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KEDCO Revamps, Slashes Losses In 6 Months

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Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has recorded significant performance improvement and reduction in aggregate technical, commercial, and collection (ATC&C) losses since its acquisition by the new core investor – Future Energies Africa (FEA).

KEDCO recorded 80% Billing Efficiency in June 2024 up from 75% in January 2024 and also reduced ATC&C by almost 20 percentage points to a record of 42%.

Recall that in November 2023, Future Energies Africa (FEA) acquired the highest stake in KEDCO and have since embarked on reforms geared towards business turnaround and sustainable transformation of the Company. Currently, about 52 feeders receive between 20 to 24 hours of supply (including 11 recently upgraded) through investments and improved service delivery.

These achievements are not merely coincidental but conscious efforts by KEDCO’s Board and Management, with ample support from the core investor, Future Energies Africa through investment efforts and constant adoption of effective mechanisms to expeditiously address extant challenges towards making KEDCO financially self-sufficient.

Prominent among the recent challenges overcome was the dispute with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), over the April 2024 supplementary tariff order which has now been resolved and KEDCO, in its customer-centric spirit urged for a round-table reconciliation approach, while reaffirming its continuous support for the prosperity of businesses and economic activities in the area.

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KEDCO recently revamped top management with the addition of a new Chief Technical Officer (CTO) – Engr. Kassim Burkullu, who recently managed AEDC’s large network; a new Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) – Dr. Abubakar Jimeta, a seasoned industry professional; and two Special Directorates for Special Projects and Customer Solutions, manned by veterans – Engr. Inuwa Daneji and Engr. Shuaibu Adeiza.

During this period, the Company has invested over ₦1bn to deploy over 100 High Voltage smart Maximum Demand (MD) meters. Also, the deployment of over 3,000 prepayment meters on Band A feeders, through MAP vendor financing, all geared towards mitigating billing and commercial losses. Similarly, check meters have been installed on all major commercial feeders with high losses and bifurcation of those feeders, for improved power distribution, efficiency, and energy accountability which has led to a significant reduction in losses and improved collection efficiencies.

In the area of network reliability, the management has initiated expansion efforts in a bid to foster efficiency in service delivery and meet service-level agreement commitments. KEDCO’s projection is to achieve 25 percent ATC&C losses by year-end while meeting 100 percent market obligations as the NESI transitions to a Bilateral trading market.

KEDCO’s management has been tasked with turning the business around and are working round the clock to continue driving improvements. The Acting Managing Director, Abubakar Yusuf stated that, “ At all levels, we have prioritized collaboration, partnership, and regular stakeholders’ engagements within the government, traditional, security, political, religious, and community partners to drive progress. If KEDCO succeeds our communities succeed so it has to be a team effort.”

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Unregistered POS Operators Risk Ban as CAC Issues Registration Ultimatum

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) has mandated all Point-of-Sale (PoS) operators nationwide to register with the Commission by 1 January 2026, announcing that any unregistered operator will be prohibited from conducting business after that date.

In a public notice issued on Saturday, the CAC cited a significant increase in the number of unregistered PoS businesses across the country.

The Commission emphasized that operating an unregistered PoS enterprise is a violation of both the Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020 and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Agent Banking Regulations.

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The CAC also faulted some fintech firms for onboarding unregistered agents, describing the practice as reckless and harmful to the stability of Nigeria’s financial system.

It warned that the trend exposes millions of Nigerians, including small business owners and rural users, to economic and investment risks.

“Fintechs enabling illegal operations will be placed on the watchlist and reported to the CBN. All operators are advised to regularise immediately. Compliance is mandatory

“Beginning from 1st January 2026, no PoS operator will be allowed to conduct business in Nigeria without completing full registration,” the CAC said

Nigerian Tracker News gathered that this is not the first time the call regarding enforced regulatory monitoring of the PoS has been made.

There have been several calls on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to take urgent steps toward curbing worsening cases of fraud affecting PoS businesses across the nation.

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Governor Yusuf Congratulated Rear Admiral Chindo Yahya Usman, 4 Other Kano Indigenes

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Rear Admiral Chindo Usman Yahaya being decorated with his new rank of rear admiral by the chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas being assisted by Rear Admiral Chindo's Wife

 

 

Kano State Government Congratulates Senior Military Officers of Kano Origin on their Promotion.

This was contained in a statement signed by Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, the State Commissioner of Information and Internal Affairs, on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. Waiya explained that the governor was delighted to celebrate the achievements of Kano indigenes who have risen to senior ranks in the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Among them is Rear Admiral Chindo Usman Yahaya, who was elevated to the rank of Rear Admiral. According to Waiya, Governor Yusuf described Yahaya’s promotion as a reflection of his professionalism and commitment to national service.

Rear Admiral Chindo Yahya Usman middle after his decoration

Rear Admiral Chindo Yahya Usman middle after his decoration

The Kano State Government, under the leadership of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, joyfully congratulates the distinguished sons of Kano State who have been recently elevated to the prestigious ranks of Major General, Rear Admiral, and Air Vice Marshal in the Nigerian Armed Forces. Waiya emphasized that the governor sees these promotions as a source of pride for the state.

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The State Government welcomes the promotions as well-deserved recognitions of the officers’ professionalism, dedication, and patriotic service to Nigeria. Waiya noted that Governor Yusuf expressed profound happiness that Kano continues to produce individuals who excel at the highest levels of national security leadership.

The newly promoted officers include:

Nigerian Army:
– Major General Sadisu Yahaya Yakasai
– Major General Sani Sulaiman
– Major General Samaila Musa Uba

Nigerian Navy:
– Rear Admiral Chindo Usman Yahaya

Nigerian Air Force:
– Air Vice Marshal Mukhtar Umar

As we celebrate and commend the officers for bringing honour to Kano State, we encourage them to continue to uphold the values of ethical standards, integrity, courage, and loyalty as they assume greater responsibilities. Waiya quoted Governor Yusuf as urging the officers to serve as role models and inspiration for younger generations aspiring to pursue a career in the military service.

His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, prays for their continuous success and guidance from the Almighty as they carry out their duties in safeguarding the nation. Waiya concluded that the governor remains confident in their ability to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture.

 

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Jega Advocates Merit-Based Leadership in Nigerian Universities

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Professor Attahiru Jega
Professor Attahiru Jega former chairman INEC

 

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and renowned academic, Professor Attahiru Muhammadu Jega, has called on the Federal Government to entrench merit, competence, and integrity as the guiding principles in the appointment of leadership across Nigerian universities.

He warned that the increasing politicisation of such appointments poses a serious threat to academic standards, institutional autonomy, and the future of higher education in the country.

Professor Jega made this call on Thursday while delivering the 3rd Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture at Gombe state University, Gombe State. The lecture, titled “Challenges and Prospects of Improving University Governance in Nigeria,” examined the structural, administrative, and policy-related obstacles confronting university governance in Nigeria.

The distinguished Professor of Political Science and a one time Vice Chancellor of Bayero University, Kano, described universities as specialised intellectual institutions that require visionary, experienced, and academically grounded leadership to fulfil their mandates of teaching, research, and community service.

“A university is not a political platform. It is a centre for knowledge creation and human capital development. It cannot achieve its core objectives when leadership appointments are driven by political considerations rather than academic merit,” he stated.

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Professor Jega expressed deep concern over persistent political interference in the appointment of vice-chancellors, governing council members, and other principal officers. He observed that this trend has weakened governance structures, encouraged poor administrative decisions, undermined staff morale, and contributed significantly to the gradual decline in the quality of higher education in the country.

He stressed the urgent need for transparent, competitive, and merit-driven selection processes, anchored on clear criteria, academic record, leadership experience, and professional credibility. According to him, insulating universities from undue political influence is essential for restoring confidence in the system and positioning Nigerian universities to compete favourably at the global level.

Professor Jega further warned that failure to reform university governance would continue to erode the capacity of tertiary institutions to produce graduates who are innovative, globally competitive, and capable of driving sustainable national development.

The memorial lecture was delivered in honour of the late Professor Abdullahi Mahadi, a pioneer Vice-Chancellor of Gombe State University, whose contributions to scholarship, leadership, and the growth of the institution were widely acknowledged during the event.

Speaking earlier as Chairman of the Occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Kashere, Professor Umaru Pate, commended Gombe State University for sustaining the Abdullahi Mahadi Annual Memorial Lecture, describing it as a worthy tribute to the late pioneer Vice-Chancellor of the institution.

Professor Pate expressed appreciation to the GSU Vice-Chancellor, Professor Aliyu Yauta, and the university management for sustaining the initiative, noting that maintaining such academic traditions in Nigerian universities is often challenging.

He also described the Guest Lecturer, Professor Jega, as eminently qualified to speak on the theme, noting his deep experience in university governance and his long-standing professional relationship with the late Professor Abdullahi Mahadi.

Reflecting on Mahadi’s life, Professor Pate said the late scholar left behind an enduring legacy of service, scholarship, and institutional development at Gombe State University and beyond.

The lecture attracted a wide audience of academics, policymakers, students, and education stakeholders, including the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau. Participants described the event as timely and impactful in shaping the future of university governance in Nigeria.

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