News
FG To End Estimated Billing In Power Sector
The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, on Monday restated the Federal Government’s commitment to end estimated billing system in the nation’s power sector.
The minister said this at a meeting with the management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) as part of his working tour on power facilities in Nigeria.
Adelabu said that the purpose of the meeting was to seek more collaboration with relevant stakeholders to see how power sector could be moved forward.
According to him, it also aims at addressing complaints from electricity consumers.
“IBEDC remains largest in terms of coverage among the distribution companies which brings a lot of responsibilities and consumers’ expectations on the company.’’
The minister said that the metering gap remained wide in Nigeria, noting that about 50 per cent of the customers within the coverage area were yet to be metered.
“Citizens are tired of estimated billing because estimated billing always lead to cheating between consumers, staffs and company.
“Before the end of this year, we are looking at the possibility of ending estimated billing because we want transparency and objectivity in our billing system,’’ he said.
He added that President Bola Tinubu has just established a presidential metering initiative to harmonise all metering acquisition in the country.
“We have up to eight million meters gap in Nigeria and what the initiative seeks to achieve is to close this gap with three to five years.
“This means that an average of two millions meters is required on yearly basis and achieving the target is compulsory for citizens to enjoy stable power supply,’’ minister said.
According to him, the situation whereby communities will contribute money to acquire transformers, cables and other electrical equipment must stop.
The minister said that Nigerians should expect electricity tariff review in a way that would not add to the burden of the citizens, adding that adequate sensitisation and public enlightenment must be carried out before such review.
He said that the review would be progressive with minimal of no impact on low income earners and people in area with short supply duration.
“Another condition is that we must improve electricity supply so as to encourage people to pay before we can talk about tariff adjustments.
“We must also ensure that the tariff review is better when compared with alternative energy sources, “he said.
Also speaking also, the Managing Director, IBEDC, Kingsley Achife, who said the present electricity tariff is not cost reflective, said that the situation needs prompt attention to improve quality of service to the people.
Achife said that IBEDC had open a transformer repair workshop in Ibadan to ensure that transformers were being repaired and restore back to operations within short period of time
He said that the company would soon take delivery of 300 transformers to increase its service capabilities in its area of coverage.
He urged the ministry to harnessing huge investment opportunities along Ibadan-Lagos expressway axis due to presence of many organisations along the axis.
“Travelling along Ibadan to Lagos, the whole area is filled with investments opportunities. Unfortunately, we are not able to serve that place for several reasons, including wires, infrastructures, and other required assets,” he said.
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
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