Business
JUST IN: FCCPC Engages DisCos Over Unistar Prepaid Meters Phase-Out
The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection (FCCPC) is actively engaging key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), and the eleven (11) DisCos regarding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters.
In a statement on Tuesday, seen by Ohibaba.com, Ondaje Ijagwu Director, Special Duties (& Strategic Communication) FCCPC, said that pursuant to sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of Act (FCCPA) 2018, the Commission is addressing the ongoing concerns surrounding the phase-out of Unistar prepaid meters by Ikeja Electric Plc and other electricity distribution companies (DisCos), following widespread consumer complaints.
The statement reads: “Recent announcements by Ikeja Electric indicated that the Unistar prepaid meters, first deployed over a decade ago, will no longer be supported from November 14, 2024, due to technological upgrades and the Token Identifier (TID) rollover issue.
The FCCPC has observed rising anxiety among consumers over potential financial burdens, particularly whether they will be required to cover the cost of replacement meters.
Further concerns relate to the possibility of consumers being placed on arbitrary estimated billing during this transition, which would violate existing rules.
These concerns have been worsened by insufficient communication from the DisCos about the phase-out process, leading to uncertainty and distrust.
In line with its mandate to protect consumers and promote fairness in the Nigerian marketplace.
“The goal is to make the metering process transparent and accountable while protecting consumer interests.
The FCCPC is initiating discussions with Ikeja Electric and other stakeholders to clarify the phase-out process and ensure that DisCos bear the cost of replacing phased-out meters, without imposing extra charges on consumers.
The Commission will also work to ensure that DisCos comply with regulatory guidelines, preventing consumers from being unfairly charged or placed on estimated billing. Additionally, the FCCPC will ramp up consumer education on their rights, especially regarding metering and electricity billing, to prevent exploitation.
The FCCPC is committed to preventing any disadvantage to consumers during this meter upgrade.
This intervention is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, aimed at ensuring fair treatment for Nigerian consumers and access to essential services like electricity.
The Commission will continue to advocate for Nigerian consumers and ensure that service providers, including DisCos, act in a consumer-friendly, fair, and transparent manner.”
Business
Royal African Society marks 125 years of Africa – Britain Businesses
The anniversary featured the Closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the exchange’s closing bell, alongside high-level sector discussions, fireside chats, the presentation of philanthropy awards and the unveiling of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.
• Arunma Oteh, Chairperson of the Royal African Society
The Royal African Society has marked 125 years anniversary of Africa and Britain businesses and investments at a ceremony held at the London Stock Exchange.
The Wednesday event brought together the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II; President and Chief Executive Officer of Africa Finance Corporation, Samaila Zubairu; Chief Executive Officer of British International Investment, Leslie Maasdorp; Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flutterwave, Olugbenga “GB” Agboola; Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Royal African Society, Stella Okotete; and other business, diplomatic and policy leaders.
Chairperson of the Royal African Society, Arunma Oteh, said that the organisation had spent 125 years fostering partnerships between both regions.
Oteh said that the celebration was aimed at deepening collaboration between Africa and the UK while promoting investment, innovation and shared prosperity.
The anniversary featured the Closing of Markets Ceremony and ringing of the exchange’s closing bell, alongside high-level sector discussions, fireside chats, the presentation of philanthropy awards and the unveiling of the Top African Brands in the UK and Top British Brands in Africa.
Business
US subjects imports from Nigeria to 12.5% tariff
The tariff affects imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not “imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.”
The United States has imposed a 12.5 per cent tariff on imports from Nigeria as part of a new trade measure targeting countries it says have failed to prohibit the importation of goods produced with forced labour.
The tariff affects imports from 60 economies that Washington says have not “imposed and effectively enforced a prohibition on the importation of goods produced with forced labour.”
The measure was announced in a statement posted on the website of the Office of the United States Trade Representative on Thursday.
Nigeria is among the countries subject to the 12.5 per cent tariff, while India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico and the United Kingdom will face a lower 10 per cent rate after adopting or committing to implement bans on imports linked to forced labour.
The move follows investigations launched by the USTR in May 2026 into 60 of the United States’ largest trading partners under Section 301 of the Trade Act.
According to the agency, it received more than 1,600 written submissions, held public hearings involving over 100 witnesses, and consulted more than 45 governments before announcing the tariffs.
Business
MTN Nigeria asks customers to trade old SIM packs for prizes
MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
MTN Nigeria has invited customers to bring in old SIM packs, recharge cards, booster cards, dongles, and MTN-branded phones in exchange for prizes.
The telecom giant is running the campaign the under the hashtag #YelloMoments.
MTN launched the campaign on Wednesday, July 23, via its official social media pages, telling followers that items kept in drawers over the years could be worth something.
Customers who participate will also be featured on what MTN described as a “Memory Wall.”
Collection centres across Nigeria
MTN named eight collection centres across the country where customers can deposit their items. The locations cover Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Jos, Delta, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan.
In Lagos, customers can visit MTN Plaza at No. 1 Awolowo Road, Falomo, Ikoyi, or the office at 43 Allen Avenue, Ikeja. In Abuja, the collection point is at No. 4, Medeira Street, Maitama.
In Kano, it is at 2, Civil Centre Road. In Jos, Plateau State, the centre is at Plot 3119, Royalfield Road.
In Asaba, Delta State, the location is KLM 129, Benin–Asaba Expressway. In Port Harcourt, Rivers State, customers can go to 234, Old Aba Expressway, Opposite Hannah Fast Food.
In Ibadan, Oyo State, the drop-off point is at MTN Regional Office 1, Olubadan Avenue and Up/Zartech Road, Oluyole Estate.
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