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AEDC Crisis Worsens, UBA Appoints Receiver Over Loan Default

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AEDC Crisis Worsens, UBA Appoints Receiver Over Loan Default

By Edozie Obasi-Eze

The crises rocking the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has taken a turn for the worse, as the United Bank for Africa (UBA) has appointed a receiver/manager for the firm, over loan default.

The UBA takeover, is consequent upon loan default by majority shareholder/core investor, Kann Utility Company Limited.

Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sanusi Garba, and the Director-General, Bureau of Public Enterprises(BPE), Alex Okoh, in a joint statement made available to the media, explained that there has been an ongoing dispute among competing factions of Kann, which eventually spilled over to a dispute with the lender(UBA) that provided the acquisition loan to Kann for the acquisition of majority shares during the privatization exercise in 2013, over Kann’s inability to service its debt to the bank.

According to the NERC and the BPE during the course of the intractable crisis, the AEDC not just struggle to meet its obligations to the market under the terms and conditions of its licence but equally unable to meet its obligations to key stakeholders in the organisation, including staff, which led to the industrial action by members of the Nigerian Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE).

The statement added that the crisis eventually resulted in a total service disruption on December 6, 2021 for over 14 hours in AEDC’s network area, noting that the provision of electricity in AEDC’s network area was only restored after the intervention of the Minister of Power, NERC and BPE, following an agreement with the union on the terms for the suspension of the industrial action on December 6, 2021.

The statement further explained that arising from Kann’s inability to service its acquisition loan and the ensuing dispute over the servicing of the loan from UBA Plc, the lender exercised its rights by appointing a Receiver/Manager over Kann.

It maintained that stakeholders, including the NERC, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the BPE had, on several occasions, worked to broker an amicable resolution between the contending parties.

It was gathered that the protracted resolution of the dispute exacerbated the state of affairs at AEDC resulting in an industrial action and a total blackout in the service area for over 14 hours.

It stated, ‘‘It then became apparent that decisive steps were required to address the matter and BPE agreed with the lender’s request to exercise its powers as Receiver/Manager over Kann by exercising its powers over the 60 per cent equity in AEDC as a means to recovering the acquisition loan granted by the bank.”

The statement also made it clear that the action to appoint an interim team to manage AEDC was not done on the basis of a directive from the Federal Government as being falsely reported in some section of the media but on the basis of legal processes arising from the failure of the core investor in AEDC to meet its obligations to a lender.

It noted that the Receiver/Manager has agreed to the appointment of an interim management team in conjunction with the BPE as part of measures designed to address business failure events and ensure continuity of service to the customers in the service area.

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Pinnacle Convenes 2026 Vendors’ Forum

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With a view to improving operational efficiency, safety, compliance and service delivery across its operations, Pinnacle Oil & Gas Limited has reaffirmed commitment to building stronger relationships with its vendors.

The company made the commitment at its 2026 Vendors’ Forum held in Lagos under the theme, “Partnering for Operational Excellence,” with the sub-theme, “Strengthening Partnerships Through Compliance, Safety, Performance and Innovation.”

The forum brought together more than 100 existing and prospective vendors as well as key stakeholders, both physically and virtually, to strengthen collaboration and align suppliers with the company’s operational standards and growth strategy.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Oil & Gas, Adenike Labinjo, described vendors as strategic partners whose commitment to quality, innovation, safety and compliance is critical to the company’s success.

She said as Pinnacle continues to expand its operations, it has become increasingly important for the company and its vendors to share a common understanding of expectations, responsibilities and performance standards.

Labinjo stressed that safety, regulatory compliance and ethical business practices remain non-negotiable in all engagements with suppliers.

She noted that stronger collaboration with vendors would help the company deliver greater value to customers and other stakeholders while supporting sustainable business growth.

The forum featured technical presentations by senior executives from the company’s Procurement, Engineering, Compliance, Finance, Legal, Health, Safety and Environment (HSE), and Sales and Marketing departments.

Participants received guidance on Pinnacle’s procurement procedures, vendor onboarding and prequalification processes, Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, tax invoicing, payment processes, contractual obligations, technical specifications, contractor responsibilities, supplier performance expectations and Service Level Agreements.

The company also unveiled improvements to its Purchase Order (PO) process aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and ease of doing business with vendors.

A major highlight of the event was an interactive question-and-answer session where vendors engaged directly with the company’s leadership on procurement procedures, compliance requirements, project execution, HSE standards and areas for continuous improvement.

According to Pinnacle, the session reinforced its commitment to transparency, open communication and stronger collaboration with suppliers.

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The company also recognised outstanding vendors whose contributions have supported its operational performance over the past year. Five companies received Certificates of Recognition for exceptional service delivery, innovation and partnership.

The award recipients were Great Grace Enterprise for Outstanding Delivery Performance, Cevets Nigeria Limited for Excellence in Project Delivery, Ceezik Projekts for Outstanding Quality, Diadco Nigeria Limited for Outstanding Responsiveness, and Sephill Innovative Solutions Limited for Best Commercial Value.

On the significance of the forum, Head of Procurement and Administration, Oluseyi Ogunfowora, said the initiative reflects Pinnacle’s determination to build stronger partnerships through transparency, collaboration and shared accountability.

She explained that the procurement function coordinates the requirements of Engineering, Operations, Marine, Compliance, Legal, Finance, HSE and other business units to ensure a fair, efficient and transparent procurement process.

Ogunfowora urged vendors to submit complete and compliant documentation, communicate proactively and seek clarification whenever necessary.

“The success of our business depends on the strength of our partnerships,” she said. “When vendors clearly understand our expectations and we work together with transparency, compliance and open communication, we create a high-performing vendor ecosystem that benefits everyone.”

She added that the 2026 Vendors’ Forum forms part of Pinnacle’s broader strategy to strengthen supplier engagement, improve operational efficiency and reinforce a culture of compliance, safety, innovation and continuous improvement throughout its value chain.

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NCDMB, Zigma Equip 50 Certified Crane Operators with Global Standard Skills

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NCDMB Emerges Best MDA In Ease Of Doing Business Ranking

Poised to help in addressing the shortage of skilled technical manpower locally, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has graduated 50 Nigerians as certified crane operators under a specialised training programme, which empowers them with global standards in the trade.

The four-week Crane Operations Operator Level I and II Training Programme, implemented in partnership with Zigma Limited, equipped participants with internationally recognised technical knowledge, practical operating skills and safety competencies required for crane operations across the oil and gas, construction and industrial sectors.

During the graduation ceremony, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Felix Ogbe, represented by Halvin Okonmah, explained that the initiative forms part of the Board’s commitment to developing Nigerian professionals capable of meeting the industry’s growing technical manpower needs.

He said the programme aligns with the Board’s statutory mandate under the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (NOGICD) to build human capital, expand opportunities for Nigerians in specialised technical roles and deepen local participation in the energy sector.

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According to him, the training will strengthen industry capacity while fostering innovation, partnerships and sustainable growth.

“This event will foster stronger partnerships, inspire fresh ideas and deepen the development of skilled local capacity for the benefit of our industry and our nation,” he said.

He urged the graduates to uphold the Board’s core values of patriotism, professionalism, integrity, creativity, passion and teamwork.

The Managing Director of Zigma Limited, Funmi Ogbue, represented by the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Ojinika Mba-Kalu, described the graduation as a milestone in developing Nigeria’s technical workforce, stressing that the country’s industrial future depends on investments in skilled manpower.

She said participants received intensive classroom and practical training covering crane operating principles, lifting operations, equipment inspection, load handling techniques, signalling and communication, hazard identification, risk assessment, and Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) standards. “This is a testament to what can be achieved when institutions, industry and individuals unite around a common purpose of building the capacity of Nigerians to compete, excel and lead within our nation’s oil and gas industry,” she said.

Ogbue added that Zigma would continue collaborating with government agencies and industry stakeholders to deliver more capacity-building programmes capable of producing globally competitive Nigerian professionals.

Presenting the project report, Zigma’s Project Manager, Amy Nwadiaro, disclosed that the programme attracted significant interest nationwide, with 355 applications received. Following a rigorous selection process, 65 applicants were shortlisted for screening, while 50 participants were eventually admitted into the training.

She said all 50 trainees successfully completed the programme, representing a 100 per cent completion rate.

“The response to this initiative was overwhelming. We received 355 applications, shortlisted 65 candidates for screening and admitted 50 participants, all of whom successfully completed the programme,” she said.

On behalf of the graduating trainees, Evidence Ojie described the programme as practical proof that Nigerian Content development extends beyond policy declarations to tangible investment in local talent.

He said the training provided participants with critical competencies in boom set-up, working range calculations, load chart interpretation and safety margins required for offshore and industrial crane operations.

According to him, the knowledge acquired would enable the graduates to compete effectively for technical roles on rigs, offshore platforms and industrial facilities both within Nigeria and internationally.

Industry stakeholders at the event also underscored the importance of certified crane operators in improving workplace safety, reducing operational accidents and enhancing efficiency in high-risk sectors such as oil and gas, construction and heavy industry.

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Eterna Posts N5.88bn Profit for H1

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Improved operating performances have seen Eterna Plc report higher revenue and profitability for the second quarter and half-year ended June 30, 2026.

The company’s unaudited consolidated financial results showed that revenue rose by 38 per cent to N217.31bn from N157.65bn in the corresponding period of 2025.

The results show that gross profit more than doubled to N15.99bn, while operating profit increased to N8.78bn from N2.34bn. Profit before tax rose by 389 per cent to N7.67bn from N1.57bn recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.

Profit after tax (PAT) increased to N5.88bn from N573.81m, while earnings per share (EPS) improved to N2.69 from N0.44.

The company also reported an improved financial position, with total assets standing at N82.75bn as of June 30, 2026.

Cash and bank balances increased to N20.36bn from N4.79bn as of December 31, 2025, while total liabilities declined to N51.22bn from N84.43bn. Total equity rose to N31.53bn from N7.77bn, reflecting stronger liquidity and capitalisation.

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On the results, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jude Nwaulune, said, “These results demonstrate the strength of our business and the impact of disciplined execution across our operations. The significant improvement in profitability and financial position provides a solid foundation to advance our growth priorities.

“The successful Rights Issue has further strengthened our balance sheet, resulting in a healthy leverage position, stronger equity and improved net assets. We remain focused on expanding our retail, aviation, lubricants and gas businesses, improving operational efficiency and customer experience, and delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders.”

The company said its full unaudited consolidated financial statements for the half-year ended June 30, 2026, are available on its website.

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