Local content strategy’ll be replicated in power sector – Minister

Basking in the euphoria of the success recorded in the petroleum sector local content initiative since 2009, the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has promised to draw up a programme for the enhancement of the Nigerian content in the power sector.
Speaking at his maiden meeting with principal officials of the power sector on Monday in Abuja, Nebo said to this end, the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria is to produce highly skilled power sector professionals, as Nigeria is not prepared to import needed manpower.
He said that thousands of Nigerians would be needed urgently in the power sector revolution that is about to be unleashed.
NAPTIN would be required to equip these Nigerians with necessary skills needed to drive the energy sector in line with international best practices.
While proffering solution to the high level of breakdown, due to archaic maintenance culture, Nebo said that modern approach is through preventive maintenance, which is anticipatory of major problems before they arise.
He therefore directed Distribution Companies to establish a Public Complaints Desk under their jurisdiction to be headed by a well respected officer, who will ensure that every complaint is addressed promptly.
A toll free telephone line should be dedicated to Public Complaints, while a website will be created in his office where the public could lodge complaint of peculiar electricity problem in their areas.
As regards the welfare of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria workforce, Nebo reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment in discharging its entire obligation.
He said: “The government’s commitment to the generation of 40,000MW by 2020 is resolute as it would make Nigeria become a medium power by 2020.
“The National Integrated Power Project is in the process of delivery of 10 new plants.
“State governments are building plants and the first indigenous Independent Power Project is scheduled for commissioning next month.”
The interactive session with the principal officials in the sector was moderated by the Hon. Minister of State, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi.
Kuchi acknowledged the uncommon competencies of the professionals in the sector.
Kuchi urged them to take ownership of the privatization process as what is required now to revamp the sector is team play.
Also speaking at the forum, Dr. Sam Amadi, the Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, identified three key ingredients critical to the power sector reform agenda, which are increased transparency, reduced cost and increased revenue collection machineries.