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11 electricity distribution companies owe Federation Account N2.6 trn

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Eleven Electricity Distribution Companies operating in the country owe the Federation Account the sum of ₦2.6 trillion, the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) PLC has said.

Managing Director of NBET, Johnson Akinnawo disclosed the scale of the liabilities when he appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts on Wednesday, August 20.

The Committee has summoned the 11 electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) to appear before it over the outstanding debt.

Documents submitted to the committee by NBET revealed that as at September 30, 2020, the 11 Discos collectively owe N2.6 trillion.

The DISCOs are Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (₦330.4 billion); Eko Electricity Distribution Company (₦231 billion); Benin Electricity Distribution Company (₦233.2 billion); Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (₦258.3 billion) and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (₦325.7 billion).

The others are Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (₦310 billion); Jos Electricity Distribution Company (₦161.7 billion); Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (₦277.7 billion); Kano Electricity Distribution Company (₦211.7 billion); Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (₦239.7 billion) and Yola Electricity Distribution Company (107.4 billion).

The 2021 Auditor General’s report, which prompted the hearing also flagged multiple irregularities in the power sector.

The Auditor General alleged N30 billion in uncollected debt by NBET from market operators, N549 million shortfall in NBET’s 1% income from institutional charges, N100 billion paid by NBET to Generation Companies (GENCOs) for electricity not delivered to the national grid, N26 billion owed to Nigeria by two foreign firms for power exported to Togo, Benin, and Niger, N166 billion in under-remittance by Discos, below the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s (NERC) minimum threshold and N2.7 billion in unpaid invoices by the 11 Discos.

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At the investigative hearing, Yahya Kusada moved a motion that all the 11 Discos be summoned to explain the persistent non-settlement of their financial obligations to the Federation Account and seconded by Billy Osawaru.

“With the magnitude of liabilities before us, it is imperative that these companies appear before the Committee to clarify their positions and outline plans for repayment,” Hon. Yahya Kusada said.

The Committee has also resolved to invite other market operators and participants to address concerns raised in the Auditor General’s report, with a date for the appearances to be communicated to the affected parties in due course.

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Public officers are stealing Nigeria’s money every minute – EFCC boss

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The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, says public officers steal funds every minute.

Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Thursday at the 80th birthday celebration of former Attorney-General of the Federation, Kanu Agabi.

He stated that the anti-graft agency receives over 20,000 corruption petitions every year, describing the scale of the theft detailed in many cases as shocking.

“I receive over 20,000 petitions in a year in respect to public corruption, all terrible. What is going on? Like every minute, public officers take money, and if you go through some of our case files you will weep.

“The way people take national resources and Nigerians are victims of these fraudulent activities. And we must come together for once in our lifetime and say no to the activities of some of our leaders,” Olukoyede said.

The EFCC boss noted that some public officers assume office with less than ₦100,000 in their accounts, but within three years, the agency traces millions of dollars to them.

He added that some individuals acquire hundreds of houses while in office, warning that corruption is crippling the nation.

Olukoyede stressed that public officers must be held accountable for their time in office, emphasizing that transparency must remain the guiding standard in public service.

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VIDEO: Police identify officer in viral video saying Obi can never be President

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The Lagos State Police Command has arrested an officer who appeared in a viral video making inappropriate remarks about Peter Obi and Igbo people while travelling on public transport.

The officer who has been identified as INSP. Osumah Frank, was filmed saying Obi or any Igbo person can never become President of Nigeria.

In a statement released today September 25, the command’s spokesperson, SP Abimbola said the command has commenced appropriate disciplinary action against the officer in line with established regulations of the Nigeria Police Force.

Abimbola stated that the statements made by the officer were made in his personal capacity and do not represent the position, views or official disposition of the Lagos State Police Command or the Nigeria Police Force.

She added that the State Commissioner of Police, CP Tijani Fatai, has reiterated the position of the command that all its personnel are expected to maintain professionalism, civility, discipline and respect for members of the public at all times. She further reaffirmed that wearing the Police uniform comes with a responsibility to uphold the dignity and integrity of the Force, and that the Command will not condone any conduct capable of bringing the Force into disrepute or undermining public confidence in the Police.

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See also  Christmas: ECWA President, Bagat charges Nigerians to keep hope alive
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Court rejects suit seeking fresh police investigation into late singer Mohbad’s death

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has dismissed a suit seeking to compel the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a fresh investigation into the death of Nigerian singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad.

Justice James Omotosho dismissed the case filed by the Registered Trustees of Break the Silence Foundation in a judgment delivered on Thursday, ruling that the foundation lacked the legal capacity to institute the suit.

The judge also described the application as speculative and lacking sufficient merit, noting that the foundation failed to produce the original police investigation report to support its claim that the earlier investigation was inadequate.

Justice Omotosho further cautioned lawyers handling ongoing cases against discussing matters before the court during media interviews or on social media, describing such conduct as professional misconduct.

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