A recent report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reveals significant financial dynamics within Nigeria's electricity distribution sector. In the fourth quarter of 2024, the eleven Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) collectively billed customers N658.40 billion, successfully collecting N509.8 billion. This represents a revenue collection efficiency of 77.44 percent, marking an increase from the 74.55 percent efficiency recorded in the third quarter when N466.6 billion was collected from N626 billion billed.

The NERC report highlights that Eko and Ikeja DisCos led in collection efficiencies, achieving 90.00 percent and 82.63 percent, respectively. In stark contrast, Jos DisCo reported the lowest collection efficiency at 49.68 percent. Performance analysis between the third and fourth quarters of 2024 indicates that eight DisCos improved their collection efficiencies, with Yola and Kano DisCos showing the most substantial gains at +13.93pp and +9.88pp, respectively. However, Jos and Abuja DisCos experienced declines, with Jos DisCo dropping by -3.61pp and Abuja DisCo by -3.39pp.

The report also addresses the financial implications of maintaining non-cost-reflective tariffs. Due to this policy, the federal government incurred a subsidy obligation of N471.6 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024, which accounts for 56.65 percent of the total invoice from the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET). This subsidy obligation increased by N7.5 billion from N464.1 billion in the previous quarter, reflecting the government's decision to freeze allowed tariffs despite rising cost-reflective tariffs.

In terms of power generation, the average hourly generation on the grid in the fourth quarter of 2024 was 4,207.41MWh/h, resulting in a total generation of 9,289.95GWh. This represents a slight decrease of -1.70 percent compared to the third quarter, where hourly generation was 4,280.24MWh/h and total generation reached 9,450.76GWh.

In other news, aviation unions in Nigeria have issued a stern warning, threatening to shut down airports nationwide starting March 31, 2025. This action is in response to an alleged assault on the director of aviation security of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) by a customs officer. The unions, including the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), have jointly demanded the immediate removal of the implicated customs officer and a reduction in the number of customs officers operating in civil aviation facilities.

The unions have expressed their firm stance against the recurrent physical attacks on FAAN personnel, emphasizing the need for a clear framework that ensures mutual respect between FAAN staff and security agencies at airports. They have declared that all workers will withdraw from airports until adequate protocols are established to guarantee the safety and human rights of FAAN staff.

Meanwhile, the Customs Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, attributed the clash between FAAN and NCS officials to miscommunication regarding equipment movement and seating arrangements. This statement attempts to address the escalating tensions between aviation authorities and customs personnel.