President Muhammadu Buhari has said his administration is in a fix as to how to arrest the incessant power problem especially in the face of the privatisation of the sector which he tagged “the classic dilemma”. However, in spite of the odds, he assured his administration would tame the bogey of poor power delivery.
He said the privatisation of the sector had yet to show any improvement in the quality of service, saying it was difficult to determine whether it was done in public interest or with profit motive.
President Buhari, however, noted that since the privatisation of the sector had started, the process had to be completed.
Speaking at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa in Abuja Monday at the commencement of a two-day National Economic Council (NEC) retreat titled: “Nigerian State: Multi-centres of Prosperity”, he said the epileptic power situation in the country was no longer a laughing matter.
The president said: “Key points to look at here are: Privatisation. We are facing the classic dilemma of privatisation: Public interest vs Profit Motive. Having started, we must complete the process”.
He also disclosed that his administration had, in its remaining three years, given itself the target of 10,000 megawatts “distributable power”, adding that in 2016 alone, the government intended to add 2,000 megawatts to the national grid.
“Nigerians’ favourite talking point and butt of jokes is the power situation in our country. But, ladies and gentlemen, it is no longer a laughing matter. We must and by the grace of God we will put things right”, he assured.
He said: “Common public complaints are “Constant power cuts destroying economic activity and affecting quality of life; high electricity bills despite power cuts; low supply of gas to power plants due to vandalisation by terrorists; obsolete power distribution equipment such as transformers; power fluctuations which damage manufacturing equipment and household appliances; and low voltage which cannot run industrial machinery.
These are some of the problems which defied successive governments. In our determination to CHANGE, we must and will, insha Allah, put a stop to power shortages”. The retreat which started Monday would end Tuesday. Some of the participants including Governors and ministers said it was an eye-opener for them.
“It has afforded us the opportunity to know the direction and mindset of the President and we will do all within our might to make sure we deliver on the policy and vision of this government”, a minister said shortly after the retreat.
