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NERC silent amid uncertainty on electricity tariff hike

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The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has failed to state its position on the speculated 40 percent increase in electricity tariff, despite widespread discourse.

In the past two weeks, reports have suggested a 40 percent rise in electricity tariff from July 1, due to spiralling petrol prices.

The increase is said to be contingent on the 2022 multi-year tariff order (MYTO), which is due for a bi-annual review this month.

In essence, the previous tariff increase, which was in place from January to June of this year, is expected to be reviewed, and a new one is expected to go into effect this month.

Since the development made headlines, major associations have condemned the supposed electricity tariff increase.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) said plans by the federal government to increase tariffs are “insensitive and callous”.

NERC is the federal government body in charge of regulating Nigeria’s electricity supply industry. Among other things in its purview, the commission sets cost-reflective industry tariffs.

“The issue of capacity to pay and quality of service delivery are not only germane but superior to any rationalisation by market logic. The service providers, in spite of sundry support, have not been able to meet the threshold of 5000 megawatts,” NLC had lamented.

The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) had also asked the NERC to diversify energy sources as the alleged tariff increase would affect the industrial sector and consumers.

“Already, we have power constituting between 28-40 percent in the cost structure of manufacturing industries,” MAN said.

“You can imagine the impact on manufacturing industries that are energy-intensive such as metal processing, heavy machinery, and chemicals manufacturing.”

Also speaking on the matter, electricity distribution companies claimed that the tariff increase has not been approved by the NERC.

Busolami Tunwase, public relations officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), in an interview with NAN on June 1, said the NERC had yet to give a directive on the electricity tariff hike.

“I am not aware that NERC has given us any such directive. It is the commission that does the whole thing and I am not sure it has given such a directive,” Tunwase said.

“But, any moment we get the directive to that effect, we will announce it and it will commence based on instructions from NERC.”

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Nigeria’s GDP rate grew by 3.46% in Q3 2024, says NBS

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The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) says Nigeria’s annual gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

The NBS, in its GDP report published on Monday, said the growth rate is higher than the 3.19 percent recorded in Q2 2024.

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Dangote refinery reduces ex-depot price of petrol to N970 for oil marketers

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The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in its ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to N970 per litre for oil marketers.

This is a cut from the refinery’s N990 ex-depot price announced earlier this month, according to a statement on Sunday.

The slash would help marketers save about N20 on each litre of petrol bought from the Lekki-based plant.

Anthony Chiejina, Dangote Group’s chief branding and communications officer, said the move is the refinery’s way of appreciating Nigerians “for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true”.

“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement reads.

“While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable.

“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply.”

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Allegation of missing fund untrue, says Access Bank

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Access Bank Limited has dismissed as untrue allegations of missing fund and unethical behaviour.

The Bank in a statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to a video on social media wherein allegations of missing funds and unethical behaviour have been made against Access Bank PLC.

“First and foremost, we wish to emphasise that the safety and security of our customers’ funds are core priorities which we take seriously. Second, Access Bank Plc does not engage in or condone any unethical behaviour.

“In the instant case, the allegations of missing funds in the Bank are most untrue and baseless.

“There is no N500million or any other fund or amount missing from the subject customer’s account or from any other customer’s account with us.

“We and other independent stakeholders in the banking industry have thoroughly investigated these allegations and independently arrived at the same conclusions.

“Access Bank PLC operates with the highest ethical standards, and we protect our customers’ interests whilst also respecting privacy laws.

“Consequently, whilst we have engaged and will continue to engage with our customers, we must advise the public not to rely on or believe sensational and unverified claims that are designed to titillate and mislead the public.

“We remain committed to serving our customers.”

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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