News
Consumers With Non-Updated Prepaid To Lose Meters By 2024 -NERC
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has advised power users across the country to start updating their prepaid meters in order to avoid losing the meters by November 2024.
Its advice came as a power distribution company explained that un-updated prepaid meters would stop operating from November next year, adding that this was a global standard for prepaid electricity meters.
In one of its latest posts on X (formerly Twitter), seen on Wednesday, the commission said, “If you have a prepaid meter, it may be time for an update. From November, 2024, you may not be able to recharge your meter. However, updating is easy and free.
“Discos (distribution companies) shall commence issuance of two free Key Change Tokens which will update your meter. The update will not affect the units in your meter nor will it make your meter run faster than usual. Contact your Disco for more information.”
Meanwhile, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company had in a two minute video it shared recently, explained how customers could upgrade their prepaid meters in order to avoid losing the meters in future.
In the snapshot by the Disco, the Head, Non-Maximum Demand Metering, Kaduna Electric, Umar Gumel, said, “This is to inform you about one worldwide development as regards prepaid meters, not in Kaduna Electric alone, not in Nigeria alone, but a worldwide affair.
“STS (Standard Transfer Specification) standard meters will have what they call Roll Over by November 2024. So every meter has to be upgraded to a certain value of standard before that date.
“Otherwise, any meter that fails to receive the upgrade token will cease to operate by November 2024. The implication is that that meter can never work and it can never be used, and so it becomes a loss.”
Gumel went further to explain that “the cost of a three-phase meter as at today stands at N118,000, while that of the single phase is N63,000. So you can see the colossal amount of loss that would happen.”
He said the company was calling for the cooperation and understanding of power users under its franchise areas to reach any of the Disco’s cash offices and ask for the rollover token.
“It will be given to you just like the way you are purchasing your electricity token. You will enter it the way you are entering your electricity token. And once the meter accepts the token, it will upgrade itself automatically.
“I want to call your attention to two of the prominent questions: how about my old token in the meter? It will remain there, it will not be touched. How about the speed of the meter? It is going to remain permanent as before, no increase, no decrease.
“It is only the meter programming system that will be upgraded to avoid the rollover repercusion,” the Kaduna Electric official explained in the video.
In the same vein, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company recently informed its customers via its Facebook page that it would begin to retrieve a set of prepaid meters for upgrading.
The flyer from the Disco read, “Dear esteemed customers. Kindly be informed that as part of the ongoing meter upgrading, we will be retrieving from our customers, prepaid meters with meter numbers 62417, 62418…and some meter no, starting with 6321…This is to enable us to upgrade.
“Our field staff will visit the affected customers’ properties to retrieve the meters.”
The company further said the meter would be returned once upgrading was concluded, and that old tokens would not be wiped out from the meters.
This information did not, however, go down well with power users who said codes should be provided instead.
They expressed fear that the meter may not be returned until after six months if customers allowed the Disco to take it away.
News
Forum Expresses Confidence In APC Candidates’ Performance In Rivers
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
News
Okafor, Eminent Nigerians Celebrate Osagwe-Ogo At 70
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.
News
Fubara Commended For Sustaining Peace In Rivers As Sirawoo Receives Democracy Day Recognition
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
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