Jonathan okays N384 billion benefits for PHCN staff
President Goodluck Jonathan has approved immediate payment of N384 billion to the staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria that are due to be engaged soon to pave the way for the full privatization of the power sector.
It is expected that about 54,000 regular and 4,000 non-regular staff will benefit from the largesse.
Last year, the labour unions were at logger heads with the then Minister of Power, Prof. Bath Nnaji, over the amount that should be paid and who should benefit.
An elated Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu, who disclosed this to State House correspondents on Wednesday afternoon, said the amount is what was agreed upon during the last negotiation between the Federal Government and the labour union.
While announcing that the process that will lead to payment will commence on Thursday, he also assured them that it will be done transparently and with a sense of accountability.
With this development, Wogu said labour issue in the power sector has been put to a rest.
His words: “I want to inform you that the agreed benefits accruing to the staff of PHCN in the last negotiation between government and the Labour Unions has been approved by the President Goodluck Jonathan.
“The total package is approximately N384 billion in full payment of all outstanding benefits that we agreed upon.
“Payment of the agreed sum will commence immediately and that brings the issue of non-payment of benefits to an end.
“It will be done within the best principle of transparency and accountability.
“So, we enjoin labour unions in the power sector to work closely with the Ministry of Power in the payment of these benefits as agreed.
“The process will commence tomorrow (Thursday, which is today) and I want to assure them that this brings to an end the labour issue in the sector.
“This payment is only for PHCN staff and in determining who should benefit, labour and government conducted a biometric exercise.
“The number of people benefiting is clearly defined by this agreement.”
Updated: Jonathan approves N384b to settle PHCN staff
