Connect with us

news

How OBJ, Yar’Adua, Jonathan spent N2.74 trillion on power sector

Published

on

 

yaraduA

IT emerged on Tuesday that Nigeria has spent the sum of N2.740 trillion on the power sector in the last 16 years.
While the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, had told the Senate ad hoc committee investigating the power sector that the Ministry of Power spent the sum of N948 billion since 1999, the Managing Director, Niger Delta Power Holding company (NDPHC), Mr James Olotu, also said that the National Independent Power Project (NIPP) activities funded from the Excess Crude Account had gulped $8.23 billon (about N1.640 trillion).
Igali also told the Senate committee that  former military heads of state, who administrated the country from 1983 to 1999, failed to recruit engineers for the power sector throughout the period.
The committee, headed by Senator Abubakar Kyari, was inaugurated two weeks ago by the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, who charged members to probe into the sources of darkness in the country.
Igali told the committee that though the sum of N1.6 trillion was appropriated to the Ministry of Power within the period, the sum of N948 billion was eventually released.
He also stated that the sum of N155 billion was released to the ministry to cushion the effects of the shortfalls in expenditure for the sector between 2009 and 2013.
Speaking at the hearing, Igali said that out of 79 power generation units existing at the time, only 19 were functioning, adding that no new power plant was built between 1991 and 1999.
He stated that former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, brought life to the power sector, as the sector had largely depreciated with no new engineers when democracy returned in 1999.
Despite the effort at investment by government, we have not been able to invest in a consistent manner in the power sector.
“Investment from government and the private sector must go up gradually but consistently, as flunctuation will not help in our economic development.
“I do know that despite government’s effort at funding power sector, the nation continues to experience epileptic power supply, however, it takes time to stabilise,” he said.
According to the permanent secretary, power generation stood at 1,750 megawatt  in 1999 when Obasanjo took over.
He gave the breakdown of the appropriated funds released to the ministry from 1999, saying that in 1999, N11,205,842,051 was appropriated, but N6,697,964,119 released; in 2000, N59,064,381,817 was appropriated, N49,784,641,521 released; in 2001, N103,397,000,000 was appropriated, with N70,927,000,000 released; in 2002, N54,647,252,061 was appropriated, N41,196,117,172 released; in 2003, N55,583,099,000 was appropriated and N5,207,500,000 was released.
He continued that in 2004, N54,647,252,061 was appropriated, N54,647,252,061 was released; in 2005, N90,282,833,404 was appropriated, N71,888,606,274 released; in 2006, N74,308,240,085 was appropriated, N74.3 billion released; in 2007, N100 billion was appropriated, N99.8 billion released; in 2008, N156 billion appropriated, N112 billion released and in 2009, N89.5 billion was appropriated, with N87 billion released.
He added that in 2010, N172 billion was appropriated and N70 billion released; in 2011, N125 billion was appropriated, N61 billion released; in 2012, N197.9 billion was appropriated and N53.5 billion released; in 2013, N146 billion was appropriated and N49 billion released; in 2014, N69.8 billion was appropriated and N48 billion was released, while in 2015, N5,240,000,000 was appropriated, with no money released.
He also gave a breakdown of the N155 billion intervention fund released to the ministry, adding that the ministry got a total sum of N30.8 billion in 2009, N43.2 billion in 2010, N37.0 billion in 2011; N11.5 billion in 2012 and the sum of N32.6 billion in 2013.
He told the committee that the nation was experiencing increased power generation as the  pipeline vandals had stemmed their activities.
According to him, Nigeria’s electricity generation had risen to 4,600 megawatts from 3,500 megawatts in 2013.
He disclosed that the rise in generation capacity was due to the reduction in the degree of vandalism of power pipelines.
The Permanent Secretary also stated that only 2,000 former workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) were yet to be paid their severance allowance, as, according to him, many of those who claimed to have worked with the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) had no valid documents to prove their claims.
He also said the  Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE)  used the proceeds of privatisation of the sector to settle claims of over 46,000 workers through the office of the Accountant General of the Federation and Pension Commission.
The committee, however, expressed worry over the failure of the government to ensure that the local governments were represented on the board of NIPP,  though  the councils were also part of the sponsors of the project.
The committee  also asked the permanent secretary to submit the detailed audit report of the ministry, to allow it tidy some of the inconsistencies in submissions.
While inaugurating the committee two weeks ago, Senator Saraki had mandated it to get to the roots of the persistent blackouts in the country, despite huge financial commitments to the power sector.
Committee of the chairman, Senator Kyari, had also assured the Senate that the task would be taken seriously, adding that the committee would interact with all stakeholders to determine the cause of the nation’s electricity woes.
“A close look at the entire power value chain (generation, transmission and distribution) calls for review of our policies, in order to obtain optimum performances across the board.
“The abysmal performance of the generation segment is no longer news, in view of the current deteriorating power supply which hovers around 4,600 megawatts for a population of over 170 million people, despite the huge resources committed into it.
“This compared with our contemporaries is highly regrettable. No wonder so many companies have relocated from the shores of this nation, due to increasing cost of production.
“The issue of turn-around maintenance, gas pipeline vandalism, just to mention but a few, are some of the teething problems bedeviling the sector. We must address it now in order to stem this destructive tide. The committee will beam its searchlight in this direction to put things in proper perspectives.
“Having realised that the transmission segment is the major linkage between the generation and distribution fronts, increasing our capacity in this direction is also very necessary, since power produced must be utilised immediately.
“Deteriorating infrastructure in this segment must be addressed forthwith. The committee attaches great importance to this and would work assiduously in ensuring that all these leakages or slippages in this area are brought to the front burner and dealt with,” the committee chairman had said.

Tribune

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

news

In Search of Justice: Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu’s Plea for Recognition and Dignity

Published

on

In a world where the bonds of love and faith should transcend earthly judgments, Alhaja Enitanwa Muibat Lanre Shittu finds herself battling not only for justice but for the affirmation of her dignity and place within her late husband’s legacy.

Alhaja Enitanwa, the widow of renowned business mogul Lanre Shittu, faces an overwhelming injustice as she appeals a ruling by the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court. This court dismissed her case by claiming it lacked the jurisdiction to do so.

This judgment, for Alhaja Enitanwa, represents a painful contradiction. The Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court had been specially designated to hear cases rooted in Islamic law—a foundation of faith and tradition that defined her marriage to her beloved husband. How, then, can this same court deny its duty to preside over the case she brings forward, a case so deeply tied to her faith and rightful place within her family?

At the heart of her appeal is a plea for recognition, not only for herself but for every Muslim woman whose rights are meant to be upheld by the legal protections guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution. Her counsel, Barrister Kayode Ademiluyi, stresses that this Constitution embraces Sharia law as a personal and protected path for Muslims, enshrining the rights of individuals like Alhaja Enitanwa to have their marital bonds honored by the law.

The Customary Court Law of Lagos State further cements these rights. By law, designated courts are empowered to adjudicate in matters of Islamic law—marriage, divorce, and family bonds. Yet, for reasons unknown, the Ifako Ijaiye Customary Court has chosen to ignore this mandate, casting aside the deeply personal matter Alhaja Enitanwa brought to its doors.

She seeks more than validation; she seeks justice. For Alhaja Enitanwa, this appeal is an urgent call for the court to correct a decision that, in its oversight, has left her in limbo, questioning the very foundations of her marriage and her place within a family she holds dear.

Her appeal will journey through the Customary Court of Appeal, a court of immense authority, with the power to oversee customary law matters. Here, the court will have the solemn duty to interpret her case in the spirit of fairness, upholding the principles of religious and personal freedoms granted under Nigerian law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s case is not just about her suffering but about restoring the dignity of every Muslim woman who looks to the law to honour her faith and protect her rights.

Let us remember that at the heart of this case lies a woman—a mother, a widow—whose only desire is to protect the bond she shared with her late husband and to honour the life they built together under Islamic law. Alhaja Enitanwa’s struggle resonates far beyond her plight; it is a struggle for justice, for the rights of Muslim women, and for the values enshrined in the law.

 

Continue Reading

Education

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

Published

on

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That Edutainment guru and Founder of The Big Break Moment Africa, Tayo Folorunsho (Teeflo), is set to launch his highly anticipated book, The Campus CEO, at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton in Abuja.

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho to Launch “The Campus CEO” Book and Celebrate Years of Edutainment Bliss

 

 

The Campus CEO is a comprehensive guide for aspiring student entrepreneurs seeking to navigate the dynamic landscape of African entrepreneurship. Drawing from Folorunsho’s extensive decade-long experience working with various talents and luxury brands, the book offers invaluable insights, practical advice, and actionable strategies for success. The launch event will not only celebrate the release of this essential guide but also serve as a platform to recognize and honor his dedication and commitment to student eentrepreneursacross Nigeria.

 

Folorunsho, a passionate advocate for youth empowerment, has made significant contributions to the education and entertainment/creative industries. His initiatives have empowered numerous students from selected higher institutions with knowledge, skills, and platforms, fostering innovation and driving economic growth.

 

The Campus CEO promises to be an indispensable resource for any student entrepreneur seeking to make their mark. Packed with real-world examples and expert guidance, it is poised to become the go-to guide for navigating the challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship in Nigeria.

 

Tayo Folorunsho has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and creativity within the Nigerian education and entertainment sectors. His work has profoundly impacted countless students, providing them with the tools and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive world of business.

 

The launch event will also feature a Celebration of Life, a book presentation, and a project unveiling, highlighting Folorunsho’s ongoing commitment to empowering young entrepreneurs and his latest endeavors to further support student-led innovation and growth.

Continue Reading

news

Investigation: How Unhygienic State Of Oko Oba Abbatoir Poses Health Hazards To Lagosians

Published

on

 

Time was when the Oko Oba Abbatoir was the cynosure of all eyes.

The professionalism and neatness depicted by the Butchers and the distribution Unit of the Abbatoir was applauded by all.

Conveying the neatly packed Meats in an enclosed Van called ‘Eko Meat Van’ to various locations saw the Lagos State Government receiving accolades from opposition Parties, Lagosians alike for the initiative.

Years down the line, the once celebrated initiative has become a shadow of itself.

For a first timer visiting the Oko Oba Abbatoir, what greets the person is an offensive odour oozing from the Canals that passes behind the Abbatoir.

The stench is very strong. It fouls the air. It often even triggers breathing discomforts in people not used to such a sudden and unpleasant odour.

The drainage at the entrance of the facility is filthy. It is a major source of the pungent stench disturbing passersby and visitors to the abattoir.

This however poses health threats to Lagosians who inhale this offensive odour.

Aside the Canals, the environment of the Abbatoir is in a pathetic state, as dirt litters the environment with bloods of the butchered Cows stagnated at some potholes in the Abbatoir.

This is however unhygienic to the health of Lagosians who consume the Meats.

The safety of meat processed at Oko-Oba Abattoir, Agege, Lagos, has become a source of concern to beef consumers in the state owing to the unhygienic practices and poor sanitation that characterise meat processing at the facility.

Aside from the dirty drainage, the slaughter slabs where animals are slaughtered are not only dirty but also reek of the foul smell of cow dung as well as that of decomposing animal waste and blood.

The once upgraded processing equipment and units of the Abbatoir have become a shadow of itself.

Experts say poor handling of meat in abattoirs could lead to physical contamination, stressing that a situation where all manner of people accesses the slaughterhouse without check is inappropriate for a place where meat is processed for human consumption.

Investigation reveals that the handlers of the Abattoir are the one causing major problems by not allowing external body or professionals to handle the situation because of their selfish interest.

Moreso, it was also gathered that past administration has also put measures to salvage the situation but all to know avail as the activities of the centre is allegedly run by one family.

The said family is been alleged to be sabotaging the efforts of the Lagos State Government in changing the narratives in this regard, by monopolizing the administration of Abbatoir.

Sources who are in the know of the politicking happening at the Abbatoir that has made it leveraging on its past glory, say that if other Companies are saddled with the responsibilities of maintaining the Abbatoir, there will be drastic changes in the affairs of the Abbatoir, that will be a far cry from its present state.

It was also gathered that the Sub Concessionaire approved by the Ministry who has certain projects at the Abbatoir is allegedly been frustrated by the Main Concessionaire in connivance with the Commissioner.

This has further added to the pathetic situation of the Abbatoir.

Investigation also revealed that there are Shanties at the Abbatoir where some people allegedly live and pay rent to certain individuals at the Abbatoir.

This poses Security threat to the Abbatoir and residents around the Abbatoir, at a time when the economic fortunes of the nation has dwindled.

Sources revealed that the Abbatoir is porous, which exposes the State to impending danger that needs to be urgently addressed before it escalates.

No doubt, the present state of the Abbatoir is a far cry from what the Abbatoir was known for years back, leading to the call on the Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu led administration, the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Health and the Ministry Of Agriculture to wade into this issue and earnestly address the worrisome and abysmal state of the Oko Oba Abbatoir, no matter who ox is gored.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending