Business
Nebo Pledges To Tackle Meter, Gas Shortages
The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has pledged to tackle the huge metering gap and gas shortage militating against stable power supply in the country.
The minister made the pledge during an over-sight visit to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) headquarters in Abuja, last Thursday
He said some stakeholders in the electricity sector had raised concerns on the issues of inadequate pre-paid meters for electricity consumers and gas shortage to the power plants.
He said that the nation’s power sector was still suffering from a huge metering deficit which was seriously affecting the operations of the electricity distribution companies.
He said that the nation’s power sector still had a metering gap of about 2.7 million and stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to reverse the trend.
“Now, we have an estimated shortfall in meters or metering gap of 2.7 million; the whole issue of metering is suffocating and there is no doubt about that, so we must find a solution to it’’, he said.
On gas, Nebo said the ministry was working closely with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to ensure availability of gas for power generating plants.
He said that the Federal Government was exploring the possibility of getting gas from the export quota to compliment local need.
“ I have firm commitment from my colleague, Minister of Petroleum, Diezani Allison Madueke, that gas would be available.
“We must ensure synergy in all our operations, all in the three electricity value chain must be happy, including our esteemed customers.
“She has even assured on gas for power that if need be, she will order that gas meant for export is diverted to power,’’ he said.
Earlier, the Managing Director of Egbin Power Plc, Mr Mike Uzoigwe, who spoke on behalf of the electricity Generating Companies at the meeting, said GENCOs and DISCOs were losing a lot of revenue as a result of gas shortage and inadequate metering.
He said the management of the company had invested about N7 billion in strengthening the plant for optimal performance but had lost about N570 million in revenue since the privitisation in November, 2013.
He said that the GENCOS and DISCOs could not continue to run their businesses at a loss.
“ Our experience after privatisation is undesirable. This is because as at end of last month, our books showed that we are losing revenue to the tune of about N570 million.
“ The revenue profile in the electricity industry is very poor. And if any further investor should look in, it will give results that may not be desirable for the country.
“Two factors are impinging on our moving forward; one is the fact that consumers are not metered and the second is the issue of gas; we can never over-emphasize the problem the lack of gas is causing in the industry,’’ he said.
Uzoigwe said that Egbin power plant which had capacity of 1.80MW was currently generating about 600 megawatts as a result of gas challenge and is adversely affecting its revenue.
NERC Chairman, Dr Sam Amadi, in his remarks, said that the commission would continue to work with all stakeholders in the sector to solve some of the post-privatisation challenges in the sector.
MoniePoint Inc. a digital financial firm in Nigeria, has said it is empowering community pharmacists across the country with innovative payment solutions to improve access to drugs.
The financial firm said it had also provided loans for pharmacists under the aegis of the Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN) to drive healthcare delivery in the country.
MoniePoint in a release titled, “Inside Nigeria’s community pharmacies: How Moniepoint drives healthcare access with payments and funding”, has reaffirmed its commitment to providing digital payment solutions to improve health outcomes in Nigeria.
The release examined how community pharmacies play a crucial role as vital access points for medical care in Nigeria, especially in areas with limited hospital or clinic access.
According to the release, the ACPN National Chairman, Ambrose Igwekwam, highlighted the critical role played by community pharmacies in Nigeria’s healthcare system over the years.
Igwekwam, however, expressed concerns over the challenges confronting the nation’s pharmaceutical industry which he said was hindering access to affordable medicines.
The pharmacist listed poor infrastructural systems, power, transportation, regulatory bottlenecks, importation dependency, and limited research opportunities as major challenges facing the pharmaceutical sector.
He also stressed the need for robust collaborative efforts with institutions like Moniepoint to strengthen the sector.
“As Nigeria continues to grow, improving local pharma manufacturing to meet the demands of this growth presents a key opportunity for us all.
“There is also the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement, which is expected to boost our industry, especially when we start producing our drugs locally, which will provide the much needed foreign exchange from exports.
“We are also seeing advancements in digital health and technology which would hopefully deepen the practice of e-prescription in Nigeria”, the ACPN boss said.
Corlins Walter
In order to enhance customer service and streamline operations, the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) has called on stakeholders in the insurance industry to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The President of the institute, Yetunde Ilori, made this call at the 2024 Office Representatives Committee (ORC) Workshop, organised by the institute, with the theme “AI and the Future of the Insurance Industry”, in Lagos.
Ilori at the event, emphasised the importance of AI adoption, noting that it was not a threat to jobs but rather a tool to improve efficiency across the insurance sector.
“It is not about AI taking over our jobs, but about us using AI to simplify processes and give maximum satisfaction to all the customers we serve whether as underwriters, brokers, loss adjusters, or in educating our members”, she said.
The workshop, which brought players in the insurance sector together, aimed to address how AI could be leveraged to transform business processes and improve customer interactions.
The Chairman of the ORC, Monica Nwachukwu, underscored the role of AI in modernising the industry, adding, “AI can automate customer and claims processes, allowing insurers to provide faster and more efficient services to their customers”.
She explained how AI could help extract data from legacy systems, enhancing decision-making processes.
“By integrating AI with APIs, insurers can feed valuable data into AI solutions to improve operations and customer service”, she added.
In his address, the Managing Partner of A4S and Training Heights, Orlando Odejide, stressed the need for companies to align their strategies with future technologies like AI, especially as they prepare for 2025.
“Any organisation that wants to grow into the future must have its strategic plan in place. If your strategy for 2025 is not ready, it should be done by October”, he advised.
He encouraged participants to think critically about how AI could be integrated into their business models to ensure they remain competitive.
“The idea is for you to use this workshop as a platform to think about your organization and how AI can help streamline your processes and improve growth”, Odejide noted.
In order to gain global respect and recognition, the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has reaffirmed its determination to pursue its goal in ensuring that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
The agency also reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the global space economy.
In a statement by the Director of Media and Corporate Communications, Dr. Felix Ale, NASRDA revealed that the Director-General of the agency, Matthew Adepoju, emphasised this during recent engagements at the 79th United Nations General Assembly and the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and Global Alliance Business Association international conference in Michigan, United States.
The statement noted that Adepoju outlined a forward-thinking agenda, stressing the importance of Nigeria’s space programme as a leader in research, exploration, and technological innovation.
“Our goal is to ensure that Nigeria’s space capabilities are recognised on the world stage.
“We must foster collaborations with global space agencies to enhance our satellite capabilities and technological infrastructure”, he stated.
The NASRDA boss said the agency is focusing on enhancing satellite capabilities, expanding international collaborations, and leveraging space science for national development.
He said NASRDA will have no stone unturned in pursuit of excellence, ensuring the agency secures the necessary resources and recognition to propel it forward.
“The relationships we build today will pave the way for tomorrow’s advancements in space science.
“Innovation and progress thrive in an environment built on collaboration and inclusivity”, he stated.
He emphasised that with the support of the government, international partners, and a dedicated team, NASRDA is poised to make significant strides in the evolving global space landscape.
“We are on the brink of a new era for Nigeria’s space agency. Together, we will ensure our nation stands out in the global space economy”, he said.
Corlins Walter