NEWS
45% of Electricity Supplied to Plateau Lost to Theft, JED Raises Alarm
The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has raised concerns over the growing rate of electricity theft in Plateau State, revealing that about 45 per cent of the energy supplied to the state is lost to illegal activities.
The Plateau State Chief Operating Officer of JED, Engr. Hamisu Wakili Jigawa, made the disclosure on Thursday during the company’s quarterly customer consultative forum in Jos.
Jigawa said the forum, organised in line with regulatory requirements, provides customers with an opportunity to engage directly with the company, present unresolved complaints and receive prompt resolutions.
SEE MORE: Hope For Nigerians As Tinubu Approves ₦3.3tn To Fix Electricity Crisis
According to him, the initiative underscores JED’s commitment to strengthening customer relations and improving service delivery.
“This consultative forum is a regulatory requirement. It also gives customers who may not have access to our radio programmes or other communication channels the opportunity to present their complaints. Our technical, commercial and customer service teams are available to resolve issues immediately or shortly after the meeting,” he said.
Describing electricity theft as one of the biggest challenges confronting the company, Jigawa warned that the level of energy losses threatens the sustainability of electricity supply in Plateau State.
“The issue of energy theft has become a serious challenge for us. In Plateau alone, about 45 per cent of our energy is lost to theft. No business can survive with such a high level of losses,” he said.
To combat the problem, he said JED had introduced a whistleblower initiative known as PowerWatch, which encourages members of the public to report electricity theft, meter bypass, vandalism and other illegal activities affecting the company’s operations.
Under the initiative, members of the public whose reports lead to the detection of electricity theft or tampering with company installations will receive rewards.
Jigawa added that the whistleblower policy also covers cases of staff misconduct and urged customers to report unethical behaviour through the company’s telephone lines, email addresses and social media platforms.
He also disclosed that JED is collaborating with relevant authorities to strengthen the prosecution of electricity offenders, stressing that effective enforcement is critical to improving electricity supply.
“If we cannot recover payment for the energy supplied, there is no way the electricity market will continue to provide power that is not being paid for.
Ultimately, energy allocation to Plateau may reduce, affecting the 20 to 24 hours of electricity supply currently enjoyed in many parts of the state,” he warned.
Despite the challenge, Jigawa said Plateau remains one of JED’s best-performing franchise areas, with about 70 per cent of customers in Jos receiving more than 20 hours of electricity daily.
He added that the company plans to upgrade more feeders to Band A to enable additional communities benefit from improved electricity supply.
Also speaking, JED’s Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Abubakar Ibrahim, announced that the company would distribute 109,000 free electricity meters to customers across Plateau, Bauchi, Benue and Gombe states under the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP).
He explained that the meters would be shared among customers in the company’s four franchise states and not exclusively for Plateau.
According to Ibrahim, JED has already distributed more than 20,000 free meters under an earlier Federal Government-backed metering programme, while customers also have the option of obtaining meters through the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) scheme.
He clarified that unlike the MAP scheme, where customers initially pay for meters and are later reimbursed through energy credits approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), meters distributed under DISREP and other government-backed initiatives are completely free.
He warned customers not to pay anyone for meters under the free metering programmes and advised anyone demanding payment to be reported to the nearest JED office or law enforcement agencies.
Ibrahim said Band A customers were being prioritised under the DISREP programme because they receive a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily and pay cost-reflective tariffs.
Addressing complaints about outstanding debts appearing on newly installed prepaid meters, he explained that unpaid bills from the previous post-paid billing system are automatically transferred to the new meters.
He added that JED has introduced flexible repayment arrangements, allowing customers to offset outstanding debts in instalments through electricity vending.
According to him, customers owing less than ₦1 million can repay from as little as ₦2,000 monthly, while those with higher debts are placed on structured repayment plans.
Ibrahim said the consultative forum was organised to provide customers with a platform to lodge complaints, make suggestions and engage directly with the company’s management on ways to improve electricity service delivery.
NEWS
Shettima Arrives Maiduguri to Commission Hospital, Schools, 104 Housing Units
Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, a student hostel, and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
Shettima’s arrival was disclosed by Stanley Nkwocha, in a post on X on Friday.
The Vice President was received at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport in Maiduguri by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum; Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur; and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Engr. Mustapha Gubio.
SEE ALSO: Subsidy Removal, FX Reforms Driving Fresh Oil Sector Investment – Shettima
Members of the National Assembly, the Borno State Executive Council, prominent political figures and other top government officials were also present to welcome him.
During the visit, Shettima is expected to commission the Kashim Ibrahim University Teaching Hospital, alongside a student hostel and 104 staff housing units at the institution.
He will also commission Yerwa Central Primary and Junior Secondary School in Maiduguri, as well as the Kashim Shettima Academy, established by his foundation to support children from less privileged backgrounds.
The Vice President has repeatedly emphasised that poverty should not prevent Nigerian children from accessing higher education.
He has also highlighted government initiatives, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), as avenues for students from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations.
NEWS
Lagos CP Warns Officers Against Extortion, Brutality Ahead of 2027 Elections
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, has warned officers against extortion, brutality, unlawful arrests and detention, stressing that any misconduct will attract disciplinary action.
Fatai gave the warning on Thursday, October 22, during a general lecture for officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command at the POWA Hall, GRA, Ikeja.
According to a press release signed by the Lagos State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abimbola Adebisi, and released on Friday, October 23, the lecture was held in compliance with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
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The lecture brought together area commanders, divisional police officers, tactical commanders, heads of departments and other personnel across the command to reinforce professionalism, discipline, accountability and respect for human rights.
Fatai reiterated the Inspector-General’s directives on addressing complaints against police personnel, particularly allegations of brutality, extortion, unlawful arrests and detention.
He warned that officers who engage in misconduct would face disciplinary action, adding that supervisory officers would also be held accountable for the actions of personnel under their command.
The commissioner specifically cautioned tactical teams against extortion, brutality, intimidation, incivility towards members of the public and other dishonest practices.
He directed tactical commanders to ensure that their personnel operate professionally, exercise restraint and respect citizens’ rights.
According to the commissioner, operational responsibilities must not be used as an excuse to exploit or harass members of the public.
Fatai also directed all personnel to comply strictly with the Nigeria Police Force’s Social Media Policy.
He warned that inappropriate online conduct capable of undermining the image of the police would attract sanctions for erring officers and their responsible supervisors.
Lagos CP Prohibits Arrest by Proxy
Addressing the fight against cultism, Fatai urged officers to intensify efforts to tackle the menace while ensuring that all arrests are conducted lawfully and in accordance with due process.
He prohibited arrest by proxy and the arrest of individuals without lawful justification.
The commissioner also emphasised the need to protect the lives and welfare of suspects in police custody, directing officers to maintain close supervision of detainees and ensure they receive humane treatment throughout their detention.
Police Told to Remain Neutral Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ahead of the 2027 general elections, Fatai charged officers to remain neutral and professional in the discharge of their duties.
He directed personnel to closely monitor electioneering campaigns and provide adequate security to maintain peace and public order.
The commissioner further urged officers to stay informed about local and international developments, strengthen their professional capacity and remain vigilant against emerging security threats that could affect Lagos State.
Fatai charged all officers and men of the command to uphold the highest standards of integrity, stressing that public trust must be earned through responsible conduct, impartial enforcement of the law and respect for the rights of every citizen.
NEWS
Why Ebola Outbreaks Keep Returning to Africa, Dr Jean Kaseya Explains
The Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Dr Jean Kaseya, has explained why Ebola outbreaks continue to occur in Africa, citing the need for stronger health systems and surveillance mechanisms to prevent and control the spread of infectious diseases.
Kaseya spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Thursday, October 22, while discussing recurring Ebola outbreaks on the continent and the challenges facing public health authorities.
SEE ALSO: JUST IN: Over 3,000 Dead as Ebola Outbreak Ravages DR Congo
He explained that some outbreaks originate from animals and spread to humans through contact with the environment, stressing that effective surveillance and stronger healthcare systems were necessary to address the threat.
“We are in Africa in a specific environment. And as you are saying, this outbreak is coming also from animals to humans. It means we are in contact with our environment,” he said.
“But we can avoid that if we have a strong health system in place, if we have strong surveillance mechanisms in place. And this is what we are working to address.”
The Africa CDC chief also announced plans to convene African health ministers on October 28 to discuss the Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak, which he described as the most geographically widespread outbreak of its kind.
According to Kaseya, three African regions—West, Central and East Africa—have been affected, making coordinated action among countries increasingly important.
“This is why I’m calling even a meeting on the 28th of October of all African ministers, because we see now this outbreak — this Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak — is the most geographically extended outbreak, with three regions in Africa already affected: West, Central and Eastern African regions,” he said.
He also expressed confidence in Africa’s preparedness to respond to public health emergencies, while emphasising the importance of strengthening existing systems to contain outbreaks.
Africa CDC Seeks Cooperation Over Nigeria’s Reported Ebola Case
Kaseya further called for cooperation among Nigeria, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to clarify the travel history of a woman linked to Nigeria’s reported Ebola case.
He said he had been communicating with health authorities in the three countries to establish the woman’s movements before she returned to Abuja on October 3.
According to him, the woman was born in Uganda and had spent some time there before returning to Nigeria. However, further information was needed to establish whether she had travelled through the DRC or had contact with anyone arriving from the country.
“We are talking to all authorities—with Nigerian authorities, with Ugandan authorities, even to DRC authorities,” Kaseya said.
He urged the woman to provide the relevant information to health officials, noting that it would help authorities determine the circumstances surrounding the case and support the countries involved.
“What we want is collaboration from this person, the lady. She has to tell us, to disclose to the authorities. I need this information, as Nigeria needs this information, because we need also to support Uganda,” he said.
Kaseya added that establishing the woman’s travel history and possible contacts would help prevent misunderstandings between the African countries.
“I think these are the pieces of information we are looking for, and it will help all of us, and it will avoid crisis between African countries,” he added.





