Energy
EERC Prohibits Sale Of Meter By Service Providers In Enugu
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The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) has prohibited the sale of meters and other connection materials to members of the public by service providers within its jurisdiction.
This was contained in a public service announcement on its socials where it cited relevant portions of “the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023 and other extant rules”.
The Management of the EERC reminded stakeholders that the laws stipulate thus, “2. The Service Provider shall be responsible for the provision of connection materials in accordance with its standards and also responsible for the connection from the available supply to the customer’s metering point.”
The announcement reads, “It has come to the attention of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission that some members of the public in Enugu State are being requested to pay for materials and other accessories needed for the connection of electricity and installation of meters in their premises by the meter installers and service providers.
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“Pursuant to section 35 of the Enugu State Electricity Law 2023 and other extant rules, this is to inform the public of the following provisions under regulations 10 and 11 of the Customer Service Standards and Protection Regulations 2024 of the Commission:
“Section 10:
“1. The materials required to effect connections including meters and accessories from the nearest voltage network for each connection design stipulated under these Regulations shall be the responsibility of the Service Provider.
“2. The size and quality of the connection materials required to effect connection are dependent on the connection design and the distance of the customer’s premises to the nearest available electricity supply point.
“Section 11:
“1. All connections shall be in compliance with the procedures stipulated in these Regulations.
“2. The Service Provider shall be responsible for the provision of connection materials in accordance with its standards and also responsible for the connection from the available supply to the customer’s metering point.
“Sequel to the provisions above, Customers of Mainpower Electricity Distribution Company Limited are hereby notified that they are not required to provide materials (e.g. wires, circuit breakers, ladders) or pay money for meter installation.
“Please do not hesitate to contact the Commission via email at info@eerc.en.gov.ng or call 09122642755 if any Mainpower’s meter installer(s) or agent(s) demand for money or materials to install meter(s) for the Commission’s information and necessary action.”
Energy
NCDMB, Starzs Gas, Upbeat About Industrialisation At Integrated CNG Project Groundbreaking Ceremony
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The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Starzs Gas Limited were upbeat about growth prospects of Nigeria’s gas subsector and the potential boost to industrialisation as the groundbreaking ceremony for a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Mother Station got underway in Iwhreken, Ughelli South, Delta State, on Thursday.
At the event, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by the General Manager, Corporate Communications and Zonal Coordination, Barr. Esueme Dan Kikile, commended Starzs Investments Company Limited, parent company of Starzs Gas, for pushing industry boundaries with its expansion into the gas subsector.
Engr. Ogbe described Starzs Gas Limited, whose offerings cut across natural gas compression, CNG fueling and refueling stations, conversion workshops and training centres, motorised CNG tube skids for sale and distribution, as well as engineering, construction and procurement solutions, as a veritable vehicle “to drive industrialization and expand Nigeria’s economy.”
He was particularly elated that the multimillion-dollar Integrated CNG Project, which is slated for commissioning in the first quarter of 2026, has come at a time that the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas programme is going full steam, with the NCDMB itself acting as an enabler to numerous gas development and utilisation projects across Nigeria.
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On the Board’s performance in implementation of its core mandate, the ES disclosed that local content hit 56 per cent in the last quarter of 2023, up from five per cent in 2010, when the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act came into force, noting that more and more Nigerian assets and resources are being utilised in oil and gas operations in Nigeria.
Engr. Ogbe urged the host community, Iwhrekan, to cooperate with Starzs Gas Limited, so as to enjoy maximum benefits and also facilitate unhampered production activities at the company.
He said he was encouraged by the enthusiasm of the House of Representatives member for Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Udu Federal Constituency, Hon. Francis Waive, who was present at the ceremony, which could facilitate NCDMB’s sustainability programme for protection and security of the company’s facilities.
According to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Starzs Investments Company Limited, Greg Ogbeifun, the establishment of Starzs Gas Limited signalled “a generational shift,” as the Starzs Group, a conglomerate with such leading companies as Starzs Marine and Engineering Services Limited, Starzs Shipyard Limited, and Starzs Investments Company Limited, had for decades focused largely on the maritime industry.
He said Starzs Gas Limited was the culmination of unrelenting pressure by his daughter, Miss Iroghama Ogbeifun, that the global clamour for elimination of gas flaring and reduced carbon footprint, which form the basis of President Bola Tinubu’s initiatives on gas utilisation, be considered as a challenge to entrepreneurship.
He noted that it yielded and provided the necessary material support for the new company, whose focus is on gas for industrial applications, gas-to-power, and gas as auto fuel.
The company is also engaged in engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) projects within the gas subsector.
The Starzs Group Chairman announced the immediate promotion of Iroghama Ogbeifun to the position of Vice Chairman of the conglomerate in appreciation of her exceptional capabilities in visioning and implementing the blueprint for the new business organisation and her energy and drive.
Earlier in a Welcome Address, Ogbeifun, Managing Director of Starzs Gas, expressed profound gratitude to guests among whom were top executives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and its subsidiaries, Chief Executive Officer, ND Western, Engr. Olanrewaju Kalejaiye, represented by the company’s Commercial Manager, Engr. Sunday Okunbor, Rt. Rev. Feb Idahosa, Hon. Waive, of the House of Representatives, the Council of Chiefs of the community, and President of the Nigerian Gas Association, Engr. Aka Nwokedi.
She said the event of Thursday was “Not just groundbreaking… but setting the stage for cleaner energy and development for the host community,” pointing out that the NNPCL Gas Marketing Limited (NGML) has 15 percent equity in the project, and that her company would leverage the partnership and expertise of the NNPCL.
“We are embarking on a journey that will drive industrial development,” Ogbeifun assured the audience, adding that the Integrated Gas Project would significantly facilitate attainment of objectives in Federal Government’s Decade of Gas programme.
In a goodwill message, Hon. Francis Waive said Thursday (day of the groundbreaking ceremony) was a very important day for him, adding, “This is my place, my community, my constituency.”
He told the community, “Let us work with Starzs to achieve success,” noting that development was coming to them if the people would refrain from disruptive activities.
The Chief Executive Officer of ND Western, Engr. Kalejaiye, expressed happiness at the initiative of the Starzs Group, pointing out that “Gas is not just fuel but an enabler of economic prosperity.”
He described the project as most valuable as it broadens Nigeria’s energy mix, while calling for collaboration between policymakers, producers and other key stakeholders.
The President, Nigerian Gas Association, Engr. Nwokedi, said the project being undertaken would reduce carbon footprint and bring about other economic benefits.
He commended the partnership between the NNPCL Gas Marketing Limited and Starzs Gas as well as the focus and tenacity of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, for developments in the subsector.
In a related goodwill message, the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Marketing Limited, His Royal Highness Justin Ezeala, described the Integrated Gas Project as a timely response to the Federal Government’s charge to the private sector to invest in gas infrastructure to promote resource development and utilisation.
HRH Ezeala, who spoke as representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekpo, and Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kolo Kyari, said the Federal Government “believes in the vision of Starzs” and that “It is reassuring that the National Assembly is making the right laws and Government is making the right policies.”
Starzs Gas Limited is building a CNG Compression Station adjacent to the gigantic NAZ 3 Gas Plant at Utorogu, Delta State. The Compression Station, by design, has an initial capacity of two million standard cubic feet per day (mmscfd), which is scalable to five mmscfd within 18 months. It is envisaged to expand from CNG to domestic LNG production.
Energy
Shell Optimistic About Nigeria’s Deep-water Production
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There is a high possibility of Nigeria meeting her oil production targets and implementing ambitious development programmes from deep-water oil and gas operations.
The Managing Director, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo), Ronald Adams in making the assertion, predicated it on Nigeria forging ahead with policies to encourage investments and boost output in the sector.
He said, “Deep water is a compelling consideration for Nigeria if the country must meet its oil production targets and implement ambitious development programmes.”
Adams shared his views at the 9th Sub-Saharan Africa International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (SAIPEC) which began in Lagos on Tuesday.
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According to Adams, Nigeria’s deep-water fields are home to some of the world’s most promising associated and non-associated gas reserves, with vast untapped potential that could play a vital role in powering Nigeria’s future, supporting cleaner energy and contributing to global emissions reduction.
“This will require a favourable investment climate to attract capital and innovation to develop these gas resources responsibly and sustainably, ensuring long-term benefits for the country in meeting its energy and global sustainability goals,” he said.
Adams welcomed reforms by government to attract investments especially the signing of three executive orders in February last year on tax incentives, local content compliance requirements and reduction of petroleum sector contracting costs and timelines.
Tax credits were also announced for new investments in deep-water oil and gas.
The reforms, he noted, should be part of a renewed strategy to attract investments “through fiscal and regulatory policies that are fit-for-purpose, forward-looking and competitive.
He said that, for Nigeria to consistently reap the benefits from deep-water operations, it must address regulatory bottlenecks through streamlined and faster approval processes and consistent and fair policy enforcement.
Adams, who spoke on Shell’s vision for unlocking Nigeria’s deep-water potential, assured that the company would continue to leverage its expertise since it pioneered production at the Bonga field in 2005 which achieved 1 billion barrels export milestone in 2023.
Further developments include the FID on the $5-billion Bonga North deep-water project announced last year.
He pointed out that SNEPCo’s deep-water achievements have resulted in the payment of taxes and royalties to government, development of indigenous businesses through contract awards and implementation of social investments across the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
Adams added, “Shell has powered progress in Nigeria and our vision is to build on our support and help the country to achieve energy security and economic development. We will do this by continuing to take innovative approaches to deep-water development, reducing costs and ensuring better and quicker returns for all stakeholders.”
Energy
Verheijen Clarifies Position On 65% Electricity Tariff Hike
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Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Olu Verheijen, has refuted media reports suggesting an imminent 65 percent increase in electricity tariffs, stating that her comments were misrepresented.
Verheijen’s remarks, initially reported on January 30, were widely interpreted as advocating for a 66 percent rise in power prices to align with the actual cost of electricity supply.
However, in a statement released on Monday, she clarified that her comments were taken out of context.
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“It has become necessary to clarify media reports suggesting an imminent 65 percent increase in electricity tariffs,” Verheijen said.
“This is a misrepresentation of what I actually said in a recent press interview. I highlighted the fact that, following the increase in Band A tariffs in 2024, current tariffs now cover approximately 65 percent of the actual cost of supplying electricity, with the Federal Government continuing to subsidize the difference.”
She emphasized that while the government remains committed to fairer pricing in the long term, the immediate priority is to increase electricity supply, reduce outages, and protect vulnerable Nigerians.
Verheijen also outlined the Federal Government’s ongoing initiatives to improve the electricity sector:
Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI)
The Presidential Metering Initiative (PMI) aims to deploy 7 million prepaid meters nationwide this year.
According to her, the initiative is expected to end estimated billing, ensuring transparency in electricity charges and boost revenue collection, attracting the investment required to strengthen Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
Targeted Electricity Subsidies
The government currently spends over ₦200 billion per month on electricity subsidies. However, a significant portion of this support benefits the wealthiest 25 percent of Nigerians rather than low-income households.
To address this, the government is developing a targeted subsidy system to ensure the most vulnerable Nigerians receive the most support.
Settlement of Legacy Power Debt
A key challenge in the sector has been accumulated debts owed to power generation companies, which have hindered investments and service improvements.
The government is working to clear these debts, allowing power companies to reinvest in infrastructure and enhance electricity supply.
Reducing Costs for Alternative Power Generation
Recognizing the economic impact of high energy costs, the government has introduced fiscal incentives, including VAT and Customs Duty Waivers, to lower the cost of alternative power sources like Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Verheijen assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remains committed to addressing power sector challenges while ensuring that electricity remains affordable and accessible.
“Every policy is designed with the Nigerian people in mind—eliminating unfair estimated billing, ensuring that subsidies benefit the right people, and creating the conditions for stable, affordable electricity,” she said.
She added that these ongoing reforms are aimed at delivering better service, expanded access to electricity, and greater economic prosperity for all Nigerians.