By Sam Akadoro – Sapele
The transformation agenda of the Jonathan’s administration as it affects the power sector was “upped” at Sapele Delta State when the Vice President of the Federal Republic, Arc Mohammed Namadi Sambo represented by the Permanent Secretary Goodnews Igali handed over the PHCN, Sapele Power Station to the new owners and Chairman of CMEC/Eurafric Power Limited, Mr. Tonny Onoh.
The Vice President stated in his speech at the Sapele Power Station plant that the physical handover of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Sapele Power plc to CMEC/EURAFRIC ENERGY LTD is a clear indication that where there is will, there is always a way. This ceremony would not have been possible without the leadership, unparalleled support and commitment of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR, to the road map for the provision of stable power to drive the economic transformation of Nigeria.”
The vice President informed that it was the National Council on Privatization (NCP), the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) and the Federal Ministry of Power and other stakeholders’ effort for 14 years that was celebrated on the handover day. Giving the 14 years that was celebrated on the handover, Sambo stated that it was the realisation that Nigeria will not attain the desired economic growth without the power sector reform.
He added that the reform commenced in 1999 with the inauguration of the electric power implementation committee (EPIC) which emanated in the development of the National Electric Power Sector reform Act 2005 and the establishment of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to reinforce the repeal of the now defunct NEPA Act. He pointed out the new Act gave rise to the creation of 18 successor companies from the unbundled PHCN in three categories, Viz generation (Six Companies) Transmission (One Company) and Distribution (11 Companies).
The Vice President stated further that, “ To further give teeth to the reform, President Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, in August 2010, launched the President roadmap on Power Reform which led to the creation of two key advisory organs, namely, the Presidential Action Committee On Power, which is chaired by the President (Himself) and Presidential Task Force on Power. The Presidential Roadmap is a comprehensive action plan aimed at the reform and restructuring of the power sector to achieve stable electricity supply in the country.”
Sambo informed that the handover marked the concluding stage of the transition for five generation companies, and ten distribution companies. He added that the remaining two successor companies. (Afam Power Plc and Kaduna DISCO) will be handed over to their respective owners soon after they paid the 75% balance of the acquisition cost for the relevant company.
On the challenges facing the power sector in Nigeria, Sambo stated that challenges were enormous stating optimistically that the opportunities are equally enormous. He stated that the Federal Government is committed to creating the enabling environment that would be incentive to the private sector to take on the challenges and the opportunities therein to ensure quality and cost effective service delivery to the Nigerian electricity consumers. This administration he noted is indeed committed and determined to keep its promise of taking Nigeria out of its perennial darkness within the shortest possible time.
He assured that the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory commission and the Bureau for Public Enterprise will continue to monitor the operations of the successor companies and would not hesitate to sanction any core investor that does not deliver on the performance agreement that was executed with the government.
Engr. Ifeonu the outgoing managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Sapele Power Station stated, “ I can only start a speech on a day and occasion as this with profuse thanks, gratitude and praise to Almighty God by whose grace we are witnessing and partaking in the final protocol for transfer of Sapele Power Station to private ownership and management.”
Continuing Ifeonu noted that when President Goodluck Jonathan launched the roadmap to power at Eko Holiday Inn, Nigerians is seeing today from as far back then. He added that this was inspite of a general feeling of pessimism to the programme, resulting from unsuccessful attempts of several past administrations to effectively resolve the seemingly intractable challenges of the power industry Ifeonu pointed out that the battle between optimism and pessimism, support and outright opposition and darkness was over. What is important is that light as usual has overwhelmed darkness and Sapele Power Station is finally firmly on a new course of a glorious future.
He saluted the Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE) under the able leadership of Engr. Benjamin Dikki who dogged determination, courage and strategies delivery. He congratulated the new owners of Sapele Power Station, CMEC-EURAFRIC and in particular its chairman Tony Onoh and Mrs. Heather Onoh managing Directors strategic thinking, deft maneuvers entrepreneurial zeal and skills and unwavering faith in God resulted in the ultimate success that we are celebrating here today.
He gave kudos to the staff of the power station whose patriotism and tenacity of purpose sustained operations of the station to make it a marketable enterprise. He said the occasion was an opportunity to publicly declare and appreciated the very friendly and accommodating operating audience they enjoyed over the years from their host community thanking Chief Abeke Orikperiri and His Royal Majesty the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom for their understanding, tolerance, guidance friendship and support.
“Today we celebrate privatization success and with it a new lease of life to Sapele Power plant in particular and Sapele environment in general. With the new status also come new responsibilities. The responsibilities to join hands with the government and all well meaning Nigerians and other investors in the industry’s value chain to provide adequate quality power supply to all Nigerian, and in so doing, improve the quality of lives of our people.”
Ifeonu noted that the real celebration still lies ahead in the foreseeable future, but before then substantial work remains to be accomplished. The journey ahead is tough but glorious demanding but rewarding, intense but ultimately fulfilling.
He said that it was his prayer that all of their especially the great workers of the plant whose sweat has bought them this far will be preserved to partake in the future celebration when the station under its new ownership and management will be celebrating milestone success in the electric power generation.
The chairman of EURAFRIC Sapele Power Mr. Tony Onoh thanked the Vice President Arc. Namadi Sambo for the fulfillment of the handover of the power stations their company CMEC-EURAFRIC. He added that God Almighty made it possible for the realization of the ceremony. He said it was overwhelming joy of his life and his family members that despite all challenges, God saw them through the handover.
He however thanked the former governor of Edo State Chief Lucky Igbinedion for his support and courage he gave them, HRM Orodje of Okpe kingdom, the Sapele community in general that may the God Almighty continue to bless them. The Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, HRM General (RTD) Felix Mujakperuo said he was happy for the development asking the EURAFRIC management to give the indigenes jobs so that the youths can be removed from the streets.
The high point of the handover ceremony was the handover of the instrument of ownership by Engr Goodnews Igali to the Chairman, CMEC-EURAFRIC Sapele Power Station.