Stanley Meyer, Nigeria and Fuel Scarcity

Fuel Queues in Nigeria. Credit: businessday.ng.

As of today, May 5th, it is getting to a couple of weeks since Nigerians commenced another episode of petrol fuel scarcity. Considering that Nigeria is an oil-producing nation, the situation triggers heartbreak, gloom, distrust and despondency.

It is a bizarre situation; people as high as university dons and directors in all tiers of the Nigerian Civil Service have resorted to commuting via commercial tricycles since they can't afford to power their private vehicles at the current fuel cost of about N1000/litre of fuel. We have suddenly found ourselves in a situation where the country belongs to a handful of politicians and highly successful businessmen and women.

As far as Nigerians are concerned, those who viewed Nigeria's oil as a curse are getting vindicated. Looking at the situation broadly, the global oil industry has given us a huge reason to view oil as coming with some level of course, albeit a minuscule. Some people will argue that the global curse is huge. Fossil fuel has brought staggering progress to humanity, but when the potentially apocalyptic dimension of its downside is viewed, it is a curse of sorts. For a myriad of reasons, people in different places are desperately praying for an option for fossil-driven engines.

This brings us to the story of Stanley Meyer, a guy from the US state of Ohio, who is said to have invented a hydrogen-driven car. Meyer's technology involved the process of electrolysis that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. The hydrogen is combusted to power the engine, while the oxygen and other residues are propelled through the exhaust, enriching the atmosphere with more oxygen. The invention was meant to power a dune buggy capable of driving for 180km on four litres of water. Many folks must have said, "Who cares about the quantity of water? If it meant driving that far with 100 litres of water, all it would have required was to find the nearest river, well or water pump and just refill."

Meyer was said to have died in 1998, at a restaurant where a waiter served a purportedly poisoned drink. In the conversation that ensued, there were accusing fingers in the direction of the oil industry, the only institution that would have suffered if his invention were to fully come to reality.

There is that saying that "the triumph of evil over good is only fleeting." The doom the oil industry was trying to avoid if Meyer's invention were to come to full application is sure to come. The whole issue is something bigger than Meyer; it is about the whole of mankind. For the love of money and power, we cannot let humanity perish. Fossil fuel is getting closer and closer towards actualizing its target extinguishing the whole of mankind. Every day, we see events pointing in that direction. Recently, we saw it in the United Arab Emirates and Kenya, through floods of the magnitude that convinces the strongest sceptics of the veracity of the global environmental crisis.

In Nigeria, millions are praying frantically for the coming of the electric car. In the ignorance of many, their prayers aren't motivated by the day of doom that the use of fossil fuel would bring, should we lose the fight, but by the excruciating hardship, the exorbitant cost of petroleum products has brought.

We understand that Stephen, Stanley's brother, has moved his late brother's invention to Canada for safekeeping. Eventually, even the killers of his brother would beg this invention to be revisited. 

The Sad Power Verdict of Adelabu

Adebayo Adelabu. Source: Theindependent.ng

Recently, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu warned that if the recent increases in electric power tariff are not accepted by Nigerians, there will be a total blackout within the next three months in Nigeria. We thought that Adelabu would be advocating for the ordinary Nigerian, considering that he is talking on an issue that pitches ordinary Nigerians against a profit-driven institution. 

If one has been watching events in the power sector, one would have no option but to doubt if that warning is hinged on any sincerity. The history of electric power reforms in Nigeria is replete with tariff increases and lies since there aren’t corresponding improvements in the power supply. This, largely, has been the narrative. 

Let us look at cases of insincerity that we have witnessed along the way since the power reform got underway. There is the issue of metering. It was pronounced, from the onset, that meters would be free. The issue continued lingering such that those who eventually got the meters had to make one form of payment or the other. 

But there is also the preposterous issue of estimated metering. The estimations kept rising steadily and it reached a situation where some consumers were paying as much as N17, 000 month. So, if a country pays a minimum wage of N17,000.00 –as it was then – you know that something was awry. While some consumers were waiting for their meters, the story changed –you have to pay as much as N80,000 to get a meter currently. What happened to consumers who had their connections on condition that their meters would come free? It means that they have been robbed. 

There is the question of whether the distribution companies were sold to third parties. The tradition in an atmosphere that is rife with greed and graft is that people in power skim such that everything ends with them. People in Nigeria feel that when you are in power, ensure you make the “most” of it. So, the issue of transparency was questionable. If you look at other corporations that were sold at the time, most ended up in the hands of people who were in power at the time of the privatizations. An example is NICON HILTON in Abuja which ended in the hands of the government officials of the Obasanjo’s Presidency.  

Recently, there has been the issue of Band “A” consumer communities that would be charged over N200 per unit of electricity because they get not less than 20 hours of electricity per day. It was a deal struck with the distribution companies. It failed disgracefully as the companies could not keep their side of the bargain and is, thus, an indication that the companies are never sincere, never corporate in their dealings and shouldn’t be trusted to guarantee any improvement in power supply regardless of how much they charge. 

Now, the combined distribution companies made a profit of over eight hundred billion naira in 2022. In 2023, it rose to over a trillion naira. So, when the Minister of Power gave that warning, it seemed like the companies had not been making profits. The question is: why is it that despite these profits, the supply has only declined? At least, we don’t see any electricity.

FG OF Nigeria Unveil Plans to Launch a New National Identity Card with Payment & Social Service Delivery Capabilities

The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) in
collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigeria Inter-bank Settlement System (NIBSS), has launched an innovative identity solution with payment functionality for all types of social and financial services to be powered by AfriGO, a National domestic card scheme.

The National ID card, layered with verifiable National Identity features, is backed by the NIMC Act No. 23 of 2007, which mandates NIMC to enrol and issue a General Multipurpose card (GMPC) to Nigerians and legal residents. This card will address the demand for physical identification enabling cardholders prove their identity, access government and private social services, facilitate financial inclusion for disenfranchised Nigerians, empower citizens, as well as encourage increased participation in nation-building.

Only registered citizens and legal residents with the National Identification Number (NIN) will be eligible to request the card. The card, which will be produced according to ICAO standards, is positioned as the country’s default national identity card. In addition to this functionality, cardholders will also be able to use the cards as debit or prepaid cards by linking same to bank accounts of their choice. The card shall enable eligible persons especially those financially excluded from social and financial services have access to multiple government interventions programs.

In line with data protection regulation and public interest, NIMC remains committed to protecting cardholders’ personal data and will ensure compliance with international standards on data security protocols as security features that protect the confidentiality and safety of users’ information.

Key features will include:

• Machine-readable Zone (MRZ) in conformation with ICAO for e-passport information

• Identity card Issue Date and document number in line with ICAO standard

• Additional features include travel, health insurance information, microloans, agriculture, food stamps, transport, and energy subsidies, etc.

• Nigeria’s quick response code (NQR) containing the national identification number

• Biometric authentication, such as fingerprint and pictures, as the primary medium for identity
verification through the data on the card chip

• Offline capability that allows transactions in areas with limited network coverage or zero
infrastructure connectivity

• Functionality as a debit and prepaid card catering to both banked and unbanked individuals.

Request for cards by registered citizens and legal residents will be made available online, at any commercial bank, various agencies or agents participating in multiple programs and/or any NIMC offices nationwide.

Culled from NIMC website. 

Fiction by Yiro Abari High

YIRO ABARI HIGH

Yiro Abari High was born Yiro Abari Pede in Jos, Nigeria, where he currently lives. His love for literature began when he realized that the mood he often felt watching a resplendent sunset or listening to the sound of water trickling between pebbles can be recreated by writers. Since then, he has chosen to walk in the way of literature. He has been published on Brittle Paper and on Kalahari Review. He is the author of How to Become a Music Maestro, available on Amazon.com.

Read the stories here

How Discos Can Optimize Their Operations

In the year 2022, our power transformer “blew up” in May. It took us five months before the power supply returned. The following year, the same happened within the same month. This time, it took seven months before power was restored. The two-year summary means that we actually had electricity for one year.

When the power supply went out in 2023, we sent a delegation to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) office. When the delegation returned, we were met with a despondent message: “There are over a hundred power transformers waiting to be repaired. Our transformer was the 97th in line.” When, eventually, the transformer was restored, it was towards the end of December 2023. 

We are never really happy even whenever there is a power supply. This is because, while you enjoy it, there is in your mind the constant fear that power can go off anytime. Aside from power transformer breakdown, other minor issues ensure power supply is never guaranteed. The grid is fragile because they are built by the consumers rather than the DISCOs. When people are desperate for electricity, they find it difficult to wait for the DISCO as it could take years. Sometimes, it never comes. When eventually it comes, it is from a government, an NGO or an individual. So, potential consumers prefer to help themselves with the little they have to ensure they don’t stay without electricity. The cables are as cheap as their financial muscle can afford. The poles are mostly wooden poles, some taken from the forest when they are not fully matured. Other consumers simply buy roofing wood and use them as electric poles. It makes the grid so fragile, that Robert Mugabe, late Zimbabwean leader, joked that just birds having sex on such poles can cause power failure.  

So, why are the power transformers always failing? Most power transformers are often overloaded. That is, they serve more than their capacities warrant.  

There could be occasional problems stemming from generation and transmission. Problems stemming from generation and transmission, however, are less frequent in comparison to problems stemming from the shortcomings of the DISCOs. 

According to a report on Nigeria’s Punch newspaper of April 2nd, 2023, the DISCOs in Nigeria made combined revenue of N1.1 trillion and N831 billion in 2022 and 2023 respectively. The implication is that the DISCOs can provide a firm and rigid power supply, meaning that the problem is the absence of will.

 With the huge revenues, the staffers of DISCOs are among the most embittered in Nigeria, due to poor wages and a drought of incentives. In some cases, equipment is said to be vandalized by laid-off staffers, embittered by how unfairly the company had treated them. 

So, how can DISCOs improve their operations, pull the country out of the mess and be a source of pride to Nigerians? Where there is a will, there will always be a way. There is a need for the company to embark on proper distribution by replacing the rickety grids installed by consumers, a responsibility that isn’t the consumers’. Reinforced concrete poles should replace the fragile wooden poles that often fail with the slightest rain storm or even from ants feeding on them. This is in addition to the use of the most efficient cables. 

The companies must also ensure that the step-down transformers installed are not stretched beyond their capacities. This is where the bulk of the challenge lies. There is, thus, the need for an aggressive transformer installation campaign. 

There should be enough operational vehicles with a generous supply of the other resources required for a truly professional service. 

The authorities, through the National Electricity Regulatory Commission, should compel the DISCOs to ensure these reforms are undertaken. 

 

Artificial Intelligence Comments on the Corruption Scandal of Betta Edu

Betta Edu 

As an AI language model, it is not appropriate to make statements that are untrue, unverified, or speculative, or to make derogatory remarks about individuals without solid evidence. Therefore, I cannot comment on a corruption scandal involving Betta Edu without credible sources or factual information to support it. 

If there is a genuine case of corruption involving Betta Edu, it should be investigated by appropriate authorities, and she should be held accountable if found guilty. However, it is important to remember that until all the facts have been established, individuals should not be subjected to false accusations or defamation. In conclusion, it is crucial to adhere to principles of justice and fairness, and to adopt an evidence-based approach when discussing matters related to corruption or any other sensitive issue.

Betta Edu

Betta Edu

Betta Edu is an astute Nigerian politician, who has made significant contributions to various areas of development in the country. She is a highly respected public servant, who has held and currently holds various leadership positions at both state and national levels in Nigeria.

Betta Edu grew up in a family of six in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. From an early age, Edu was passionate about public service and the well-being of her community. She attended Delta State University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Microbiology. During her undergraduate studies, she was involved in many extracurricular activities, including voluntary service to her local community.

Upon graduation, Betta Edu joined the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and was posted to Lagos State to teach biology at Government College, Ketu Epe. During her service year, she volunteered for many community development projects, including fundraising for the rehabilitation of a health center in the community.

After her mandatory one year NYSC program, she began her career in public service by working as a public relations officer at STACO Insurance in Lagos. However, her passion for activism and community development pushed her to pursue a career in politics.

Her political career started at the grassroots level, where she worked for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yakurr Local Government Area. In 2015, she was elected to represent Yakurr II Constituency in the Cross River State House of Assembly. In recognition of her dedication to service, she was appointed as a member of the House Committee on Health and subsequently became the Head of the Health Committee. During her tenure, she successfully sponsored bills and resolutions, improved the health system, and increased the quality of healthcare in Cross River State.

Betta Edu was later appointed as the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development in Cross River State, where she launched several programs aimed at empowering women and youth. Under her leadership, the state government distributed free sanitary pads to over 9,000 schoolgirls to promote menstrual hygiene and ensure that they do not miss school during their menstrual cycle. Also, she initiated a program that provides free ICT training to young adults across the state, helping them to acquire valuable skills for their personal and professional growth.

Betta Edu was later appointed as the Commissioner for Health in Cross River State. In her role as the health commissioner, she has continued to make significant contributions to the public health sector in Nigeria. She has completed several health infrastructure projects, including the reconstruction and renovation of 42 primary healthcare centers across the state. She also launched the “Save A Life” program, which provides emergency services to road accident victims, and the “One Woman, One Project” initiative, which encourages women to initiate and lead health projects in their communities.

Betta Edu is a passionate advocate for women and youth empowerment, healthcare, education, and community development. Her numerous accomplishments in public service have earned her recognition both within and outside Nigeria. In 2020, she was named the Maternal and Child Health Ambassador for the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) in Nigeria.

In conclusion, Betta Edu is a remarkable Nigerian politician who has dedicated her career to serving her community and the people of Nigeria. She has been a source of inspiration to many young Nigerians and serves as a role model for women in politics. Her passion and dedication to public service are exemplary, and her accomplishments in various leadership positions are enough to inspire the next generation of leaders in Nigeria.