17 independent power distributors get licences, 10 operational

AgegePulse Magazine 

 17 independent power distributors get licences, 10 operational

The Federal Government has issued licenses to 17 Independent Electricity Distribution Networks operators, among which 10 are currently operational, the government announced on Tuesday.

It disclosed this in the 2022 Market Competition Report released on Tuesday by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, an agency of the Federal Government.

The government revealed this while providing a breakdown of the country’s power distribution segment. Nigeria’s power sector is basically categorised into the electricity generation, transmission and distribution segments.

In November 2013 when the sector was unbundled into the three segments, 11 successor distribution companies were created and were privatised, as they have been serving the country since then, amidst complaints by consumers.

But in the just released 2022 Market Competition Report, the NERC said, “All the 11 successor Discos (distribution companies) have been privatised. Ownership and management of the Discos have been transferred to private investors.

Additional private distribution company has been licensed in a specified franchised area. 17 Independent Electricity Distribution Networks’ operators have been licenced, of which 10 are operational as at December 2022.

“The regulator explained that the market competition report was prepared in compliance with Section 24(2) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2004, which mandates the commission to prepare an annual report for the minister as to the potential for competition in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

“The regulator explained that the market competition report was prepared in compliance with Section 24(2) of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2004, which mandates the commission to prepare an annual report for the minister as to the potential for competition in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

“This report provides a review of the level of competition in the NESI and assesses the progress for a transition to a more competitive market. The report further provides recommendations for transition to a more competitive market pursuant to Section 26 of ESPRA.

“The report is directed at a wide spectrum of readers including government officials and institutions, private sector, energy economists, engineers, financial and market analysts, potential investors as well as general readers,” the commission stated.

Punch Newspaper 

Lagos Yellow Taxi/Cab Drivers Launch Operational Mobile App

... As LASG Promises Level Playing Field for All Operators

Lagos State Yellow Taxi/Cab Drivers Association on Tuesday, March 10, 2020, launched a digital Mobile App to enhance their operational efficiency, with a warning from the State Government that the drivers must be more civil and operate in line with regulations that guide public transportation.

Commissioner for Transportation, Dr Frederic Oladeinde gave the warning during the launch, advising members of the taxi association to comply with the extant laws and stipulated regulations to ensure success and sustainability of the initiative.

Speaking at the Eko Cab App Launch held at the Events Centre, Hakeem Balogun Street, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oluseyi Whenu urged the commercial vehicles operators to leverage digital technology to bring innovation into their business.

“The State Government is not out to punish anyone, as you go digital today, I want you to know that it places more responsibility on you. You are expected to be more civil and friendly with your customers more than before, while you are expected to operate in line with the extant laws and regulations that guide public transportation in the State”, Oladeinde warned.

While pledging government's continued support and equal opportunity for all investors in public transportation, the Commissioner affirmed that the State Government would create a level playing field and enabling environment for all investors to ensure a quick return on their investments.

“The present administration will continue to implement government programmes and policies that will be of great benefit to public transport operators while we pledge our commitment to creating an enabling environment that will attract more investors into public transportation; we will give equal opportunity to all, we are not biased nor one-sided, we will continue to support all good initiatives that can enhance free flow of traffic”, Oladeinde reiterated

The Commissioner commended the Lagos State Taxi Drivers for their support for the T.H.E.M.E.S Agenda by digitalising their operations in line with global standard practice, imploring them to support the ongoing reforms to make the transport system rank among the best in the world.

Oladeinde stressed that compliance with the traffic law will ensure reduction in traffic gridlocks and road crashes, just as it will restore safety and sanity on roads in the metropolis.

In his remarks, the General Secretary of the Lagos State Yellow Taxi Drivers & EkoCab Association, Mr. Taiwo Omolekan thanked the Lagos State Government for their consistent support towards the realisation of the EkoCab App and its take-off scheduled for March 17, 2020.

He disclosed that the application has been designed to enable the Ministry of Transportation monitor commuter patterns to aid the State government in proffering innovation regulations and solutions for overall improvements in the Lagos transportation sector.

Omolekan maintained that the launch would enable the Association bridge the gap created by the Okada/Tricycle restrictions in certain parts of the State while operators will observe strict adherence to the provisions of the State Traffic Law to ensure better service delivery.