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Tariff Order: Mainpower files formal petition to EERC, seeks immediate suspension
By Chinedu Adonu
Mainpower Electricity Distribution Company has filed a formal petition before the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission, EERC.
The petition, dated 14th August, 2025, is a fallout of the tariff reduction order by the EERC, which took effect from August 1, 2025.
The EERC had in the said order, reduced tariff for Band A customers from N209/kwh to N160.40/kwh, while freezing Bands B-C, a development that was roundly condemned by both the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC, the Generation Companies, Gencos, other distribution companies, Discos, as well as the Federal Ministry of Power.
All the stakeholders had described the tariff reduction order as unsustainable, urging the EERC to put a halt to it, but the Enugu Commission doubled down.
Mainpower has now approached the Commission, seeking an immediate suspension of the order pending the hearing and determination of its petition.
The petition, supported with a four-paragraph affidavit, was signed by Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, Managing Director/CEO, Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited.
It is expressly asking for “a review of order No. EERC/2025/003: Tariff Order for Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited 2025 to avoid loss of revenue due to downward review of tariff.”
The Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC), is the sole-respondent to the petition, which was brought pursuant To Section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (As Amended), Sections 11,12, 13, 20, 21, 33, 34 and 35 of the Enugu State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Regulation No. EERC-R-001, Business Rules) Regulation, 2024, Section 4.1.(C) & Schedule 1 of Regulation No. EERC/R004: Enugu State Regulatory Commission: Methodology for Tariff Regulation, 2024 and Under the inherent jurisdiction of the Commission.
Mainpower stated in the petition that the tariff order published by the Respondent on Friday, 18th July, 2025, for MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited, was not agreed by the parties and that the same did not comply with the Regulation No. EERC/R004: Enugu State Regulatory Commission: Methodology for Tariff Regulation, 2024 (Methodology for Tariff).
The Petitioner averred that Section 4.1(c) provides that: “In order to avoid ‘Gold-Plating’ in the tariff using rate of return regulation, the licensee shall be required to review cost with the Commission. It is the cost agreed with the Commission that shall be allowed for the operator to use in the tariff model for the determination of price that shall apply in contracts. This is because the value chain of electricity business in Enugu State shall be subject to contracts and prices shall be determined based on the applicable methodology published by the Commission in its website. (d) The review process for the cost shall be as prescribed in the Schedules to these Regulations”.
It went further to state that “The Methodology for Tariff further provided in Schedule 1 thereof that: “Where the Commission does not reach an agreement on cost with the applicant within the twenty-one (21) days, the Commission shall subject the process to a formal hearing as stipulated in the Commission’s Business Rules.”
The Petitioner stated that after submission of the required data by the Petitioner, the Respondent invited the Petitioner to a 3-day engagement meeting to agree on the various parameters for the tariff via its letter with Ref. No. EERC/CO/2025/0086 dated 30th June, 2025 for engagements on 2nd to 4th July, 2025.”
The Petitioner disclosed that it never came to an agreement with the Respondent on certain key parameters with huge sensitivity effect.
The Petitioner further revealed that during the engagement meetings from 2nd to 4th July, 2025, and at the end of the engagement meeting on the 4th July, 2025, the understanding with Respondent was that the process as enunciated in the Methodology of Tariff would be followed and that both parties would reach an agreement on the said parameters mentioned above or hold a formal hearing as provided in Schedule 1 of the Methodology of Tariff.
“The Petitioner was surprised that the Respondent without agreement on these important and tariff-sensitive parameters proceeded to conclude the tariffs and publish the Tariff Order on Friday, 18th July, 2025.
“The Petitioner states that despite the incident mentioned in paragraph 9 above, it further engaged the Respondent and parties agreed to have a meeting on 25th July, 2025 to address the concerns of the Petitioner especially as this will threaten the Vesting Contract arrangement between the Petitioner’s Holding Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Plc (EEDC) and Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc. (NBET) from where Petitioner receives its supply of electricity.
“After the presentations by the Petitioner on that 25th July, 2025, the Respondent reverted via a letter with Ref. No. EERC/CO/2025/0105 dated 30th July, 2025 but received via email on Thursday, 31st July, 2025 at 3pm maintaining the implementation of the Tariff Order on 1st August, 2025. We shall found on the copy of the email sent by the Commission and the Presentation to the Commission made on 25th July, 2025,” Mainpower said.
While urging that the tariff order be reserved, the Petitioner stated that if implemented, it would cause irreversible adverse business impact on it.
It outlined some of the impacts to include: “Financial Impact (Aug – Dec 2025): The tariff creates an average monthly revenue shortfall of between N1.3 billion and N1.5 billion, resulting in a cumulative gap of about N6.98 billion over five months. Compliance with NBET and Market Operator (MO) settlement obligations is expected to drop significantly, from current levels of about 97% to an estimated 81% by the end of 2025. The outcome is a business sustainability risk.
“Disconnection of Supply to MainPower: The electricity supplied to the Enugu State Electricity Market flows from the Vesting Contract entered into between EEDC and NBET which tariff as approved by NERC is N209/kwh for Band A whilst the Bands B to C is N67/kwh. If Mainpower is not able to meet up with its remittances obligation which in turn affects that of EEDC, this will inevitably lead to the Disconnection of the Supply to Mainpower.
“Investment Impact: MainPower’s planned capital expenditure programme, valued at N33.2 billion and covering network expansion, feeder automation, and the installation of 350,000 smart meters, is at risk under the new tariff. If metering rollout is halted, over 42% of customers will remain unmetered beyond Q1 2026, perpetuating inefficiencies and revenue leakages.
“Operational Impact: Reduced funding will limit the company’s ability to maintain and repair critical infrastructure, increasing the likelihood of outages and customer complaints. Additionally, dissatisfaction with service levels is expected to drive more customers toward self-generation, further eroding revenue.
“Strategic & Reputational Impact: The undervaluation of MainPower’s asset base weakens the company’s balance sheet and reduces investor confidence, directly impacting its ability to attract capital for future projects. There is also a heightened risk of industrial action if the company struggles to meet payroll and vendor obligations, potentially damaging its reputation and operational stability.”
Mainpower prayed for an order of the Commission suspending the application of the Tariff Order pending the determination of its case, as well as an order of the Commission for a review to approve either Scenario 1 of N206.80/Kwh or Scenario 2 of N194.54/Kwh as contained in its petition.
The Enugu State Government has tasked health partners and stakeholders on translating government policies, investments and strategic plans into measurable improvements in health outcomes meant to uplift residents’ health status.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, gave the task on Saturday in Enugu while formally declaring open the 2026 Enugu State Health Sector Joint Annual Review (JAR) Meeting.
Ugwu assured that the state government remained committed in building a stronger, more responsive and resilient health system.
The commissioner called for renewed commitment, accountability and collective action to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
He commended Gov. Peter Mbah for his remarkable commitment to transforming the health sector through sustained investments, reforms and initiatives aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for the people.
Ugwu noted that the meeting provided an important platform for partners and stakeholders to take stock of the implementation of the 2026 Annual Operational Plan, assess progress, identify gaps and bottlenecks.
The commissioner said that the meeting would provide opportunities for agreements on practical actions to accelerate health sector performance.
In a remark, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. George Nwachi, stressed the importance of the review as a mechanism for strengthening accountability, evidence-based decision-making and effective implementation of health programmes.
Nwachi emphasised the need for stakeholders to critically examine achievements and challenges, close identified implementation gaps and develop realistic priorities that would further improve service delivery across the state.
The technical sessions featured the presentation of the 2025 JAR Resolutions by the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the Ministry of Health, Mrs Ann Oguejiofor, providing a basis for assessing progress on previously agreed actions.
The Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Desk Officer, Mrs Uju Ewoh, also presented an update on the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) initiative.
The State Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Mr Ikechukwu Obodo, presented the validated JAR template to guide the assessment of health sector performance and ensure that the review is anchored on reliable data and measurable indicators.
The outcomes of the two-day critical stakeholders’ meeting would serve as a critical foundation for the development of the 2027 Annual Operational Plan, further advancing Enugu State’s determination to deliver stronger, more efficient and people-centred healthcare services.
…As Nsukka LG boss, Asogwa bags Best Council Chairman Award_
Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s transformational leadership and developmental strides took centre stage, yet again, as Enugu Media Village honoured him with an Award of Excellence for dedication to transformational leadership and outstanding governance.
This was even as the Chairman of Nsukka Local Government Area, Engr. Jude Asogwa, emerged winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award, while Isi-Uzo Council Chairman, Barr. Obiora Obeagu came second in the poll.
The awards were presented during the organisation’s 2025/2026 Best Performing Local Government Chairman Poll and Leadership Recognition Ceremony, which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
Presenting the awards on behalf of the organisation, the Board of Trustees Chairman of Enugu Media Village and former Chairman of Agwu Local Government Area, Hon. Nnanna Nze, commended Governor Mbah for what he described as his remarkable transformation of the state in just three years.
Nze noted that the governor’s developmental strides in critical sectors of the economy had continued to attract commendation from residents and stakeholders.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Founder and Director General of Enugu Media Village, Mr. Kelvin Uche Edeh, described the organisation as a media platform established to promote developmental governance and ensure that information about government projects reaches the grassroots.
He noted that Governor Mbah had demonstrated that governance was a powerful tool for transforming communities and improving lives.
“Governor Peter Mbah has shown us that governance is about changing communities and transforming systems.
“We are committed to supporting developmental governance by ensuring that information reaches the grassroots across all local government areas,” Edeh stated.
Receiving the award, Governor Mbah said the honour belonged to members of his team and the entire people of Enugu State for entrusting their mandate to him.
He, however, said that the people of Enugu State had only seen a tip of the iceberg, as he remained committed to exceeding expectations in delivering more dividends of democracy to the people.
Mbah, who was represented by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, said the people of Enugu State deserved only the very best, hence his insistence on excellence, innovation and high performance from members of his administration.
Another major highlight of the event was the emergence of Engr. Jude Asogwa, as winner of the 2025/2026 Enugu State Best Performing Local Government Chairman Award.
The poll, which featured all 17 local government areas of the state, recorded Nsukka Local Government Area as the overall winner with 110,447 votes, ahead of Isi Uzo, Uzo Uwani, Igbo Eze North and Enugu South LGAs, in that order.
In his acceptance speech, Engr. Asogwa, who dedicated the award to God, Governor Mbah, his family and the people of Nsukka, said the recognition reflected his Council’s commitment to delivering development to all 52 communities in the LGA.
He further reaffirmed Nsukka’s support for Governor Mbah’s re-election, citing the administration’s investments in the area such as 20 Smart Green Schools, 21 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, dualization of the over 44.1-kilometre Enugu – Opi – Nsukka Road, the 52.2km Nguru – Lejja – Aku – Akpakume Nze – Egede – Affa – Eke road, and N1 billion oxygen plant, among other development projects designed to improve lives and grow Nsukka and Enugu North Zone’s economy.
“Let me just tell us that the secret of our performance is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah. He is a leader that supports the local government council chairmen. He is a governor who does not tamper with the allocations of the LGAs. That is the secret of the results you are seeing. In addition, he has delivered 267 Smart Schools and 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres in the 260 wards.
“So, Nsukka is for Governor Peter Mbah. Also, we had earlier decided as a zone that come 2027, we will support and deliver not only the governor but also President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has contributed to the growth and development of our people, including the appointment of the first indigenous Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka,” he said.
The event also featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to distinguished public office holders and leaders in recognition of their contributions to governance, leadership and public service.
Among the awardees were Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West Senatorial District; Senator Ikeje Asogwa, representing Enugu North Senatorial District; Hon. Chimaobi Sam Atu, representing Enugu North and South Federal Constituency; Barr. Osinachi Nnajieze, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice; and Chie Chukwudi Nnaji.
The Member representing Ilaje/Ese-Odo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Donland Ojogo, narrowly escaped death on Saturday when his two-vehicle convoy was involved in a road accident.
The incident, which occurred along the Ore–Ondo Road, reportedly involved a commercial bus that dangerously overtook the lawmaker’s vehicle and collided with an oncoming vehicle, causing panic and confusion among road users.
Although Hon. Ojogo, who recently secured a return to the National Assembly, did not sustain any serious injuries, some members of his entourage were affected in the crash.
The federal lawmaker was said to be en route to Arogbo in Ese-Odo Local Government Area for a political l engagement when the accident happened.
Reacting to the incident, Ojogo expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life and that of his team, noting that the situation could have been fatal if not for divine intervention.
According to him, “God took perfect control of the situation and prevented what could have turned into a tragic incident.”
He, however, blamed the driver of the commercial bus for the accident, accusing him of reckless driving and impatience on the highway.
Meanwhile, those who sustained injuries in the crash have been rushed to a nearby hospital where they are currently receiving treatment.
Petroleum marketers have slowed fuel purchases from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery amid uncertainty surrounding the company’s decision to sell Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in U.S. dollars, raising concerns over possible disruptions in fuel supply across Nigeria.
While some marketers claimed that fuel loading had been suspended at the Lekki-based refinery, the company dismissed the reports, insisting that loading operations were continuing as normal.
Industry players, however, said many marketers had deliberately reduced or halted large-scale purchases while awaiting clarification on the refinery’s new pricing structure and the expected landing cost of imported petroleum products.
The National Publicity Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Chinedu Ukadike, explained that marketers were reluctant to buy large volumes because of uncertainty over future petrol prices.
According to him, products currently in circulation were purchased at between ₦1,250 and ₦1,300 per litre, while fresh supplies could be priced differently depending on the new crude oil pricing template and imported fuel costs.
“The challenge is that marketers do not know whether petrol prices will rise or fall after making fresh purchases. Consumers still expect fuel to be sold at the prevailing pump price, making it risky for marketers to stock up,” Ukadike said.
He noted that although fuel distribution had not stopped entirely, the volume of products being loaded had reduced significantly. He urged the Federal Government to intervene quickly by resolving the pricing uncertainty to restore confidence in the downstream petroleum sector.
Similarly, the IPMAN Western Zone Chairman, Oyewole Akanni, confirmed that the uncertainty had forced many marketers in the South-West to suspend fresh purchases, resulting in temporary closures of some filling stations.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Akanni said the situation followed the reported suspension of PMS loading at the Dangote Refinery about four days ago, forcing marketers to rely on private depots where prices have risen sharply.
According to him, ex-depot prices at private facilities in Lagos now range from ₦1,200 to ₦1,220 per litre, excluding transportation costs, with some depots reportedly selling at up to ₦1,250 per litre. He added that products were still available from suppliers such as NIPCO and Aiteo at around ₦1,200 per litre.
Akanni disclosed that four truckloads of petrol meant for his filling stations had remained at the refinery since loading was reportedly suspended.
“I was supposed to receive four truckloads of PMS four days ago, but that has not happened because the trucks are still at the Dangote Refinery,” he said.
Despite the situation, Akanni maintained that Nigeria was not experiencing fuel scarcity and advised motorists against panic buying. However, he warned that prolonged uncertainty could eventually lead to an increase in pump prices.
The developments have heightened anxiety in the downstream sector, with marketers closely monitoring pricing decisions before resuming normal fuel purchases.
Specifically, the House seeks details of funds released to the Ministry of Defence over the past six months and an explanation for the perceived lack of corresponding improvements in security nationwide.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance brought on the floor of the Green Chamber by the member representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, Mr Sulaiman Gumi, during plenary on Tuesday.
Speaking on the substance of the motion, the lawmaker lamented the sorry state of security in Zamfara and other parts of the North-West zone, noting that as a result of the campaign of violence by insurgents, the entire region is now battling the scourge of humanitarian crises made worse by the harsh economic realities of the times.
He said, “The House is aware that between June 1 and 6, 2026, rampaging bandits riding on about 250 motorcycles with three riders each invaded Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency, and some parts of Sokoto villages bordering Zamfara State, killing 93 people.
“The House is also aware that on the night of June 2, 2026, into the early hours of June 3, 2026, seven students of the Federal Polytechnic, Kaura Namoda, Zamfara State, were abducted by bandits at their off-campus students’ hostel.
“Earlier, two senior lecturers of the same polytechnic were kidnapped and held in captivity for more than two months, despite ransom payments for their release.
“We are aware of the violent attack by bandits on Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where four people were killed and several travellers abducted.
“In Talata Marafa Local Government Area, a councillor and a director were abducted while travelling from Jangebe to the local government headquarters over Hajj activities for intending pilgrims from Jangebe. The bandits killed both of them after refusing to collect any ransom.”
The lawmaker also drew his colleagues’ attention to the escalation of bandit attacks in other Northwest states, including Katsina, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, and Jigawa.
Gumi recalled that “On May 31, 2026, 17 villagers were killed when bandits in their hundreds and riding on motorcycles invaded Dangulbi community in Tureta Local Government Area of Sokoto State,” stressing that “more than 15 communities in Tureta and Sabon Birni local government areas of Sokoto State have been deserted due to constant bandit attacks.
“In Katsina State, a former Director of Defence Information of the Nigerian Army, Maj Gen Rabe Abubakar Batsari (retd), and his wife were abducted when their vehicle was ambushed along the Marabar Musawa-Kafinsoli road in Matazu Local Government Area on May 30, 2026.”
He continued, “Just yesterday (Monday), 50 elderly men were kidnapped and are still held captive in Zamfara State.
“In Kaduna State, bandit attacks remain a significant security challenge, with recent incidents heavily concentrated in areas like Kachia, Sanga and Birnin-Gwari Local Government Areas, while in Kano State, bandit attacks have primarily impacted rural communities sharing borders with neighbouring Katsina State, with the most severe incidents resulting in fatalities, livestock rustling, and abductions.”
He expressed concern that the continuous, unchallenged movement of bandits between the towns, states and their hideouts severely undermined the credibility of the nation’s security, adding that if the trend was not checked, more lives would be lost, and the socio-economic fortunes of the region would be ruined.
Contributing, Jigawa lawmaker, Abubakar Yalleman, called for a speedy consideration of all legislative proposals for the establishment of state police.
“I urge the National Assembly to expedite action on state police to help checkmate the deteriorating level of security in the country,” he said, a call backed by his Ogun counterpart, Mr Olumide Osoba.
Also speaking, the member representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Babajimi Benson, called on the Federal Government to revisit the cashless policy as a way of restricting incidences of cash payment to kidnappers.
“It is important to revisit the cashless policy because it is difficult to pay ransom through bank transfers,” he said.
Similarly, the member representing Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, Ademorin Kuye, called for strict regulation on the activities of Bureau De Change operators, among other measures.
“It is important for us to gazette the prohibition of ransom payment to kidnappers. The Central Bank of Nigeria should consider monitoring the activities of Bureau De Change operators to address illicit financial flows,” he advised.
Following the adoption of the motion, the House resolved to summon the government officials at a date yet to be announced, while urging the defence minister to deploy adequate security personnel and necessary operational equipment to Zamfara State and the entire Northwest to strengthen the security of the region.
It also urged ministers of agriculture, environment, education, humanitarian affairs and disaster management to explore other non-kinetic options of addressing the security challenges in the country.
The House thereafter mandated the Committee on Defence and other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks for further legislative action.
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