Diesel suppliers, generator dealers sabotaging regular electricity supply in Nigeria: Barth Nnaji
A former power minister, Barth Nnaji, has accused diesel suppliers and generator dealers of sabotaging regular electricity supply in Nigeria.
On Wednesday, Mr Nnaji said this while featuring in a Flo FM programme, ‘The South East Political Roundtable’ by Flo FM, Umuahia.
Mr Nnaji said the endless breakdown of the national power grid had remained a significant concern among Nigerians.
According to him, this is despite the federal government’s claim of spending N7 trillion as direct interventions in the power sector, even after privatising the industry’s electricity generation and distribution arms in November 2013.
Nnaji, chair of Geometric Power, Aba, identified diesel suppliers and generator sellers as other obstacles for those in the power generation business.
The former minister said the sector needs professionals who understand Nigeria’s electricity supply industry to manage it.
“There are two areas when you talk of cabal in the sector – the diesel suppliers and generator users. Nigeria is a big user of generators because of our enormous power needs, and those who are in the business would not want any interruption.
“The diesel suppliers feel that stable power supply would destroy their business,” said Mr Nnaji.
Like others, the former minister further alleged that the power sector had some cabals who made gains from erratic electricity supply.
He said, “A graphic picture of how dangerous the diesel suppliers can be was experienced when we were in government, somewhere in this country, some men cut down 30KVA line to stop electricity supply to thousands of users.
“Unfortunately, the diesel supplying company sponsored the operation. Incidentally, the power cable fell on one of them, who later confessed to the crime.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Tinubu advised me never to negotiate with criminals, Gov Ododo says
“I don’t play with criminals, and I don’t negotiate with them. I can tell you that, as far as Kogi State is concerned, we don’t have a department for ransom payment,” he said.
Heading 1
U.S. has spent $37.5 billion on Iran war: Hegseth
“The estimate we have as of today is $37.5 billion,” Mr Hegseth said.
Lagos
Slain Lagos NURTW organising secretary buried amid tears
Mr Ajiboye died days after he was attacked by gunmen.
Africa
144 refugees, migrants dead, missing off Mauritania coast: UNHCR
“The refugees and migrants were reported dead or missing after attempting the perilous sea journey from West Africa towards Europe,” the agency said.
World
U.S. govt condemns Ortega’s ban on elections in Nicaragua
Mr Rubio urged the international community to rise against Mr Ortega’s dictatorship.
World
Zelensky sacks Ukraine’s top general after firing defence minister
Mr Syrskyi’s dismissal came days after Mr Zelensky fired Ukraine’s defence minister, Mykhailo Fedorov, a decision that sparked protests across the country.
