President Goodluck Jonathan approves N4bn for power transmission network

The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said despite the
completion of privatisation of the power sector, President
Goodluck Jonathan has also approved the sum of N4b to
improve power transmission network across the country.
Speaking at the official opening of a new transmission sub-
station in Ibadan on Friday, Nebo said injection of the huge
sum of money would have a national transformation impact
with regard to electricity supply.
He said, "It is only when the national grid becomes more
reliable and efficient that power will go round Nigeria and
that is why the President is showing a lot of concern to ensure
that the new arrangement with the new distribution and
generation companies works.
"This is in addition to the fact that the government ensured
that the companies inherited an atmosphere conducive enough
for operation so that they can achieve the target of the FG."
Nebo also pointed out the negative impact of vandalism on
power distribution, adding that government had stepped up
effort to put an end to activities of vandals in Nigeria and send
away those who build on power gas line.
He said, "We have brought in security operatives to protect
the stations. We are also using digital ways of monitoring all
the facilities to make sure that wherever there is infraction,
security men will be deplored to the area immediately.
"There will be improvement in power supply when the
generation facilities are improved on and when we recover the
pipeline areas where people have built houses on. We will
also improve when we have more gas going to the power
station. By the middle of next year, power supply stability
will be achieved," he said.
Managing Director of Integrated Energy Distribution and
Marketing Company, which bought the Ibadan Electricity
Distribution Company, Fortunato Leynes, said the new power
station in Ibadan was built at the cost of N303m and that it
was financed by the World Bank.
He said, "The Federal Government received a credit of $100m
from the International Development Association of the World
Bank towards the cost of Nigeria Transmission Development
Project. Part of the money was used for this project.
"The reinforcement of the grid sub-station began in January
2013 and it was completed on March 28. This will ensure
more than 17 hours of electricity supply to our consumers," he
said.

Via: Punch