Business
BPE Dissociates Self From Ex-PHCN Workers’ Verification … Says No Ongoing Verification
The Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), says it is not conducting another verification exercise for the defunct staff of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) as is being circulated in some quarters.
A statement issued by the Head, Public Communications, BPE, Amina Othman, made this clarification yesterday in Abuja.
She also said that the organisation was not in any way connected with the purported verification by a certain group and warned those concerned to be very careful.
“It must be noted that each time the bureau carries out verification of former staff of the defunct PHCN, adequate publicity is carried out with the involvement of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and the Senior Staff Association of Electricity And Allied Companies (SSAEC).
“However, in the purported verification by the group these are absent.
“BPE wishes to dissociate itself from the purported verification and warns all former staff of the PHCN and general public to beware. To be warned is to be forearmed,” the statement said.
The BPE said its attention had been drawn to attempts by a group of former staff of the defunct PHCN to link the bureau to a purported verification exercise for the disengaged staff of the entity, and had circulated various correspondences to their members in that regard.
According to it, the correspondences are captioned: “BPE-Notice To All Disengaged Staff Of Ex-PHCN Staff.”
It noted that the correspondence was written in poor English Language, and that the group represented by one NdiweOkechukwu requested former staff of the company to visit designated venues in the country with relevant documents and a processing fee of N1,000 each.
The statement quoted part of the correspondence to the former staff of the company.
“Due to the secrecy of our meetings and struggle towards getting our unpaid claims, it is advised that those to fill the expected form should come to the various designated venues with their particulars as prescribed.
“No one is expected to be allowed to make a photo copy of it. Be it a blank or completed copy. This is for strict compliance please.
“BPE released 10,000 forms to be shared for all the zones across the nation and the beauty of it is that the form has a security number and the form must be returned as hard copy with the requirements stated therein above and as such should not be photocopied.
“And after the first 10,000 has been processed and payment will commence on it there after another 10,000 will be released as above until they finished the whole 48,000 staff.”
Our correspondent, reports that PHCN was privatised in 2013, which eventually resulted in the unbundling of PHCN and the establishment of power Distributing Companies (DISCOs) across the country.
Nkpemenyie Mcdominic
Reports say that the training is designed to equip youths with practical technical skills for employment in the oil and gas and construction sectors, with emphasis on employability, safety, competence and self reliance.
In attendance at the flag-off ceremony this week, at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Hall, Effurun, were stakeholders, dignitaries, and political representatives, among others.
Dafinone, represented by his Chief of Staff, Adelabu Bodjor, said the initiative reflects a deliberate political investment in human capital development across Delta Central.
He explained that the training focuses on rigging and scaffolding, noting that “both are essential technical competencies required in industrial operations, construction projects, and oil and gas installations”.
Bodjor added, “The programme is intended to reduce dependency among youths by providing job-ready skills capable of supporting long-term economic opportunities and self-sufficiency. The initiative aligns with Senator Dafinone’s broader development agenda, which prioritises practical skill acquisition as a pathway to sustainable empowerment.”
Also addressing the participants, the NCDMB, Felix Omatsola Ogbe, represented by Mr. Teddy Bai, commended Dafinone for sponsoring the programme, describing it as “a timely response to critical manpower gaps in the industry”.
Bai explained that rigging and scaffolding remain safety-sensitive skills required across fabrication yards, offshore platforms, and construction sites, stressing that the programme bridges the gap between certification and practical competence.
He also charged the training consultant, OROH Contractors Limited, to maintain strict standards of professionalism, safety, and discipline, while urging participants to remain committed, focused, and disciplined throughout the exercise.
The Senate Liaison Officer for Sapele Local Government Area, Chief Patrick Akamuvba, , described the programme as a major step in strengthening human capital development in Delta Central.
Akamuvba said scaffolding and rigging skills are in high demand across residential, commercial, and industrial construction projects, noting that the training offers real employment opportunities for beneficiaries
He urged participants to prioritise knowledge and certification over short-term material expectations, stressing that discipline and seriousness would determine their long-term success.
He also cautioned youths against social vices and distractions, advising them to remain focused to maximise the opportunities provided by the programme.
