Power Minister calls electricity workers ‘outlaws’

The Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji has accused the staff union of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) of misinforming the workers as well as blackmailing the federal government and behaving like outlaws.

The Minister alleged that the union members are mishandling their senior management staff over the planned privatisation of the company and their severance allowances.



Briefing State House correspondents after the presentation of the performance of the ministry on the 2012 Budget, Prof. Nnaji said the union wants the government to exempt them from the nation’s Pension laws so that they can illegally collect pensions.

The ministry’s performance this year is put at 52.9 percent out of the N21.5 billion received.

Prof Nnaji explained that N78.4 billion was approved by the National Assembly for 2012.

Breaking down the budget expenditure so far, he stated that N75.46 billion was budgeted for capital projects, out of which N21.5 billion has been released. “The amount utilised is N11.4 billion, representing 52.9 percent” he said.

The Minister also enumerated some of the projects targeted by the ministry to include the 17 Small and Medium Power Projects, the transmission companies, how to ensure stability and reduce system failures, expansion of the distribution networks, resuscitation of the rural electrification agency.

Projecting into the plan for 2013, Prof Nnaji noted that there is a demanding need to complete over 156 projects that are ongoing.

He also made mention of the transition into private sector participation and the need to develop alternative sources of power.

Earlier, the special adviser to the president on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, restated the purpose of the briefing which is to ensure transparency and accountability.

The president’s spokesman insisted that proper standards are set   in the administration and that priorities in terms of service delivery are also met.

The budget presentation is in continuation of the president’s monitoring scheme to ensure transparency and effective implementation of the budget in all ministries.

Face-off

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to stop electricity supply nationwide if the federal government fails to meet the demands of the electricity workers.

It is the latest twist in the face-off between government and electricity workers in the country, who are demanding the withdrawal of security operatives from all installations of the PHCN, and the refund of 25 per cent of workers’ salaries.

According to the electricity workers union, the 25 per cent has been deducted over the years as contributions to their pension scheme.

---

Posted: at 14-08-2012 04:40 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

every day we keep hearing billions,na only GOD know where the money dey enter

Posted: at 14-08-2012 05:51 PM (11 years ago) | Addicted Hero

this country sucks! every sector is perverted!

---

Posted: at 14-08-2012 05:55 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

humm

Posted: at 14-08-2012 07:51 PM (11 years ago) | Hero

all this money way den dey call self

Posted: at 14-08-2012 09:14 PM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

WITH AN IGBO MAN AS MINISTER OF POWER: VERY SOON, I MEAN VERY SOON, ELECTRICITY WILL BE LIKE MOBILE PHONES IN NIGERIA IN THE HANDS OF GLO, MTN, Etisalat, etc.

Any company that serves their customers with constant power supply, their company will grow. Nigeria needs electricity to develop.

Ride on Professor Dr. Barth Nnaji, and show other ethnic groups of Nigerians that ONLY IGBO MAN can CURE Nigeria's sickness. Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala did, Prof. Dora Akunyili made Nigeria of today that Yar'adua is in coma, Madam Due Process did hers, Profesor Humphrey Nwosu operated Operation A4 for Abiola's election, and now Professor Bath Nnaji for Nigeria's electricity WAHALA.

Posted: at 15-08-2012 01:09 AM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

 

Posted: at 15-08-2012 05:24 AM (11 years ago) | Gistmaniac

These PHCN are really touts and outlaws.the want to continue holding the power or what.They are even worse than our Nigeria police.Here for them to come and refuse burnt out fuse,you have to give them money.The money they have being collecting from illegal bill and disconnection is not ok for them.You will see just ordinary newly employed PHCN electrician living big above his salary just after few months of employment.I'm really ashamed of them.

Posted: at 15-08-2012 07:37 AM (11 years ago) | Upcoming

Privatisation is only way this our power problem will be solved.See Telecom today, i could remember far back ago you have to wake up as early as 5am for you to make successful call just a local trunk call.All those problems  were now over because of privatisation.Then what is PHCN problem?

Posted: at 15-08-2012 07:55 AM (11 years ago) | Upcoming

ALL I HAVE TO SAY IS THAT THIS SO CALLED GOVERNMENT HAS KNOW SHAME ON THEIR FACESS ALL OF THEM USE TO TRAVEL TO ABROAD AND SEE HOW OTHER COUNTRIES ARE GOVERNING THEIR OWN COUNTRIES

Posted: at 15-08-2012 10:19 AM (11 years ago) | Hero