News
‘Fraudulent Discos’ overbilled 7.1million customers in nine months – FG
Power distribution companies overbilled about 7.1 million unmetered electricity consumers between January and September 2023, an analysis of the latest monthly number of overbilled customers showed.
In the various Regulatory Interventions for Non-Compliance with the Order on Capping of Estimated Billing to Unmetered Customers, issued to the 11 Discos by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, an agency of the Federal Government, it was established that the power distributors raked over N105bn as a result of over-billing.
Figures computed by our correspondent indicated that Yola Disco overbilled about 42,902 customers to the tune of N541.9m during the review period, while Abuja Disco overbilled 1,823,218 customers by N17.9bn.
Benin Disco overbilled 754,849 customers underestimated billing by N10.5bn, as Enugu Disco overbilled a total of 1,011,402 customers to the tune of N11.9bn during the nine-month period.
Eko Disco overbilled 371,828 customers under the estimated billing category between January and June 2023, as the months of July, August and September were not captured in the report released by NERC. It overbilled these customers to the tune of N14.13bn.
Ibadan Disco made N333.68m from the overbilling of 143,465 customers underestimated billing between January and September last year, while Jos Disco overbilled 1,264,537 customers to the tune of N13.3bn.
Ikeja Disco overbilled 934,438 customers by N20.9bn, as Kaduna raked in N1.14bn from the overbilling of 126,071 power users under its franchise area during the review period.
Kano Discos overbilled 71,120 customers by N196.97m during the nine month period, while Port Harcourt Disco overbilled 605,621 customers to the tune of N14.2bn between January and June, as the number of overbilled customers in July, August and September were not captured.
It was reported on Saturday that the power sector regulator declared that it would deduct N10,505,286,072 from the annual allowed revenues of the 11 power distribution companies during the next tariff review as part of sanctions over their non-compliance with the capping of estimated bills for unmetered customers.
NERC stressed that the billing of unmetered customers by the power firms in their various franchise areas for 2023 revealed non-compliance with the monthly energy caps issued by the commission.
The regulator often issues orders stipulating the maximum amount that any unmetered customer is meant to pay to the distribution company that provides him or her electricity services.
The amount is continued until the customer is metered by the distribution company, according to NERC’s order to the power firms.
In its order, as reported on Saturday, the regulator said, “The public may recall that in 2020, the commission issued the order on Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/197/2020) and subsequently issued monthly energy caps which aimed to align the estimated bills for unmetered customers with the measured consumption of metered customers on the same supply feeder.
“A review of the electricity distribution companies’ billing of unmetered customers for 2023 has revealed non-compliance with the monthly energy caps issued by the commission.”
In response to this and in a bid to safeguard unmetered customers from arbitrary billing by Discos, the commission stated that pursuant to Section 34(1)(d) of the Electricity Act 2023, it had issued the order on Non-Compliance with Capping of Estimated Bills (Order No: NERC/2024/004-01 4).
It said the order stipulates the following: “i. Credit adjustment to customers: Discos are to issue credit adjustments to all over-billed unmetered customers for the period January to September 2023 by the March 2024 billing cycle.
“ii. Public notice: Discos have been directed to publish the list of credit adjustment beneficiaries in two national dailies and on their website no later than March 31, 2024.
“iii, Regulatory sanctions: The commission shall deduct a sum of N10,505,286,072 from the annual allowed revenues of the 11 Discos during the next tariff review, to deter future non-compliance with the energy caps approved by the commission.”
Electricity consumers nationwide have continued to lodge complaints against excessive estimated bills by power distribution companies in Nigeria.
According to the report, this was disclosed in the 2023 third quarter report of NERC, stating that the complaints were lodged in the months of July, August and September 2023.
The report stated that the customer complaints in the third quarter was higher than what was recorded in the preceding quarter by 8,049 cases.
It quoted the NERC report as saying that “the total number of complaints received across all Discos (distribution companies) in 2023/Q3 was 333,947; Ibadan Disco received the highest number of complaints (59,901), representing 17.93 percent of the total complaints received. Abuja Disco received the least number of complaints (1,919), representing 0.57 percent of the total complaints received.
“Compared to 2023/Q2, the number of complaints received, number of cases resolved, and average resolution rate changed by +2.47 percent (333,947 in 2023/Q3 vs. 325,898 in 2023/Q2), +1.19 percent (317,179 in 2023/Q3 vs. 313,442 in 2023/Q2), and -1.2 per cent (94.98 in 2023/Q3 vs. 96.18 in 2023/Q2) respectively.
“Benin (-47.85 percent), Jos (-26.21 percent) and Ikeja (-1.84 percent) Discos recorded decreases in the number of customer complaints received compared to 2023/Q2.
“Conversely, eight Discos recorded increases in the number of customer complaints with significant increases being recorded by Yola (+43.28 percent), Kano (+17.46 percent) and Port Harcourt (+16.05 percent).”
On the type of complaints, the report stated that “the most frequently reported issues among the 333,947 complaints received by Discos in 2023/Q3 were metering (57.31 percent), billing (12.88 per cent), and service interruption (8.07 percent).
“These three complaints categories cumulatively accounted for over 78 percent of the total complaints in the quarter. Out of the 333,947 complaints received in 2023/Q3, 317,179 were resolved, translating to a resolution rate of 94.98 percent.”
Punch
Since assuming office, Tinubu rolled out various policies, including the removal of fuel and electricity subsidies, unification of the forex policy, and naira devaluation, all of which were blamed for the food inflation and high cost of living in the country.
The criticisms come as Nigerians reflect on Tinubu’s performance in office. While the government maintains that its reforms are necessary for long-term recovery.
A former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has declared that at least 10 miracles are happening under President Bola Tinubu.
One: For the first time in over a decade, Nigeria has overshot its OPEC quota for three consecutive months and is set to do the same for the fourth month, producing an average of 1.71 million Barrels Per Day.
Two: The Nigerian Stock Exchange rises above 130,000 All Share Index for the first time ever.
Three: Food prices have significantly reduced, resulting in a drop in inflation to 20.12% in August 2025, a 1.76% drop from July’s 21.88%.
Four: MTN Nigeria Limited hits a record valuation of ₦10 trillion, the first Nigerian company to do so.
Five: Oil theft has been reduced to less than 10,000 Barrels Per Day, a sixteen-year low.
Six: Nigeria achieved its revenue target for the entire year in August, a first in our history.
Seven: Foreign Reserves are above $41 billion.
Eight: After a record trade surplus last year, Nigeria appears set to beat our 2024 figure. Our trade surplus rose 44.3% in Q2 to ₦7.46 trillion, up from ₦5.17 trillion in Q1.
Nine: Dangote has crashed fuel price to ₦841.
Ten: The Naira has appreciated to ₦1497 to $1, a five-month high.
“We must pray for Wike now,” he said.
The conversation surrounding the health of Nyesom Wike, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, has taken a intriguing turn as a prominent prophet recently shared a prophecy regarding his condition.
The adage “health is wealth” rings especially true in the world of politics, highlighting the necessity for leaders to prioritize their well-being amidst the pressures of public life.
Recent reports from an online news platform suggested that Wike had traveled to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, with allegations indicating a diagnosis of congestive heart failure.
This revelation has stirred concern among his supporters and the general public alike.
In response to these unsettling rumors, Prophet Julius Okonkwo, a well-known cleric and the presiding pastor of Kingdom Seeker Ministries based in the United States, offered reassurance about Wike’s health.
During a recent address, Okonkwo asserted that there is no need for alarm. “Wike is in good health, and he has many more years to live—mark my words,” he declared.
He cautioned that the troubling news circulating about the minister was politically motivated, aimed at instilling fear among Nigerians.
Further emphasizing Wike’s importance to the current administration, the prophet labeled him as “the best minister” in the government and warned that there are adversaries both within and outside his circle.
He urged the public to join in prayer for Wike, underscoring the need for vigilance in the face of potential threats. “We must pray for Wike now,” he said.
The Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), in partnership with the African Child Foundation (ACF), has fixed Thursday, November 6, 2025, for the much-anticipated FUPRE Oil and Gas Awards.
The ceremony, which has become one of the most prestigious gatherings on Nigeria’s oil and gas calendar, will take place at the University Arena in Effurun, Delta State.
Announcing the date, the Vice-Chancellor of FUPRE, Professor Ezekiel O. Agbalagba, highlighted the institution’s role as Africa’s first petroleum-focused university and one of only six of its kind globally.
Established in 2007, he said the university has consistently driven innovation, research, and manpower development in the petroleum industry, making it a hub of excellence in energy education.
On his part, the Country Director of the African Child Foundation, Olorogun Dr. Donaldson Onosakponome, described the Awards as a platform to raise industry role models by celebrating innovation, efficiency, safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
“This year’s Awards will not only spotlight outstanding organizations and individuals,” Dr. Onosakponome said, “but also celebrate the resilience of industry players who made possible the recent increase in Nigeria’s oil production.”
Since inception, the FUPRE Awards have recognized excellence across the oil and gas value chain, upstream, midstream, and downstream, while also rewarding corporate social responsibility and environmentally friendly practices.
The 2025 edition, organizers disclosed, will broaden its scope to honor breakthroughs in renewable energy and data-driven innovation, in line with global energy trends.
Nominations and sponsorship opportunities for the event are now open through FUPRE’s media office and the African Child Foundation.
Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote has addressed the press and confirmed that the price of his petrol has dropped market rate by N259
The refinery hopes to have more impact in the future as it finally begins its direct petrol distribution
Dangote Refinery is celebrating is one year anniversary and it has been confirmed that the capacity will be increased.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, September 15 to mark the refinery’s first anniversary he also said that Nigeria’s decades-long fuel supply crisis has been stopped.
Dangote who was also reacting to intense criticism from National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) revealed the impacts of his refinery
According to him, the pump price, which stood at about N1,100 per litre last year, has dropped to N841 in the South West, Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo and Kwara states.
He said: “Despite opposition and economic headwinds, the refinery has successfully reduced the price of petrol from nearly N1,100 before production began to N841. With the rollout of CNG-powered trucks, this price reduction will soon be felt nationwide.”
African richest man also said that its 650,000 barrels-per-day refinery, Africa’s largest has deployed 1,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks as part of its direct fuel distribution programme.
The initiative, according to Dangote, will create 24,000 jobs in the first phase, the Nation reports.
He added that the refining capacity would rise to 700,000 bpd next year, adding that the plant has the ability to meet Nigeria’s domestic demand while generating foreign exchange through exports. Between June and early September, the refinery exported more than 1.1 billion litres of petrol, he said
Dangote, who backed the federal government’s target of growing Nigeria into a $1 trillion economy by 2031, urged more Nigerians to invest locally.
He acknowledged resistance from some vested interests in the downstream sector, but maintained the project was designed to support growth across Nigeria and Africa.
He said. “We have been battling fuel queues since 1975, but today Nigerians are witnessing a new era. “What we have done is to make our country and continent proud.”
…As Oborevwori Donates Buses To Institute
The Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurun, Delta State, has expressed readiness to collaborate with the State Government on international oil and gas training programmes designed to equip youths with employable skills and drive economic growth in the state.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba, on Tuesday, the Principal and Chief Executive Officer of PTI, Dr. Samuel Onoji, said the Institute was committed to offering discounted and subsidised international trainings in oil and gas to enhance the employability of Delta youths.
Onoji commended Governor Oborevwori’s infrastructural drive, describing developments under his administration as unprecedented in the history of the state.
He also appreciated the Governor for reconnecting electricity to the Institute and invited the Governor to the Institute’s International Hydrocarbons and Scientific Conference scheduled for October at the PTDF Hall, Abuja.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori commended PTI and the Minister of Petroleum, Senator Heineken Lokpobri, for releasing 25 hectares of land to the state government, stressing that the gesture reflected their commitment to Delta’s growth and development.
“PTI is very dear to us in Delta because it opened the door for other federal government establishments to come into our state.
“We don’t take anything concerning PTI lightly. Your visit today is a demonstration of your commitment, and I assure you that this government will continue to support the Institute in all its endeavours,” the Governor said.
As part of his support, Governor Oborevwori approved the donation of a Coaster Bus and an 18-seater Hiace Bus to meet the mobility needs of staff and students of PTI.
Established in 1972, PTI is regarded as the foremost petroleum training institute in Africa, mandated to train and retrain skilled manpower for the oil and gas industry.
News
‘No More N865/Ltr’ – Dangote Releases List of Filling Stations Selling Petrol At Cheaper Rate (New Petrol Prices by States)
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a fresh reduction in petrol pump prices, offering Nigerians a much-needed relief at a time of rising living costs.
Starting from Monday, September 15, petrol will now be sold below N865 per litre at select partner filling stations across the country.
This announcement comes alongside the refinery’s new distribution model, which involves the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks to deliver fuel directly to stations. The approach is expected to cut down logistics costs and improve fuel availability nationwide.
New Petrol Prices by States
According to Dangote Refinery, the price adjustments will immediately take effect in several states, with plans to expand nationwide.
Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, and Ekiti: N841 per litre (previously between N865 and N880)
Abuja, Delta, Rivers, Edo, and Kwara: N851 per litre (previously between N890 and N910)
Dangote emphasized that this is just the beginning, promising that more states will benefit from similar reductions in the coming weeks.
Partner Filling Stations Selling at New Prices
The refinery has partnered with both long-standing and newly added marketers to make cheaper petrol available to Nigerians.
Existing Partners
MRS
Heyden
Ardova (AP)
Hyde Energy
Optima
Techno Oil
TotalEnergies
New Partners
Garima Petroleum
Sunbeth Energies
Sobaz Nigeria Ltd.
Virgin Forest Energy
Sixxco Oil Ltd.
N.U. Synergy Ltd.
Soroman Nigeria Ltd.
Jezco Oil Nigeria Ltd.
Jengre
Cocean
Kifayat
Triumph
Golden Sifem Global
Riquest
Mamu Oil
Why the price drop matters
The price cut, which averages N24 lower per litre, is directly linked to Dangote’s new direct distribution strategy. By rolling out thousands of CNG-powered trucks and establishing CNG “daughter booster” stations across the country, the refinery aims to reduce dependence on middlemen, thereby slashing transportation costs that usually drive fuel prices higher.
At the moment, Dangote has taken delivery of 1,000 out of the 4,000 trucks it ordered. This investment in logistics is expected to ensure steady nationwide distribution in the months ahead.
Benefits for petrol dealers and marketers
Beyond reducing retail prices, Dangote Refinery has also extended an invitation to filling station owners across Nigeria to join its distribution network. The company is offering:
Free delivery logistics through its CNG-powered truck fleet
Access to credit facilities: Dealers who purchase 500,000 litres can obtain an additional 500,000 litres on credit for two weeks, under bank guarantee
This system is designed to support petrol dealers, manufacturers, transport operators, and other large-scale users while ensuring Nigerians pay less at the pump.
NNPC price comparison
Interestingly, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has also recently adjusted its pump price to N865 per litre, which remains slightly higher than Dangote’s new rates in most states.
The competition between the state-owned NNPC and the privately owned Dangote refinery may continue to shape petrol pricing in Nigeria in the coming months.
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