I know as a matter of fact that PHCN, its subsidiaries and the federal government are indebted to Rivers State for power supplied from the state’s gas turbine facility. Apart from its indebtedness, there seems to be no hope in sight that either PHCN or federal government is ready to reimburse Rivers State for its heavy investment in power transmission and distribution infrastructure.
For me, the way to go is to address all the competing issues. Apart from encouraging capable states such as Rivers by entrusting them with the power to distribute, the Power Reform Act must also necessarily run its full course and extensive reforms must be seen in the power sector. We must put an end to rhetoric and grandstanding. As stakeholders, there is need for all of us to join hands and confront this demon that has remained a stumbling block to our growth and development. This, to me is the biggest form of transformation because with regular power supply, Nigeria would have engendered competition, encouraged productivity, strengthened our industrial base and effectively tackled unemployment, crime and other vices. And there could not have been a better time.
*Peterside, a Member of House of Representatives is Chairman, House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream)