NERC Orders DisCos To Refund N20.33bn Meter Payments Within 12 Months

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has instructed power distribution companies to settle N20.33bn owed to customers who purchased meters under the Meter Asset Provider scheme. The regulator said the outstanding refunds must be cleared within a 12-month window beginning March 1, 2026, with payments credited directly to affected customers. Under the MAP arrangement, electricity consumers pay upfront for prepaid meters and are reimbursed gradually through energy credits from their respective DisCos. However, the commission observed that repayment progress has been slow, prompting the need for stricter enforcement. The directive, titled Order No: NERC/2026/025, updates a previous 2023 reimbursement order. It was signed on February 27, 2026, by NERC Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner for Legal, Licensing and Compliance, Dafe Akpeneye. According to the commission, a compliance review conducted in February 2026 revealed that as of December 31, 2025, distribution companies had yet to refund customers fully, leaving a total unpaid balance of N20.33bn. “In February 2026, the commission reviewed the level of compliance of DisCos with the expected reimbursement to customers who have paid for meters under the MAP framework. The review highlighted that DisCos have an outstanding amount of N20.33bn to reimburse customers for meters procured under the MAP framework as at 31 December 2025.” NERC explained that the latest order aims to eliminate persistent delays, enhance transparency and restore trust in the electricity sector. To prevent further lapses, the commission directed that refunds be automated. “DisCos shall ensure that the total cost of a MAP meter is recognised as credit on the customer’s account upon activation of the meter and disbursed automatically as monthly credits over the approved amortisation period.”

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Ojelabi Re-Elected APC Lagos Chairman As Sanwo-Olu Hails Peaceful Congress

Cornelius Ojelabi has emerged once again as the Lagos State chairman of the All Progressives Congress after delegates affirmed him at the party’s state congress held at Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The exercise, which drew about 2,000 delegates from across the state, produced a unified executive council through a consensus process. Members of the state executive committee were returned alongside Ojelabi without opposition. Among those reaffirmed are Moshood Mayegun as deputy chairman, Dr Adeola Jokomba as secretary and Oluseye Oladejo as publicity secretary. Others include Mrs Folashade Bakare as legal adviser, Abiodun Ayigbe as treasurer, Banjo Adedoyin-Wasiu as financial secretary, Ayodele Adewale as organising secretary and Seriki Muritala as youth leader. Chairperson of the congress committee, Stella Okotete, presented the agreed list to delegates, who endorsed it through a voice vote. She emphasised that the process must align strictly with the party’s constitution. “The congress must be democratic, transparent and in strict compliance with the Constitution of our party. When consensus is adopted, it must follow due process as described. “This congress is not a contest of enemies. It is a contest of progressive family members united by ideology.” She further stated, “The processes are binding on all members and everyone must collectively respect the outcome. “Our mandate is clear. It is to ensure a peaceful, credible and orderly congress that reflects the unity and maturity of our great party, the All Progressives Congress.” Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu described the congress as orderly and peaceful, adding that the outcome reflects the strength of the party in the state. “We have demonstrated that the party is supreme. We have shown everybody that for us in Lagos, we are strengthened by unity of purpose.” He urged the executives to lead with fairness, inclusiveness and equity. Speaking on behalf of the returned officials, Ojelabi appreciated party leaders and members for renewing their confidence in him. “As we celebrate today, we must also look ahead. The forthcoming election presents us with another opportunity to showcase the strength of our unity and the power of our collective resolve.” Officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission monitored the proceedings. Those present at the event included Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, former Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Senator Gbenga Ashafa and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.

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Nigeria Faces Possible Blackout As Electricity Workers Move Toward Nationwide Strike

Nigeria is staring at a possible disruption in electricity supply as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) steps up preparations for a nationwide strike that could begin as early as next week. The looming action follows the expiration of a 21-day ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government, with the union insisting that its long-standing grievances remain unresolved. In a letter dated January 26, 2026, to the Minister of Power, NUEE accused key players in the power sector — particularly generation companies (GENCOs) and distribution companies (DISCOs) — of engaging in persistent anti-labour practices. The union alleged violations ranging from unpaid or improperly adjusted wages to the failure to remit deducted Pay As You Earn (PAYE) taxes and pension contributions. Although the strike deadline has passed without an agreement, union sources say mobilisation across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) has intensified. Workers at power stations and distribution networks nationwide are reportedly being put on alert, raising fears of a total shutdown of electricity generation and supply. Insiders revealed that the Minister of Labour and Employment had intervened about two weeks ago and scheduled a meeting to resolve the impasse. However, the Minister of Power reportedly maintained that the matter should be handled strictly within his ministry. Nearly two weeks after that development, the union claims no meeting has been convened by the power ministry, fueling frustration among workers who accuse the government of failing to treat the issue with urgency. Expressing its position in strong terms, the union warned: “We demand the immediate resolution of all these anti-labour issues. Otherwise, we will not hesitate to employ any legitimate labour action suitable for the situation. This is not a threat.” Observers say any nationwide strike by electricity workers could severely affect homes, businesses, and critical services, compounding existing power supply challenges across the country. The letter, signed by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Igwebike Dominic, lamented what it described as worsening conditions for employees more than a decade after the privatisation of the electricity sector. “We have written several letters to your highly exalted office on precarious work in NESI, especially in Gencos and Discos, since after the privatisation of the electricity sector, but the Ministry seems not to be interested in the matter.” NUEE further accused sector operators of refusing to negotiate collective agreements and implement conditions of service. It also alleged non-compliance with the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act and its consequential salary adjustments. “The sector is bedevilled with managements that have refused to collectively negotiate and implement procedural agreements and conditions of service and have failed to implement the 2025 National Minimum Wage Act.” Beyond wage-related concerns, the union claimed some companies are denying workers the right to unionise, restricting union activities within company premises, and deducting union dues without remitting them.

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FG Bans Roadblocks For Tax Collection, Introduces Simple Rules To Support Small Businesses

The Joint Revenue Board (JRB) has officially banned the use of roadblocks for tax collection across Nigeria, introducing new Presumptive Tax Regulations aimed at protecting businesses and making tax collection more efficient. JRB Executive Secretary Olusegun Adesokan said the new regulations provide a coordinated framework to collect taxes without disrupting business activities. Under the rules, nano and small businesses with annual turnover of ₦12 million or less are exempt from tax, while other informal businesses will pay a 1% tax on their turnover. The policy is designed to support small businesses, encourage growth, and expand the tax base fairly. Finance and Coordinating Minister Wale Edun said, “These regulations ensure transparency, fairness, and economic inclusion. They formalize a pathway for small businesses to grow and eventually enter the formal economy, contributing to sustainable national growth.” Edun highlighted that Nigeria’s GDP grew over 4% in the last quarter of 2025 and reaffirmed the goal of achieving 7% growth to support the President’s vision of a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He added that tax collection under the new framework will be coordinated across federal, state, and local governments, closely monitored for fairness, and overseen by the Ombudsman to ensure proper implementation. “This system is designed to create jobs, support small and medium enterprises, and attract investment from Nigerians at home and abroad,” Edun said.

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Atiku’s Son, Adamu Resigns As Commissioner Following Governor Fintiri’s APC Defection

Following Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Adamu Atiku Abubakar, Commissioner for Works and Energy Development, has formally resigned from the Adamawa State Executive Council. Adamu Atiku, who has served in Fintiri’s cabinet since the start of his administration, submitted his resignation in a letter dated March 2, 2026. In the letter addressed to the governor, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve: “I remain grateful for the opportunity to serve as a commissioner; it has been a privilege under your leadership. It has been a rare honour to contribute, in my modest capacity, to the infrastructural growth and development of our dear state.” His resignation comes amid notable political shifts within the Atiku family. The decision follows Abba Atiku Abubakar’s reported alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a development that has reshaped longstanding political dynamics within both the family and Adamawa State. Sources suggest Adamu’s exit is part of efforts to harmonise political positions within the family and strategically reposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had previously stated that his children are free to join any political party of their choice. Adamu thanked Governor Fintiri and the people of Adamawa State for their support, saying it contributed to his success at the Ministry of Works and Energy Development. “I remain profoundly grateful for the confidence and trust Your Excellency reposed in me throughout my tenure,” he added, while praying for the governor’s continued success. Political analysts note that the move highlights growing realignments across party lines in Adamawa, as key figures recalibrate alliances ahead of the 2027 elections. Although Adamu has not publicly declared his next political step, observers speculate that he may align more closely with his father’s political ambitions.

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Petrol Prices Jump Nationwide As Retailers Sell At N960–N975

Petrol prices have risen sharply across Nigeria after Dangote Petroleum Refinery & Petrochemicals increased its gantry price for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) by N100 per litre. The refinery raised the ex-depot price of PMS from N774 to N875 per litre. Retailers, including MRS Oil Nigeria Plc and NNPC Limited, quickly passed on the hike to consumers, with pump prices now at N975 per litre, up from N875. Other stations, such as AYM Shafa and AA Rano, raised prices by N80, bringing their rates to N960 per litre, according to a Vanguard survey. A senior refinery official confirmed the adjustment, explaining that global crude oil volatility and rising replacement costs made the price revision necessary. “Yes, the price has been reviewed. The new gantry price is now N874 per litre, up from N774. The revision became necessary due to changes in global crude fundamentals and replacement costs,” the official said. The increase follows Dangote Petroleum’s temporary suspension of petrol loading operations starting midnight on March 2, 2026, after international crude oil prices surged above $80 per barrel. Diesel loading continued without interruption. Analysts warn that the higher gantry price could push petrol prices even higher at retail outlets nationwide in the coming days.

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Tinubu Nominates Oyedele as Minister of State for Finance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has nominated Mr Taiwo Oyedele as the minister of state for finance, replacing Dr Doris Anite-Uzoka. Anite-Uzoka will now move to the Ministry of Budget and National Planning, as the Minister of State, her third portfolio in the administration. President Tinubu has today conveyed the nomination of Oyedele to the Senate for confirmation in a letter to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. Until President Tinubu nominated him as a minister, Oyedele from Ikaram, Akoko, Ondo State, was the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, which overhauled Nigeria’s tax system. Oyedele, 50, is an economist, accountant and public policy expert. He attended Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained a Higher National Diploma (HND) in accountancy and finance. He attended Oxford Brookes University and earned a BSc in applied accounting. He also completed executive education programmes at the London School of Economics, Yale University, the Gordon Institute of Business Science, and the Harvard Kennedy School. Oyedele spent 22 years of his working career at PwC, joining in 2001 and rising to become the Fiscal Policy Partner and Africa Tax Leader. Oyedele is also a professor at Babcock University in Ogun State and a visiting scholar at the Lagos Business School.

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DSS Detains Five Security Operatives Over Alleged Role In El-Rufai’s Airport Return From Egypt

The Department of State Services (DSS) has taken five security personnel into custody over their alleged roles in the controversial return of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, from Egypt on February 12. According to Daily Trust, the officers were accused of aiding unauthorized access and disrupting legitimate security procedures during El-Rufai’s arrival at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. Attempts by authorities to arrest him at the airport were unsuccessful, although his international passport was confiscated. El-Rufai’s media aide, Muyiwa Adekeye, confirmed that the former governor refused to cooperate with security agents at the airport because there was no formal invitation presented to him. Three days later, he honoured an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he was detained and questioned for three days before being granted bail. He was later arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). A joint probe involving the DSS, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Federal Ministry of Aviation reportedly uncovered misconduct, leading to the arrest of five officers: ASP Ayuba Yakubu (Police), Murtala Inuwa (DSS), ASI Najeeb Murtala (NIS), Musa Adamu (Aviation Security), and Salihu Victor (Aviation Security). The DSS disclosed that the detained officers admitted to collecting bribes to grant access into restricted airport zones and to interfere with lawful security operations. They have since been transferred to the ICPC for prosecution. Other officials found to have abused their offices without committing criminal offences are expected to face internal disciplinary measures.

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