KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 2ND EDITION

Kaduna Electric MD Warns Staff to Buckle Up on Revenue Collection

 

The Managing Director/CEO of Kaduna Electric, Dr Umar Abubakar Hashidu, has read the riot act to staff of the company under Sokoto Regional office to buckle up and multiply revenue for the company to remain in business.

Dr. Umar frowned at the current revenue of the Regional office that is in the range of N300 million, which is far less than a smaller, less cosmopolitan state like Taraba, that generates about N600 million.

Elaborating on the way forward at the maiden meeting with staff of the Sokoto Regional office of the company, Dr Umar affirmed that the target revenue set for the company is achievable, if the staff turn a new leaf, buckle up and shun corrupt practices.

Armed with a track record of turning around the fortunes of Yola Electricity Distribution Company, Dr Umar stated that, with the support and cooperation of every member of staff, the task of recording such achievement in Kaduna Electric is attainable.

Recalling that Kaduna Electric is the only company still under administration, he further stated that its current NBET, MO invoices and other charges stands at about N11bn but sadly boasts of just about N3bn in collection.

Hr said Kaduna Electric is still paying the Nigerian Electricity Market Stabilization 2014/2015 loan with interest. Same as the National Mass Metering Programme loan; the Performance Improvement Plan and SLA project between the company and TCN.

Dr Umar pointed out that the new Electricity Act signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has decentralized the generation and distribution of electricity and gives autonomy to states to play a greater role in the sector.

 

 

Zamfara Region Staff Urged to Change Mindset for Improved Efficiency.

The Staff of Kaduna Electric at Zamfara Regional Office have been advised to change their mindset for the success of the organization.

This call was made by the Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Umar Abubakar Hashidu during an interactive session with Staff in Zamfara Regional Office in Gusau on Tuesday.

The MD/CEO emphasized the importance of embracing change, encouraging individuals to change their thinking and mindset in order to facilitate change within the organization. He noted that team work is an important factor to the success of any organization, hence called on the staff to apply their knowledge collectively in order to ensure they deliver on the organization’s vision, create a competitive advantage and achieve its business objective.

 “The energy, passion, dedication, and innovation that employees bring to the organization can be seen in the effort they put into their work and the empowerment they feel to make a positive impact on the company. Acquire the skills needed to be adaptable to change and proactively look for new solutions to eliminate challenges and achieve goals”.  He added.

Continuing, he said “Successful outcomes lead to successful results and ensuring a strong return on investment for the business and positioning the company for long-term success and growth. To improve overall performance, focus on increasing revenue, reducing operating costs, and enhancing customer satisfaction and workforce productivity”

On customer engagement, he explained that staff need to develop a strong relationship between the company and the consumer that extends beyond just the sale of electricity. He said it involves a deliberate and steady effort by the company to add value in every interaction with the customer which would ultimately lead to increased loyalty.

“A customer engagement strategy can be compared to a feedback loop, where each interaction not only builds loyalty but also provides valuable insights that can benefit the business in the long run. Without these insights, the company may miss out on potential opportunities”

The Managing Director reiterated that the organization would continue to advocate for customer engagement through different means of communication for qualitative service delivery. He called on customers to help the organization by paying their electricity bills.

 

“We Must Take Ownership of Our Work In Order to Turnaround Kaduna Electric”

The Managing Director/CEO Kaduna Electric, Dr Umar Abubakar Hashidu, has charged staff of Kebbi Regional Office of the company to take ownership of their work in order to enhance the success of the company

He made the call during an interactive session with the staff in Kebbi Regional Office on Thursday.

At the session that lasted more than three hours, Dr Umar emphasized the importance of embracing change and pointed out non-ownership attitude of the staff which is adversely affecting the company from meeting it targets and other market obligations.

Dr Umar stated that, with the support and cooperation of every member of staff, the target revenue of N6bn set for Kaduna Electric is achievable, if the staff turn a new leaf.

The MD/CEO also complained bitterly about the rating of Kaduna Electric during the last NESI stakeholders meeting in Lagos, where Kaduna Electric was rated the last in terms of collection efficiency, ATC&C losses and meteing indices.

He also informed the staff that the company is to refund customers to the tune of N1.145bn as directed by the NERC for violation of the capping order.

“He however said, in return, the company must collect 100% of our capped estimated bill and outstanding debt. We are going to publish on newspapers and website for people to see and, any body that didn’t pay us doesn’t deserve our services.

“Currently, we are operating at a loss. The company would only expand its operations and develop its workforce when there is profit,” he stated.

The Managing Director reiterated that integrity is key and, therefore, every staff of the company must be a person of integrity in order to move the company to greater heights, and become one of the exemplary discos in Nigeria.

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

 

As Custodians of the Company’s Asset We Advice Against Over or Under Stocking… Bashar Sabo

 

CCD: Can you briefly tell us about your self?

BS: My name is Bashar Sabo, I attended LEA Primary School, Tudun wada, Kaduna; Government Day secondary School, Kurmin Mashi (NDA) Kaduna and Hannat College respectively. I attended Staff training school kakuri where I obtained certificate in supply Assistance 111 and certificate in store administration respectively, I graduated from Kano state polytechnic department of Purchasing and supply, I moved to Bayero University Kano where I obtained PGD in Accounting and finance, I am currently a chartered Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN).

BASHAR SABO, Store Officer

CCD:  When did you join the service of Kaduna electric, and what have you been doing ever since?

BS: I joined Kaduna electric on 1st September 2015 as a stores officer and I am still in store.

CCD: As a store officer, what does you daily routine looks like?

BS: My daily routine include-

To  Store, Control and issue all tools, equipment and related materials and services to ensure continuation of the operation of the Company. Bearing in mind the need for proper authorization and strict clerical control of all stock.

To check all the deliveries made to stores, to check the documentation (delivery note) and also inform the asset Unit of all goods received.

To ensure adequate health and safety precautions are taken in relation to whole stores operation.

To receive, store, control and document all scrap and excess returned to the store.

CCD:  In what way can we say a store officer adds valve to the operations

of the Company?

BS: Almost 85% of the Company assets are kept in stores which reflect in the Company's balance sheet as a stock while a store officer is responsible for receiving, recording, inspecting, arranging and storing all kinds of materials needed in the whole company for maintenance, new project, servicing until when required by the users department or company's customers. For that, the store officer contribute directly to profitability and be concern with lead time, storage cost, acquisition cost material handling etc, for that store officer is considered as a contributor towards profit earning of the Company.

CCD: At times material are requested from the store only to be told that the materials are unavailable, why are we having such disconnect between the store and the user departments?

BS: Stores are the custodian of the materials, the moment materials reach re-order level, the store officer use to notify the authority for order therefore unavailability of materials occurs as a result of unforeseen circumstances.

CCD: As member of the Company's supply chain management, what do you think need to be done to ensure smooth operations?

BS: We should avoid situations where there could be excessive investment on materials leading to capital being tied down, over stocking and under stocking materials and stock out problem.

Enhancing Quality control of goods and services into the stores and the company.

To reduce number of scraps, waste, surplus, obsolescent, obsolete and damage materials and equipment in the company e.t.c.

To give effective training and development of store personal e.t.c

CCD: Any appeal or suggestion to the Management/staff?

BS: The management should be committed on all staff’s remuneration and welfarism to enable smooth operation

While Staffs remain committed with their duties as per condition of service.

 

 

 

KADUNA ELECTRIC NEWSLETTER FEBRUARY 1ST EDITION

  

COO Charges RPU to Go Out and Disconnect erring Customers with a Smiling Face.

 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO), Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed, has charged the Revenue Protection Unit (RPU) to put in more efforts to improve on their performance company-wide. He also assured them of the full support of Management in achieving their objectives.

He urged them to be fair and firm when dealing with customers and disconnect all those who have defaulted with a smile on their faces without giving room for compromise.

He made this known during a brief interaction with the head office team members of the unit led by the Head of Unit, Engr. Umar Adamu Gumel.

The COO reiterated the critical role of RPU in the operations of Kaduna Electric especially in the light of the liquidity challenges the company is facing. He emphasized that the unit shall be provided with all the tools it needs to carry out its duties effectively.

While lamenting the not too satisfactory figures so far realized, he tasked the team to do more to improve the figures. He charged them to make integrity their watch word while out there on the field as they shall face temptation from acme unscrupulous customers to compromise their work.

He assured them that it is indeed a new dawn at Kaduna Electric and that all hard-working staff shall be duly recognized and rewarded in order to boost morale and maintain peak performance.

 

Kebbi East Area Office held Monthly Performance Review and Rewards

 

The management of Kebbi East Area Office has held monthly performance review and rewards to most performing staff

While giving his opening remark the Area Manager Mr. Abubakar Abdullahi appreciated the efforts of the general staff of the Area Office for the outstanding performance delivered.

He further charged them to maintain the tempo, so that every time the team delive
red a good performance we will come here to celebrate and reward the performing ones.

Kebbi East Area Office is attaining a remarkable collection efficiency and we will continue to work hard and become one of the best performing Area Office in Kaduna Electric, I am certain with the spirit of team work we can do better. He added

In his contribution the Regional Chief Mr. Sunday Yahaya whom joined the performance review via zoom, commended the efforts of the Area Manager and his team for putting things together and urged them to keep on doing the good work.

He however expects more performance from the Area Office in the forthcoming months as that will increase the overall collection efficiency of Kebbi Regional Office.

 

 

 

 

MEET THE STAFF SERIES

 

We are Using Innovative Strategies to Optimize Revenue Growth...Ogechi Ndukwe

 

OGECHI NDUKWE, CM Makera AO

CCD: Briefly tell us about yourself?

ON: I am Ogechi Ndukwe, The Commercial Manager of Makera Area office.

CCD:  What are your responsibilities as a Commercial Manager?

ON: As a Commercial Manager, my primary responsibilities revolve around driving revenue growth and ensuring the overall commercial success of the Makera Area Office. This involves overseeing customer acquisition and retention strategies, managing billing processes, implementing effective collection strategies, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Additionally, I am tasked with optimizing operational efficiency, exploring revenue diversification opportunities, and fostering a customer-centric approach within the commercial team.

CCD: What are your challenges so far?

ON: One of the significant challenges faced is the need to improve revenue collection amidst evolving market dynamics and customer expectations. Additionally, addressing operational inefficiencies and ensuring seamless regulatory compliance pose ongoing challenges. Striking the right balance between customer satisfaction and revenue optimization is another complex aspect that requires careful navigation.

CCD: How do you intend to tackle all these challenges?

ON:To address these challenges, I am focusing on implementing strategic initiatives. This includes leveraging advanced technologies to streamline billing processes and enhance collection efficiency. Through targeted training programs, I aim to empower the commercial team with the skills needed to adapt to changing market conditions. Collaborative efforts with other departments will help in optimizing operations, while regular reviews of regulatory requirements will ensure timely compliance.

CCD: How do you specifically intend to improve the revenue collection of the Area Office?

ON: Improving revenue collection involves a multi-faceted approach. Implementing customer-friendly payment solutions, enhancing communication channels for bill notifications, and deploying data analytics to identify and address collection bottlenecks are key strategies. Moreover, exploring innovative incentive programs and collaborating with the community to promote timely payments are part of the plan to boost overall revenue collection.

CCD: .Where do you see Makera Area Office in terms of performance and collection efficiency in a few months?

ON: In the coming months, I anticipate significant improvements in both performance and collection efficiency at Makera Area Office. With the implementation of targeted strategies and ongoing efforts, I expect to see a notable reduction in collection lags and improved overall revenue performance. These initiatives, combined with a customer-centric approach, will position the Area Office as a model of efficiency within the company.

 

CCD: What is your appeal to the management/staff of Kaduna Electric?

ON: My appeal to the management and staff of Kaduna Electric is one of collaboration and commitment. The challenges we face require a unified effort and a shared dedication to excellence. I encourage open communication, innovative thinking, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Together, we can not