Nigerian Government Set To Counter Power Operators’ Sabotage Actions

Minister of Power,Works & Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola (right), presenting a copy of the Meter Asset Provider Regulations 2018 to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel (left), during the 25th Monthly Meeting of Operators in the Power Sector hosted by the Akwa Ibom State Government and Ibom Power, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Monday 12th, March 2018.

*Secures $486 Million World Bank Loan For Transmission Expansion

Nigerian Government has accused power sector operators of holding clandestine meetings targeted at sabotaging the Power Sector Recovery Programme (PSRP) and disrupting supply for reasons.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who made the accusation, however said that the government is ever ready to counter such negative moves by some operators.

Speaking at the 25th power sector stakeholders meeting in Uyo, Akwa-Ibom, Fashola disclosed that the government has secured the World Bank approval for $486 Million Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) transmission expansion funding, while plans are in progress for the Rural Electrification and Distribution Expansion Funding from the same bank.

He said: “Let me say very clearly to all operators that I get reports of many of the clandestine meetings that some of them are holding with a view to disrupt supply for political capital.

“Lately, I have read reports that some Generation Companies (GenCos) (not Ibom Power) have gone to court, filing claims against the Government. That is their right and their prerogative. It is better than self-help, and it is consistent with the rule of law, which underpins our democracy.

“We have secured the World Bank approval for $486 Million TCN transmission expansion funding, while progress is being made with the same bank for the Rural Electrification and Distribution Expansion Funding.”

Fashola listed that TCN has completed some sub-station transmission expansion to improve their capacity to supply power to the DisCos in Uyo, Calabar, Keffi, Karu, Abeokuta, Nasarawa, among others

Further, he said apart from attaining a 7,000 MW Generation Capacity and a 5,000 MW Distribution Capacity, the government had met with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), DisCos, and GenCos on how to implement the Eligible Customer Policy and increase connectivity to the 2,000 MW that is available.

He said there were progress in off-grid power supply in Ogun, Kano and Abia,adding that the incremental energy programme has passed beyond theoretical stage but now in practical realizatition

On meter supply, he disclosed that the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had concluded the Regulations that would provide the framework to license a new class of meter asset providers to complement the efforts of DisCos to supply meters to citizens.

“Government decision to pursue an out-of-court settlement on a meter contract awarded since 2003, which was held up in Court until 2017, has made available about N39 Billion to kick off this process.

“I am aware that Yola DisCo is already positioning to take up 400,000 meters once the contract and process formalities are concluded. I am told that Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Ikeja and Benin DisCos are also embracing the initiative, which has reserved a 30% local content for the meters to be supplied under the Regulations.”

“Our incremental power initiative is well underway. Some results are manifesting, and the promise of steady power is real. If we persevere, I am certain that we will witness uninterrupted power, which is the final destination of our journey”, he assured.