Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that international customers owe $5.7 million for electricity supplied in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024.

The debtors include Paras-SBEE and Transcorp-SBEE from the Benin Republic, Mainstream-NIGELEC from Niger, and Odukpani-CEET from Togo.

Under an international treaty, Nigeria exports electricity to neighbouring countries like Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger.

In its latest quarterly report, NERC stated that market operators (MO) issued invoices totaling $12.19 million to six international firms for services rendered in Q3, out of which $6.49 million was paid.

“In 2024/Q3, the six (6) international bilateral customers purchasing power from the grid-connected GenCos made a cumulative payment of $6.49 million against the $12.19 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3,” the report said.

“Similarly, the domestic bilateral customers made a cumulative payment of ₦1,566.51 million against the ₦2,100.79 million invoice issued to them by the MO for services rendered in 2024/Q3.”

NERC highlighted that some bilateral customers—both domestic and international—made payments in Q3 2024 to settle outstanding invoices from previous quarters. “Odukpani-CEET made a payment of $1.33 million towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters,” the report revealed.

“Similarly, the MO received ₦31.51 million from the domestic bilateral customers (North-South/Star Pipe; ₦9.50 million and Trans-Amadi (OAU/FMPI); ₦22.01 million) towards outstanding invoices from previous quarters.”

However, NERC noted that its special customer, Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd, along with the host community, failed to make any payments towards the ₦1.26 billion (NBET) and ₦0.11 billion (MO) invoices received in Q3 2024.

“This continues a longstanding trend of non-payment by this customer, and the Commission has communicated the need for intervention on this issue to the relevant FGN authorities,” the commission said, warning that continued non-payment could lead to total disconnection from the national grid.

In September, Shuaibu Audu, the Minister of Steel Development, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Messrs Tyazhpromexport (TPE) for the rehabilitation, completion, and operation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant and the National Iron Ore Mining Company (NIOMCO).

By December, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Local Content, announced plans to commence the revitalisation of the Ajaokuta Steel Company plants in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025.

QNET, a global lifestyle and wellness-focused direct-selling company, has partnered with the Lagos Food Bank Initiative (LFBI), a non-profit organization dedicated to nutrition and hunger relief, to provide nutritious food and gifts to 1,000 vulnerable children in Makoko, Lagos.

This initiative is part of QNET’s end-of-year social impact activities.

Supported by QNET’s legal partner, Transblue Limited, the project is part of LFBI’s Education Enhancement Intervention for Food Insecure Students (EDUFOOD) program that addresses malnutrition and food insecurity among underserved students by providing healthy meals and essential educational resources.

A report by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) highlights that Nigeria has the second-highest burden of stunted children globally, with a national prevalence rate of 32% among children under five.

Furthermore, an estimated 2 million Nigerian children suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM).

Biram Fall, QNET’s Regional Manager for Sub-Saharan Africa, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “Guided by our principle – Raise Yourself To Help Mankind (RYTHM), we believe that education and good health for children are the cornerstones of a thriving society.

Partnering with LFBI allows us to make a tangible impact on vulnerable children’s lives, reflecting our mission to empower youths and improve communities.”

Akeem Ajisafe, Managing Director of Transblue Limited, shared his thoughts: “This collaboration not only addresses food insecurity but also brings joy to young hearts, allowing them to truly experience the spirit of Christmas. Together, we are fostering hope, joy, and a brighter future fo r all.”

Michael Sunbola, Executive Director of LFBI, expressed gratitude for the partnership:“QNET’s support empowers us to reach even more children during this season of celebration, improving their health and unlocking their potential. Together, we are building a foundation for a brighter future.”

The partnership underscores QNET’s commitment to sustainable development, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Zero Hunger (SDG 2) and Quality Education (SDG 4).

Africa Magic, in partnership with MultiChoice, is thrilled to announce the call to entry for the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

Entries open on Monday, 23 December 2024, and close on Friday, 31 January 2025.

The AMVCAs celebrate exceptional talent, creativity, and innovation within the African film, television, and entertainment industry, showcasing the continent’s finest storytellers, performers, and production professionals.

Consequently, filmmakers, producers, production companies, creators, are encouraged to submit films, made-for- television movies or television series that were broadcast or publicly screened, from 1 December, 2023 to 31 December, 2024, for a chance to be recognized at Africa’s most prestigious awards event.

Speaking on the upcoming edition, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said, “The AMVCAs have become a beacon of excellence, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of African storytelling.

“We are excited to once again open the doors for talented creatives across the continent to showcase their remarkable work to the world.”

The 11th AMVCA promises to be a spectacular celebration of African entertainment, giving our talented creatives their flowers and creating unforgettable memories.

The event will be broadcast live on Africa Magic channels across the continent, bringing the glitz and glamour of the awards to millions of viewers.

To enter your submissions and for more information and updates on the AMVCAs, visit https://www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA.

Also follow Africa Magic on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @africamagic to stay in the know.