crustlikereporters

Despite a massive investment of N1.5 trillion in electricity metering, over seven million electricity consumers across Nigeria continue to face persistent challenges with power supply and billing accuracy. The government and power sector stakeholders had promised that the huge expenditure on metering would bring relief to consumers by ensuring accurate billing, reducing power theft, and improving overall electricity distribution. However, years after the investment, many households and businesses still grapple with erratic power supply, inflated bills, and unreliable metering systems.

This news story explores the reasons behind this ongoing electricity crisis, its impact on consumers, and the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.

In recent years, Nigeria’s electricity sector has been plagued by chronic issues such as power outages, inaccurate billing, and widespread electricity theft. To address these problems, the government, through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Distribution Companies (DisCos), launched an ambitious metering program aimed at installing prepaid and postpaid meters for all electricity consumers.

The program, which has seen an investment of approximately N1.5 trillion, was designed to:

Replace estimated billing with accurate metering.

Curb electricity theft and revenue losses.

Improve customer satisfaction by providing reliable billing.

Enhance the financial viability of DisCos.

Boost overall electricity distribution efficiency.

The expectation was that by providing meters to millions of households and businesses, consumers would finally enjoy uninterrupted power supply and transparent billing.

Despite the significant financial outlay, the reality for many Nigerians has been far from the promised relief. According to recent data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, about seven million consumers remain unmetered or face issues with faulty meters. This has led to a continuation of estimated billing, which many consumers describe as unfair and arbitrary.

One of the most pressing issues is the continued erratic power supply. Many consumers report frequent power outages lasting several hours or even days. This unreliability undermines the benefits of metering, as consumers are often billed for electricity they did not receive.

A Lagos-based small business owner, Mrs. Adebayo, lamented, “We were told the new meters would help us pay only for what we use, but the power goes off for days, yet the bills keep coming. It’s frustrating and unsustainable.”

The rollout of meters has been slow and uneven across the country. While some urban areas have seen better coverage, rural and semi-urban communities continue to wait for meters. Additionally, many consumers who have received meters complain about faulty or malfunctioning devices that either do not register consumption accurately or stop working altogether.

Mr. Emeka, a resident of Enugu, shared his experience: “My meter was installed last year, but it stopped working after three months. I reported it several times, but no one has come to fix it. Meanwhile, I’m still being billed based on estimates.”

Due to the shortage of functional meters, DisCos often resorts to estimated billing, which many consumers believe is inflated and arbitrary. This has led to widespread distrust between consumers and electricity providers.

Consumer advocacy groups have reported numerous cases where consumers receive bills that are several times higher than their actual usage. This has sparked protests and legal challenges in various parts of the country.

The failure to provide accurate metering has significant financial implications for both consumers and the power sector.

For consumers, inaccurate billing means paying more than their fair share for electricity. Many low-income households, already struggling with economic hardship, find it difficult to settle inflated bills, leading to disconnections and further hardship.

Ms. Fatima, a single mother in Kano, expressed her frustration: “I try to pay my bills, but sometimes they are so high that I have to choose between electricity and food for my children.”

On the other hand, DisCos suffers revenue losses due to electricity theft and non-payment by consumers who dispute their bills. The lack of reliable metering makes it difficult for DisCos to collect payments efficiently, affecting their ability to maintain and upgrade infrastructure.

Industry experts warn that without addressing these issues, the financial viability of the power sector remains at risk, potentially leading to further deterioration of services.

In response to these challenges, the government and regulatory bodies have taken several steps to accelerate the metering program and improve service delivery.

One notable initiative is the introduction of the Meter Asset Provider (MAP) model, which allows private companies to invest in meter procurement and installation. This public-private partnership aims to increase meter availability and reduce the financial burden on DisCos and the government.

The MAP model has shown some promise, with increased meter installations in certain regions. However, challenges remain in ensuring quality control and timely maintenance.

NERC has also intensified regulatory oversight, issuing directives to DisCos to improve billing accuracy and customer service. Consumer protection agencies have been empowered to investigate complaints and mediate disputes Despite these efforts, enforcement remains weak, and many consumers still feel neglected.

The electricity crisis has profound social and economic consequences for millions of Nigerians.

Frequent power outages and unreliable metering disrupt businesses, especially small and medium enterprises (SMEs) that rely on electricity for operations. This leads to reduced productivity, job losses, and increased costs as businesses resort to expensive alternatives like generators.

Mr. Chukwu, owner of a printing shop in Abuja, explained, “Without reliable electricity, I lose customers every day. The cost of running a generator is high, and the bills don’t match the power we get.”

Inadequate electricity supply also affects health facilities and schools, compromising essential services. Clinics struggle to power medical equipment, and schools find it difficult to provide conducive learning environments.

The frustration caused by electricity issues has occasionally sparked protests and social unrest. Consumers demand accountability and transparency from power providers and the government.

To address the ongoing electricity challenges, experts and stakeholders recommend a multi-faceted approach:

Accelerate Meter Deployment: The government and DisCos must prioritize rapid and widespread installation of reliable meters, especially in underserved areas.

Improve Meter Quality and Maintenance: Establish strict standards for meter quality and ensure timely repair or replacement of faulty meters.

Enhance Consumer Engagement: Increase transparency in billing and provide accessible channels for consumers to report issues and resolve disputes.

Strengthen Regulatory Enforcement: Empower NERC and other agencies to enforce compliance and penalize errant DisCos.

Invest in Infrastructure: Beyond metering, invest in upgrading generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure to improve overall power supply reliability.

Promote Alternative Energy Solutions: Encourage the adoption of renewable energy and off-grid solutions to reduce dependence on the national grid.

The promise of improved electricity services through a N1.5 trillion investment in metering remains unfulfilled for millions of Nigerians. While the initiative was well-intentioned, systemic issues such as poor implementation, faulty equipment, and weak regulatory enforcement continue to undermine progress.

For Nigeria to realize the full benefits of its power sector reforms, urgent and coordinated action is needed to ensure that every consumer has access to accurate metering and reliable electricity supply. Only then can the country hope to break free from the cycle of power woes that have long hindered its economic and social development.

The holiday season provides pleasure and camaraderie, but for many upwardly mobile folks, it also comes with the financial burden of supporting extended family members, known as the "black tax." 

This custom, although founded in communal and family obligations, may put a burden on personal money if not handled properly. However, with careful preparation, the black tax may be a vehicle for increasing family wealth. Here are five successful approaches to doing this:

1. Invest In Education And Skill Development.

One of the most effective strategies for converting black tax into family wealth is to invest in education and skill development for family members. This strategy not only relieves immediate financial problems but also enables relatives to become self-sufficient.

Course Sponsorship: Consider financing the family to attend high-demand courses such as digital marketing, coding, or vocational training. This investment may considerably improve their employability and earning potential.

Entrepreneurial Support: Help family members launch small enterprises by giving early funds or resources. For example, starting a retail company or connecting them to freelancing platforms might provide long-term revenue.

Mentoring Programs: Create mentoring opportunities in which knowledgeable family members assist others with job growth or entrepreneurship. This encourages a culture of learning and development within the family.

By concentrating on education and skill development, families may break the cycle of reliance and lay the groundwork for long-term wealth.

2. Form Joint Business Ventures.

Collaborating with family members to form joint company operations may be an effective approach to converting black tax into riches. This strategy not only distributes financial responsibility but also encourages collaboration and shared achievement.

Family Business Initiatives: Identify business possibilities that are compatible with the abilities and interests of family members. Pooling resources, whether for a catering service, a retail store, or an internet company, may lead to increased success.

Shared Investment Models: defined as a system in which all participating family members contribute a defined amount to the firm. This shared investment concept encourages members to be accountable and committed.

Profit-Sharing Agreements: Create explicit profit-sharing agreements to guarantee that all stakeholders benefit from the venture's success. This openness promotes peace and fosters ongoing cooperation.

Joint business operations not only give financial benefits but also deepen family relationships via shared aims and accomplishments.

3. Establish a Family Fund.

Creating a collective family fund is another successful approach for reducing black tax and increasing wealth. This fund may be used for a variety of objectives, such as emergency help, investment possibilities, and educational financing.

Monthly Contributions: Encourage all financially eligible family members to make a consistent monthly contribution to the fund. This establishes a safety net that may be used in an emergency or for future investments.

Investment Opportunities: Use the family fund's pooled resources to invest in stocks, real estate, or other projects with long-term potential for profits. This method encourages family members to be financially literate and invest wisely.

Transparent Management: Designate a trustworthy family member or form a committee to handle the money transparently. Regular updates on fund performance and utilization will assist in retaining confidence and engagement among all donors.

A well-managed family fund not only offers financial stability, but also creates a feeling of shared responsibility for wealth creation.

4. Encourage Financial Literacy.

Promoting financial awareness among family members is critical for converting black tax responsibilities into wealth-building possibilities. Educating family members about budgeting, saving, and investing allows them to make more educated financial choices.

Seminars and Seminars: Plan frequent seminars on financial education subjects including budgeting, investing methods, and debt management. Inviting experts may improve learning outcomes.

Share online courses or resources on personal financial management. Platforms such as Money Africa provide crucial information for making smarter financial choices.

Encourage open talks about money management within the family. Sharing experiences and problems may result in collaborative problem-solving and mutual support.

Families may lessen their reliance on the black tax while creating an atmosphere of informed decision-making that supports long-term wealth building.

5. Use Philanthropy Strategically.

While philanthropy is often seen as a cost, it may be carefully used to increase both community influence and family wealth. Engaging in philanthropic activities that are consistent with family values may have long-term advantages for both the community and the family's reputation.

Targeted contributing: Rather than contributing reactively over the holiday season, consider making targeted gifts to meet certain community needs or educational programs. This technique guarantees that monies are used wisely for long-term gains.

Community Investments: Invest in community initiatives with prospective returns, such as local companies or educational programs, that will not only benefit others but also provide economic prospects for the family.

Networking Opportunities: Participate in charitable activities that enable you to connect with like-minded people or groups. Building connections via charitable activity might lead to new commercial prospects or partnerships.

Strategic giving not only meets social duties but also places families as leaders in their communities, thereby opening the door to future wealth-building opportunities.

Transforming black tax into family wealth over the holiday season requires deliberate and strategic preparation. Families may handle their commitments while developing long-term wealth for future generations by strategically investing in education, forming joint ventures, establishing communal funds, fostering financial literacy, and leveraging charity. 

This strategy not only fulfills familial duties but also encourages family members to grow independently, eventually ending cycles of reliance and building a prosperous legacy that lasts generations. 

Embracing these techniques ensures that black tax is more than simply paid responsibility, but also an opportunity for family development and empowerment over the holiday season and beyond.

The Sub-Saharan Africa Women's Empowerment and Demographic Dividend Plus (SWEDD+) project, which was recently launched by Damien Tchintchibidja, Vice-President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), is a significant step toward empowering women and girls in  and Central Africa. This project, funded by the World Bank at $365 million, intends to build on the success of its predecessor, which impacted over two million women and girls over the last decade.

The SWEDD initiative, which began in 2015, was intended to address crucial problems such as gender inequity, early marriage, and low female labor force participation. Its primary goal is to improve women and girls' access to education, health care, and economic opportunities in the Sahel area. The project's reach has increased from six to thirteen nations, proving its efficacy and flexibility to regional issues.

The major purpose of SWEDD+ is to expedite demographic change while promoting economic development via women's empowerment. The initiative focuses on different elements of women's life, including:

Education: Promoting females' education so that they have equal possibilities in society.

Health: Increasing access to reproductive health services and maternity care.

Economic Empowerment: Advancing women's entrepreneurship and workforce involvement.

SWEDD+'s investment in these areas seeks to establish a virtuous cycle of development that benefits not just women but whole communities.

The SWEDD+ concept is organized around a few important components:

Gender-Transformative Interventions: These interventions alter cultural ideas on gender roles by promoting equality and respect for women's rights.

Strengthening Health Services: Improving healthcare systems to provide better reproductive health services is critical for lowering maternal death rates and improving overall health outcomes.

Policy Advocacy: Working with politicians to create conditions that promote women's empowerment is critical for long-term change.

Institutional Strengthening: Increasing local institutions' ability to adopt gender-sensitive policies guarantees the project's long-term benefits.

The SWEDD initiative has had a significant influence on various nations, including Burkina Faso, Chad, Gambia, Senegal, and Togo. In these areas, the project has enabled: Increased female enrollment in schools, Improved women's access to healthcare services, and Increased economic prospects via vocational training and microfinance projects. These results not only empower individual women but also help to drive larger social reforms that promote gender equality.

During the inauguration ceremony in Abuja, Tchintchibidja underlined the significance of women's empowerment in achieving sustainable development. She remarked that women and girls are the foundation of our civilizations, and their empowerment is critical to attaining sustainable development. This statement demonstrates the project's dedication to recognizing women's contributions as critical to economic development and social progress. 

Tchintchibidja also emphasized that the demographic dividend represents a unique opportunity for our area, urging investments in education and health as strategies to realize this potential. This viewpoint is consistent with global efforts to promote gender equality, as articulated in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).

Partnerships with international organizations such as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and numerous non-governmental organizations (NGOs) help SWEDD+ succeed. These alliances improve resource mobilization while also ensuring that solutions are properly customized to local requirements.

For example, UNFPA has played an important role in providing technical support and promoting stakeholder interaction. This multi-sectoral strategy guarantees that all facets of women's empowerment are handled fully.

SWEDD+ plans to extend its influence into non-ECOWAS nations like Mauritania and Cameroon. The program aims to form a united front against gender inequality in West and Central Africa by promoting interregional collaboration. 

Tchintchibidja said during her speech, "This initiative is for you [women and girls]. It's an acknowledgment of your hardships... We believe in your ability to influence change. This dedication reflects a larger awareness that empowering women is both a moral obligation and an economic need.

The SWEDD+ initiative is a revolutionary endeavor to empower women and girls in West and Central Africa. It establishes a pattern for future projects addressing gender inequality, with significant financial support from the World Bank and strong relationships with international organizations. 

SWEDD+, as it enters its new phase, is ready to make substantial achievements for gender equality and sustainable development across the area.