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Sanwo-Olu Signs N1.758 Trillions 2022 Budget of Consolidation into Law

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Friday signed the 2022 Appropriation Bill of N1.758 trillion christened ‘Budget of Consolidation’ into law.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, while signing the Bill at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said that the capital expenditure stands at N1.166 trillion, representing 66 percent of the budget estimates, while recurrent expenditure is N591 billion, representing 34 percent, to maintain the 66:34 percent budget tradition of Lagos State.

Speaking after signing the 2022 Appropriation bill, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the budget is to consolidate infrastructural development across the state in line with his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S. developmental agenda to address issues on education, infrastructure, health, technology, social intervention, rail projects and other critical areas.

While explaining the rationale behind the increase in the 2022 Appropriation Bill from the initial N1.388 trillion budget estimates presented to the Lagos State House of Assembly on November 24, Sanwo-Olu said there is a need to capture all financing options for the Blue and Red line rail projects and other ongoing projects in the Budget of Consolidation.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu signing the Y2022 Appropriation bill into law at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, December 31, 2021. With him are Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Sam Egube (left), Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat (second left) and Chairman, Lagos House Assembly Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Gbolahan Yishua (right).

He said: “Let me state at this juncture that the difference between the budget amount presented by the Executive and the final amount passed by the Legislature is largely accounted for by the decision to further accelerate already existing infrastructure projects and bring them to substantial levels of completion.

“We have also decided to capture in the Budget, the financing being deployed towards the Blue Line and the Red Line rail projects by private sector consortia, up to a level that will not put pressure on our cash flow and debt sustainability.

“In addition, this 2022 Appropriation Bill recognises several other already-funded project transactions that are now being accounted for as corporate transactions. What this means is that we are now choosing to capture in the Budget the significant value already accruing to the State from these projects.

“As I said during the presentation to the House of Assembly, this will be the last full-year budget in the tenure of this administration. As a result, a major focus of this budget will be ensuring the completion of all ongoing projects that are critical to achieving our desire to build a Greater Lagos in line with the goals and objectives of the T.H.E.M.E.S development agenda.”

Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Mr. Sam Egube; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Chairman, Lagos House Assembly Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Gbolahan Yishua and the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Noheem Adams during the signing of the Y2022 Appropriation bill into law, at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, December 31, 2021

He said the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Sam Egube would present to the public the full details and breakdown of the budget in due course.

Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended the Speaker and members of the Lagos State House of Assembly for their cooperation and support, especially in ensuring the quick consideration and passage of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, which he presented on Wednesday, November 24.

The Governor also appreciated Lagosians for their support in ensuring the impressive performance in the implementation of the 2021 budget, against all odds, especially the continuous challenge posed by COVID 19.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu signing the Y2022 Appropriation bill into law at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, December 31, 2021

“I believe very strongly that we, working together, and with everyone doing their part diligently, will achieve much more in 2022,” the Governor said.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudasiru Obasa, stated that the budget was given expeditious approval with proper scrutiny within five weeks to ensure that all projects are executed.

Obasa, who was represented by the Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Gbolahan Yishawu, said the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration is heading in the right direction in ensuring that infrastructural projects are put in place across the state in line with the T.H.E.M.E.S. development agenda.

He also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for completing all the projects he inherited and providing funds for all the ongoing projects in different parts of the State.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Sam Egube, commended the Lagos State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the 2022 Appropriation Bill.

He said he was excited and grateful to all stakeholders for leading the process to the signing of the biggest State’s budget.

It would be recalled that the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the 2022 budget estimates with a slight increase of the grand total from the initial N1.38 trillion to N1.758 trillion.

31 December 2021
Mouka Changes Ownership To Dolidol, Reinforces Market Leadership

Mouka, Nigeria’s leading brand of mattresses, pillows and other bedding products, has announced its change of ownership to Dolidol, the market leader in Francophone Africa based out of Morocco.

According to the CEO of Mouka, Mr Raymond Murphy, this transaction sets the scene for bigger and greater things for the Mouka brand with this affiliation with a regional market leader.

“In the light of this new development, Dolidol, a Moroccan market leader in the mattress space, will bring to the fore significant foam science, technical and engineering expertise to Mouka. As the market leader in Francophone Africa, Dolidol’s expertise will also be introduced to boost Mouka’s operations and the quality of its product portfolio,” Murphy said.

The Chief Operations Officer of Mouka, Mr Femi Fapohunda, also shared his excitement about this change in ownership.

“With Dolidol’s stake in Mouka, our consumers and trade partners should look forward to new and ground-breaking innovations due to the technological expertise Dolidol brings onboard. In addition, from an operational point of view, we look forward to improved productivity and product quality that meet consumer needs and exceed their expectations.” Fapohunda said.

Dimeji Osingunwa, Mouka’s Chief Commercial Officer and lead strategist behind Mouka’s unrivalled distribution of approximately 2,000 branded outlets nationwide shared his views on this transaction.

“I believe this strategic ownership will create additional investments in the expansion of the Mouka footprint within Nigeria and beyond our borders. I look forward to the synergy between the Mouka and Dolidol in deploying a world-class route to market strategy,” Dimeji said.

According to the Head of Human Resources of Mouka, Ifeoma, Okoruen, the new owners of Mouka had positively commented on the capability of the Mouka team.

“They had nothing but positive comments and compliments to make about the team across all job grade levels. They have also shown keen interest in the growth and development of the Mouka staff,” Ifeoma said.

Investigation into the basis for this transaction reveals that this was indeed a win-win situation for both parties.

Dolidol and DPI also expressed excitement about the future of this transaction.

The CEO of Dolidol, Mohamed Lazaar, stated, “I believe the acquisition of Mouka will allow Dolidol to strengthen its presence in the continent and complement Mouka’s growth in the region with an addressable market of around 200 million Nigerians.”

Mr Walid Mougou also gave some additional insights into the strategic plans of Dolidol.

According to him, Dolidol’s plans are centred around massive investment in Mouka, which will result in the development of the brand, people development, and the creation of more job opportunities.

Speaking on this, Ms Sofiane Lahmar, a Partner at Development Partners International (DPI), said, “As the most populous country in Africa, Nigeria shares many of the same trends as the rest of the continent, including positive demographics, a fast-growing middle class and rising consumer-spend. We remain confident in the future of the business and look forward to working with both management teams to execute the company’s ambitious strategy and vision.”

31 December 2021
Buhari Signs N17.126trn 2022 Budget Into Law, Laments ‘Worrisome Changes’

President Muhammadu Buhari has signed into law the 2022 Appropriation Bill and the 2021 Finance Bill.

The President signed the documents in the Presidential Villa on Friday in the presence of Senate President Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other members of the Federal Executive Council.

Speaking at the event, the President said the 2022 Budget, just signed into law, provides for aggregate expenditures of N17.127 trillion, an increase of N735.85 billion over the initial Executive Proposal for a total expenditure of N16.391 trillion.

The President explained that N186.53 billion of the increase however came from additional critical expenditures that he had authorised the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning to forward to the National Assembly.

‘‘The Minister will provide the public with the details of the budget as passed by the National Assembly, and signed into law by me,’’ he said.

‘President laments worrisome changes’

President Buhari also expressed strong reservations on the ‘‘worrisome changes’’ made by the National Assembly to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

He announced that he would revert to the National Assembly with a request for amendment as soon as the Assembly resumes to ensure that critical ongoing projects cardinal to this administration do not suffer a setback due to reduced funding.

The President recounted that during the presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Bill, he had stated that the fiscal year 2022 would be very crucial in his administration’s efforts to complete and put to use critical agenda projects, as well as improve the general living conditions of our people.

‘‘It is in this regard that I must express my reservations about many of the changes that the National Assembly has made to the 2022 Executive Budget proposal.

‘‘Some of the worrisome changes are as follows:

‘‘Increase in projected FGN Independent Revenue by N400 billion, the justification for which is yet to be provided to the Executive:

‘‘Reduction in the provision for Sinking Fund to Retire Maturing Bonds by N22 billion without any explanation;

‘‘Reduction of the provisions for the Non-Regular Allowances of the Nigerian Police Force and the Nigerian Navy by N15 billion and N5 billion respectively.

‘‘This is particularly worrisome because personnel cost provisions are based on agencies’ nominal roll and approved salaries/allowances;

‘‘Furthermore, an increase of N21.72 billion in the Overhead budgets of some MDAs, while the sum of N1.96 billion was cut from the provision for some MDAs without apparent justification;

‘‘Increase in the provision for Capital spending (excluding Capital share in Statutory Transfer) by a net amount of N575.63 billion, from N4.89 trillion to N5.47 trillion.’’

President Buhari also expressed concern in the reductions in provisions for some critical projects, including N12.6 billion in the Ministry of Transport’s budget for the ongoing Rail Modernisation projects; N25.8 billion from Power Sector Reform Programme under the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning; N14.5 billion from several projects of the Ministry of Agriculture, and introducing over 1,500 new projects into the budgets of this Ministry and its agencies.

31 December 2021
JUST IN: FG Extends NIN-SIM Verification to 31st March 2022 As NIN Enrolments Exceed 71 Million

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof. Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami) said the Federal Government has again extended the deadline for the National Identification Number (NIN)-Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) data verification to the 31st of March, 2022.

The Minister made this known on Friday, December 31, in a statement jointly signed by the Director Public Affairs, Nigerian Communications Commission, Dr. Ike Adinde and the Head of Corporate Communications, National Identity Management Commission, Mr. Kayode Adegoke.

According to the statement, while the stakeholders have applauded the Federal Government on the significant growth in the number of NIN enrolments and the increased drive to enlighten Nigerians and legal residents across the country, as of 30th December 2021, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has issued over seventy-one million (71m) NINs with over fourteen thousand (14,000) enrolment centres set up across the country.

To this end, the NIMC said it has set up enrolment centres in over thirty-one (31) countries to cater for Nigerians in the Diaspora.

“The unprecedented growth in the National Identity Database to over 71 million unique NINs in such a short period, with about 3 to 4 SIMs linked to a NIN, reflects the concerted effort of the Federal Government, the Nigerian populace and legal residents and this is truly commendable.

“Following the request by stakeholders, including citizens, legal residents and Nigerians in the diaspora, the Federal Government has extended the deadline of the exercise to the 31st of March, 2022. This extension would enable the Federal Government to consolidate the gains of the process and accelerate the enrolment of Nigerians in key areas like the remote areas, diaspora, schools, hospitals, worship centres, and the registration of legal residents.

The Minister has however implored Nigerians and legal residents to enrol for their NINs and link with their SIMs during this period of extension as more services will be requiring the NIN for identification.

He also reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to support the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in ensuring that the objectives of the exercise are achieved.

The Honourable Minister, the Executive Vice Chairman/CEO of NCC, Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, and the Director-General/CEO of NIMC, Engr. Aliyu A. Aziz, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria thanked all Nigerians and stakeholders for their commitment and support towards the success of the project.

They also applauded the efforts of the respective staff in ensuring a seamless NIN-SIM linkage and urge citizens and legal residents to complete the process of enrolment, verification, and SIM linkage on or before 31st March 2022.

31 December 2021
CMC Connect/BCW Emerges Best PR Agency of The Year 2021

Leading Public Relations Agency firm, CMC Connect/BCW, has emerged the Best Public Relations Agency of the year 2021 at the MARKETINGSPACE Magazine Awards during the 7th year anniversary of the magazine.

To commemorate its 7th year in existence, Marketing Space Magazine celebrated outstanding brands, agencies and practitioners in the Nigeria’s Integrated Marketing Communications industry for their contributions to the industry and consumers.

The awards, according to the organizers, is to honour outstanding brands, agencies and practitioners in the Nigeria’s Integrated Marketing Communications industry for their contributions to the growth of the industry.

Ayobami Lukman Ishau, Publisher, Marketing Space Magazine said the award is held to recognize brands, agencies and practitioners who have done so well in the last seven years in the Integrated Marketing Communications industry.

‘’Marketing Space magazine started operation in the IMC industry seven years ago. Since inception, the publication has been consistent in ensuring that the industry is well covered, and we monitor activities of brands, agencies and practitioners, hence the need to recognise and appreciate them for their contributions.

Raheem Olabode. Executive Director, CMC Connect/BCW, and Lukman Ishau, Publisher/CEO, Marketing Space magazine during the award presentation in Lagos recently.

‘’We are not in doubt that these awardees truly deserve the honour at this time and we wish to appreciate the immense contributions they have made to the industry in the last seven years’’, he said.

To select deserving brands, a panel of judges led by Raheem Akingbolu of (Thisday Newspaper), Goddie Ofose (The Industry), Afolabi Idowu (The Nation), Akin Adewakun (Nigerian Tribune), Clara Okoro (Brandworld) and Adejuwon Osunnuyi (Daily Bells) was constituted.

On why CMC Connect/BCW was selected as the best from the Plethora of agencies that were nominated, the organizers said, “Based on the agency’s performance over the years, we are aware that CMC Connect/BCW is one outstanding agency that is worth celebrating”.

Recall that CMC Connect was awarded the “Media Relations Company of the year” at the maiden edition of the Spokespersons Digest Communication Awards 2021, while Re-ignite Public Affairs, Nigeria’s first full-service public affairs consulting firm was awarded the “Public Affairs Company of the year”.

Re-ignite Public Affairs is a member of the CMC Connect (Perception Managers) Group.

30 December 2021
Sanwo-Olu Declares Free BRT Service On Christmas, New Year’s Day in Lagos

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has approved free rides on Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridors on Christmas and New Year days for all residents on Saturday, 25th December, 2021 and Saturday, 1st of January, 2022, in celebration of the festive season.

A statement signed by the Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Engr. (Mrs.) Abimbola Akinajo, said the free commuter bus services are being offered to Lagosians in the spirit of joy, love and peace which the festive season signifies.

According to her, the Sanwo-Olu led administration is committed to ensuring the execution of the Strategic Transport Master Plan via the Multimodal Transport System currently taking shape through water transportation and the ongoing Blue and Red Lines rail projects.

“The Governor has given his promise for the commencement of passenger operations on the first two phases of the State’s rail lines – Blue and Red. He has demonstrated his commitment to the completion of both rail lines by sourcing funds for their completion and provision of rolling stock. What is therefore expected of Lagosians is to support him towards the realisation of the Greater Lagos vision”, Mrs. Akinajo stated.

The Managing Director expressed the Lagos State Government’s gratitude for the patience and perseverance the citizenry has shown in the face of the discomfort accompanied with the construction of transport infrastructure, assuring that consistent and spirited efforts are being made to improve public transport and traffic management.

While extending yuletide compliments to all Lagosians, Mrs. Akinajo enjoined everyone to observe all extant COVID-19 safety rules and travel safely during the festive period.

24 December 2021
Yuletide: FG Declares Free Train Rides For Nigerians From Dec 24 to Jan 4

The Federal Government has declared free train rides for citizens from Dec.24 to Jan 4, 2022.

Mr Fidet Okhiria, Managing Director, Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

”The decision which was made in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation is to ease movement of citizens during the yuletide.

”This is to help ease the cost of transportation and enable citizens to move easily enjoy the festive period.

”Passengers are however advised to ensure they obtain their tickets from appropriate quarters at no cost, to enable them to gain access and enter the trains.

” All passengers are also enjoined to observe and obey COVID-19 rules by wearing of face mask, washing and sanitising of hands. “

He also reiterated the federal government’s commitment to ensure the safety of passengers and trains during the period.

24 December 2021
Just In: Titan Trust Bank Takes Over Union Bank

Titan Trust Bank has announced a takeover of one of Nigeria’s oldest banks, Union Bank.

Titan Trust Bank Limited, one of Nigeria’s newest commercial banks, which commenced operations in October 2019, is buying 89.39 per cent of the issued capital of Union Bank, both companies announced Thursday.

“The Board of Directors of Union Bank of Nigeria Plc (“Union Bank”) today announced that it has received a notification from Union Global Partners Ltd. (“UGPL”, the holder of majority shareholding in Union Bank) of the execution of a Share Sale and Purchase Agreement between UGPL, certain other existing shareholders of Union Bank (as Sellers) and Titan Trust Bank Limited (as Purchaser) for the sale of an aggregate 89.39% of the issued share capital of Union Bank held by the Sellers, to the Purchaser (“the Transaction”),” they announced.

The completion of the transaction is subject to obtaining applicable regulatory approvals and the “fulfilment of certain conditions precedent”.

Commenting on the transaction, the chairperson of Union Bank, Beatrice Bassey said: “On behalf of the Board, we congratulate all the parties involved in reaching this phase of the transaction and the Board looks forward to supporting the next steps to ensure a seamless completion of the process following regulatory approvals. We are grateful to our current investors whose significant and consequential investments over the past nine years facilitated the transformation of Union Bank, one of Nigeria’s oldest and storied institutions. Today, the Bank is well-positioned with an innovative product offering, a growing customer base of over six million and consistent year on year profitability. This is a solid foundation for our incoming investors to build on as we move into a new era for the Bank.”

The chairperson of Titan Trust Bank, Tunde Lemo, said: “The Board of Titan Trust Bank and our key stakeholders are delighted as this transaction marks a key step for Titan Trust in its strategic growth journey and propels the institution to the next level in the Nigerian banking sector. The deal represents a unique opportunity to combine Union Bank’s longstanding and leading banking franchise with TTB’s innovation-led model which promises to enhance the product and service offering for our combined valued customers.”

The Chief Executive Officer of Union Bank, Emeka Okonkwo, said: “This transaction marks a significant milestone in the journey of our 104-year old Bank. Whilst thanking our current investors for their unwavering commitment to the Bank over the years, we welcome our new core investor, TTB. We recognize thestrategic fit between the two institutions and expect that this deal will deliver the best outcome for our employees, customers and stakeholders. We look forward to collectively writing the next exciting chapter for Union Bank.”

Also the Chief Executive Officer of Titan Trust Bank, Mudassir Amray, said: “After completing over two years of operations with aggressive organic growth, we are excited to have an opportunity for a significant leap forward in market share. UBN’s widespread presence, state of the art technology platform, quality staff and strong brand loyalty fits well with our synchronized modular strategy. We look forward to delivering superior results for the benefit of our staff, customers, shareholders, and stakeholders.”

Union Bank of Nigeria was established in 1917 and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange in 1971.

23 December 2021
FG Restores Emirates 21 Weekly Flights To Nigeria

The Federal Government has reinstated Emirates’ winter flight schedule to Nigeria.

The schedule consisted of 21 weekly passenger flights to Nigeria, comprising two daily flights to Lagos airport and one daily flight to Abuja airport.

This was contained in a letter dated December 21 and signed by Musa Nuhu, director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The letter was addressed to the country manager, Emirates Airlines, Nigeria.

Emirates is the largest airline and one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – – the other is Etihad Airways.

“Following further consultations with various stakeholders and the letter from Dubai CAA with reference number DCAA/JASA/N-3/016 dated 17″ December 2021 offering Air Peace Airlines daily slots at Dubai Airports (DXB), I wish to inform you the reinstatement of the Ministerial approval of Emirates Airlines Winter Schedule,” the statement read.

“This approval is predicated on compliance with the Dubai Travel Protocol as released by Dubai Auports on Friday 26th November 2021 as it affects passengers traveling from Nigeria to UAE.”

Air Peace had requested a slot of three weekly flights from Nigeria to Sharjah Airport in UAE, but only one was granted.

The UAE’s GCAA blamed the airline for pulling out of Sharjah Airport and “so should not expect to retain its flight frequency there” — a claim Air Peace has denied.

In retaliation to the UAE’s treatment of Air Peace, the Federal Government cut Emirate’s slots from 21 to just one, causing Emirates to pull out of the Nigerian route indefinitely.

Last week, the UAE conceded six slots to Air Peace, both at the Dubai and Sharjah airports.

22 December 2021
DO YOU KNOW? It Is Illegal For Ikeja Electric, AEDC to Disconnect Customers’ Power Without Prior Notice

A serving distribution company (DisCo) is obliged by the law to notify its customers in writing prior to the disconnection of electricity service in Nigeria. Surprised, right?

This is according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) regulation on Connection and Disconnection Procedures for Electricity Service (CDPES).

The NERC, empowered by the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act, 2005, has an obligation to ensure that the electricity supply industry is efficiently run to satisfy electricity needs of Nigerians.

According to the EPSR Act, NERC is vested with the power to ‘establish appropriate consumers rights and obligations regarding the provision and use of electricity services amongst others.

WHEN A DISCO CAN DISCONNECT CUSTOMERS’ ELECTRICITY SUPPLY

According to the CDPES regulation, a DisCo can disconnect supply when the customer refuses to pay the amount correctly billed, at the payment date.

This is dependent on the following factors:

The payment date must be clearly indicated on the bill for a DisCo to be eligible to disconnect its customer’s power supply.

The bill must have been delivered 10 working days before the payment deadline.

A DisCo must ensure that the payment date has not been superseded by a subsequent payment date issued to the same customer.

That’s not all.

The distribution company must have checked its records to be sure that the bill had not been paid.

Also, the regulation stated that electricity supply could be disconnected if the customer refuses to provide acceptable identification or security deposit, after the DisCo’s prior written notice.

HOW SHOULD A WARNING BE ISSUED BY A DISCO?

It is unlawful for a DisCo to barge into a customer’s premises to disconnect electricity without first writing to the supply address, even though the customer had outstanding bills before the disconnection date.

The regulation said that before disconnection, the DisCo must have issued a written warning, stating specifically that the customer’s electricity supply will be disconnected, if the payment is not remitted at the appropriate date.

The written warning must contain the date it was delivered to the customer’s address and a telephone number or address where the customer could call for assistance to pay the outstanding bill.

WHEN CAN A DISCO DISCONNECT CUSTOMERS’ ELECTRICITY SUPPLY WITHOUT NOTICE?

The provision stated that a customer’s electricity supply can be disconnected without notice only on three grounds.

When a customer is illegally connected to the DisCo’s network, the company could disconnect the power supply without notice.

Also, when the customers’ installation is deemed to be dangerous to the DisCo’s network, the quality of supply to other customers, it would be justifiable to cut off the electricity supply of such customers.

WHAT A DISCO SHOULD DO WHEN A CUSTOMER’S METER CANNOT BE ACCESSED

According to NERC’s provision, due to omission by the customer, a meter in the premises of a customer cannot be read for three consecutive times, the serving DisCo could disconnect power supply.

The regulation stated further that this could be done only after the customer has been informed of the meter inaccessibility by written notice or telephone contact. This notification must include a request for the client to provide an access arrangement.

Furthermore, the provision said that the DisCo should proceed to issue a warning notice to the customer, stating that unless access is granted, in not less than 10 working days, electricity will be disconnected.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A CUSTOMER’S ELECTRICITY SUPPLY IS DISCONNECTED

The Act noted that the DisCo has an obligation to notify its customer in writing — stating the date, time and reason for the disconnection. Also, the DisCo should inform its client about steps to take for reconnection.

FINE FOR WRONGFUL DISCONNECTION

The Act stated that if a DisCo wrongfully disconnects its customer’s power supply, it would have to pay a penalty fee every day or part of a day for the period of wrongful disconnection.

The DisCo would be mandated to pay a daily fee of N1,000 for residential buildings, N1,500 for commercial buildings and N2000 for industrial and special customer classifications.

The cable

22 December 2021