Oil & Energy
Institute Tasks FG On Power Generation
The Institute of Electrical Electronic Engineers of Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to generate more electricity to stimulate sustainable economic growth in the country.
President of the Port Harcourt Branch of the institute, Engineer Isaac Adekanya gave the charge in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, at the weekend.
He pointed out that the major incentive needed for economic growth and industrialisation in Nigeria is effective power generation and transmission across the country.
Engineer Adekanya faulted a situation where the power generated in the country is concentrated at Oshogbo for transmission across the country, noting that such policy was not in the best interest of the nation’s economy, given the peculiar power needs of the various states of the federation.
“Nigeria as a nation comprises of various states, with their various power demands and needs it is unsatisfactory for power to be distributed across the country from a concentrated station, as this may not represent the actual power needs of the states, the various states should be allowed to generate power based on comparative advantages”.
Adekanya also called for a review of the Nigerian power policy for optimal service delivery, noting that the present structure of the power sector does not reflect the content development policy, as the input of indigenous experts in the power sector was missing. To achieve the objectives of the content development act in the power sector, the institute said its members should be given opportunities to make inputs in policy formulation and implementation.
“We, in the Institute of Electrical Electronic Engineering of Nigeria, are ready to make our contributions for the development of the Nigerian power sector, we need to be given the right opportunity to make meaningful impact in the sector, and this calls for a stronger synergy between the institute and the government.
The institute also attributed the lapses in the sector to the manner of allocation of operational lisences to Discos, Gencos and Transcos, which it noted were based on commercial considerations, rather than effective service delivery.
Taneh Beemene
As part of the restructuring, the company said it had promoted high-performing employees, released retiring staff, and disengaged others whose performance fell below expected standards.
It added that it has also begun implementing a comprehensive employee development and customer management plan to strengthen its service delivery framework.
“In line with its corporate transformation strategy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company has announced a restructuring exercise aimed at delivering improved services to its customers as well as enhanced operational efficiency and excellence.
“The restructuring is in line with our strategic direction to become a more responsive and efficient organisation, capable of delivering world-class service to our customers.
“As part of the transformation, the Company has promoted high-performing staff, released retiring employees and those performing below par, and has put in motion the implementation of a robust employee development and customer management plan aimed at driving AEDC’s customer-centric focus,” the company said.
AEDC noted that the reforms are part of its broader commitment to provide reliable, safe, and sustainable electricity to customers across its franchise areas, including the Federal Capital Territory and the states of Niger, Kogi, and Nasarawa.
The firm further pledged to continue investing in infrastructure upgrades, digital technologies, and operational innovations to improve service reliability and customer satisfaction.
“With a strong commitment to delighting its customers, AEDC continues to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria’s energy sector through investments in infrastructure, innovative technologies, and sustainable practices.
“AEDC consistently seeks to improve the quality of life for its customers, promote efficient energy usage, and actively engage with its communities,” the statement added.
Nwoko who is also the Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, said that forensic reviews show over S22b, S81b and S200b remained unaccounted for across different audit periods.
“I remain committed, alongside my colleagues, to ensuring accountability, recovery, and reform within the oil and gas sector.
Nwoko stated that the Committee had earlier presented its interim report before the senate saying “Our investigation has so far uncovered massive revenue losses amounting to over $300 billion in unaccounted crude oil proceeds over the years.
“This represents one of the most troubling cases of economic sabotage our nation has ever faced.
“We have made far-reaching recommendations to end this long-standing menace.
“There is need for strict enforcement of international crude oil measurement standards at all production and export points.
He urged the federal government to mandate the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to deploy modern, tamper-proof measuring technology or return this function to the Department of Weights and Measures under the Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.
The senator called for the deployment of advanced surveillance systems, including drones, to assist security agencies in combating oil theft.
He also called for the creation of a Special Court for Crude Oil Theft to ensure swift prosecution of offenders and their collaborators, saying it would also go a long way in tackling the challenge.
“We must also ensure the full implementation of the Host Communities Development Trust Fund under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to empower local communities and reduce sabotage.
“Ceding abandoned oil wells to the NUPRC for allocation to modular refineries to support local production and job creation is also very vital in fighting the menace of oil theft and sabotage,” Nwoko further said.
