NEWS
MOJEC, EKEDC Take Mobile Map to Ibeju-Lekki
By Edozie Obasi-Eze
A cross section of Nigerian power consumers plagued with estimated billing menace lauded the efforts of the MOJEC Meter Asset Management Company (M3AC) as it intensified efforts to reduce the country’s metering gap with the extension of the Mobile Meter Access Provider (MAP) programme to the Ibeju Lekki axis in partnership with the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC).
They expressed this view on Monday at the MOJEC/Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) Mobile MAP activation in Bashorun Town, Ibeju Lekki, where they noted that delivery of prepaid meters to their doorsteps confers on them complete control of their energy usage.
In a clear indication of their warm embrace of the initiative, the residents trooped out in their numbers, as early as 8am, with officials of MOJEC and EKEDC on hand to guide them through the process of getting metered within 72 hours.
Project Manager, MOJEC International Limited, Engineer Lekan Bashiru, indicated that extending the Mobile MAP activation to Ibeju-Lekki was a result of the company’s determination to address the country’s metering gap, which was quickly becoming a bane of both the DisCos and their customers.
The novelty of prepaid meters is that they assist users in managing and conserving energy.
According to him, if more consumers are metered, it has the ability to quell estimated billings, which is in line with the metering agenda of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which authorized the MAP programme.
In his words, “I want to appeal to everyone in this community to key into this initiative to get their meters. Under this Mobile MAP, we want to deploy over 5,000 meters for consumers. Once we receive your application from EKEDC, we will send it to our installers, who will validate your payment. Following confirmation, they would proceed to your home to inspect your connections, and if it is confirmed okay, we would send you an invoice and proceed to install your meter in less than 72 hours.”
He further stated, “Let me also add that meter installation is free. You are not supposed to pay any of the installers as you have paid for everything online. Their job is to come and install it for you. If you have any complaint, it will be resolved in less than 24 hours.”
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of EKEDC, Dr. Tinuade Sanda, pointed out that the activation was to reiterate to their customers that they hear them and understand that they want to measure the energy they consume.
Dr. Sanda encouraged the customers to use the opportunity to get metered under the Mobile MAP to enable the control of energy usage, similar to the way they control their mobile communication data usage.
“MAP is an advance payment opportunity for customers to get metered. We are here to extend the Mobile MAP in our DisCo and want customers to use this opportunity to be metered”, she affirmed.
A customer, who simply identified himself as Mr. Adebayo, expressed delight at the activation.
According to him, with the acquisition of a meter under the Mobile MAP scheme, he can be confident of paying for consumed electricity as against estimated usage.
Another enthusiastic customer, a civil servant, Mr. Benson Iroko, stated that he is well-versed with MOJEC meters, which he describes as of high quality and long-lasting.
“This is not my first time using meters from MOJEC; they are one of Nigeria’s leading manufacturers of power meters. Their meters are good and last a long time if used properly. The meter will undoubtedly serve you well if you utilize it for the required load capacity. However, when you use a one-phased meter for a building that is supposed to carry a three-phased meter, there would be a problem”, he said.
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In a similar vein, a customer named Mrs. Tayo Olasekan revealed that she had previously applied for meters without success, but her experience today was different.
“I have applied for meters over the years and it has taken forever to receive them.
“So I contacted customer service, and they informed me that if I came here today, I would be able to obtain my meter in less than two to three days. When I arrived, I was attended to instantly and was overjoyed. I asked myself if it was true that I could acquire my meter in less than three days.
“I’m looking forward to getting my meters and being rid of excessive bills.”
It was gathered that the extension of the Mobile MAP scheme with EKEDC’s Ibeju-Lekki office was in continuation of the activations which kicked-off in Abuja with the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC). It has also touched down at Shomolu, Lagos, under Ikeja Electric; Sango, under the Ibadan Electric Distribution Company (IBEDC); Jos Electricity Distribution Company; and the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
It should be recalled that the Mobile MAP phase 1, which was launched in 2019, recorded over 270,000 meters that were deployed in a few months. The ongoing Phase 2 was launched in April 2022.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will depart Abuja on Sunday, January 26, 2025, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
The two-day summit, scheduled for January 27-28, 2025, is aimed at advancing “Mission 300,” a pan-African initiative to provide electricity to 300 million people across the continent by 2030.
Hosted by the Tanzanian government in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, the summit will bring together African leaders, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and civil society organizations.
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The goal is to develop strategies for accelerating energy access in underserved regions, increasing renewable energy adoption, and mobilizing private sector investment.
According to a statement released on Saturday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President, the summit will serve as a platform for sharing expertise, knowledge, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.
The first day of the summit will feature ministerial-level discussions, during which participating nations, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, or “compacts,” detailing their plans to achieve universal energy access within five years.
On the second day, African Heads of State will sign the Dar es Salaam Energy Declaration, a unified roadmap for achieving the goals of Mission 300.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to universal energy access and its leadership role in the continent’s energy sector.
He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and integrated energy delivery strategies aimed at fostering sustainable development across Africa.
Accompanying the president will be key government officials, including Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser to the President on Energy Olu Verheijen.
President Tinubu is set to return to Abuja immediately after the summit concludes.
The menace of illegal migration is getting diplomatic attention from the Italian authorities and the Edo State Government.
The Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua divulged this in a government house statement issued in Benin City on Saturday.
He explained that the Coordinator, Office of the First Lady, Edesili Anani had expressed the readiness of the Governor, Monday Okpebholo-led administration to tackle the menace of irregular migration among youths in the state.
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It was gathered that Anani made the stance public on Friday in Government House, Benin City, when Dr. Alberto Cilala, a consultant to the European Union and President of Mattei Africa for Humanitarian Aids Initiative in Italy, led a delegation to her office.
Welcoming the delegation, she highlighted the importance of collaboration to address the challenges posed by irregular migration.
The Coordinator expressed her gratitude to the delegation, and emphasized the transformative impact the partnership will bring to Edo State.
In her words, “This initiative will reduce unemployment, create job opportunities, and address human trafficking and irregular migration. It will also enhance education, skills acquisition, agricultural investment, and infrastructural development for our people.”
On his part, Dr. Cilala emphasized that the Mattei Plan would provide valuable skills to Edo State residents, including tailoring, furniture-making, shoemaking, and more.
“The Mattei Plan was launched by the Italian Government with a focus on six key sectors: education and training, health, security, agriculture, and renewable energy. The goal is to promote integrated development and improve living conditions, particularly in rural areas.
“These projects will be fully funded by the Italian Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Labour,” he stated.
Former Senior Special Assistant to the Edo State Government on Anti-Human Trafficking and Irregular Migration, Solomon Okoduwa, in his remarks, said the Mattei Plan prioritizes practical measures to reduce irregular migration and human trafficking.
“Although nine African countries are involved in this initiative, Edo State is a crucial partner for Italy. This partnership will strengthen bilateral relations under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo,” he said.
Brand Ambassador of the Mattei Plan, Olorogun John Paul, popularly known as Daddy Showkey was at the event and lauded the initiative.
He noted, “This program provides an opportunity for Edo State beneficiaries to gain training in various skills, equipping them for sustainable livelihoods.”
Supporters of the impeached Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, on Saturday morning stormed the Speaker’s Lodge located at 47 Joel Ogunnaike Street, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.
The supporters, dressed in pro-Obasa vests and caps, arrived in large numbers at the premises.
According to multiple sources, the group was planning a “heroic welcome” for the former Speaker, who was recently removed from office by a majority of lawmakers in the House.
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Obasa, who was out of the country at the time of his impeachment, was replaced by the former deputy speaker, Mojisola Meranda.
Since her emergence as Speaker, Meranda has presided over two sittings, with Obasa absent from both.
The choice of the Speaker’s Lodge as the location for Obasa’s supposed welcome sparked controversy, as he is no longer officially entitled to the property following his removal.
A resident in the area expressed surprise over the situation, saying, “I didn’t expect that the lodge would be opened for them.”
Armed security personnel, including police officers, were deployed to the area to maintain order and prevent any potential disruption.
As of the time of filing this report, Obasa had yet to arrive at the lodge.
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