Evolution of Transportation Systems in Nigeria

You can hardly do much productively without the use of transportation, it is so essential,  it is now fully integrated into our day-to-day lives.

It dates back to transportation by foot, which has now evolved to automated cars - Self-driving cars & driverless cars like Tesla, on-demand ride services like Uber & Taxify.

Transportation is no longer limited to goods and people, it now plays a very important role and is used for making positive contributions to a country’s economy which leads to national growth and prosperity.

Modes of Transportation

1. Road

The road is by far the most used mode of transportation in Nigeria as most workers take road transport to work every day, the significant number of people travelling every day by roads, day-to-day outings, meetings and meetups is mostly done via road transportation using vehicles.

Source: The National Bureau of Statistics revealed that as at the third quarter of 2017, Nigeria had about 11,547,236 motor vehicles in the country.

About 4,656,725 of these vehicles are privately owned while, 6,749,461 vehicles are registered as commercial vehicles. Another 135,216 vehicles are registered as government-owned vehicles while 5,834 vehicles are registered for diplomats.

2. Air

Most people have become comfortable with air transportation mainly because it’s faster and in most cases, can reach where road transportation can’t. For example; International flights.

If international travel can be done via road, I’m sure some people would opt for road travel instead of air.

3. Train

The train transportation in Nigeria is operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) and trains are used to convey heavy goods and people. It usually operates in long distance travels.

4. Water5. Pipeline

Evolution of Transportation System in Nigeria

Technology has influenced the Nigerian transportation system making it a better system because it expands transportation feasibilities while also improving on them.

Each mode of transportation has evolved in its own way.

1. Road

Road transportation began with riding bicycles, fast forward a few decades, we have vehicles (automobiles), which can be personally owned by individuals and used for movement within a specific region after the proper licensing has been approved.

Now, on-demand ride services like Uber and Taxify have brought the feeling of owning your personal car into reality without having to spend money to buy one, you can simply order for a car ride and the car comes to you. Everything is done for your convenience.

Still, on the evolution of road transportation system in Nigeria, the process of travelling via buses or luxurious buses was done manually meaning if you want to travel by road, you would have to go to the parks, bus terminals days before the day you want to travel to book your space and pay your bus fee but all that has changed now.

With Bus.com.ng, you can easily book your bus ticket from your home, office or anywhere you find yourself without visiting any bus terminal or parks.

You just book bus tickets online and proceed to travel the next day!

2. Air

Over the last 10 years, air transportation has changed a lot with more incoming and outgoing international flights.

There were a time aeroplanes were so small, passengers didn’t have freedom of movement and during long flights, it became very uncomfortable for passengers.

Now, different airline companies are providing luxurious ways to make passengers feel more relaxed, satisfied and get them a feeling of home right inside the plane. Some airlines provide bed-like seats, cabins/suites that remind you of your home and shopping stores to keep you engaged while travelling long distances.

Uses of Transportation in Nigeria

Well this is a little more advanced because transportation is in everything we do, its uses have evolved to the following;

Carry goods and people:

This is the most basic use of transportation which is the movement of goods or people from one location to another.

This can be either by travelling or trucking/haulage. Using different modes of transportation, you can travel long, short distances at incredibly fast or slow speed.

Trucking/Haulage is something we see every day in Nigeria, with big trucks transporting goods or tankers moving fuel to petrol stations.

Logistics/Local Delivery

Modern day businesses knowns as start-ups can use transportation to solve their logistics needs by performing local deliveries to their customers and offering a pay on delivery mode of payment.

Transportation has also made the transportation of products developed by business over a long distance usually to international markets for commercial purposes.

This ties directly to every country’s exportation and importation scheme because without transportation money won’t be realized from a country’s natural resources.

Everyday Movement

Transportation is used for everyday movements like going to work, outings, business meetings etc. You can’t go anywhere without transportation either it’s by road, air, rail or water. You will still need a form of transportation to get to your destination.

The Safest Discos Network in Nigeria

A disco is an electricity distribution company which has acquired the necessary licenses involved to distribute power in a given state or region.

We currently have 11 electricity distribution company (Discos) in Nigeria regulated by The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

Source: Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors

• Abuja Electricity Distribution PLC (AEDC)
• Benin Electricity Distribution PLC (BEDC)
• Eko Electricity Distribution PLC (EKEDC)
• Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC)
• Ibadan Electricity Distribution PLC (IBEDC)
• Ikeja Electricity Distribution PLC (IKEDC)
• Jos Electricity Distribution PLC (JEDC)
• Kaduna Electricity Distribution PLC (KNEDC)
• Kano Electricity Distribution PLC (KEDC)
• Port-Harcourt Electricity Distribution PLC (PHEDC)
• Yola Electricity Distribution PLC (YEDC)

What Government Body is in charge of Disco Safety?

The Nigerian Electricity Management Service Agency (NEMSA) is responsible for the safety of lives and property in the Nigerian electric supply industry.

NEMSA oversees the various DISCOS activities such as their physical electrical structures, buildings and the premises surrounding their power station or electricity poles.

Their main goal is to reduce the loss of lives and prevent accidents and bad electricity structures which could lead to the loss of lives and properties.

Source: Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA)

Criteria for ranking the Safest Discos in Nigeria

The Nigerian Electricity Management Service Agency (NEMSA) stated on their website, the factors used for ranking the safest discos in Nigeria.

1. Fatalities
2. Major injuries
3. Network Resolved

1. Fatalities (Number of deaths within the network)

The number of deaths within the network is a combination of the deaths from the staffs of the network and 3^rd party involved.

2. Major Injuries

These are the number of persons that sustained serious to minor injuries.

3. Network resolved issues

These are the number of bad network issues and challenges a network resolves.

 

The Safest Disco Networks in Nigeria

Source: NEMSA website

1. Enugu Electricity Distribution PLC (EEDC)

The Nigerian Electricity Management Service Agency (NEMSA) announced that EEDC is at the top of their safety ranking list for 2017.

Coverage Areas: Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi and IMO state.

Address: No. 1 Okpara Avenue, Enugu, Enugu State.

2. Ikeja Electricity Distribution PLC (IKEDC)

NEMSA ranked Ikeja Electricity Distribution PLC (IKEDC) has the second safest disco in Nigeria in 2017.

Coverage Areas: Parts of Lagos State (Abule Egba, Akowonjo, Ikeja, Ikorodu, Oshodi, Shomolu)

Address: Secretariat Road, Alausa-Ikeja, Lagos State.

3. Eko Electricity Distribution PLC (EKEDC)

NEMSA ranked Ikeja Electricity Distribution PLC (IKEDC) has the
 third safest disco in Nigeria in 2017.

Coverage Areas: Southern Lagos State (Ojo, Festac, Ijora, Mushin, Orile, Apapa, Lekki, Ibeju), Lagos Island (including Ajele areas) and Ogun state (Specifically Agbara)

Address: No. 24/25 Marina Street, Lagos Island, Lagos State.

7 Major Factors that can be attributed to accidents in the Power Sector

1. System protection & Equipment failure
2. The total absence of protection devices in some cases
3. Poor maintenance of ageing networks, right-of-way issues
4. Poor response to monitored networks and the use of substandard materials
5. Non-adherence to safety rules and regulations
6. Inadequate knowledge and ignorance on the part of the operators, customers and the general public.
7. Vandalism

System Protection & Equipment failure

Equipment can fail for a couple of reasons but the most common in Nigeria is the purchase of fake equipment that appears cheaper with a guise of being able to perform at per with the original version.

This results in a high percentage of fake equipment which can stop working at any time or won’t reach its expiry date.

Some of these equipment includes system protection tools similar to the surge extension box we all use and love. System protection equipment protects the overall electricity system from high or low electrical currents or acts as a stabilizing mechanism.

The Total Absence of Protection Devices in some cases

Protection devices to be worn by the electrical operates are often non-existent or not good enough for the job and when something bad happens the protection device can’t help or protect the individual.

Poor Maintenance of Aging Network & Right-Of-Way issues

This is a common issue in Nigeria, regular maintenance fees are budgeted for but are not executed. Instead of monthly maintenance, it’s done maybe in 6 months and it’s not regular because of the high-level corruption in the country.

Right-Of-Way can be defined as the legal right to pass through ground or property not belonging to you and this can be an issue because when you set up and electrical pole beside a residential apartment because you have “right-of-way” it can lead to loss of lives.

Poor Response to Monitored Networks and Use of Substandard materials

This is another common problem in Nigeria. The lack of quick/rapid response and the high levels of corruptions would always influence individuals in power to purchase substandard materials which are aimed at increasing their profit margins or embezzlement.

Non-Adherence to Safety Rules and Regulations

Non-adherence to simple safety rules can lead to the instant death of an individual because we are talking about millions of electricity voltage which can be very harmful to humans if we don’t follow the safety rules and regulations.

Inadequate Knowledge and Ignorance

This is a widespread issue and it has deep roots in Nigeria because we see people getting employed for jobs they know nothing about and when push comes to shove, in a life or death situation the individual doesn’t know what to do because he lacks the knowledge or he/she is totally ignorant of the situation.

Vandalism

The destruction or damage of electrical equipment by hoodlums in the society is something that happens on a daily basis with some individuals refusing to pay their electricity bills and still refusing the consequence of not paying bills so they clash with electrical operators leading to vandalized poles and electrical equipments.

Mobile Payment Apps in Nigeria

 Mobile payment apps are the next stage of cashless payments, say bye-bye to cash payments and let your ATM cards rest for a while because mobile payment apps allow you make seamless payments with your phone-you can pay for your shopping, goods and services and so much more.

Since everyone spends more time on their smartphones than they do with their computers or laptops, mobile payment apps have become increasingly popular and are being used for most online transactions today.

There were over 18 million smartphone users in 2017 with a prediction of over 20.5 million users in 2018. The use of smartphones will only increase with time.

Making payments with your smartphone is easier than ever with mobile payments apps providing consumers with new ways to exchange money, purchase products both locally and internationally, manage expense and earn rewards while doing all these fun activities.

Mobile payment apps are digital wallets, mobile commerce apps, cryptocurrency apps and peer-to-peer payment platforms.

Features of a Mobile Payment App

A standard mobile payment app should have these features regardless of their platform.

1. Person-to-person payments
2. In-store payments
3. Pay on online stores
4. Web interface
5. International Payments
6. Loyalty programs
7. Airtime purchase
8. Pay bills
9.  Collect quick loans

Person-to-person payments

These are sometimes called peer-to-peer payments -which occur when a person sends money to another person. You can send funds to friends and family.

The money sent could either be for family or friends or payment for goods and services. Each payment is different from the other.

Using PayPal mobile payment app has an example when you send payments as family and friends, the sender pays the transaction costs but if you send payment as goods and services, the person that receives the money will pay the fee.

In-Store Payments

Mobile payment apps can also be used to make payments in a brick and mortar store. You don’t need your ATM Card or POS machine. All you need is your smartphone and the mobile payment app installed on it.

Although this looks very smooth and easy, there are a lot of technical issues behind the scenes, which contribute to making this work.

First off, the offline store needs to have the facilities set up and in place before this can work. This setup involves Near-Field Communications (NFC) technology, which makes the use of mobile payment apps in offline stores successful.

Pay on Online Stores

I’m sure you already guessed this feature because it’s an obvious one. Mobile payment apps can be used to make payments on online e-commerce stores, websites and blogs without the need for an ATM card.

For this to work, the e-commerce store or website/blog should list your mobile payment app’s platform as one of the payment options, which give you, access to make payment using your app.

Example: You want to make a purchase on ebay.com; they accept a wide variety of card payments and PayPal. So all you have to do is make payment using your PayPal mobile app and the transaction is successful and complete.

Web Interface

Every mobile payment app should have a web interface that can be accessed using a web browser. This web interface will mostly be accessed on computer/laptops, which can be crucial when a person’s smartphone battery is dead or non-operational.

Web interface creates an excellent substitution and can help keep transactions going with or without the use of a smartphone.

International Payments

The world is a global village and international payments have been so important in recent times because a person living in Nigeria can decide one day that he wants to make an international purchase, maybe a product or service.

This purchase would involve international currencies and in order for the transaction to be successful, international payments in foreign currency have to be used. Payment would be converted and paid in foreign currency with the buyer getting billed in his local currency.

Loyalty Programs

Some mobile payment apps reward its users for taking positions within and outside the app. You earn points by referring friends, performing transactions and doing special actions within the app.

These rewards can be converted to real cash in some instances.

Other features of Mobile Payment Apps in Nigeria include

Airtime recharge purchase, payment of bills like electricity, DSTV, LCC etc and quick loan collection feature is available in some mobile payment apps in Nigeria.

List of Mobile Payment Apps in Nigeria

Source: Top Finance Apps in Google Play store

1. Paylater
2. Zenith bank mobile app
3. FirstMobile
4. Branch
5. GTBank
6. UBA Mobile Banking
7. Ecobank Mobile Banking
8. Access Bank PLC
9. Diamond Mobile
10. Aella Credit
11. Luno Bitcoin Wallet
12. GTWorld
13. QuickTeller
14. SkyMobile
15. FairMoney
16. UnionMobile
17. Fidelity Online Banking
18. FCMB Mobile by FCMB
19. StanbicIBTC
20. ALAT
21. IQ Option Broker
22. FCMB Mobile Plus
23. QuickCheck Loan App
24. Bank 737
25. Keystone Mobile
26. Sterling Bank Mobile
27. MetaTrader 4
28. Blockchain Wallet
29. PayPal
30. Pay9JA
31. Remita
32. Coinbase

Introducing GPAY Revenue & Collections Optimizing Platform

The GPAY Revenue and Collections Optimizing Platform offers a host of solutions to maximize revenue collections, reduce the cost of collections and facilitate payment reconciliation and reporting for electricity distribution companies.

Mobile Money Operators - Ease at your fingertips

Mobile money operators? Ring any bells? Let me give you a hint *737# -that is a mobile money service which is only one of the cool things mobile money can do for you.

Mobile Money came into existence in 2012, it was brought into existence to compliment the entire spectrum of the cashless policy of 2012 making it more effective.

So, What is Mobile Money

Mobile money is a secure payment service that enables you to pay for goods and services, receive money, transfer money, buy airtime using your mobile phone and the best part in most cases, you don’t know internet access. All you need to do is simply dial a code and everything becomes accessible by you.

Mobile money transforms your mobile phone into an electronic wallet (e-wallet) which is linked to your bank account. This e-wallet gives you the power to make mobile-based instant payments either by transferring money to your friends and family or buying airtime or paying for bills, you can now do all those stuff without internet using your mobile phone.

Mobile Money & Governance

Mobile Money services in Nigeria are regulated by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and as such they get to create guidelines to ensure the rapid growth and adoption of the system by Nigerians.

CBN is responsible for licensing mobile money operators in Nigeria. We currently have about 21 mobile money operators in Nigeria fully licensed by CBN.

●        GTBank Mobile money

●        MTN Money

●        GTPay

●        First Monie

●        Stanbic IBTC mobile money

●        Paga(my paga)

●        Ecobank mobile money

●        U-MO Mobile money

●        Diamond bank mobile app

●        Interswitch

●        Pay with capture

●        Zoto app

●        eTransact

●        Fortis MFB - Fortis Mobile Money

●        Monitize

●        FETS-my.wallet

●        Eartholeum-QikQik

●        Mkudi- Mimo

●        Zenith Bank- EazyMoney

●        Teasy Mobile -

●        PayCom-PIDO(Payment Irrespective of Distance or Obstacles)

●        Parkway Projects- Ready cash

Some of these mobile money operators may have shut their services down.

Mobile Money Models in Nigeria

In Nigeria, mobile money operators are divided into 3 models by operations:

1. Bank-led model
2. Non-bank model
3. Operator branded model

Bank-led model

This model is centred around a bank or group of banks seeking to deliver payment services leveraging on the mobile payment system. This license is for bank or group of banks alone.

Non-bank model

This gives the opportunity for corporate organizations to deliver mobile payment services after fully licensed by Central Bank.

Operator branded model

This is a model used by network operators like MTN to their subscribers adding value to them by providing them with a convenient way of paying for goods and services using your mobile phones.

Network operators don’t have licenses but through partnerships with licensed mobile money providers, financial institutions like banks, payment processors they can offer mobile money services to their customers.

Mobile Money Operators in Nigeria

Mobile Money Operators (MMO) are licensed and regulated by CBN. They also must do and follow the guidelines set for them, some of these rules/guidelines include;

• Being fully licensed by CBN and still subject to review from time to time after being licensed.
• Be issued a unique shortcode by Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) that would be used as a unique identifier to carry out mobile payment services.
• Be issued a unique schema code by the Nigeria inter-bank settlement system (NIBSS) for managing interoperability.
• Register all mobile money users based on the entire Know Your Customers (KYC) system.
• The mobile money system would require a registered user to activate the service before any transaction can be made and approved. Activation is done by either creating a PIN or password.
• Every mobile payment transaction is issued a unique reference code issued by the system ensuring transparency of mobile money operators.

These are just some of the important guidelines:

Mobile Payment Process

Mobile money providers have the responsibility of putting in place and implementing a well-detailed process that covers the entire solution deliver which is mobile money.

This process involves:

1. User registration and management
2. Agent recruitment and management
3. Consumer protection
4. Dispute resolution procedures
5. Risk management processes
6. Transaction settlement

Benefits of Mobile Money to the Customers

Mobile money is a secure mobile payment service solution. What are the little benefits users and customers can get from using the platform?

• Convenience
• An easy way of registering
• Easy to use through shortcodes, SMS, USSD and so on.
• Security and Privacy of transactions
• Access to real-time fund details
• Ability to execute transactions quickly and easily

Introducing GPAY Billing and Aggregator Systems

GPay is a utility payment gateway that deals in instant payment solutions with major roots in easy online payment for electricity bills, water and other utilities.

GPay Billing and Aggregator System is a robust payment platform that allows for seamless bank integrations to facilitate ATM deployment, mobile, online and in-branch utility payment solutions as well as partnerships with other licensed payment services providers.

They also provide world-class business solutions such as collections and revenue optimization platforms and data analytics which would take your business to the next level.

Why Payment Processing Companies are a necessity in Nigeria

We haven’t covered payment processors alone and payment processing companies. With this post, we are going to explore the reasons why payment-processing companies are needed in Nigeria.

But first, let’s start small.

What is Payment Processing?

Payment Processing is a term used to describe how transactions are automated between the customer (buyer) and merchant (seller).

Payment processing is a vital part of every successful online transaction and can be used for small businesses, startups and e-commerce stores because the basis is the same.

What is a Payment Processor?

These are the people that carry out payment processing.

Payment processors are the financial institutions or companies that work in the background providing all the payment processing services used by an online merchant or seller.

Payments processors are the bridge that connects both the merchant or seller account and payment gateway by instantaneously passing across informing back and forth between the seller’s account and payment gateway.

Payment processors also make sure that as information is instantaneously passed, such information is kept secure and airtight and everything happens and works smoothly for the end user.

Standard Online Transaction Process

Let’s go through a standard online transaction process together. In this example, we are going to be looking at every detail of the payment process and also tracking where the money goes, who does what and which individuals or companies are involved.

Customer/Buyer – Payment Gateway - Payment Processor - Card’s issuing bank – Payment Processor – Approval/Decline - Payment to Merchant/Seller.

Let me explain.

1. Customer/Buyer

Let’s call him Frank, he visits your e-commerce website, finds a product or service he likes, makes a purchase by providing his card information and clicks on the BUY button -waiting a few seconds to see a Transaction successful message.

In those few seconds, the following steps are occurring rapidly;

2. Payment Gateway

Frank’s transaction details are sent to the payment gateway which contains his personal and debit card information.

This information forms the transaction details which are securely sent from the payment gateway through the payment processor while referencing the merchant ID number and finally arrives in the merchant’s account.

3. Payment Processor

The payment processor also receives the transaction details and contacts the issuing bank to check if Frank has enough money to make this purchase or if his credit card details are correct or valid.

It’s at this stage that if Frank provided the wrong debit card number or made a mistake with any of his debit card details or billing address, the transaction will fail.

Also, if Frank has limited funds in his account to pay for the product or service, the transaction fails.

4. Card’s Issuing Bank

The bank Frank got his debit card from, will accept or decline his purchase due to either lack of funds, wrong card information, invalid card information, wrong billing address and so on.

The approval or decline information goes back to the payment processor.

5. Payment Processor

The payment processor sends the transaction approval message or declines message to the payment gateway.

6. Approval/Decline

If the message was approved, the sale can go on. The merchant/seller would also be informed of a successful transaction and would start preparing to ship out the items to Frank.

This is when Frank would be Transaction Complete and receives a shipping date stating when his product or service would be delivered or rendered to him.

7. Payment to Merchant/Seller

Normally payment is held from the merchant/seller until he fulfils his purpose, once he does what he needs to do, the bank that issued Frank his debit card releases funds to the merchant’s bank and after a short settlement period, the money is paid to the merchant/seller.

Why money is not given directly to the merchant is to protect the buyer, it’s called Buyer Protection because it protects the buyer from merchant fraud and makes refund faster because the money is still with the banks.

Reasons Why Payment Processing Companies are needed in Nigeria

Just how important is payment processing in Nigeria?

To make online payment transactions work

Try making an online payment without a payment processor, it won’t probably work because as illustrated above, in a typical online payment process, payment processors are used twice in the whole equation and they act as a bridge instantaneously sharing data making online payment work.

Simply put, without payment processors, there wouldn’t be online payment.

Good for Business

Payment processing services are good for all kind of business from small businesses, startups, medium-sized business, e-commerce stores, brick and mortar stores too can add online payment services as part of their payment options.

When something is good for business, it means increased cash flow, low cost of integration and reduces labour costs which makes your business more profitable.

Good for Customers

This takes into account, all the benefits online payment; payment gateway and payment processors give to a customer.

• Fast and smooth online payment experience
• Safe and secure environment.
• Gift of convenience – Customers can make payment from anywhere at anytime
• Saves money for transportation and miscellaneous.
• Easy to use.

Technical Errors

Payment processors reduce the chances of errors in an online payment transaction drastically but adding the human element as part of the payment transaction process increases the change for errors which can cost both the buyer and seller money.

What is the Best Way to Pay for Electricity Bills in Nigeria?

We started with meters then moved on to card prepaid meter system and we started paying for our electricity bills at NEPA/PHCN office then, we could pay through banks which reduced the stress everyone had to face because NEPA/PHCN office used to get too crowded with day-long queues. 

We have however moved on to the next phase of how we pay for electricity bills in Nigeria.

The new phase is a combination of your prepaid card meter number, internet, ATM card, smartphone or computer and a payment gateway. This new system is fast, convenient and secure.

In this new phase of electricity bills payment in Nigeria, the old payment to NEPA/PHCN offices and banks options is still in existence so it’s a hybrid system where we have both the old and new method of paying electricity bills in Nigeria.

What’s the Best Way to Pay for Electricity Bills in Nigeria?

Since electricity bills payment is a hybrid system, there are two ways of paying for this service in Nigeria.

• PHCN Cash Offices method
• Online Payment method

PHCN Cash Office Method

The cash method involves going to a PHCN office with your cash and meter number to make payment for electricity bills.

Requirements for this method

• Cash
• Meter Number
• Patience

CASH – PHCN OFFICE – METER NUMBER – PAYMENT – HOME – INSERT CODE.

This method is still popular among Nigerians because some people just love the traditional idea of holding cash and making payment, collecting receipt and going back home to input your code.

This method still appeals to a lot of Nigerians because they are physically and manually involved in every process making the process look more real and trustworthy in their sight.

This still doesn’t mean it’s the best way to pay your electricity bills, because there are pros and cons to this method.

Advantages

• Physical involvement in the process
• Seems more trustworthy
• Looks safer and risk-free

Disadvantages

• Physical stress
• Your time can be wasted when you encounter queues or network failures
• Cost of transportation to your closest PHCN cash office
• Human factors e.g. rudeness of the attendant or he/she doesn’t know what to do which results in human error and loss of cash.
• Closing hours, Weekend, Public holidays; their offices would be closed and you can’t make payment until Monday or end of the holiday season.
• Using EKEDC has an example, there are 28 cash offices where you can simply walk into to pay your electricity bills.

	CASH OFFICES IN LAGOS	ADDRESS
1	DISTRICT OFFICE	Agbara BU Office, Agbara Industrial Estate, Agbara
2	DISTRICT OFFICE	Apapa BU Office, Itapeju Avenue, Apapa
3	BADIA	Badia Sub-Station, Gaskiya College Road
4	AJEROMI	Ajeromi UT Office, Cardoso Street, Ajegunle
5	AJEGUNLE	Ajegunle UT Office, Idewu Street, Ajegunle
6	DISTRICT OFFICE	Festac BU Office, S Close, 23 Road, Festac Town
7	DISTRICT OFFICE	Ijora BU Office, Off Apapa Road, Ijora
8	IGANMU U/TAKIN OFFICE	Iganmu UT Office, Adelabu Street, Surulere
9	SURULERE	Surulere UT Office, Akerele Street, Surulere
10	ONIKE	Onike UT Office, Iwaya Road, Onike
11	YABA	Cash Office by Adekunle Police Station, Yaba
12	DISTRICT OFFICE	Lekki BU Office, Agungi Bus Stop, Lekki-Epe Expressway
13	AJAH U/TAKING OFFICE	Ajah UT Office, Thomas Estate, Off Ado Badore Road, Ajah
14	IBEJU	Ibeju Office, after Sangotedo Off Epe Expressway, Ibeju Lekki
15	DISTRICT OFFICE	Ojo UT Office, opp LASU, off Badagry Expressway
16	IBA ESTATE	Iba Cash Office, Iba Housing Estate, Igando Road, Iba
17	DISTRICT OFFICE	Orile BU Office, Jimoh Odutola Street, Iganmu
18	COKER	Coker Sub-Station, Coker Bus Stop, Orile
19	AGUDA	Akangba Sub-Station, Off Adelabu Street, Surulere
20	MUSHIN	Mushin Office, Oshodi Expressway, Five Star Area
21	LAWANSON	Lawanson UT Office, by Jibowu Under Bridge, Yaba
22	LUTH	LUTH Sub-Station, Ishaga Road, Idi Araba, Mushin
23	IJESHA	Ijesha Office, Ijeshatedo Road, Ijesha
24	DISTRICT OFFICE	Islands BU Office, Bar Beach, VI
25	MOLONEY	Moloney Cash Office, near Police HQ Annex, Moloney Street, Lagos
26	IDUMAGBO	Idumagbo UT Office, Idumagbo Avenue, Lagos Island
27	IKOYI UNDERTAKING UNIT	Ikoyi UT Office, Opp. NNPC, Kingsway Road, Ikoyi
28	AJELE	Ajele Cash Office, Campos Street, Ajele

Online Payment Method

This is the new method of paying utility bills like electricity bills, cable tv, internet bills and so on. What this means is that you no longer have to go to any PHCN cash office to pay your electricity bills, you can pay from anywhere, at any time.

Requirements of this method

What do you need to have before you can pay electricity bills using the online payment method?

• Internet connection
• ATM Card – VISA, MasterCard or Verve.
• Smartphone or computer
• PHCN account number or meter number
• Your phone number
• Valid email address
• Utility bills Payment gateway – What payment gateway is the best for paying electricity bills in Nigeria? PayElectricityBills.

PayElectricityBills

Using PayElectricityBills, you can easily pay your electricity bills, pay PHCN from all 11 discos currently serving the whole of Nigeria.

With PayElectricityBills, you get simple bill payments from the comfort of your home. 

How to Use PayElectricityBills

To start paying your electricity from the comfort of your home follow these 3 easy steps.

1. Select your disco
2. Enter your meter details
3. Make payment

1. Select your Disco

A disco is an electricity distribution company, which has obtained the proper licenses involved to distribute power in a state. We currently have 11 electricity distribution company (Discos) in Nigeria regulated by The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

There are 11 different discos in Nigeria. Check your meter to verify which disco company you belong to but it's most likely if you stay in Lagos, you would be serviced by EKEDC which stands for Eko Electricity Distribution Company.

2. Enter your Meter Details

This is the second step, which requires you to input your correct meter details. Enter your meter account details; make sure it's correct. If it's not correct then you would receive an error message "incorrect details. Please check and try again". 

You are required to correctly enter your meter details in 5 different boxes.

• Account/Meter Number
• Payer's full name
• Email address (A working email address is required)
• Phone number (Use a valid working phone number because your token would be generated and sent to your phone number).
• Amount

After entering your correct meter details, click continue.

3. Make Payment

After your information has been verified you would be taken to a secure checkout page where you input your card information and now it's time to pay your electricity bills online using PayElectricityBills online payment platform, which has saved you a lot of time, money and stress. 

Payment is done using credit cards like Verve, MasterCard, VISA and so on.

Your token will be generated and sent to your mobile phone number and email address. Input the token code into your meter to complete the process.

You just successfully paid your electricity bills without going out or standing in long queues, you did everything from the comfort of your home, office, anywhere and at any time of the day.

So which is the best way to pay for electricity bills in Nigeria? Leave a comment below.