OPSN urges government to suspend proposed increase in electricity tariff

Success Damian:

 

The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) has called on the Federal Government to suspend the proposed increase in electricity tariff in the best interest of the Nigerian economy.

The call was made in a press statement by the Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) on behalf of The Organised Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN). 

The group stated that the proposed increase in electricity is not business friendly, and will have a catastrophic impact on the real sector; spell doom for the small and medium companies; and further inflict misery on the citizenry. “Therefore, the proposed tariff increase should be suspended in the best interest of the Nigerian economy,” the statement read.

It further stated that even if electricity tariff cannot be reduced, it should not be increased. “Any increase in tariff will reinforce the already high cost of doing business for the Private Sector and further depress productivity in the manufacturing sector.”

It said that Government being a major stakeholder in the electricity industry should concentrate on developing processes and polices to attract significant investment to encourage scale generation with improved transmission and distribution infrastructure in the industry. It said that Evolution of a more realistic tariff structure that will support the growth of the sector is very critical at the moment and so  Government should review the privatization/unbundling of the electricity industry in the best interest of the over two hundred million of Nigerians.

The statement read in part “Position of the Organized Private Sector of Nigeria (OPSN) on the proposed increase in electricity tariff by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The leadership of the Organized Private Sector in Nigeria (OPSN) appreciates the efforts of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to ensure and sustain improvement in electricity supply and seamless operations of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) for the benefit of the country as a whole and private business in particular. This is reflected in a number of regulatory interventions to ensure that stakeholders operate in line with the set guidelines. In particular, the Order on the Transition to Cost Reflective Tariffs in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No: NERC/198/2020), released on Tuesday, 31st March 2020.

Also worthy of note is the Press Release dated 31 March 2020, issued from the Office of the Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Power titled COVID-19: Minister’s Statement on Tariffs and Palliative Measures for the Power Sector. This Press Release from the Federal Ministry of Power referenced the NERC Order announcing a 3 month delay in the implementation of the Tariff measures, and also indicated inter-alia, that there will be no tariff action in APRIL, 2020.

Even though Order No: NERC/198/2020 specifically states that “there shall be no increase in tariffs of end-use customers on April 1, 2020”, the recently concluded nationwide stakeholders’ engagements and the just concluded review panel sessions with the eleven DisCos alluded to the fact that there could still be an increase in electricity tariff this year. This was also confirmed in the Statement from the Ministry of Power which says “...Tariffs will only be raised as the DisCos improve quality and supply, meter consumers and agree with consumers on rates.”

Against the background of the foregoing, the OPSN wants to use this opportunity to draw attention to some obvious questions that readily come to mind, which are also captured to some extent, in the summary of the findings of Order No: NERC/198/2020: They are the following: Should any increase in electricity tariff be approved by NERC in the face of the prevailing inadequate electricity supply?

Why has NERC not addressed the issue of current exploitative tariff structure that is skewed against the private sector but increased liquidity in the coffers of the Discos?

Is the level of improvement in electricity distribution and associated infrastructure commensurate with previous upward reviews in electricity tariff?

What is the level of investment and achievements made by the DisCos in reciprocation for previous reviews?

Is NERC satisfied with the current high-level inefficiency that pervades the operations of the DisCos?

Are the prevailing macroeconomic fundamentals including the backlashes of COVID- 19 congenial to an upward review in electricity tariff?

The Private Sector Performance and Electricity Supply

It is fundamentally true that improvement in electricity supply in terms of tariff, quantity, quality, reliability and efficiency in service delivery is critical to the growth and development of private sector businesses, especially manufacturing. This is the major reason why the OPSN has followed with keen interest, all recent developments relating to issues of electricity supply, particularly the desire to put in place a cost-effective electricity tariff in the industry. 

For the records, private business operators in Nigeria, especially the manufacturing sector are already plagued by high cost operating environment arising from poor regulatory environment, macroeconomic asymmetries and high cost of energy. This unfriendly operating environment is responsible for the oscillatory performance of the sector in the past few years. For instance, Electricity outages averages about 10 hours per day, electricity expenses still constitute about 40% of total cost of production and the average cost of self-generated electricity averages N119 billion in 2019 alone. Most worrisome is the fact that operators in the Private Sector, especially the manufacturing sector bear the burden of commercial and technical losses through very high monthly electricity bill that is largely estimated.

General Observations on the proposed increase in Electricity tariff

The OPSN has observed that despite numerous increases in electricity tariff, the sector is plagued by poor generation and transmission. Likewise, inefficient distribution and inadequate supply remain crucial challenges facing private sector operators, particularly those in manufacturing. It is therefore important that any upward electricity tariff that will add up to the already bloated cost of production in the sector should be avoided. One would believe that before embarking on this outrageous increase in electricity tariff, its impact on the manufacturing sector and the economy at large would have been properly evaluated to mitigate a crowding out effect on the economy.

The Lord’s Chosen holds crusade live on Cable TV, Social Media platforms

Cyriacus Nnaji:

The Lords Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministry has stated that it will be holding its annual Easter Crusade live on the Church’s cable Television and other social media platforms.

In a press statement by Director, Public Relations, Pastor Louis Chidi the move is in the light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent directive by the government on the cessation of movement in many part of the country.

“With all gratitude to Almighty God, we wish to inform the general public and our esteemed worshipers that, in light of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, and subsequent directive by the government on the cessation of movement in many parts of the country, The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Movement wants to reiterate that the church has fully complied with the directive and has thus temporary suspended all church activities particularly in Lagos and Abuja until further notice.

“Sequel to that, we have concluded plan to broadcast live on our Chosen Revival cable TV and all social media platforms during the two - day Easter program titled ‘God’s Covenant of Peace and Blessing’ date Saturday 11th April and Sunday 12th April, 2020, time 10am daily.

Pastor Chidi said the special programme will help bring to mind the significant of Easter which by extension is the victory over hopelessness and misery. “As we know that by His death and resurrection, the covenant of peace and blessing which mankind originally had with God at creation was restored. So, the concept of Easter is inextricably tied to peace, hope and blessing, and these are what help believers to walkover sad and sordid situations that might bog them down and give them a sense of hopelessness.”

He stated that Easter brings optimism that no matter how difficult or how challenging a situation may be, having knowledge of the resurrection will remind Christians that if Jesus could defeat death, then all things are possible adding that tt also suggests that as bad as the prevailing situation might appear, there is the expectation that things will get better if people repent from their sins and accept Jesus as the Lord and Saviour.

Chidi said the nation is therefore advised to use the opportunity availed by the occasion to humbly draw closer to God, repent from wickedness, plead for His mercy and intervention in a time like this.

Quoting Matt. 11: 28- 30 which says, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” he said God has offered humanity everlasting peace at no cost. 

Chidi said that the cost will be high if we reject this free offer. “If the world particularly Nigerians will acknowledge and appreciate this wonderful work of grace and return to their God, then the pandemic of COVID-19 and its attendant economic crises will be overcome.

“Through prayers during this programme the Holy Spirit will deal with the challenges of the present pandemic and evoke the covenant of peace and blessing upon the participants. As we return to God apologetically for our sin, peace shall return to all and the entire country shall rejoice.

“No participant will go empty handed because God Almighty has seen our hopelessness and therefore has scheduled the program to bring peace and blessing of unspeakable joy to us.

“It does not matter the nature of the ugly situation prevailing in the world today, our assurance is that by this program He will intervene and cause the hostility of our enemies to cease as He did in the bible days. 

“The program will definitely douse the anxiety that has hitherto pervaded the country and the world. The General Overseer Pastor Lazarus Muoka is inviting all to join and witness the demonstration of God’s power that will bring a lasting peace to the country,” Pastor Chidi revealed.

Covid-19: Lagos Anglican donates N5m, distributes food items to the poor

Cyriacus Nnaji:

Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion) has donated the sum of N5million Naira towards the fight against the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Bishop of Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion) The Rt. Rev. (Dr) Humphrey Olumakaiye made the disclosure in a paper delivered on his behalf by the Senior Secretary to the Diocese, Venerable Segun Ladeinde.

He said “Apart from the Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) already paid by our Province into the designated account provided by the government, we are donating various food and other essential items directly to the weak and vulnerable in the state coupled with medical supplies to support the state in the fight against this pandemic.”

The church has also on Thursday distributed various food items to the less privileged and challenged Lagosians who were adversely hit by the lockdown order by both the state and Federal governments.

Part of the items distributed to over 1000 families in the diocese include 500 bags of 12.5kg rice; 500 bags of 5kg rice; 450 bags of 2kg garri; 20 bags of 50kg rice and 43 cartons of different sizes of vegetable oil.

Other items include 28 bags of sugar; 20 cartons of spaghetti; 50 cartons of noodles; 9 cartons of Macaroni; 34 cartons of milk; 25 cartons of beverage (Milo and Ovaltine); Lorry load of water and 75 cartons of sanitizer and other medical kits.

The Bishop commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu saying “We commend and appreciate the great work you have been doing, since the outbreak of the pandemic. A great leader is known during the time of crises, you have demonstrated an uncommon leadership strait.

He said “We deem it necessary, as a Diocese to lend our own support for the laudable efforts of the government to cushion the unsettling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on many families in Lagos State.

“We want to assure you that we are not just supporting you physically, our prayers are assured and we know that we will overcome this challenge soonest,” the Bishop’s paper read.

On his part, Venerable Segun Ladeinde, while speaking to the media on what necessitated the provision of the food items to the poor said “As a caring organization, we realize that we cannot be indifferent to the plight of the many challenged masses of the state, and that is why the diocese of Lagos is partnering with many other well meaning Nigerians, we have previously done it, we are trying to reach out to those who, ordinarily would not have any one to care for them.” 

Speaking on the number of people being targeted for the palliatives, he said “Our desire for this first installment, hopefully we have the hope this whole thing will not be elongated for too long, but for the first installment, we are trying to reach out to a minimum of 1000 families, various people who are our neighbors where our various parishes are located,  because if we have a church in a place it is our responsibility as a church to attend to every resident irrespective of their religion, because the church is a living organization,” Ladeinde stated.

He also spoke on the modality for distribution of the food items saying, “What we have done was to, because the diocese is divided into smaller units which are known as archdeaconries, this archdeaconries are further divided into parishes, where the actual people reside, so what we have done was to share it across the archdeaconries and subsequently to the parishes, where the workers in those parishes will take it to the door steps of the beneficiaries.”

Ladeinde stated that since the lockdown various parishes and archdeaconries under the diocese have been feeding a minimum of 500 people every day, “So we will continue to do this, but this one is just to reach out to ones at this time especially as Easter is approaching, so that many families will have a pleasurable Easter celebration.”

He also made it clear that no government could meet all the need of her people “We would be deceiving ourselves if we ever imagine that government can meet all the needs of its citizens, it is impossible, no government in the world meets the needs of all the citizens. On our own, we would continue to offer our own assistance to complement the efforts of government, if we see ourselves as one family together we can fight this battle and we will win the battle,” Ladeinde said.

Covid-19: Lagos Anglican donates N5m, distributes food items to the poor

Cyriacus Nnaji:

Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion) has donated the sum of N5million Naira towards the fight against the rampaging Coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Bishop of Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion) The Rt. Rev. (Dr) Humphrey Olumakaiye made the disclosure in a paper delivered on his behalf by the Senior Secretary to the Diocese, Venerable Segun Ladeinde.

He said “Apart from the Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) already paid by our Province into the designated account provided by the government, we are donating various food and other essential items directly to the weak and vulnerable in the state coupled with medical supplies to support the state in the fight against this pandemic.”

The church has also on Thursday distributed various food items to the less privileged and challenged Lagosians who were adversely hit by the lockdown order by both the state and Federal governments.

Part of the items distributed to over 1000 families in the diocese include 500 bags of 12.5kg rice; 500 bags of 5kg rice; 450 bags of 2kg garri; 20 bags of 50kg rice and 43 cartons of different sizes of vegetable oil.

Other items include 28 bags of sugar; 20 cartons of spaghetti; 50 cartons of noodles; 9 cartons of Macaroni; 34 cartons of milk; 25 cartons of beverage (Milo and Ovaltine); Lorry load of water and 75 cartons of sanitizer and other medical kits.

The Bishop commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu saying “We commend and appreciate the great work you have been doing, since the outbreak of the pandemic. A great leader is known during the time of crises, you have demonstrated an uncommon leadership strait.

He said “We deem it necessary, as a Diocese to lend our own support for the laudable efforts of the government to cushion the unsettling effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on many families in Lagos State.

“We want to assure you that we are not just supporting you physically, our prayers are assured and we know that we will overcome this challenge soonest,” the Bishop’s paper read.

On his part, Venerable Segun Ladeinde, while speaking to the media on what necessitated the provision of the food items to the poor said “As a caring organization, we realize that we cannot be indifferent to the plight of the many challenged masses of the state, and that is why the diocese of Lagos is partnering with many other well meaning Nigerians, we have previously done it, we are trying to reach out to those who, ordinarily would not have any one to care for them.” 

Speaking on the number of people being targeted for the palliatives, he said “Our desire for this first installment, hopefully we have the hope this whole thing will not be elongated for too long, but for the first installment, we are trying to reach out to a minimum of 1000 families, various people who are our neighbors where our various parishes are located,  because if we have a church in a place it is our responsibility as a church to attend to every resident irrespective of their religion, because the church is a living organization,” Ladeinde stated. 

He also spoke on the modality for distribution of the food items saying, “What we have done was to, because the diocese is divided into smaller units which are known as archdeaconries, this archdeaconries are further divided into parishes, where the actual people reside, so what we have done was to share it across the archdeaconries and subsequently to the parishes, where the workers in those parishes will take it to the door steps of the beneficiaries.” 

Ladeinde stated that since the lockdown various parishes and archdeaconries under the diocese have been feeding a minimum of 500 people every day, “So we will continue to do this, but this one is just to reach out to ones at this time especially as Easter is approaching, so that many families will have a pleasurable Easter celebration.”

He also made it clear that no government could meet all the need of her people “We would be deceiving ourselves if we ever imagine that government can meet all the needs of its citizens, it is impossible, no government in the world meets the needs of all the citizens. On our own, we would continue to offer our own assistance to complement the efforts of government, if we see ourselves as one family together we can fight this battle and we will win the battle,” Ladeinde said.

Information suggesting 5G Network causes Coronavirus is baseless, untrue, says ATCON

Success Damian:

Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) has debunked the rumour making the rounds that 5^th Generation Network (5G) causes Coronavirus.

In a press statement, Olusola Teniola, President ATCON said the information trending on all social media like Facebook, WhatsAapp, Twitter, LinkedIn and a host of others is riddled with falsehood.

“We wish to draw the attention of Nigerians to  the unfounded claims and misinformation that is trending on all social media like Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, LinkedIn and a host of others, which suggest that Fifth Generation (5G) technology is causative factor of Coronavirus pandemic also known as COVID-19,” Teniola said.

According to the release, ATCON informed telecom consumers, stakeholders and the entire Nigerians, that without equivocation, that the purported claims that 5G is responsible for COVID-19 is baseless and it should be discountenanced by Nigerians as what it is: false information. 

He said “The claims have not been substantiated, by any conclusive empirical evidence, by either the World Health Organisation or other health research institutions.”

Teniola maintained that no one has been issued with 5G Licence in Nigeria  “There has been no issuance of 5G Licence to any of our members to build and deploy 5G network in Nigeria by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). However, what has happened recently was just a trial of the 5G network by one of our members which was well supervised by the telecoms regulator.”

He said Currently Nigeria's networks are made up of 2G, 3G and 4G. 

Speaking further, he said “In 2014, the World Health Organisation stated clearly that there is not yet any conclusive scientific evidence to the effect that there are adverse health effects caused by telecommunications infrastructures to human with respect to exposure to the non-ionising radiation emitting by telecoms base stations.

“ATCON, as the umbrella Association of all telecommunications companies in Nigeria, would like to state unequivocally that it would not  be part of the deployment of any technology in-country that would put the health of any Nigerian at risk, as we believe the health of end-users of any technological advancement comes as a priority in the deployment consideration of such technology by our members to provide services to Nigerians.,” Teniola said.

Trust in God, COVID-19 will also pass away, says Olumakaiye

Success Damian:

Bishop of Lagos Diocese (Anglican Communion) The Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye, has called on Christians to continue to trust in God, stressing that COVID-19 which is presently ravaging the world will also pass away.

“God works through all things for good including COVID 19 crisis. Let us trust Him, this will also pass away. Instead of allowing yourselves to be filled with fear, hopelessness, discouragement, dread, negative confession and disappointment, let us love Jesus again with the same kind of desperation as He was welcomed into Jerusalem,” Olumakaiye said.

Olumakaiye made the disclosure as part of his message to mark the Palm Sunday. He said “In the midst of COVID 19, Palm Sunday is telling us that the world is in the palms of God’s hand. Although our beautiful plans have been altered, God’s plans are never thwarted.”

He said COVID 19 is not a surprise to God, “COVID 19 is not a surprise to God, that we shall be worshipping Him today in an empty Church. God is in control. He has a plan to use even the worst tragedies to do amazing things.”

Olumakaiye also commended the Federal and Lagos State governments for their various roles in fighting the Coronavirus pandemic. “We commend the Federal and Lagos State governments, for all their efforts at putting a quick end to the disruption of our daily existence.

“Special commendation goes to our Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, we also identify with all the good people who have contributed and continue to contribute towards the alleviation of the sufferings of the weak and the vulnerable among us,” Olumakaiye stated.

Covid-19: Chudyvindo Foundation put smiles on Ojo residents, shares food items

Success Damian:

No doubt the lockdown of Lagos State as part of measures for the containment of the world wide ravaging Corona Virus is having its adverse effects on the residents.

This was the reason on Saturday April 4, Chudyvindo Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) devoted for Saving Lives When it Matters, decided to gather over 400 residents of Ilaje/ Adebisi and Mashebinu Streets in Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State, giving them food items to cushion the effects of the lockdown Lagos order by the state and federal governments over the Corona Virus.

Corona Virus aside, Chudyvindo is also known for house-to-house provision of food items to the poor in Ajangbadi area of Ojo Local Government Area of Lagos State.

Co-Founder of the NGO, Johnmary Anagolu (Eze si na chi 1 of Olo) while speaking at the event disclosed that public spirited individuals in the community always contribute their quota to assist government to realize its goal, hence the idea of assisting the less-privileged in the area “You know this area is called Ojo, a place where any day, any time, people come out to support government for whatever they are doing”

Speaking on the role of Chudyvindo Foundation he said “By the special grace of God we are here at Ilaje/ Adebisi Street, very remote area where the masses actually need help, you know this area called Ojo is a place where any day, any time, people come out to support government for whatever they are doing. But on our own, I and my wife formed the Chudyvindo Foundation to help the community since the past five years. 

“And this time around we discovered that a lot of people are really hungry and we can’t make it to Lekki or Lagos Island, so we chose this vicinity because this place is where the poor masses live, as you can see, I am even surprised to see the multitude of people here. Yes the government said they don’t want to see crowd of more than 20, but you can see here we have more than 500 people gathering just for food. And on our own, we can’t afford to feed everybody, we only do our best to assist the government and also the poor masses as you can see here,” Anagolu said. 

Anagolu also spoke on what the government should do with billions that are being contributed as a result of the Coronavirus “Let them help these people, we can’t do anything than to plead with the government to assist the poor masses at Ojo area especially in the place called Mashebinu Street and Adebisi/Ilaje area. We really need help. The little we can offer is what we have brought here and I thank God, people are happy, they have received it and we can do more, I just wished we could do more.”

He added “For the donation going to the government it is good, but my fear is that those donations may not get to the poor masses. Any donation anybody wants to do should be allocated to the poor masses. Giving to the government is very good, I welcome the idea, but for us we can’t afford to donate 20 billion, it is out of our little business we just have to make available the little we are offering today. Anybody making any donation should go to the street to see the way people are suffering and find a way to help them.”

Anagolu disclosed that he made provision for four hundred persons but was overwhelmed by the number of people waiting to collect the items “We targeted 400 people but the number we are seeing here today, in fact I don’t even know, I wish the government could take time to come down to this area, I am sure if they come down they will feel our pain.”

On where he derived his inspiration for his philanthropy, “My inspiration is God and the backbone of all that I am doing is my wife, Mrs. Vivian Anagolu, she is the one who is always there to encourage me. There was never a time I make up my mind to say lets support this people that she will not be in support of it. She even contributes her own money for this particular purpose.

“ So the inspiration is from God and for the fact that we are part of this people who suffer to survive in life and today the position we find ourselves, we thank God for that, so we are going back to those who are really in need of help,” Anagolu said.

A lady who managed to speak to the media after collecting the foodstuff said “God will bless the man. God bless Chudyvindo. The government is not helping us. They gave us two weeks and they gave us another two weeks without food, we are not going to work, the government is not helping us at all. God bless this man and his family.”

Before the commencement of the distribution of the food items which include rice, gari, beans, spagetti, among others, the recipients were made to wash their hands, sanitised and given face mask to wear before being handed the foodstuffs.