The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has directed electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to compensate eligible Band A customers affected by power supply shortfalls recorded between February and March 2026.

In a public notice issued on Wednesday, the commission said the special compensation scheme became necessary following significant electricity generation deficits across the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), which prevented some DisCos from meeting the minimum service commitments required for Band A customers.

According to NERC, the supply disruptions were largely caused by inadequate gas supply as well as vandalism of critical gas and transmission infrastructure, factors beyond the direct control of the distribution companies.

The regulator explained that Band A customers are entitled to a minimum of 20 hours of electricity supply daily. It noted that where a Band A feeder recorded an average daily supply of between 18 and 20 hours during the affected period, the existing compensation framework under Addendum No. NERC/2024/003 would continue to apply to both Maximum Demand (MD) and Non-Maximum Demand (Non-MD) customers.

However, NERC stated that Band A feeders that received less than 18 hours of electricity supply per day between February and March 2026 would not be downgraded despite failing to meet the service threshold. Instead, customers connected to such feeders would receive special compensation.

Under the approved arrangement, Non-MD customers will receive compensation equivalent to 20 percent of the approved February 2026 energy cap applicable to their feeder. MD customers, on the other hand, will receive compensation equivalent to 20 percent of the average energy billed per MD customer in February 2026.

The commission further directed that prepaid customers should receive their compensation through electricity token credits, while postpaid customers should benefit through direct bill adjustments.

To ensure transparency, NERC instructed DisCos to clearly communicate the value and period of the compensation to affected customers. The regulator also prohibited distribution companies from using the compensation credits to offset any existing customer debts.

Reaffirming its commitment to consumer protection, NERC said it would closely monitor the implementation of the directive and verify compliance across all distribution companies to ensure that eligible customers receive the compensation due to them.

The commission added that the measure is aimed at safeguarding consumer interests while maintaining the stability and sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity market.

Nigeria and the United Kingdom have agreed to deepen customs cooperation through a new digital data-sharing framework aimed at resolving a £1.2 billion discrepancy in bilateral trade figures, a longstanding issue affecting transparency and efficiency between both economies.

The agreement was reached during a high-level meeting in London on March 18, 2026, held on the sidelines of President Bola Tinubu’s state visit under the Nigeria–UK Enhanced Trade and Investment Partnership (ETIP).

According to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the talks brought together Comptroller-General Adewale Adeniyi and Ms. Megan Shaw, Head of International Customs and Border Engagement at His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), with discussions focused on customs modernisation, trade data transparency, and operational collaboration.

At the centre of the engagement is a significant mismatch in trade statistics. Nigeria recorded about £504 million worth of imports from the UK in 2024, while UK data shows exports to Nigeria at approximately £1.7 billion over the same period — leaving a gap of roughly £1.2 billion.

Both sides described the discrepancy as structural and agreed on coordinated measures to address it. Chief among these is the proposed implementation of a pre-arrival data exchange system, which will connect digital customs platforms in both countries to improve data accuracy, strengthen risk management, and enhance compliance monitoring.

Adeniyi emphasised that stronger customs collaboration is vital for economic growth and sustainable trade, noting that customs authorities play a key role in ensuring secure and transparent cross-border trade flows.

The meeting also highlighted advancements in customs technology, with the UK showcasing artificial intelligence-driven tools, digital verification systems, and real-time analytics designed to improve cargo processing, risk assessment, and border security.

In addition to addressing the data gap, both countries agreed on several strategic initiatives, including the development of a Customs Mutual Administrative Assistance Framework, technical cooperation on capacity building, and the establishment of a joint engagement mechanism under ETIP.

The NCS said the outcomes of the meeting would enhance operational efficiency, boost trade facilitation, and support Nigeria’s broader economic reform agenda, positioning the country for improved competitiveness in global trade.

Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Olayemi Cardoso issued a bullish assessment of the nation’s financial health yesterday, declaring that aggressive institutional reforms and disciplined monetary policy have built a “stronger capacity” to withstand global economic volatility.

Speaking at the Africa Capital Forum—held on the sidelines of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s state visit to the United Kingdom—Cardoso painted a picture of a Nigerian economy transitioning from a period of emergency stabilization to one of sustained investment.

A Fortress Against Volatility

The Governor’s address focused heavily on the “de-risking” of the Nigerian financial system. By emphasizing a shift toward a predictable policy framework, Cardoso aimed to reassure international stakeholders that the days of opaque, discretionary decision-making are ending.

“We are reviewing our policies with a view to developing meaningful policies and establishing a predictable policy framework to minimise discretion,” Cardoso stated, noting that consistency is the primary tool for reducing investor uncertainty.

The Governor highlighted several critical milestones achieved under the current administration’s reform agenda:

Banking Recapitalization: The CBN reported that over 30 banks have already met new capital requirements.

Notably, 28% of the newly raised funds originated from foreign investors—a metric Cardoso cited as a clear vote of international confidence.

FX Transparency: A new foreign exchange manual has been deployed, stripping away previous restrictions to boost liquidity and simplify operations for multinational businesses.

Remittance Surge: Increased diaspora remittances have bolstered foreign exchange reserves, providing a crucial buffer against external shocks.

Fiscal-Monetary Synergy: In a departure from previous friction, Cardoso noted that the inclusion of fiscal authorities on the CBN Board and the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has synchronized the nation’s broader economic strategy.

The Digital Frontier: “Vision for Nigeria”

Looking ahead, the Governor announced the completion of a new Payments System Vision. This initiative aims to cement Nigeria’s status as the continental leader in digital payments and cross-border transactions, specifically targeting the removal of regulatory hurdles for the nation’s burgeoning fintech sector.