Business News
Governor El Rufai extends Kaduna State’s lockdown by 2 weeks starting June 1st
The Governor noted that most of the cases recorded in the state have either been from persons with a history of interstate travel. Therefore, citizens must take responsibility for their safety by adhering to guidelines.
Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai has extended the lockdown in the state by two weeks, effective from June 1, 2020. This was announced by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, who spoke on behalf of the governor during a state broadcast on Tuesday evening after the Eid celebration.
There will be a relaxation of movement on Wednesday and Thursday, May 27 and 28, and neighborhood markets will open from 10 am-4 pm on both days to allow residents to purchase their needs before the lockdown takes effect on Monday June 1.
During the two week period, there will be adjustments during this period to allow the easing of restrictions in certain sectors and enable residents to resume their jobs.
KADUNA UPDATE: Malam Nasir @elrufai has extended the Quarantine Orders by two weeks, with adjustments to permit the easing of restrictions in certain sectors, Deputy Governor @DrHadiza Balarabe has announced in a state broadcast… pic.twitter.com/v6y7N8FRvV
— Governor Kaduna (@GovKaduna) May 26, 2020
3 lockdown-free days
Balarabe stated that there will be a three-day window every week to allow residents to shop their essential needs on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Business owners that meet the stipulated requirements will also be allowed to operate on these days. Artisans such as vulcanisers, welders, and mechanics will also be allowed to operate on the same days.
“The revised regulations are intended to preserve the state’s ability to protect citizens, empower citizens to lead the fight against Covid-19 and make necessary adjustments to permit the safe resumption of the pursuit of livelihoods in more sectors” she stated.
The adjusted orders expand the ability of citizens to resume the pursuit of livelihoods, in permitted sectors subject to compliance with health and safety protocols. Private sector firms that meet these requirements will also operate on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays…
— Governor Kaduna (@GovKaduna) May 26, 2020
(READ MORE: Kaduna shuts FCMB, Keystone Bank branches over alleged N294 million tax liabilities)
These businesses and organisations must remain shut
Under the revised regulations, schools and places of worship will remain shut until directed otherwise. Markets will also be closed except on the lockdown free days, while the government engages with relevant stakeholder on the circumstances for a safe reopening.
Restaurants and eateries will not entertain sit-in customers but are allowed to offer takeaway services. In the same vein, sporting centers, event centers, and relaxation centers are to remain closed. Hotels are to also remain shut as well, as they have not been specifically licensed as essential service providers during this period.
(READ MORE:Update: Court orders Sanusi’s release from confinement, meets with El-Rufai in Awe)
The public sector will also use the two-week extension to prepare for limited resumption. Heads of Ministries, Department and Agencies will ensure that government offices are reconfigured for physical distancing and that handwashing facilities are available.
All of the regulations are to be reviewed after two weeks.
Schools, places of worship & markets will remain closed under the adjusted orders. KDSG officials will be engaging with religious leaders, transport unions, traditional institutions, market unions, school proprietors and other stakeholders on the circumstances for safe reopening
— Governor Kaduna (@GovKaduna) May 26, 2020
The governor commended the state’s residents for complying with earlier directives of the lockdown, despite the inconveniences. He assured them that their sacrifices have not been in vain.
“These sacrifices have not been in vain. Without them, infection rates will be much higher. Many citizens have embraced the exercise of personal responsibility, including wearing facemasks when outdoors, washing hands with soap and water regularly, observing physical distancing and avoiding large crowds. These new habits will help keep our communities safe” he said.
He noted that most of the cases recorded in the state have either been from persons with a history of interstate travel or have been in contact with people who traveled inter-state. Therefore, citizens must take responsibility for their safety by adhering to guidelines.
Energy
Togo, Niger, Benin remit N2.04 billion to Nigeria for power supply
Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission says international electricity customers remitted the sum of N2.04billion to Nigeria in three months.
Nigeria’s international electricity customers – Togo, Niger, and Benin, remitted the sum of N2.04billion in the first quarter of 2020, as their outstanding electricity bill to the Market Operator (MO) of the sector in Nigeria.
This was found in the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission 2020 first quarter report, which was released recently.
According to the report, a total of N4.05billion ($13.22million) invoices were issued by the MO to international customers including Societe Nigerienne d’electricite or NIGELEC; Societe Beninoise d’Energie Electrique (SBEE); and Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (CEET).
The commission stated that during the quarter, NIGELEC made a payment of ₦1.61billion ($5.27million) as part of its outstanding bills for the energy received from NBET and services rendered by the MO.
It stated, “Similarly, SBEE paid ₦0.43billion ($1.39million) in respect of services received from MO.
“It was noteworthy that tariff shortfall (represented by the difference between actual end-user tariffs payable by consumers and the cost-reflective rates approved by NERC) had partly contributed to liquidity challenges being experienced in the industry.
“The settlement ratio to the expected Minimum Remittance Thresholds, having adjusted for tariff shortfall, indicated that power distribution companies needed to improve on their performance.”
But …
Special customers like Ajaokuta Steel Co. Ltd and others in its environs did not make any payment in respect of the N0.27billion and N0.05billion invoices issued to them by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc and the MO respectively, during the period under view.
Meanwhile, the power distributors failed to remit N119.88billion to the sector within the same period.
“Whereas Discos were expected to make a market remittance of 46.09% during 2020/Q1, only 32.53% settlement rate was achieved within the timeframe provided for market settlement in the Market Rules,” it added.
What it means: The Discos’ remittance level, regardless of the prevailing tariff shortfall, was still below the expected MRT and they are expected to improve on their performances.
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Anonymous
June 1, 2020 at 4:24 pm
We the people of kaduna state.we have know comfortable