Amaechi Moves Against PHCN Monopoly

The Rivers State Governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has renewed his call on the Federal Government to urgently review the current monopoly enjoyed by Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) on power distribution in the country.

Amaechi made the call when members of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, paid him a courtesy call to submit their tour report on Rivers and Jigawa States in Port Harcourt.

Amaechi maintained that the review was impeartive if the country must meet the growing electricity needs of Nigerians.

The governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr Tele Ikuru said Rivers State was independently generating 400 megawatts of power supply while PHCN was distributing only 220 megawatts.

Director-General of NIPSS,  Professor Mohammed Manda, had expressed worry over the current poor power generation by PHCN in the country which he said, works against proper socio-economic development of the nation, particularly in her bid to meet the 2020 Vision.

He said the timely review of the regulatory policy would guarantee improved and steady power distribution in the country.

It would be recalled that Governor Amaechi has consistently expressed the need for the review of PHCN monopoly as to encourage states like Rivers who are zealous to generate power through independent initiative to meet the needs of the state’s socio-economic ambition.

Chris Oluoh