Olusola Blessing, Author at MSME Africa

UAE Delivers 50 Tons of Humanitarian Aid to Nigeria in Response to Flood Crisis

On Sunday, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced the receipt of a significant humanitarian aid contribution from the United Arab...

MasterCard and Airtel Smartcash Lead MSME Finance Awards 2024

by Olusola Blessing

September 16, 2024

The Economic Forum Series® (EFS), and DiGiComm Enterprises have announced MasterCard and Smartcash Payment Service Bank (PSB) as headline partners...

Dangote Refinery Denies Selling Petrol to NNPC at N898 Per Litre

by Olusola Blessing

September 16, 2024

The Dangote Refinery has denied reports that it sold petrol to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) at N898...

Street Foodz Naija Set for Season 5 with N10 Million Prize for the Winners.

by Olusola Blessing

September 16, 2024

Street Foodz Naija*, the popular television show celebrating Nigeria's vibrant street food culture, is back for its fifth season, set...

Tinubu Distributes 1,200 Bags of Rice to Ministers for Grassroots Aid

by Olusola Blessing

September 16, 2024

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has announced that President Bola Tinubu has provided 1,200 bags of rice...

Nigeria Launches eLearn Platform to Transform Education with Digital Access

by Olusola Blessing

September 15, 2024

The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the UK FCDO-funded Partnership for Learning for All in Nigeria (PLANE), has...

Nigeria’s External Reserves Rise by $424 Million Amid Positive Economic Outlook

by Olusola Blessing

September 15, 2024

Nigeria’s external reserves surged by $424.68 million between August 30 and September 10, signaling an improved financial outlook for the...

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has imposed a fine of N1.69 billion on Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for overbilling its customers. The penalty, outlined in Order NERC/2024/114, was issued as part of NERC’s September 2024 Supplementary Order. According to the regulatory document, published on NERC’s website, the fine was levied after an investigation revealed that AEDC had failed to comply with the commission’s rules on capping estimated bills for electricity consumers. The investigation found that the company overcharged its customers between January and September 2023. As a result, NERC imposed a fine equivalent to 10% of the overbilled amount. The order, signed by NERC Vice Chairman Musiliu Oseni and Commissioner Dafe Akpeneye, stated, “The commission has approved the deduction of N1.69bn from AEDC’s annual operating expenditure as a penalty for non-compliance with the order on capping estimated bills.” The regulatory body highlighted that the penalty would be deducted from AEDC’s total annual operational expenses starting in September 2024. In addition to the fine, NERC directed AEDC to improve its service delivery and closely monitor its compliance with service-based tariffs, particularly for customers on Band A feeders. NERC also instructed AEDC to explain any service interruptions lasting more than two consecutive days by publishing reasons on its website. Furthermore, AEDC is required to procure a minimum of 61MW of embedded generation, with at least 30MW sourced from renewable energy, to enhance electricity supply reliability in its franchise area. This procurement must be completed by April 2025. To compensate for service failures, the commission mandated that AEDC provide compensation to customers in Band A feeders who receive less than 20 hours but more than 18 hours of electricity supply. NERC Fines Abuja Electricity Distribution Company N1.69bn for Overbilling Customers

NERC Fines Abuja Electricity Distribution Company N1.69bn for Overbilling Customers

by Olusola Blessing

September 14, 2024

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has imposed a fine of N1.69 billion on Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) for...

UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is taking bold strides to lead Africa’s green revolution and combat climate change. Through its 2024 Tree Planting Campaign, themed *“Our Land: Grooming a Greener Future,”* the foundation aims to plant one million trees across Africa by 2025 as part of a broader commitment to environmental sustainability. Speaking at the launch of the campaign, UBA Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer Oliver Alawuba reaffirmed the bank’s strong dedication to sustainability and the well-being of the planet. During a symbolic tree planting ceremony at the UBA Foundation Garden in Marina, Lagos, Alawuba stated, “We must work to save the planet, and we commit that UBA will plant one million trees across Africa by the end of 2024. Trees are essential not only for carbon reduction but also for lowering urban temperatures by at least 12 degrees Celsius, reducing the risk of heat-related crises.” Alawuba emphasized the simplicity of tree planting as a tool for driving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11, which focuses on sustainable cities and communities. He highlighted that recent flooding in Nigeria is a consequence of global warming, stressing that planting trees is a small yet impactful action everyone can take to create a healthier environment. Bola Atta, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Foundation, noted that the tree planting initiative goes beyond symbolism. "These trees are powerful agents of change in our fight against climate change," she said. Atta stressed the need to return to healthier living environments for future generations, explaining that trees play a vital role in purifying the air, reducing the impact of floods, and preventing the displacement of communities. Also in attendance was Mrs. Funto Aina, representing Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), who commended UBA Foundation’s commitment to environmental conservation. Aina acknowledged that UBA’s efforts align with the Lagos State Government's objectives of nurturing the future through tree planting, praising the foundation’s collaboration with LASPARK in recent years. UBA Foundation has long been dedicated to improving the socio-economic conditions of the communities in which it operates, with a particular focus on education, environment, economic empowerment, and special projects. Through initiatives like the Tree Planting Campaign, UBA is actively contributing to the fight against climate change while fostering a greener future for Africa.

UBA Foundation’s Ambitious Push for Africa’s Green Revolution, Pledges 1million Tree in One year

by Olusola Blessing

September 14, 2024

UBA Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, is taking bold strides to...

Gov. Lawal disburses N11.7bn grants for Zamfara girls’ education, empowerment

Gov. Lawal Launches N11.7bn grants for Zamfara girls’ education, empowerment

by Olusola Blessing

September 14, 2024

Zamfara State Governor, Dauda Lawal, has officially launched the disbursement of Small and Medium School Improvement Grants (SIGs) under the...