My Prepaid Meter Tragedy

The Prepaid Meter is fast becoming popular, but this wasn’t always the case. When introduced, many were excited at the prospect of paying for the exact electricity units used. No more estimated bills. No more inaccurate readings. Also, an end to paying for electricity you were not supplied.

Another group of people didn’t react as well to this. Those who had tampered with their meters so they would have reduced bills to pay. I was one of such people. Yes. Corruption is everywhere. I didn’t even register for the prepaid meter, yet it was brought. That’s how I knew that my village people wanted to start writing final year project on my head.

The prepaid meter came with free units and for a while, I was in heaven. All was well in paradise until barely two weeks later, the units finished. I needed to make payment. I “shaparly” logged on to vtpass.com where a friend had told me I can make my electricity bill payments. In less than a minute, my IKEDC payment was done. Seamless, just the way I like it!

I still did not have light! How come? I contacted VTpass 24-hour support, chatted with Laolu, and He told me that there was debt on my meter. New meter? That’s when I discovered that the free units are not actually free! I paid and got more units. Now there’s light almost all through the day, great! 4 days later, my units were depleted. I could not cry. Please coman take this prepaid meter back, I don’t want. Bring back awa postpaid, I’m in severe pains.

I have learnt my lesson. Every thing is deducted from your units. Now, even my wall sockets go off if I am not using it, because this prepaid life is difficult!

E-payments in Nigeria Post-COVID

E-payments in Nigeria saw a total transformation during the lockdown. Yes, the pains of COVID-19 were felt but perhaps it left us with a few lessons too. We witnessed the difficulties associated with economic stagnation and knew the importance of business activities in any economy.

From the angle of finance, the pandemic gave insights into the future of payments in Nigeria. A study by Accenture revealed the limitation of cash and the increase of digital payment during the lockdown periods worldwide. For Nigeria, this is especially true.

e-payments COVID Nigeria

Even though people withdrew more cash than ever from ATMs around the country, less than 60% of that cash was actually spent. This was due to cash hoardings by people amidst not knowing when the lockdown would be eased.

Lack of physical cash gave boosts to online payments. Cashless and contactless payments became the norm so as to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

The long queues at ATMs were yet another factor. It was far easier to make payments digitally than paying in cash. Many individuals and businesses that could operate during the lockdown switched to electronic payment. All of these exploded e-payments around the country.

Just how much explosion? you might ask. In May 2020, e-payments in Nigeria jumped by 82% to ₦11.676 trillion from ₦6.421 trillion in April 2020. An all-time high!

Online retailers and payment platforms saw increases in patronage too, even as other consumer spendings decreased. This was evidenced by the increase in the number of online stores and internet marketers during the lockdown.

Now, as the country kick-starts full operations of economic activities, the question remains; would the rate of e-payments in Nigeria reduce, or would it increase in the coming months?

e-payments COVID Nigeria

Why e-Payment would increase

Electronic bill payments for goods and services around the country are only bound to increase. Here are two major post-COVID reasons why this would happen:

  • Personal Precautions:

The crisis may be relaxed but the ‘panic’ still exists for many. Millions of people would still prefer to take the safer route when making bills payments – that is to pay online.

Many health experts have warned about the risk of contacting COVID-19 from unaware, new carriers not detected during the quarantine. As such, the need to protect personal self from contacting the virus through cash handling or contact payment would keep a lot of people on the online payment track for a very long time.

  • Convenience:

For many, the quarantine was their chance to experience online payment for the first time. Convinence has been the major driver of e-payments since inception; it’s no wonder why a large percentage of new users would want to stick with the system.

World Bank already predicted that 25% of all money transfers would be done electronically by 2025; a chunk of that increase coming from new e-payment users in Africa. Convinence and speed of payment are major drivers that would prompt these new users to switch paymently to e-transactions.

new vtpass website

VTpass, driving e-payments in Nigeria.

Online bills payments are not reducing anytime soon. Instead, a lot more bill payers would make the switch from cash transactions in the future. You too can transit to paying bills online today.

Start by logging on to vtpass.com to pay bills in minutes. VTpass is Nigeria’s leading online payment platform that allows you to pay for the daily services you enjoy. You can top-up airtime or data, subscribe your GOtv, DStv, or Startimes, pay electricity bills, buy insurance, and do more.

Payments on VTpass are fast and easy and you get value for your money within minutes of transfers. Visit vtpass.com to get started or simply download the VTpass mobile app.

Barka De Sallah to You!

Barka de sallah, people!

What?

Who says you can’t celebrate seasons like this with customers over a blog post? Certainly, not VTpass. We get in the mood when you are in the mood! Simple as that.

Talking about moods, even though rams, goats, and cow sellers recorded low sales this year as compared to other years’ seasons; Nigerians still have the merriment vibe in them to celebrate. It’s all for the best.

Moments like this are when we ought to forget certain difficulties of life and celebrate with friends and family. That’s where VTpass comes in.

With convenient payment solutions that we offer, catch the best TV entertainment when you can renew DStv, GOtv, or StarTimes subscription. Top-up airtime and data to communicate with those that matter. Pay electricity bills to keep the lights on.

Celebrations don’t get better than this!

Happy Eid-el Kabir from all of us at VTpass.

Barka de Sallah!

Easiest way to Pay Eko Electric (EKEDC) Bill

Are you tired of having to walk into an office to pay electricity bills? Ugh! That can be really stressful. Perhaps you are looking for an easier, faster, and reliable way to pay EKEDC bill without stress?

The solution is simply to go online! Gone are the days of stressing oneself in the name of paying electricity bills. Now you can sit back in the comfort of your home and pay EKEDC bill from your computer or mobile phone.

Here are the simple things you need to buy EKEDC units online:

  • Mobile phone or computer
  • Internet connection
  • Trusted & reliable online payment platform like VTpass
  • Funds in your wallet or account for payment
  • A cup of coffee and some comfy pillows

How to pay EKEDC bill on VTpass

VTpass is Nigeria’s number one open online payment platform trusted by millions of Nigerians for making convenient payments. With VTpass, you can pay electricity bills, buy airtime or data, renew DStv, GOtv, and StarTimes subscription, buy third party motor insurance, pay education bills among others.

To pay EKEDC bill on VTpass, simply follow the steps below:

pay EKEDC bill
EKEDC payment page on vtpass.com
  1. Visit vtpass.com from your computer (or download the VTpass mobile app from Google PlayStore)
  2. On the option box that says “What do you want to do“, select Pay Electricity payment on the horizontal menu tab
  3. From the second option box below the first, select EKEDC (Eko Electric). Once the page opens;
  4. Select your  Meter type (prepaid or postpaid)
  5. Enter your correct Meter number, Phone number, Email address, & Amount worth of units you want to buy e.g 2000
  6. Click on “Continue” to move on to payment page to complete payment
  7. When your payment process is completed, click “Submit

Easy!

After payment, meter tokens are delivered to you instantly via mail and SMS and you can load it immediately to your meter. Click here to buy units now.

For inquiry or issues encountered, simply reach VTpass support by chatting us live through the web or app, sending a mail to support@vtpass.com or calling 08138752358.

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How to Pay Abuja Electric (AEDC) Bill on VTpass

If you reside within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa states where Abuja Electric (AEDC) covers, you might have probably experienced how difficult it can be to pay electricity bills at AEDC office or at a vendor’s.

Why go through all that hassle, when technology today has made it super easy to make such payments conveniently?

With VTpass, Nigeria’s leading online payment platform, you can easily sit in the comfort of your home or office and pay AEDC bills in a flash. It’s easy! Here’s how to pay with VTpass:

Steps

  1. Visit vtpass.com from your computer (or download the VTpass mobile app from Google PlayStore),
  2. Click on Electricity payment on the horizontal menu tab,
  3. Click on AEDC (Abuja Electric) banner. Once the page opens;
  4. Select your  Meter type (prepaid or postpaid)
  5. Enter your correct Meter number, Phone number, Email address, & Amount worth of units you want to buy e.g 2,000
  6. Click on “Continue” to move on to payment page to complete payment,
  7. When your payment process is completed, click “Submit” and get your token instantly.
abuja electric
Abuja Electric page on vtpass.com

Meter tokens are delivered to you via SMS or email immediately after payment. Want to speed up the process? Click here to pay AEDC bill right away.

Use VTpass to top-up airtime or data, subscribe DStv, GOtv, or StarTimes, buy third party motor insurance, and more: vtpass.com.

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HOW TO BUY KAEDCO (KADUNA ELECTRIC) UNITS ONLINE

To buy KAEDCO online is easy. KAEDCO (Kaduna Electric) is the operator of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company that retails electricity across Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

In the digital age, paying electricity bills doesn’t have to take a lot of stress or time. With only a few clicks from your mobile phone, laptop, or desktop, you would be able to complete transactions conveniently.

Here’s how to buy KAEDCO units online:

  • Log on to vtpass.com (Nigerian’s leading payment platform)
  • Click on What do you want to do option at the top left corner of the page
  • Select “Pay Electricity Bills”
  • Move to the second box and select “KAEDCO-Kaduna Electric”
  • Click on Go to go to the next page
  • Select meter type (prepaid or postpaid), then
  • Enter meter number, your phone number and email address (these would be used to deliver your meter token to you)
  • Enter the amount worth of units you want to buy
  • Click Continue to confirm your transactions
  • Click Pay with Card after confirming your transactions
  • On the next page, enter card details and click Pay

Alternatively, simply enter vtpass.com/kaduna-electric to directly go to KAEDCO transaction page. From there;

  • Enter your details (meter type, phone number, and email address)
  • Enter amount worth of units you want to buy
  • Click Continue to move to the confirmation page
  • Confirm and click Pay with Card
  • Enter card details and click Pay to complete payment.

Easy.

Your payment and card details are super secured with VTpass. If you are not comfortable with card payment. Learn how to pay with VTpass wallet.

KAEDCO meter token is delivered to you after payment via email and SMS. No stories. For support or inquiries, kindly contact VTpass support.

Make other online convenient payments on VTpass such as airtime purchasedata top-up, subscription for DStvGoTV or StarTimesmotor insurance, etc.

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5 Factors To Consider Before Quitting A Job

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

While many would agree that the biggest reason for staying at a job is the financial incentive earned, others would disagree and throw in reasons like one’s passion, the pursuit of a new challenge, opportunities to learn, etc.

Nevertheless, most people would discover that money is still one of the biggest factors that determine the decision when a better job offer comes along.

It is not unreasonable to be money-driven however, there are other factors to consider and questions to ask before making a decision, including;

What do I want for my job, career, and life?

Most people make a huge mistake while quitting their job thinking they’ll just update their resume and start networking without being thoughtful about what their wants and how to get there.

For instance, studying to become a medical doctor maybe interesting but it will not help you achieve the flexible schedule you want. So also, if you’d like to make a career change, think about all the necessary steps. They may include more school, lower pay, or working your way up from the bottom–again.

What can you get from your current job?

If you love your current job and only have a problem with the payment, you may consider asking for a justifiable raise from your boss.

However, if your employer is unable to review your salary, you can negotiate for other incentives like flexible working hours, etc.

Also, outline your job description and compare it with the industry pay-scale to see if your current pay matches.

Do I have enough saved to cover nine to 12 months of expenses?

Financial planner, Susan Hirshman says a few years ago she told people to save enough for six months of expenses. Now she tells people they need nine to 12 months. 

Hirshman suggests mapping out fixed expenses like credit cards, transportation, and food, as well as factoring in the “what if” costs. 

Is the Time right?

The best factor to consider before quitting a job is the timing.

Consider if you have commitments that you have to fulfill. Are you’re in the middle of a busy season or working on a big project? You may want to honor those commitments so that your team isn’t left behind and you’re able to leave on good terms.

Also, it might be smart to wait a little longer if you’d like to receive your quarterly bonus, holiday vacation, and other bonuses.

Do I have the support of my family and friends?

Not many consider this factor but quitting your job affects the people in your life, so it’s important that you have an honest conversation with your family first. Your spouse or children may need to help or at least participate in some of your cost-cutting plans and need to be involved from the beginning.

Having a support system of friends or close colleagues who can help keep you on track while looking for a new job would be in your best interest.

In Summary;

Switching or quitting a job may sound fancy and look a lot more interesting than it actually is, which is why it is advisable to consider all factors before making a decision. If you are only interested in looking for simple ways to earn extra income, be sure to add VTpass partnership programs to your checklist.

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5 Benefits of Third-party Auto Insurance

Third party car insurance is a compulsory policy required for all car owners in Nigeria and is backed by law.

Third party car insurance cover or liability cover is a policy which protects the car owner or driver of the vehicle against any legal liability, accidental liability, financial loss or property damage, medical expense cover in the event of an injury to or even death of any third party arising out of their vehicle.

Asides from being a mandatory requirement for using the road for drivers, below are other benefits of having third-party auto insurance:


Provides Legal Cover and Financial Assistance:

Third-party auto insurance covers the insured person’s legal liability in case of death or disability to any third party, and any loss or damage to a third party property.


Ensures Peace of Mind:

Third-party auto insurance brings peace of mind when dealing with any traumatic situation that hinges on financial payments. Hence, instead of worrying further about such unforeseen expenses, the focus is just on the immediate relief from stress and coping up with the incident.


Security:

Third-party auto insurance gives you confidence when you get into a road accident and also covers you against violent reactions in cases of accident/loss.


Easy Round the Clock Availability of Third Party Car Insurance:  

Unlike other insurance policies that are limited to only the offline method of renewal or application, VTpass third-party auto insurance is easily available online round-the-clock i.e 24/7, and 365 days a year from any location.


The shift of burden:

With third-party insurance, you do not need to worry over the third-party loss as the Insurer supports you in such instance.

Now that you understand why it is so important to invest in a third party car insurance, always remember that this is the best way to gain comprehensive coverage against losses that you might incur if your car gets damaged, stolen or causes injury, death, and damage to third-party or third party property.


How To Purchase Third-Party Auto Insurance Policy


Steps ;

1) Visit vtpass.com

2) Select the Auto Insurance icon

3) Enter full information and payment details

4) Click Submit


What & How Can You Invoke The Third-Party Insurance Policy?

Anytime you get involved in any of the scenarios mentioned in the previous paragraphs (and covered in the insurance contract); all you need to do is file a claim. You can file a claim directly via the Insurance Company or the agent that underwrote the insurance policy for you. Make sure you have clear photo evidence, and receipts (in case you paid for part or the full claims already).

Third-Party Auto Insurance Now Available on VTpass

Third-party auto insurance now available on VTpass

Introducing its latest feature and the cheapest third-party auto insurance deal into the Nigeria market, VTpass now offers third-party car insurance for as low as #3,000 naira only.

Third-party insurance generally, is an insurance policy purchased for protection against the claims of another i.e it is meant for the protection of other road users while you use our car.

For instance, if you insure your car on third party only insurance (the premium is N3,000 naira), and you get involved in a road accident where you are at fault, the insurance company will be liable for the repair of the other person’s car while you repair your own car. Also, if you damage somebody’s property like a building’s fence in an accident, the fence will be repaired by the insurance company. However, you should take note that there is a certain limit to what the insurance company will pay for motor third party property damage. The maximum is N1,000,000.00, but some can pay as high as N2,000,000.00.

Protect your car with VTpass third-party auto insurance service.

A lot of Nigerian drivers have wrong perceptions about auto insurance policies and only subscribe to it because it is among the vehicle license documents legally required for them to use the road. In fact, only 1 in 100 car owners understand that third party car insurance is not just a document for road usage, but a savior in times of unexpected occurrences. When you run into Police or other agency roadblocks, and your car particulars are checked, if you do not possess third-party insurance, you would be arrested.


Regardless, check out how to Purchase third-party Auto Insurance policy:

Steps:

1) Visit vtpass.com

2) Select the Auto Insurance icon

3) Enter full information and payment details

4) Click Submit

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5 Electrical Safety Tips For This Rainy Season

Safety tips for the rainy season on VTpass

While the rainy season this year may seem to have arrived earlier than usual, we are very glad that the hot air has been lifted.

Marked with increased rainfall, thunderstorms, high winds, and flood, the rainy season could see a lot of electrical accidents, especially since water is a good conductor of electricity.

However, that informs the need for us to pay more attention to safety when dealing with electrical appliances this season.

Here are a few electrical safety tips you may need in this rainy season:

  1. Stay away from Flooded Areas:

Everyone is adviced to stay indoor or to find the closest shelter in the event of rain or storm.  But if you have to go out, it would be wise to avoid flooded areas, especially those close to heavy electrical equipment.

Pay electricity bills on VTpass

2. Stay away from power lines during a storm:

The human body is a ready conductor of electricity and as such,  It is advised that you stay at least 10 feet away from a power line and anything touching it.

The proper way to move away from the line is to shuffle away with small steps, keeping your feet together and on the ground at all times. This way, it will minimize the potential for a strong electric shock.

3. Never leave Cut Wires astray:

In cases where you have wires on the floor or lying on the road in your area, it will be wise to either get a DisCo official to reconnect or safely tuck away the wires before the event of a rainstorm.

These wires may cause severe electrical hazards if they come in contact with water (provided current is flowing through the wire).

4. Avoid outdoor electrical tasks during rainfall:

Avoid high altitude during rainfall, as that presents a real danger of being struck by lightning – especially when climbing poles.

Never attempt electrical chores if you are not a trained engineer but if you have to, avoid doing this under the rain.

5. Take caution when close to Water:

Never touch anything electrical with wet hands or bare feet, always use caution when operating electrical appliances near water sources and all appliances.

Pay your electricity bills on VTpass

Remember that your correct meter number must be supplied when buying prepaid electricity.

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