Power privatization won’t create job losses – Igali

 

From IKENNA EMEWU, Abuja

As the aftermath of the issuance of certificates to 15 power firms last week, being the last lap of the privatization of the power sector, the Federal Government has, once again, promised not to owe workers in the power sector.

The issue of pay-off for Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) workers as a condition for their final disengagement before the private investors take over arose during the last week ceremony.

But the Permanent Secretary in the Power Ministry, Ambassador Godknows Igali, said that all was set for settlement with the workers. He also promised that the way the Federal Government prepared the grounds gives assurance that no PHCN worker would be owed any kobo before disengaging. He also promised that the masterplan for the privatization gives an assurance that there won’t be job losses in the sector. This assurance was an outcome of his interaction with the media at the weekend.

How convincing is the process now beyond the signing of agreement with the 15 companies last week?

The plans are tidy and ready. The duty of the government is to lay the foundation for a smooth take-off and operation of the private-driven power sector. Our belief, like all Nigerians know, is that the management of the sector by private investors would lead to the unbundling of a monopoly of the government-owned group. It is a sure way to solving the power problems and ensure that the economy picks up.

 

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