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PHED Mulls Massive Disconnection Of Debtor Customers …To Sustain Arrest, Prosecution Of Energy Thieves
The management of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company Plc has concluded plans to launch massive disconnection of debtor customers effective, January, 2022.
The Managing Director of the company, Dr Henry Ajagbawa, who disclosed this during an interactive parley with media executives in Port Harcourt, last Wednesday, however, said that before the commencement of the exercise, customers would be given up to the end of December, 2021, to clear outstanding indebtedness to the company.
Ajagbawa said that to encourage customers to key into the window, a three-week grace period has been given to customers to clear a discounted payment of between 70percent and 80percent of outstanding debts, while the company writes off a graduated indebtedness of between 20percent and 30percent for their loyal customers.
He said that the promo period was to encourage loyal customers to enjoy steady and efficient electricity supply during the Yuletide and New Year through 2022, saying that already the company was seeing signs of high level of effectiveness in revenue collection.
Ajagbawa explained that for the first time since the company began operation of the four-state distribution network in Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Cross River; its financials have shown steady tilt towards profitability, and attributed the giant leap to encouraging attitude of customers in payment of energy consumed.
While expressing confidence that the 66percent revenue collection efficiency level achieved was significant, he complained that a situation where customers paid only 50kobo of every N1 of energy consumed was an unnecessary disincentive to investment, arguing that there was urgent need to bridge the yawning gap.
The PHED chief executive, who lamented that energy theft has continued to weaken the company’s drive towards steady and regular electricity supply to its huge customers in the zone, said that more stringent strategies have been put in place to arrest and prosecute all energy thieves to ensure that those who religiously meet their obligations get regular electricity supply, adding that the company was doing all it can to close all leakages in the system.
He noted the alleged corruption in the energy theft conundrum, but said that as a way of eliminating staff compromise in the entire debacle, the management has ensured that staff welfare was key priority, with salaries paid on 30th of every month, while other incentives have been implemented across the spectrum.
“As part of strategies to improve staff welfare, we have procured and put to use over 100 vehicles to enable technical crews respond to customer needs as quickly as possible; just as we have procured more than 800 personal protective equipment (PPEs) for technicians and engineers. We have also ensured regular promotion of staff every June and December based on measurable performance matrix, with those promoted receiving their benefits effective every January and July, for those promoted in December and June, respectively.
Ajagbawa warned customers against engaging the services of non-PHED staff to address any services, including connection and reconnection of supply lines, installation of transformers or repairs of facilities, saying that most of the fatalities recorded thus far were traceable to use of fake PHED personnel to perform illegal connection or reconnection activities.
While addressing technical issues in the business, Ajagbawa said that since inception two years ago, the new management has embarked on proactive redistribution of more than 10 feeders and/or transformers; 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.
He also said that in a bid to ensure uninterrupted power supply to its valued customers, the company had at some point, intervened by supporting the rehabilitation of facilities of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), and added that the management was working very closely with all stakeholders, including Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), National Assembly, the Executive in all catchment states, particularly the governors; and community leaders to ensure security of installations and safety of field staff as a veritable means of guaranteeing regular electricity supply.
On the dearth of prepaid meters to capture all customers who need one, Ajagbawa said that at inception, PHED had procured and distributed 79,000 new meters to customers who indicated interest to transit from the analogue structure to automated prepaid regime, saying that with the huge 800,000-unmetered customer deficit inherited from Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) at take-off, it would take concerted synergy and huge investments to close the demand-supply gap.
He, however, said that as a deliberate approach towards bridging the gap, the management has concluded arrangements with meter manufacturers (MAP VENDORS) under the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) to produce more meters for customers at NERC-approved rates of N58,661.69 from N44,896.17 for single phase meters; and N109,684.36 from N82,855.19 for three phase meters.
Ajagbawa advised customers who need prepaid meters to go to designated PHED business offices or zonal centres to register and pay for new meters at approved rates, assuring that customers’ monies would be refunded through direct vending or credit adjustment on bill payments over time.
He assured loyal customers who take advantage of the opportunities that every kobo spent on prepaid meter procurement would be refunded, saying that the initiative was to ensure that the ‘meter-is-free’ policy was fully implemented without compromising the intent and purpose.
By: Nelson Chukwudi
The Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has assured the commitment of Rivers State government to workers’s welfare and industrial harmony in Rivers State.
The Sole Administrator gave the assurance after meeting with leadership of organized labour unions at the Government House, Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
Ibas reaffirmed government’s policy of prompt payment of salaries and pensions to workers and retirees, stating that all local government employees are not receiving the approved minimum wage.
He disclosed that approval has been given for payment of newly employed staff at Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the Judiciary, while medical workers in Local Government Areas will now receive correct wages.
Ibas explained that, Government is reviewing implementation challenges of the Contributory Pension Scheme ahead of the July 2025 deadline, adding that Intervention buses have been reintroduced to ease workers’ transportation ,with plans to expand the fleet.
He said specialized leadership training for top civil servants will commence within two weeks, while due consideration is being given to implementing the N32,000 consequential adjustment for pensioners and clearing outstanding gratuities.
Ibas commended Rivers State workers for their dedication to service and called for sustained partnership with labour unions to maintain industrial peace.
“This administration recognizes workers as critical partners in development. We remain committed to addressing your legitimate concerns within available resources,” he stated.
The State NLC Chairman, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, thanked the Administrator for the steps taken so far with regard to workers welfare while appreciating his disposition towards alleviating the transportation problem faced by workers.
He also expressed appreciation for the government’s openness to dialogue and pledged continued cooperation towards achieving mutual goals.
The Rivers State Government assured all workers of its unwavering commitment to their welfare and called for continued dedication to service delivery for the collective progress of our dear State.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers Council, has called for policies that will improve the economic situation of the country in order to ensure enhanced living standard for workers.
The State Chairman, Mr Alex Agwanwor, made the remark on behalf of the unions affiliated to Labour Congress during the 2025 workers day celebration in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Agwanwor highlighted the demands of the Unions which included the immediate payment of pension arrears, implementation of the N32,000 minimum wage for pensioners, and payment of gratuities and death benefits without further delay.
“We are calling for the regulation and protection of e-hailing drivers, implementation of increments and promotions, and resolution of long-standing issues in the polytechnic sector,” he said.
Agwanwor on behalf of the unions appealed to President Bola Tinubu to reinstate the democratically elected Governor, Deputy Governor, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.
He stressed the importance of democratic governance and good working relationship with elected representatives.
According to him, the unions expressed disappointment over the imposition of taxes, increase in electricity tariff, and high cost of goods and services, which have further worsened the plight of workers.
“We urge the federal government to take measures to alleviate the suffering of citizens,” he said.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu is committed to unlocking Nigeria’s full potential and position the country as a leading force on the African continent.
Shettima stated this when he hosted a delegation from the Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, led by its Senior Fellow, Dr Rolf Alter, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja last Wednesday.
He said Nigeria was actively seeking expertise from the global best institutions to enhance policy formulation and implementation, particularly in human capital development.
The Vice-President noted that President Tinubu was determined to elevate Nigeria to its rightful position as a leading force in Africa.
“The current crop of leadership in Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is ready and willing to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian nation on the African continent.
” We are laying the groundwork through strategic reforms, and at the heart of it, is human capital development.”
He described the Hertie School as a valuable partner in the journey.
According to him, Hertie School of Governance, Berlin, has track record and institutional knowledge to add value to our policy formulation and delivery, especially in this disruptive age.
Shettima reiterated the government’s priority on upskilling Nigerians, saying ” skills are very important, and with our Human Capital Development (HCD) 2.0 programme.
“We are in a position to unleash the full potential of the Nigerian people by enhancing their capital skills.”
The Vice-President acknowledged the vital support of international development partners in that effort.
” I want to thank the World Bank, the European Union, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and all our partners in that drive to add value to the Nigerian nation,” he maintained.
The Vice-President said human capital development was both an economic imperative and a social necessity.
Shettima assured the delegation of the government’s readiness to deepen cooperation.
” We need the skills and the capacity from your school. The world is now knowledge-driven.
“I wish to implore you to have a very warm and robust partnership with the government and people of Nigeria.”
Shettima further explained recent economic decisions of the government, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange reforms.
“The removal of fuel subsidy, the unification of the exchange rate regime and the revolution in the energy sector are all painful processes, but at the end of the day, the Nigerian people will laugh last.
“President Tinubu is a very modern leader who is willing to take far-reaching, courageous decisions to reposition the Nigerian economy,” he added.
Earlier, Alter, congratulated the Tinubu administration for the successful launch and implementation of the Human Capital Development (HCD) strategy.
The group leader described the development as ambitious and targeted towards the improvement of the lives of the citizens.
He expressed satisfaction with the outcome of his engagements since arriving in the country.
He applauded the zeal, commitment, energy and goodwill observed among stakeholders in the implementation of Nigeria’s HCD programme.
Alter said the Hertie School of Governance would work closely with authorities in Nigeria across different levels to deliver programmes specifically designed to address the unique needs of the country.
He, however, stressed the need for government officials at different levels to be agile and amenable to the dynamics of the evolving world, particularly as Nigeria attempted to successfully accelerate its human capital development aspirations.