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NERC Sets December 31 For CSP Registration, Mandates N100,000 Non-refundable Registration Fee

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3 months ago

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…..Says Only CBN-Licensed Firms Can Collect Electricity Payments
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission(NERC) has imposed strict caps on the commissions paid to all third-party electricity bill collectors and ordered electricity distribution companies to re-register every collection partner before December 31, 2025, or risk sanctions.
NERC also mandated a non-refundable N100,000 registration fee for all Collection Service Providers (CSP) insisting that only entities with valid Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) licences can operate. It further stressed that contract not re-registered by December 31, 2025, automatically becomes invalid.
The new regime, contained in NERC’s Guidelines for the Engagement of Third-Party Collection Service Providers in NESI, came into force on November 1, 2025, and directly targets opaque revenue practices that have long plagued Nigeria’s power sector, marking the latest attempt to enforce Nigeria’s long-standing policy of cashless electricity payment.

Signed by the Commission’s Vice Chairman, Musiliu Oseni, the document standardises how Nigerians can pay for electricity, from USSD and banking apps to PoS agents and rural vendors, and sets binding limits on what the agents can charge for their services.

Under the new framework, only entities licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria, including banks, PSSPs, PTSPs, MMOs, switching companies, card schemes, and super-agents, are eligible to operate as Collection Service Providers. The guideline sets binding maximum commissions for all USSD, PoS, app-based, banking, and rural payment channels.

The document read, “In furtherance of the policy direction of the Federal Government of Nigeria on the settlement of electricity bills by certain classes of end-use customers, the commission issued Order No. NERC/183/2019 (the “Order”) mandates DisCos to migrate industrial and commercial customers to cashless settlement platforms by 31 January 2020 and R3 customers (now MD residential) by 31 March 2020. Pursuant to the Order, the commission authorised the use of available banking channels and collection service providers to enhance transparency in billing and collection.

“The cashless payment system is a shift from conventional transactions to more efficient, practical, and secure methods of payment for customers. These include but are not limited to banking applications, mobile platforms, credit cards, debit cards, QR/Scan to pay, USSD, payment links, and digital wallets.

“To register, each CSP must submit: A valid CBN licence or permit, A signed agreement with the relevant DisCo, CAC incorporation documents, A banker’s reference, three years’ tax clearance, VAT registration, A list of sub-agents, an API integration agreement with NIBSS, and Proof of payment of a non-refundable N100,000 registration fee. No CSP may commence operations without NERC’s approval, and no DisCo may engage any partner that is not fully cleared by the regulator.”

The guidelines also classify collection channels into: USSD – real-time mobile short-code transactions, Banking and Switching – including apps, ATMs, Interswitch, Flutterwave, Paystack, and NIBSS, Mobile Payment Services – transfers, VANs, wallets, web, intranet, IVR, NQR, and payment links, Agency Services – PoS, kiosks, agents, cash vendors, Rural Services – agency presence in underserved and remote communities.

According to the guidelines, collection partners must not charge more than: N20 per USSD transaction below N5,000, and N50 for transactions at or above N5,000; 0.75 per cent to 3.25 pee cent, depending on channel type, for mobile wallets, agency banking, PoS, kiosks, and rural agents; A hard cap of N2,000 – N5,000 per transaction, whichever is lower.

“To end arbitrary commission charges, NERC has now fixed maximum rates for all categories: USSD below N5,000 – N20, Above N5,000 – N50; Banking & Switching: Banks, gateways – 0.75 per cent, capped at N2,000, ATM – 1.10 per cent, capped at N2,000, Wallets – 1.25 per cent, capped at N2,000

“Mobile Services: Web, chat, IVR, NQR – 1.50 per cent, capped at N2,000, Payout, mobile, VAN – 1.50 per cent, capped at N2,000. Agency & Rural PoS – 1.50 per cent, capped at N2,000, Kiosks – 2.00 per cent, capped at N2,000, Agents – 2.0–3.0 per cent, capped at N5,000, Rural agents – 3.25 per cent, capped at N5,000,” it added.

CSPs may only earn commission for collection services. Deducting fees for any other service, such as IT support or marketing, is expressly prohibited. NERC also directed that all collection contracts must be refunded, except for banks and switching firms whose settlements must occur on a T+1 basis.

Maximum Demand customers are exempt from third-party collections; they must pay directly into DisCos’ accounts, with no commission payable to any agent. “These rules will remain in force until amended by the Commission,” NERC declared.

Recall that in 2019, the commission issued Order NERC/183/2019, mandating DisCos to migrate industrial and commercial customers to cashless payment platforms by January 31, 2020, and residential MD customers (formerly R3) by March 31, 2020. The policy was meant to eliminate leakages, improve transparency, and ensure that collections flowed directly into utility accounts.
Despite this, cash transactions, especially in rural and agency banking channels, remained widespread, with thousands of unregistered agents charging arbitrary rates. Industry operators say some vendors charged unregulated rates far above formal limits, a practice that drained revenue and deepened sector illiquidity.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu
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Oil & Energy

Electricity Boost: Abia Launches Waste-To-Energy Project 

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5 days ago

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February 2, 2026

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Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, says the state is no longer experiencing power failures caused by frequent collapses of the national grid.
This is as his administration begins investing in converting organic waste Into electricity.
Speaking to the media at the State Government House, last Thursday, Governor Otti revealed that waste products are now being transformed into renewable energy through Biogas.
He stated that the state is no longer fully under the supervision of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Otti explained that the new arrangement has been negotiated and accepted by the the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), the utility firm responsible for power distribution in Abia.
In his words “This is a pilot programme. Instead of discarding waste, we can convert it into clean energy, enabling us to power numerous areas, particularly the Umuahia In-Farms.
 “I had earlier reported that our proposals to EEDC have been accepted, and we are in the process of raising funds to settle obligations with them.
“On 24th December, the Abia State Electricity Regulation Authority took iver the regulation of power from NERC. From now on, generation, transmission, and distribution will be regulated within the state.”
Otti highlighted that the initiative is aimed at improving efficiency and achieving energy independence, similar to how Aba Power provides electricity for the Aba In-Farms.
“You may Have noticed that during some recent national grid collapses, our state remained unaffected because a significant portion of our power infrastructure is now under our authority,” he said.
Governor Otti further expressed optimism on the Progress of the programme saying “That is the entire purpose acquiring the Umuahia in-farms, and i am pleased with the advancements we are making in this regard.”
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Oil & Energy

NUPRC Pledges Transparency In 2025 Oil Pre – Bid Round

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5 days ago

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February 2, 2026

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The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has reiterated its dedication to a transparent process for the 2025 Oil Bid Round.
The Chief Executive, NUPRC,  Mrs Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan, while speaking at a Pre-Bid Webinar, at the Weekend, emphasized that the process is an opportunity for investors to participate in a stable, rules-based system that fosters genuine value creation.
Eyesan disclosed that the process involves five steps including “Registration, Pre-qualification, Data acquisition, Technical bid submission, and Evaluation and Commercial Bid Conference.
“This has been done to increase competitiveness and a response to capital mobility,”.
“Only candidates with strong technical and financial credentials will move forward, chosen through a transparent merit-based process”.
She noted that with President Bola Tinubu’s approval, signature bonuses have been adjusted to reduce entry barriers, prioritizing technical capabilities, credible programs, financial strength, and production delivery speed.
“Let me state clearly that the bid process will comply with the PIA 2021, promote the use of digital tools, for smooth data access and remain open to public, and international and institutional scrutiny through partners like NEITI, and other oversight agencies. Indeed, transparency is an integral part of our process,” she stated.
“To further strengthen the process, today’s Webinar, the first of its kind, aims to clarify bid requirements and helps you participate effectively before the tender deadline as well. We also invite your questions and feedback to improve the licensing round process and outcomes.
“In closing, let me emphasize that the Nigerian 2025 Licensing Round is not merely a bidding exercise; it is a clear signal of a reimagined Upstream Sector anchored on the rule of law, driven by data, aligned with global investment realities, and focused on long term value creation”, the NUPRC boss stated.
The 2025 Licensing Round, launched on December 1, 2025, offers 50 oil and gas blocks across various terrains, including frontier, onshore, shallow water, and deep water.
Since then, all licensing materials have been posted on the Commission’s portal, and dedicated support channels have been created to address applicant inquiries.
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Oil & Energy

Dangote Refinery Affirms 75m Litres PMS, 25m Litres Diesel Daily Supply 

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5 days ago

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February 2, 2026

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Dangote Petroleum Refinery has reaffirmed its capacity to supply fuel volumes significantly more than Nigeria’s estimated domestic consumption.
The refinery said it can supply 75 million litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) daily against an estimated national consumption of 50 million litres.
The company, in a statement issued to Journalists, at the Weekend, also said it has capacity to supply 25 million litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) compared with an estimated daily demand of 14 million litres, along side capacity to supply 20 million litres of aviation fuel daily, above the estimated maximum domestic consumption of four million litres.
According to the refinery, the availability of volumes above prevailing demand provides critical supply buffers, enhances market stability and reduces reliance on imports, particularly during periods of peak demand or logistical disruption.
“The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery would like to reiterate our capability to supply the underlisted petroleum products of the highest international quality standard to marketers and stakeholders,” the company said in a public notice.
The refinery reaffirmed its commitment to full regulatory compliance and continued cooperation with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), stating that its supply approach is aligned with ongoing efforts to ensure market stability and orderly downstream operations.
The refinery said it remains fully engaged with regulators and industry stakeholders in support of Nigeria’s national energy security objectives, as the country deepens its transition from fuel import dependence to domestic refining.
It expressed willingness to work closely with market participants to ensure that the benefits of local refining, including reliable supply, competitive pricing and improved market discipline are delivered consistently to consumers nationwide.
The statement added “With domestic refining capacity expanding, stakeholders believe Nigeria is increasingly positioned to reduce foreign exchange exposure, improve supply security and strengthen downstream efficiency through locally refined petroleum products”.
By: Lady Godknows Ogbulu
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