliminate discrimination.

He expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady and the wife of the Rivers State Governor for their support.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Universal Health Coverage Ambassador Award to Lady Valerie Fubara by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, in recognition of her contributions to improving access to healthcare services in the State.

Continue Reading

News

Fubara Assures Greater Collaboration With Navy 

Published

10 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured greater collaboration with Navy and other security agencies in combatting crimes and criminality in the State.

 

The governor also hailed the appointment of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff, saying he will deliver on his mandate based on his track record of excellence and meritorious service.

 

Fubara gave this assurance when Abbas and his team paid the governor a courtesy call at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

 

The governor also commended the efforts of the Nigeria Navy in tackling criminality on Rivers waterways and protecting critical national assets.

 

He emphasized the need for more security surveillance on Rivers State coastal environments to safeguard lives and properties.

 

According to him, the Navy’s superior technology, manpower, and tactical competence are vital to protecting the state’s vast waterways.

 

“We need to work together for us to succeed,” he said, stressing that collaboration remains the most effective way to keep residents, assets, and the environment safe.

 

Pointing out the strategic significance of Rivers State as the hub of Nigeria’s crude oil and coastal infrastructure, Fubara commended the Navy for its continuous efforts in preventing losses to lives, livelihoods, and the ecosystem, and assured the service of the government’s sustained cooperation and support.

 

On his part, Abbas said his visit was part of a nationwide tour aimed at assessing operational readiness across naval formations since assuming command on October 30, 2025,

 

The new Naval Chief noted that Rivers State hosts several critical energy installations that fall under the Navy’s mandate to protect, adding that the state also remains central to the Navy’s training operations, with several key units located within its territory.

 

Abbas commended Governor Fubara for the State’s consistent support, citing the provision of six gunboats and the donation of a school building as significant contributions that have boosted the Navy’s operational efficiency.

 

He appealed for continued collaboration as the Navy intensifies efforts to secure the maritime domain.

 

Taneh Beemene

Continue Reading

News

Fubara Tasks Traditional Rulers On Peace, Security …Says Education, Job Creation ‘ll Receive Boost In 2026 Budget

Published

11 hours ago

on

December 5, 2025

By

Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that amidst glaring challenges, his administration has remained determined and focused to dispense good governance and put in place the needed development in the State.

 

The governor disclosed this while addressing the 123rd and 124th combined quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Council Secretariat on Monday.

 

Fubara who commended the traditional rulers for their supports and efforts in promoting peace and development in the State, urged them to live up to their roles as custodians of peace by becoming alert and more vigilant in their domains to tackle the menace of insecurity especially in boundary communities.

 

He advised the traditional rulers to work with local government chairmen and security agencies to safeguard lives and properties in their domains.

 

“Let me thank everyone of you from the bottom of my heart, I met you in Government House to say a big thank you, because the royal fathers stood as fathers in our most trying moments.

 

“I say thank you again for your support, for understanding that your role is fatherly role, and one of the reasons you were elected or selected to be head is to bridge the gap in terms of crisis, and to play fatherly role when called upon. Thank you for ensuring that peace reigns in Rivers State,” he said.

 

The governor reaffirmed his commitment towards the protection of lives and property in the State.

 

“Our vision is to ensure that Rivers State is safe, our vision includes the provision of good health care services, which we are doing, the records are there, people from the south east are witnessing what is happening in the Zonal Hospital in Bori, presently. I’m sure that before the end of this year, the Omoku and Ahoada Zonal Hospitals will be commissioned while Degema is 80% completed, we’re not just talking, we’re doing it,” he said.

 

Fubara, however, dismissed speculations making the rounds on the issue of 10,000 jobs, urging the public to discountenance the false information.

 

He assured that employment will be carried out in the state based on needs, and not on political considerations.

 

He disclosed that the 2026 budget will make provision for job creation and the refurbishment of schools in the State which, he noted, are currently in deplorable conditions, having given due consideration to roads and the health sector.

 

“Let me use this medium to address an issue, I saw some people sending messages to my WhatsApp, they want to protest against 10,000 jobs, they claim was included in the budget, which budget? We are going to employ based on the needs of the state, I’m not going to employ politically to please anybody,” he assured.

 

The governor promised to address the requests of the traditional rulers, and charged them to ensure that their meeting brings out a strong position that will make the State stronger.

 

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Eze Oha Apara 1V, of Apara Kingdom, HRM Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, thanked the governor for personally attending the meeting.

 

The royal father restated the support of the traditional rulers to the State Government, and presented some requests of the Council to the governor.

 

“Your Excellency, the news that we have received all over the State is quite cheering and symbolic of the peaceful life and developments that Rivers people yearn for in the State. You have brought back those glorious old days of harmonious living and peaceful coexistence the way it was. May the Almighty  God bless you and help you to sustain this laudable feat,” the royal father prayed.

 

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs , Egnr.Charles Amadi, expressed gratitude to the governor for his developmental strides in the State, and also commended the traditional rulers for their unwavering commitment towards promoting peace in the State.

Continue Reading

Trending