The Federal Government is making progress on its plans for subsidizing the costs for electricity consumption under the Power Sector road map for indigent Nigerians and particularly for those in the rural areas.
The Minister of Information, Mr. Labaran Maku, expressed the indigence of most Nigerians especially those resident in the rural areas who may not be able to afford electricity supply particularly from private investors.
The Minister stated that the Federal Government has resolved that all Nigerians, irrespective of their social status, will have access to electricity when the power sector is finally taken over by the private investors.
He stated that government was committed to its plans towards transforming the power sector and ensuring long term sustainability through the planned subsidy amongst others plans.
“We have put in place all other support institutions to ensure the efficient functioning of the electricity market.
Against the back drop of the privatization of the p[ower sector completed by the sales of the DISCOs (power distribution coys), he stated that “the payment of severance package to PHCN staff is to be concluded by the end of October and physical handover to the new owners thereafter.’’
The minister said the Federal Government planned to tackle most of the challenges facing the 10 new power plants and commission those that are still pending before the end of 2013.
He urged Nigerians to be patient with President Jonathan and his transformation agenda and added that the country, in few years to come, would begin to see the remarkable results of investment in the power sector.
