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

    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.

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

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    A DisCo must ensure that the payment date has not been superseded by a subsequent payment date issued to the same customer.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

  • Innoson Chairman: I’m Waiting to Take Over GTBank, I’ll Run It Better, Customers Shouldn’t Panic

    Innoson Chairman: I’m Waiting to Take Over GTBank, I’ll Run It Better, Customers Shouldn’t Panic

     

    Innocent Chukwuma, chairman, Innoson Group, says he is waiting to take over the assets of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) due to “non-payment of his N32 billion”.

     

    Chukwuma, in an interview with journalists recently, said the money owed him by the bank would soon surpass their capacity.

     

    Innoson and GTB have had a business dispute leading to a prolonged legal battle.

     

    Innoson had secured judgment debt against the bank in suit FHC/L/Cs/603/2006 and FHC/Cs/139/2012 respectively, which rose to over N32 billion due to accumulated interest.

     

    In July, Innoson had asked a Federal High Court in Lagos to set aside an order permitting GTB to restructure to a holding company.

     

    But the bank completed the restructuring — GTB is now known as Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc).

     

    The billionaire businessman, at the media briefing, recounted that his relationship with the bank had been extremely cordial during the tenure of Olutayo Aderinokun, late MD of GTB.

     

    “I was GTBANK’s best customer in the south-east when Tayo, the former MD, was alive. Because of this, they opened a branch in Nnewi. After Tayo, the new MD took over. I don’t even know him. I saw him for the first time last year,” Chukuma said.

     

    “They started fighting about tribe. I am not certain about this but I think the reason he (GTB) is fighting is because of tribe. I don’t know exactly what his problem is.

     

    “But finally, I have proved him wrong in everything. I have defeated him in all the courts we went to. The only thing left is for him to pay me what he owes me.

     

    “He was going to my account and taking money anyhow. I discovered it, took him to court and won. Up till now, he hasn’t paid and we have gone up to supreme court. Maybe he hasn’t paid because he wants Nigeria to change their law because of him.”

     

    The CEO explained that he would no longer “disturb” the bank to pay the debt.

     

    According to him, he would take over the bank when it gets to the point that the bank cannot pay the principal amount plus 22 percent accrued interest.

     

    “The beauty of the whole thing is that the money is attracting the interest of 22 percent. So, I am waiting for the interest to be above their capacity so I can take over the bank,” Chukuma said.

     

    “That’s what I am waiting for. I am not disturbing them anymore. I am assuring all the customers of GTB that if I take over, I would still run it well. They shouldn’t fear. I haven’t done any business that fails.

     

    “I will run it better than them. If they cannot pay me, I have no choice but to take over the management.”

    © Business Bells

  • Having Pickup Stations Close to Customers Is 100% Ideal, Says Jumia Partner

    Having Pickup Stations Close to Customers Is 100% Ideal, Says Jumia Partner

     

    A Jumia partner, and CEO Topik M&F Kollection, Ekhomalomen Innocent, has described the recent move of the e-commerce firm to have pickup stations in locations close to customers, as ideal for promoting online shopping culture, especially in rural and secondary cities in the country.

     

    Innocent explained that the initiative will improve confidence in online shopping in a settlement like his, which has many skeptics of online services. 

     

    “I am an investor and I partner with Jumia. I own Benin-Ugbor Pickup Station. This neighbourhood is actually dominated by artisan people and we also have other individuals that live here and a lot of them like to shop online.

     

    Having a pickup station close to people is 100% ideal because they will have the confidence, as some do not believe in online shopping,” he said.

     

    On how he benefits from the partnership, Innocent said every package that gets to his station fetches him commission from Jumia. “I am sure of the commission on every package that drops in my pickup station, so with Jumia I make a lot of revenue,” he explained.

     

    The initiative has seen Jumia embark on strategic partnerships with hundreds of SMEs across different regions of the country in recent months. 

     

    According to Innocent, his shop In the Ugbor community, which also serves as the pickup station, is currently  treating residents to a new delivery experience. “We are about three months old, and I can say to you that every month an average of 150 packages are picked up by customers.”

     

    Speaking further, the entrepreneur expressed optimism about the partnership. “I know the packages will increase rapidly because our presence has tremendously grown,” he said.

     

  • Reward4Saving Promo: Stanbic IBTC Bank to Reward Customers with N30m Cash Prizes

    Reward4Saving Promo: Stanbic IBTC Bank to Reward Customers with N30m Cash Prizes

     

    …As 60 customers Win N6m in September Draws

     

    Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC, a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC has rewarded 60 of its new and existing customers with the sum of N6m for the September draws in its Reward4Saving Promo where the bank’s customers are expected to win cash prizes worth N30 million by the end of the promo.

     

    The draws which took place at the Stanbic IBTC Headquarters on Walter Carrington Crescent, Victoria Island, Lagos saw 60 customers win cash prizes of N100,000 each at the first draws.

     

    Speaking at the event, Olufunke Isichei, Head, Established Markets, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC said over 109,000 new and existing customers qualified for the promo for the month of September, noting that the 60 winners at the draws were selected from the six geo-political zones of the country with 10 winners coming from each zone.

     

    Olufunke said: “There are going to be two more draws – one for October, happening first week of November and one for November, happening first week of December and then the grand finale in December.”

     

    Olufunke explained that a total of 180 winners are expected to win the sum of N18 million in the months of September, October and November, while 12 winners will win N1 million each at the grand finale in December to make up the N30 million that Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC will reward its customers within the period of the Reward4Saving Promo.

     

    According to her, apart from the cash prizes, over 2,000 customers who opened accounts and funded it with a minimum of N5,000 have been rewarded with N500 Free airtime, adding that a total of 20,000 customers who open a new Stanbic IBTC savings account or @ease wallet and deposit a minimum of N5,000 will be rewarded with N500 Free airtime throughout the period of the Stanbic IBTC Reward4Saving promo.

     

    Speaking in the same vein, Remy Osuagwu, Executive Director, Business and Commercial Clients pointed out that the Reward4Saving promo seeks to encourage customers to develop a savings culture.  He also encouraged customers to take advantage of Stanbic IBTC’s end-to-end digital services to access diverse financial products and services.

     

    On the rationale behind the campaign, Remy said: “We recognise that saving is an important aspect of an individual’s journey to financial freedom so this is an avenue to encourage our customers as well as reward them for their dedication towards building a savings culture. We will be rewarding more customers with cash prizes ranging from of N100,000 to a whooping N1 million”.

     

    Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC remains committed to its corporate purpose of serving it numerous customers and stakeholders by offering bespoke financial products and services while rewarding them for their loyalty over the years.

     

  • 20th Anniversary: Airtel Offers Customers N100m in Recharge and Blow Promo

    20th Anniversary: Airtel Offers Customers N100m in Recharge and Blow Promo

     

    …. Rewards Customers with 250MB data bundle, 20 SMS

     

    As part of activities commemorating its 20th anniversary in Nigeria, leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has announced the commencement of Recharge and Blow promo, a new offer that empowers customers to earn cash reward of up to N100m when they increase their weekly recharge.

     

    Airtel is also rewarding all its customers with a gift of 250mb of data and 20 SMS as part of the anniversary celebrations.

     

    Airtel says the promo is in line with its commitment to reward, excite and delight customers across the country in commemoration of its 20 years of providing telecommunication services in Nigeria.

     

    Chief Commercial Officer, Airtel Nigeria, Dinesh Balsingh, said the Recharge and Blow offer underscores the company’s pledge to creating exciting opportunities and platforms to reward and empower Nigerians as well as serve as a testimony to Airtel’s commitment of always putting customers first and ensuring their expectations are constantly exceeded.

     

    “At Airtel, we always hold all our customers in high esteem and the Recharge and Blow promo as well as the data/SMS reward is an expression of our deepest appreciation to our customers across the country. We thank our customers for their loyalty and patronage even as we wish to assure them that we will not relent in providing them with the best and most relevant products, services and reward opportunities,” he said.

     

    To participate in the promo, customers are required to dial 4444# to view details of the campaign including preset target, recharge progress and cash token wallet.

     

     In line with the terms of the promo, customers weekly target is set every Sunday and customers are to achieve their preset target before Saturday.

     

    As part of the promo, a draw is conducted weekly and preset target is based on customers’ previous recharge patterns. Upon meeting the preset target, customers stand the chance to win guaranteed cashback as well as win up to N100m in the weekly draw.

     

    To redeem the 250mb data bundle and 20 SMS gift, customers are required to dial 4444#.

     

     While customers will be able to redeem their reward when they dial the string, they can only utilize the reward on the Gift Redemption Day, which will be on September 26th and October 3rd, respectively. The gift is valid till mid-night on each of the aforementioned Gift Redemption Day.

     

    The Recharge and Blow offer puts the customer in the driver’s seat as it offers freedom and opportunity to enjoy an amazing variety of mouth-watering rewards and win as many times as possible, as long as a preset target is achieved.

     

    The promo ends on 31st December, 2021.

  • FirstBank Launches LIT App, Reinforces Commitment To Putting Customers First

    FirstBank Launches LIT App, Reinforces Commitment To Putting Customers First

    In furtherance of its commitment to spearheading value-driven mobile and digital banking in Nigeria, First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced the launch of the LIT Application, created to revolutionise the culture and experience of mobile banking in Nigeria.

     

    The state-of-the-art banking app is the first of its kind in the industry, exposing customers to a wealth of opportunities to promote their safety, convenience whilst ensuring they are at an edge in today’s digital banking world.

     

    It is a mobile banking app developed and owned by the Bank and configured with a wide range of exciting features to meet the needs of its dynamic customers.

     

    The LIT application is not just about bills payment, funds transfer or airtime recharge, but also the app is equipped with several other exciting features that reiterate the Bank’s resolve to continually expand its digital architecture to modernise its interaction with customers, irrespective of where they may be across the world.

     

    These functions of the LIT app include: multiple transfers which allow customers to select several beneficiaries at once for a single transfer; account opening opportunities for non-customers as well as account management, enabling customers to identify their relationship managers for immediate assistance, should the need arise.

     

    In addition, customers can generate bank statements with options to download as pdf or send an email whilst having receipts generated as far back as one wants.

     

    With the LIT app, customers are also able to log and manage their complaint(s) without having to visit the branch. The LIT app is not all about usage but rewards as users (customers) are rewarded for using the application.

     

    Expressing his excitement, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited said, “the LIT App is designed to strengthen our commitment to our customers, ensuring the continued safety of their funds and providing them with access to renewed transformative and adaptable solutions especially in today’s digital world. Developing the application is essential to make certain that our customers have more ways to seamlessly interact with us. The LIT App is the latest addition to the Bank’s robust electronic banking family, with others being the multiple global award-winning FirstMobile, *894# USSD Banking, FirstOnline internet banking, WhatsApp chat banking, amongst many others.”

     

  • 10 Customers To Become Millionaires In UBA Savings Promo

    10 Customers To Become Millionaires In UBA Savings Promo

     

    Pan African Financial Institution, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc has announced that 10 of its  loyal customers will get a chance to win N1,000,000 each, in the ongoing UBA Savings Promo which is scheduled to hold on to May 7, 2021 at the bank’s corporate head office, in Lagos.

     

    This unique promo intends to appreciate loyal customers of the bank, who have stayed with the bank over the years, and will also offer fresh opportunities for potential and intending customers to join the growing number of UBA millionaires who have in the past benefitted from the ongoing Promo.

     

    To qualify for the draws, new and existing customers of the bank are expected to save N10,000 monthly or N30,000 at once for 3 months; before each draw date. Savings account holders eligible for this draw include Target, Bumper, Next Gen, Savings, Teens & Kiddies).

     

    Some past winners who cut across all regions of the country and have previously benefitted from the promo include; Nnadumije, Ebube Dawn; Onwochei Christiana Okwukwe; Eze Mathias Nnaji; Christian N Orie; Uka, Okwudiri; Okata Stephen Uche; Okafor Onyinye Esther; Nwanekezi Chimezie Jude; Ayomide  Yahaya and Olanegan, Oyetunde Keji.

     

    Others are Emmanuel Onu Chidozie; Mohammed Fatima; Aminu, Mustapha; James Nanre; Pahinti Albert; Emmanuel O Adeniji; Jaki Movihinze Mercy; Saminu Muritala Mohammed; Ezeh Raphael Uballa; Uchenna Iheji. Already the winners have claimed their cash prizes and are currently spreading the news so others can take advantage of this once in a life time opportunity.

     

    Speaking ahead of the forthcoming draw, UBA’s Head, Personal Banking, Ogechi Altraide,  said that without a doubt, UBA’s passion for the growth and overall success of its customers cannot be overemphasized, adding that this has consistently been proven in numerous ways. She explained that the bank has consistently invested in cutting edge technology to improve its service delivery and its overall aim of delighting customers.

     

    She said, “With customer-centric promos like the UBA Savings Promo, we have created an ever increasing list of millionaires who continue to join the UBA customer millionaire club. For this edition of the promo, we decided to pick the month of May, which is the month that workers are celebrated across the world for their efforts at contributing to the growth of the economy. We know that this promo will put lasting smiles on the faces of our customers and will also assure them that UBA truly values them’” Altraide said.

     

    UBA’s Head, SME Banking, Sampson Aneke, spoke of UBA’s continuous commitment to give back to its customers especially during these challenging economic periods, where people need all the support they can get to make life more meaningful.

     

    “With this in mind we decided to prioritise them in as we always do at UBA, by giving them plenty to cheer about and that is the reason for the Promo. I have been privileged to visit some of the customers who won in January, and we were more than fulfilled to see happiness and gratitude on the faces of the lucky ones when their cash prizes were presented to them. That feeling is special. So I enjoin those who are yet to join the winning team, to do so. You never can tell, the next big millionaire could be you,” Aneke said.

     

    United Bank for Africa Plc is a leading Pan-African financial institution, offering banking services to more than twenty-one million customers, across over 1,000 business offices and customer touch points, in 20 African countries. With presence in the United States of America, the United Kingdom and France, UBA is connecting people and businesses across Africa through retail; commercial and corporate banking; innovative cross-border payments and remittances; trade finance and ancillary banking services.

     

  • Delayed Reversals: Access Bank Gives Customers One Business day Reversal Window Guarantee or 5 Times Refund in Fees

    Delayed Reversals: Access Bank Gives Customers One Business day Reversal Window Guarantee or 5 Times Refund in Fees

     

    Driven by its commitment to deliver best-in-class service to all its customers, Africa’s largest retail bank, Access Bank PLC, has upgraded its service platforms to allow for resolution of failed transactions within one business day.

     

    The Bank has guaranteed that all failed transactions will be reversed within one business day. It has also affirmed that in the event that reversal time exceeds one business day, customers will be entitled to a refund of up to five times the bank transfer fees for that transaction.

     

    Speaking on this development, Ogor Chukudebelu, Access Bank’s Chief Customer Experience Officer, said that Access Bank is committed to “offering more banking convenience for all customers.”

     

    “Access Bank understands the financial and economic hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have put various social impact projects in place, we have also upgraded our banking platforms to ensure that customers can transact without experiencing delays. To reiterate our commitment to providing an excellent service, Access Bank will be refunding customers up to five times the bank transfer fees when a failed transaction is not reversed within one business day.

     

    “As we continue to make great strides as a financial institution, we will not relent in delivering superior value and bespoke financial services that suit the banking needs of our customers,” Chukudebelu said.

     

    Without compromising on its promise to deliver services with speed and maximum security, through the implementation of sustainable banking practices, Access Bank continues to lead the revolution for financial institutions around the globe; effectively merging technology and people to deliver stellar client service to customers across all its countries of operation.

  • Discos Receive 407,622 Complaints From Customers In Six Months

    Discos Receive 407,622 Complaints From Customers In Six Months

    Electricity distribution companies in the country received a total of 407,622 complaints from their customers in the first half of 2020, the latest data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission have shown.

     

    Customers of the 11 Discos lodged 204,506 complaints in the first quarter of 2020 and 203,116 complaints in Q2, indicating an average of more than 2,200 complaints per day, according to NERC.

     

    “In total, the Discos attended to 189,684 complaints, representing an increase of 1.09 percentage points from the preceding quarter,” it said in its latest quarterly report, adding that Ibadan and Benin Discos had the lowest customers’ complaints resolution rates in the period.

     

    Enugu Disco received the highest number of customer complaints during Q2, while Yola Disco got the lowest.

     

    “It is noteworthy that both Enugu and Yola have consistently recorded the highest and the least customer complaints respectively since the second quarter of 2019,” the regulator said.

     

    It said the Discos’ customer complaints centred on service interruption, poor voltage, load shedding, metering, estimated billing, disconnection, delayed connection, among others.

     

    “The number of complaints on metering and billing increased and still dominates the customer complaints during the quarter under review,” NERC added.

     

    According to the commission, metering and billing accounted for 44.51 per cent (i.e., 90,408) of the total complaints received during Q2 2020 as against 42.96 per cent (i.e., 87,854) recorded in the preceding quarter.

     

    It said, “Another issue of serious concern to customers is service interruption and disconnection which respectively account for 20.37 per cent (41,381) and 10.55 per cent (21,427) of the total customer complaints during the quarter.

     

    “To address customers’ complaints, the commission, on a continuous basis, monitors the complaint handling and resolution process adopted by Discos.”

     

    NERC said it had been implementing some of the recommendations from the review of the Discos’ compliance with service standards conducted in 2018.

     

    According to the report, the commission is strictly monitoring the Discos’ compliance to its directive on monthly submission of their customers’ complaints reports to ensure timely regulatory interventions when necessary.

     

    The commission said it had also commenced the review of its strategy of monitoring Discos’ customers’ complaint handling and resolution process with a view to further improve its regulatory oversights on Discos’ handling of customer complaints.

     

    It said, “This includes, but not limited to, the review of the operation of the commission’s Forum Offices, which are set up to redress the customers’ complaints that are not adequately resolved by the Discos.

     

    “Similar to the category of complaints received by the Discos, billing issue topped the complaints received by the Forum Offices, accounting for 41.95 per cent of the total.”

     

    NERC said this implied that billing issue was mostly the complaint not satisfactorily resolved by Discos’ customer care units.