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NBET Pays GenCos 50% Of Invoice On Power Supply …Minister Blames Collapse Of Transmission, Distribution Lines
Power generation companies (GenCos) were paid just half of their total invoice to the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET) for power supplied to the National Grid in the first nine months of last year.
Industry data released by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) showed that the GenCos were paid N311.06billion out of the total invoice of N614.58billion, representing 50.61percent.
This was, however, an improvement compared to what the GenCos received over the same period in 2020 where NBET paid just 24.03percent (N136.03billion) of the N569.14billion invoice sent in by the power generators.
A monthly analysis of data on NBET payments to GenCos from January to September, 2021, showed that the electricity bulk trader paid N37.04billion or 51.9percent of the N71.37billion invoice for energy supplied in January, 2021.
The GenCos got N26.19billion, representing 39.6percent of the N66.15billion invoice sent to NBET for energy supplied in February, 2021.
The payment for power supplied in March was N35.78billion or 51.9percent of the N68.89billion invoice sent to NBET.
Also, NBET payment for energy supplied in April was N39.46billion, representing 56.6percent of N69.65billion sent in by the GenCos.
For May, NBET paid the GenCos N40.54billion or 55.3percent of the N73.30billion invoice for energy supplied.
In June, 2021, the GenCos were paid N31.88billion or 48.1percent of the N66.20billion invoice sent to NBET for energy supplied to the national grid.
Also, NBET paid the GenCos N36.03billion or 52.4percent of the N68.71billion invoice for energy supplied in July, 2021.
In August, the GenCos were paid N31.14billion, representing 46.4percent of the N67.16billion invoice sent to NBET, while in September, the GenCos got N32.99billion or 52.2percent of the N63.15billion invoice sent to NBET for energy supplied.
The NBET implements the Minimum Remittance Order issued by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to all electricity distribution companies (DisCos), which sets the minimum percentage payment each DisCo is to remit to NBET monthly.
It is from the DisCos’ remittances that NBET pays the invoice sent in by the GenCos.
NBET, in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, by Head, Corporate Communications, Henrietta Ighomrore, said it would continue to deploy strategies and initiatives to enhance the market liquidity in the sector through improving payments to the generation companies, further supported by its power sector reform program and the market discipline committee.
NBET had in 2016 conceptualise and began the implementation of its N701.9billion Payment Assurance Facility (PAF), when generation capacity was greatly threatened due to shortage of gas and the inability of some power generation companies to meet their immediate obligations.
NBET explained that the PAF was efficiently managed and disbursed from January, 2017 till December, 2018, and resulted in a quantum leap of 6500MW generation capacity to a 7659MW at the end of the PAF.
The success of the N701.9billion PAF-led to sustainable generation capacity and increased available electricity, this success led to the birth of PAF 11.
The implementation of PAF 11 which is N600billion facility was implemented for 2019/2020, and later metamorphosed into the Power Sector Reform Programme.
“NBET has consistently demonstrated efficiency and transparency in the administration of the financial flow”, the company added.
She further stated that NBET is committed to ensuring timely and efficient payment to GenCos to enable the generators to fulfill their obligations and maintain sustainable supply of electricity to the grid.
Ighomrore stated that NBET is engaging with all stakeholders in the value chain to ensure payment improvement and viability of the Nigerian electricity market.
Despite the obvious poor financial state of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), the Minister of Power, Engr. Abubarkar Aliyu has insisted that the financial viability of the sector was not in doubt.
Speaking at a power correspondents’ event in Abuja, Aliyu said the Federal Government was reviewing the sector with the intent of making needed changes to grow the industry.
According to him, “to make the long term changes that will move the sector forward, we are presently looking at the Electric Power Sector Reform Act, 2005 (EPS), and reviewing aspects that constitute stagnation to the sector.
“The whole essence of this is to achieve good quality, stable, reliable and affordable electricity in Nigeria, which is indeed the yearning of the good people of Nigeria. The right policies, when carefully implemented and monitored, with constant reviews and checks, will lead us to our desired Sector growth.
“During my watch as a minister, I will always ensure that the conversation and growth path strategies are discussed and adopted, after careful reviews and possible outcomes. We are aware that the power sector is made up of both government and private sector players. The plan of the government is to ensure that all players focus on the big picture with a proper alignment to achieve the desired growth. The primary purpose of government is to develop policies and laws and to properly orient the players”.
He explained that one of his “cardinal goals, on the assumption of office, is to reduce or totally eliminate the human factor issues limiting the growth of the sector. It is important to note, as I have observed that the viability of the sector is not in doubt.
“We just need to boldly deal with some challenges militating against the desired growth, some of which are Transmission and Distribution bottlenecks, funding difficulties, Transmission wheeling inadequacy, old and dilapidated distribution infrastructure.
“Others are confidence in the electricity market, energy losses, non-payment of electricity bills and lack of transparency within sector players, amongst others,” he added.
Similarly, Minister for Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu has blamed poor power generation and distribution in the country on the continuous collapse of transmission and distribution lines, saying the government is working hard to improve power supply in the country.
He explained that the country at the moment has an installed capacity of 13,000MW but can evacuated only 5,000MW to the National Grid.
The minister, who made this known, yesterday, in Makurdi during a courtesy call on Governor Samuel Ortom while on a working visit to Benue State, assured that Federal Government was working hard to boost power generation and transmission in the country.
He said, “power is one area that has been receiving attention of this Federal Government. We know that the government owns 40percent of the distribution. The National Grid is controlled from Osogbo and must receive enough energy to transmit power. Government has set out to rehabilitate the transmission grid and we are beginning to see results.
“Our national transmission has not increased from 5,000MW but it has not dropped. We used to have more than 15 to 17 system collapses in the past but we only experienced two in 2021.
“We will see improve this year 2022. It is a year of delivery. The Yandev to Makurdi transmission line will also be completed within six months,” he assured.
On the Presidential Power Initiative, he said it was being implemented in partnership with the German Government and driven by Special Purpose Vehicle with the minister of finance as the board chairman.
According to him, under the project, the Federal Government had ordered 10 power transformers to be deployed all over the country which would boost electricity supply in the country.
The minister, who was accompanied by the Minister for State, Power, Mr. Goddy Agba, explained that they were in the state to inspect the ongoing upgrade of the Joint Sub Stations from Kashibilla in Taraba State “where there is a dam and power plant to Yandev in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State which has been completed and already giving power to Takum, Wukari and its environs. The project’s capacity is 40MW but there are technical issues we are addressing.”
Receiving the delegation, Governor Samuel Ortom commended President Muhammadu Buhari for improving on power distribution in the country.
“The Power Ministry is committed to execution of projects under their purview. I can attest to the fact that there is an improvement to what we had seen in the past as far as power generation and distribution is concerned. I commend the President for this,” the governor said.
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We Support Rivers Workers To Feel Valued, Productive, Says Fubara …Inaugurates Bayelsa Labour House
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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that in the heat of political crisis staged against his administration in 2023, he committed to improving the welfare of Rivers workers in order to have a well-motivated workforce to achieve the goals of the Rivers First mantra.
The Governor stated that the resultant industrial harmony has now become unprecedented as workers feel more valued, supported, and resolved to be more productive on an increased efficiency and profitability scale.
Governor Fubara gave the explanation while inaugurating the one-storey twin-building Labour House constructed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, in Yanagoa City, the Bayelsa State capital, yesterday.
The Governor recalled that while en-route Abuja for a reconciliatory political meeting to find solutions to the 2023 political crisis, his mind kept drifting to what could be done to give hope and cushion the hardship faced by Rivers workers.
Governor Fubara said he made the decision, therefore, to pay Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every worker, across grade levels in December, 2023, and extended the gesture to retirees in 2024.
The Governor stated: “On the 18th of December, the year of Our Lord 2023, I was on my way to Abuja for a reconciliatory meeting, and I was thinking: what will I do for my people – my primary constituency, who are the civil servants?
“We all know that the salary is not enough during the Christmas period. I knew we had a lot of challenges at that time, and it would be difficult for me to do the 13th month.
“But, however, even if I had to do the 13th month, it would also be a cheating to the lower level workers because some of them would have less than N100,000. So, I decided that I was going to do a bonus of N100,000 to all workers. That was my meeting with the Accountant-General while I was on my way to Abuja.”
Governor Fubara said: “After the meeting, I was weakened in my spirit. But on my way back, I said no matter the sadness, I still need to make my people happy.
“And even in the face of that most difficult time of our administration, we made all the civil servants very happy by giving everybody N100, 000 for Christmas that year.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the letter of appreciation written to him by the leaderships of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) due principally to the fact that the gesture was extended to all pensioners in 2024, while also seeking to give him an award of recognition.
The Governor stated that what had been done has contributed to the industrial harmony enjoyed in Rivers State, as according to him, every labour issue has also ended on the dialogue table.
Governor Fubara said: “It is not because we are meeting all their needs, but because we are putting human face to governance. We are not running it like Nebuchadnezzar’s time.
“We are not running it like the Babylonians. We are running it with the Jesus style where love takes the lead over everything. Where love is what should be in front and behind.”
Governor Fubara noted that what the Bayelsa State Government has done shows there is good relationship existing between labour and the administration of Senator Diri.
The Rivers State Governor advised the organised labour in Bayelsa State to consider the gesture, not as a right but a privilege so that they can embrace it wholeheartedly, defend, cherish, and protect it, and ensure that nobody comes between them and the government to cause friction.
Governor Fubara also expressed sadness over the demise of Chief Edwin Clark, a leader, he noted, will be remembered for his positive impact on many aspects of national and régional issues.
He said, “We are here, we just observed a minute silence for the death of our hero, Pa Edwin Clark. What is he remembered for? For his courage, truthfulness, doggedness, and the survival of this region.”
Governor Fubara told Senator Diri: “I want you to continue to stand for same thing, and I can see that you are standing for what is right. That is what history will remember you for.
“History will not remember anyone for any destructive thing, don’t deceive yourself. Money and material things cannot be taken for a good name. So, please continue to do what is right. History and the good people of Bayelsa will forever remember you.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will promote a robust relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa, unlike what it was 15 years ago, which is why all legal battles hitherto instituted in court have been withdrawn and would be settled out of court.
He added, “That is the first thing to show our commitment that we are in a mutual relationship and ready to make progress. You said it here, Rivers cannot develop without Bayelsa. Bayelsa also cannot make progress without Rivers. That is the truth.”
In his speech, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the project was started by the administration of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, but quickly added that he has completed it to provide the organised labour in the State a place to conduct their activities, while using it as a platform to voice their concerns, access support services, and engage in constructive dialogue with his administration.
Senator Diri, who commended Governor Fubara for his exemplary labour-friendly policies that have promoted workers’ welfare and industrial harmony, said his administration has so far paid N20billion to servicing pensions and gratuities, hoping to upset all outstanding indebtedness by the end of his second tenure.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Mr Odoko Saturday Omiloli, said the magnificent Labour House is a testament of the commitment of the Prosperity Administration of Sen. Diri to promote the welfare and well-being of workers in the state.
In their joint address, both Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress leaders thanked Governor Diri for building a befitting edifice for them, and pledged to sustain support to his administration.
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Tinubu, Buhari, Others Mourn As Edwin Clark Dies At 97
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President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of former Federal Commissioner for Information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday.
Tinubu said, “He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
“He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.”
The statement reads: “On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.
“Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President states that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted the weight of his words, his confidence, and his conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.
Clark died on Monday at the age of 97.
His demise was announced by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark, in a statement Tuesday.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Clark’s death is coming on the heels of the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96 just a few days ago.
Both Clark and Adebanjo are known for contributing to the political development of the country.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has also mourned Clark, describing him as an iconic statesman.
Buhari, in a condolence statement yesterday, said he death of Clark had caused deep sorrow in his heart and that of many in the country.
The statement read in part: “Late Chief Edwin Clark was a leader dedicated to reforms whose commitment to the development of his community and the nation would always be remembered. His death caused deep sorrow in his heart, and that of many, and his departure was a loss for the nation.
He is an iconic statesman”.
The former president maintained that the late Ijaw leader had left an indelible imprint on the nation and that in his passing, Nigeria had lost an iconic statesman and a distinguished leader.
He added that his commitment to the country’s unity would be respected by generations to come.
Buhari further urged the Clark family and fellow citizens in the Delta region of the country to uphold his numerous achievements.
Also, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the late PANDEF leader as a man of great conviction.
In a brief message posted via his verified X handle, yesterday, Saraki praised the elder statesman’s unwavering conviction, stating that Clark stood firm in his beliefs until the very end.
“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was a man of great conviction who stood firm for what he believed in—right to the very end,” Saraki wrote.
He added that Clark’s passionate advocacy for justice and equity would be deeply missed by Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta, for whom he was a tireless advocate.
“His death marks the end of an era—an era of principled leadership. He was one of the movers and shakers of the Second Republic Senate, in which my father served as the Leader of the Senate.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the entire Ijaw community, the people of the Niger Delta, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader,” the former Senate President stated.
A towering figure in Nigerian politics and a relentless advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta, Clark was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975.
At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and subsequently became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond his political career, Clark was a leading voice for regional and national unity. He was also known for mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta region.
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We’re Genuinely Opening Up Kalabari Land For Development, Says Fubara
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Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his administration is courageously executing strategic projects that are opening up Kalabari land for unprecedented development and economic growth.
Governor Fubara made the explanation when he received on solidarity visit, a delegation of monarchs, political leaders, elders, women and youths of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, led by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, at Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
The Governor stated that while previous administrations avoided executing the original plan for the Trans-Kalabari Road project due to cost implications, he has ventured into it, and driving the process steadily in order to link Kalabari land to the State capital.
Governor said: “Somebody said, if I don’t do it for my people, who will do it for them. We ventured into the Trans-Kalabari Road, we didn’t close our eyes. Our eyes were open because we knew what we were entering into.
“It is not a joke; it is a big project. We believe that at the end of that project, the level of development that it will attract to that line of entry into Kalabari will be very unprecedented.
“Issues of insecurity from our waterways will be reduced because, at that point we are doing road, people won’t be using the river anymore. The cost of living will also be cheaper.”
Governor Fubara further asserted: “So, you understand that your interest, your safety, your development is key to us. It is not about the number of years that we are going to be here; what is important to this government is the impact we make while we are here.”
Responding to their unanimous endorsement to see him run for a second term in office, Governor Fubara said power belongs to God, and He gives it to whoever finds favour in His sight.
Governor Fubara, however, stated that if God so approved of it, even those who are regrouping against him will not see the path God will lead him because they cannot scuttle such plan.
He added, “Power belongs to God. So, you see, I like believing that we don’t have any problem. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. If we can break the bridge, Moses will come and create a road for us. So, you don’t need to worry.
“We will cross the bridge. We will cross it in a way that our enemies will be struggling; they won’t see where we are passing. So, don’t worry.”
Governor Fubara acknowledged the immense support to him by Rivers Ijaw, and urged particularly the Kalabari people to stand with honour in their unalloyed support for his administration, which will neither abandon them nor fail to deliver quality projects to the people.
Governor Fubara also responded to their requests and informed them that his administration has completed the Emohua/Tema Junction Road project, and ready to inaugurate the Degema Zonal Hospital in May.
He said the Health Commissioner has been directed to assess the state of the Abonnema General Hospital for immediate rehabilitation, while promising to address the issues of shore protection in the area.
Governor Fubara assured that with the Abonnema sandfilling works completed, the phase two will commence that will include Buguma, explaining that the Commissioner for Works has been tasked to do the assessment immediately.
On the request for the establishment of tertiary institution in the area, Governor Fubara said his administration is already inaudated with memos asking that the off-campus of Rivers State University established previously be revised because it has become difficult to sustain them, but quickly added that the government will consider the establishment of a viable institution that will provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to the people in a sustained manner.
Reading the address of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, Chief Pawariso Samuel Horsfall, announced that the entire Kalabari people have unanimously endorsed Governor Fubara for a second term, and vowed to mobilise Rivers people to ensure electoral victory for him in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
In his speech, the leader of the delegation and Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, expressed the profound thanks of the Kalabari people to Governor Fubara for his genuine love for them, as evidenced in the types and quality of development projects delivered or being executed in the area.
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