Ikeja Electric Upgrades Mobile App to Enhance Services, Customer Experience

Persistent in its drive to enhance customer experience and deliver better service, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE), has upgraded the IE Mobile App to include cutting-edge features that enable customers to access services with ease.

The upgraded app was announced on Tuesday by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Ikeja Electric, Mrs Folake Soetan.

Soetan said the multi-functional app is designed to allow customers make enquires, check and pay bills, report/resolve complaints, and promptly contact customer care representatives. 

She said it also offers live chat and account management functions.

 “The latest IE Mobile App is a demonstration that company is forward-thinking, innovative and customer-centric. 

"We are a vibrant brand. We are bold and excited to always aim for greatness in order to bring development to the power sector. We dare to consistently improve our services in order to improve customer experience and achieve better results.

“As a company, we are pleased to present this latest version of IE Mobile App to our customers across the network thereby giving them seamless access to our services with convenience and at the same time enriching their experience. 

"This is a testament that the Management and Staff of Ikeja Electric continuously yearn to deliver quality services and ensure direct access to us through various channels in line with our mantra, Customer first; Technology now.”

“The upgraded IE Mobile App comes with numerous functionalities that offer secured transactions, prompt services and unique user-experience. 

"It is a mobile app positioned as a one-stop shop for customers to interact with Ikeja Electric for prompt responses”, she said.

According to Soetan, the upgraded app is easy to use, as it makes transactions seamless. 

She further explained that part of IE’s goal was to continue to use technology in delivering quality customer experience.

The upgraded Mobile App is currently available for download on the Google play store and iOS Store for iPhone users. 

To download the app, customer can simply go to Google Play Store or Apple Store. Then, customers will need to setup their account using IE Account Number, verify their phone number, set and confirm password. 

The upgraded app is expected to further strengthen Ikeja Electric’s position in the power sector as a pioneer in providing solutions for customer satisfaction, as well as creating value and exceptional service delivery.

Unregistered customers within IE network can also use IE Mobile App to access information and resolve complaints without visiting IE office. (NAN)

EKEDC Partners Ikoyi Club 1938 on Table Tennis Tournament

The maiden Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) table tennis tournament has commenced at the Ikoyi Club 1938.  

The tournament which is in partnership with the Table Tennis Section of the Ikoyi Club 1938, was declared open on Monday,2nd August 2021. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the tournament, EKEDC’s General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Godwin Idemudia, disclosed that the tournament is grouped into three categories of Premiership,  Championship and Veteran. 

He noted that the objective of the tournament is to promote the development of table tennis in Nigeria and encourage table tennis as a vital sport for physical fitness and mental wellness.  

The Chairman of the Table Tennis Section, Ikoyi Club 1938, Mr Soji Aladesuru who declared the tournament open, expressed his gratitude to the management of EKEDC for their strong commitment to giving back to the community, through different corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and intervention.  

He added that the sponsorship of this maiden table tennis championship, is coming at a time when the promotion of indoor sports and activities has also become important in the light of COVID-19 pandemic.

 Aladesuru also appreciated members of staff of the Company, for the quality of the organisation and coordination.  

The Managing Director, Eko Electricity Distribution Company Mr Adeoye Fadeyibi while speaking at the opening ceremony of the tournament, expressed his delight at the organisation of the tournament. 

He appreciated members of the table tennis section of the Ikoyi Club 1938 for their cooperation and called for even more collaboration in the development of indoor sports in Nigeria.  

Fadeyibi who is also one of the players at the tournament, on Monday qualified for the second round in the Championship category following his victory over S.Shaibu in the first round.  (NAN)

NETCO posts N3.37bn profit, declares N400m dividend for 2020

By Solomon Asowata

Lagos, July 22, 2021 (NAN) The National Engineering and Technical Company (NETCO), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has reported a profit before tax of N3.37 billion for the year ended Dec. 31, 2020.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Adeyemi Adetunji, Chairman, Board of Directors, NETCO, made the disclosure on Thursday at the company’s 2020 Annual General Meeting in Lagos.

Adeyemi said the profit before tax rose by 53 per cent when compared with N2.20 billion achieved in the corresponding of 2019.

Adetunji noted that 2020 witnessed the COVID-19 pandemic which led to socio-economic and humanitarian crisis worldwide thereby bringing economic activity to a near standstill.

He said: “In spite of these challenges, NETCO has posted a total profit before tax of N3.37 billion which represents an increase of 53 per cent from N2.20 billion in 2019.

“The company recorded a total revenue of N18.02 billion in the year under review, which represents 52 per cent decrease compared to 2019 revenue of N37.21 billion. ”

Adetunji said it was noteworthy that NETCO secured the contract award for the Project Management Consultancy/Owner’s Engineer Services for the NNPC’s three Refineries Rehabilitation Projects as the main consultant for the first time.

He said it was also laudable that the company’s performance on several projects in the year under review was undeterred by the lockdown and harsh economic terrain occasioned by the pandemic.

Adetunji commended the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari, the NETCO management and staff as well as other stakeholders for the efforts toward achieving the company’s mandate.

Also, Mr Usman Baba, Managing Director, NETCO, explained that foreign exchange gains constituted 18.43 per cent of the 2019 profit before tax, while it accounts for 121 per cent in the year under review.

Baba noted that the pandemic resulted in negative growth in global businesses leading to low crude demand and reduced investments in most sectors, especially in the oil and gas industry.

He said the reduced industry translated to reduced industry activities for NETCO and other players in the sector, while some existing contracts were either suspended or renegotiated.

Baba said despite these challenges, NETCO was currently executing 15 key contracts in the industry and had continued to contribute to the development of in-country Engineering and Technical capacity.

He said NETCO had also concluded training programme for 17 youths from Iru land who were provided with entrepreneurial skills in fish farming, computer application/web design, catering, leather works, beads making and events management.

Baba said the management was targeting a revenue of N36.58 billion for 2021 financial year.

NAN reports that the board approved a gross dividend of N400 million, which translated to 40k per share for its shareholders. (NAN)

EKEDC Felicitates with Customers on 2021 Eid El Kabir Celebration

Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has felicitated with Muslim Faithfuls and customers as they celebrate this year's Eid-El-Kabir celebration. 

The Company in a goodwill message released on Monday by its General Manager, Corporate Communications, Mr Godwin Idemudia said “As we commemorate this year’s Eid El Kabir, we congratulate our Muslim customers for yet another celebration. There is no doubt, that among other lessons, Eid El Kabir offers a reminder that with total submission to the will of Almighty God, we can overcome our challenge and adversity”. 

“It is important that we continue to imbibe the lessons of Eid El Kabir particularly that of sober reflection, sacrifice, kindness, tolerance, compassion and obedience to the will of God.” 

Idemudia added that the true essence of Eid El Kabir is in giving and sharing with one another, he therefore encouraged everyone to see this period as an opportunity to show love and support, for the underprivileged. 

He also called for tolerance, peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding, and cooperation with the adherents of other faiths adding that these are imperative for national development. 

Idemudia assured customers of adequate power supply throughout the period of the celebration and beyond. He gave the assurance that the company’s technical team will be on hand to clear faults and resolve customer complaints all through the period of the holiday. 

He reiterated that the company's communication channels will be available at all times and encouraged customers to contact the Company using the website; ekedp.com, 24/7 Customer Complaints Unit line:07080655555, email; Customercare@ekedp.com and social media platforms (Twitter; @ekedp, Facebook; Eko Electricity, Instagram; ekedpng). 

 

DPR clarifies issue on subsidy removal

Mr Sarki Auwalu, Director, DPR

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has clarified reports credited to the agency regarding removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

A statement issued by Mr Paul Osu, Head, Public Affairs, DPR on Tuesday in Lagos, debunked an online report credited to its Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Sarki Auwalu.

Osu said the publication stating that the price of PMS could rise up to N1,000 per litre upon the subsidy removal without alternative energy was misleading.

According to him, the comments of the director was clearly taken out of context.

"The director specifically created a scenario of price instability of PMS based on current dollar to naira differentials to the effect that if Nigeria continues to rely on the importation of PMS without creating alternative energy sources like CNG, LNG, AUTOGAS etc which will provide price buffers for consumers and ultimately crash the price of PMS, then the product will be subject to prevailing market forces. 

"The Director further re-emphasised that the strategy for alternative energy sources is  a cardinal programme of the government which has led to the declaration of the Decade of Gas (DoG) with the objective to migrate the Nigerian economy to a gas based economy by 2030."

He said the DPR would continue to enable businesses and create opportunities through its downstream focus on Quality, Quantity, Integrity and Safety.

Hybrid Saharalympics sparks excitement, gold quest at Sahara Group

Leading energy conglomerate, Sahara Group has commenced Season 4 of the Saharlympics, which is the Group's biennial sporting competition that features several games contested by employees across Africa, Asia  Europe and the Middle East.

Mr Bethel Obioma, Head Corporate Communications, Sahara Group, said the Saharalympics is a celebration of "competiveness and camaraderie" and provides a platform for enhancing employee collaboration, recreation, and productivity.

"The Saharalympics made its debut in 2014 and has ever since become a flagship event at Sahara Group that reinforces the role of sports in enhancing excellence, team performance and sustainability. 

This Season 4 is particularly special for us as it coincides with the celebration of Sahara's 25 years of transformative impact and leadership in regional and global energy sectors, " he said.

Obioma said a hybrid approach had been adopted for the 2021 edition that would see 16 teams from Sahara's Power, Upstream, Midstream, Downstream, Infrastructure and Technology businesses compete for medals and glory.

Games for the online version of the Saharlympics include Chess, Scrabble, PlayStation Football and Need for Speed, and Kahoot. 

Football, athletics, volleyball, basketball and other novelty games will be played during the physical games under strict compliance with covid-19 protocol. The online Saharalympics is underway. The physical edition will be held in October.

"The excitement right now in Sahara is palpable and our Saharalympians are ready to trade tackles and moves fairly and expertly in the spirit of the Saharalympics. 

While Saharians will smile home with individual medals, ultimately, just like the conventional Olympic Games, everyone is a winner with the Saharalympics," Obioma added.

The Saharalympics also involves the participation of prominent sports men and women in line with Sahara Group's commitment to celebrating and promoting excellence. 

Previous editions featured Nigeria’s first individual gold medalist at the Atlanta Games in 1996, Chioma Ajunwa, 1996 400m  bronze medalist,
Falilat Ogunkoya and former Super Eagles Captain, Joseph Yobo.

FG targets Nigeria's dominance of West African oil,gas market - DPR

Mr Sarki Auwalu, Director, DPR

The Federal Government says it is targeting Nigeria's dominance of the oil and gas market in the West African region with its ongoing Refinery Revolution and Decade of Gas initiative.

Mr Sarki Auwalu, Director, Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) , made this known on Wednesday night in Lagos at the Second Quarter, 2021 Business Dinner of The Petroleum Club Lagos.

The topic of the session was: 'A Discussion on the Future of the Nigerian Petroleum Industry'.

Auwalu said  Nigeria must rewrite its history and reverse the resource curse syndrome which had plagued the country for decades by ensuring utilisation of its vast oil and gas resources for national development.

He said the country had the population size and was geographically positioned to be a dominant player in the regional oil and gas market.

The DPR boss said the target of the government was to increase its oil reserves 40 billion barrels and grow gas reserves to 220TCF by 2030.

He said the government also planned to increase production capacity to three million barrels per day.

"This is achievable with the ongoing rehabilitation of the nation's refineries, the coming on stream of the Dangote Refinery and other modular refineries that are under construction

"None of the West African countries have a refinery producing Premium Motor Spirit and this presents a great opportunity for us.

"We can take over the market and it is a future we are looking forward to", Auwalu said.

He said the focus on development of the nation's gas resources would help transform Nigeria to a gas-based economy which would create employment opportunities for the populace.

Auwalu said the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) by the National Assembly was needed to drive these initiatives because it would provide clarity in legal framework, institutional alignment and improved investment climate.

He thanked the members of the Petroleum Club for their contribution to the industry in the past decades, adding that the government would continue to partner with the private sector to achieve its vision for the oil and gas industry.

Earlier in his remarks, Dr Layi Fatona, President, Petroleum Club Lagos, said the association was a think-tank of persons who had played a key role in the petroleum industry and were desirous of improving its contribution to the economy.

Fatona said the COVID-19 pandemic and the global energy transition had made it imperative for Nigeria to make use of its vast petroleum resources within the shortest possible time for national development.