‘Resolution of labour issues will hasten electricity reforms’

The Minister of State for Power, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi, has said that Federal Government’s commitment to settlement of Severance Benefits of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), Staff is informed by the relevance of the exercise to the attainment of the Power Sector Roadmap and the overall realization of the Transformation Agenda of the administration.
Speaking last week at the inauguration of the Implementation Committee on the Settlement of Severance for PHCN Staff, Kuchi commended the workers as represented by the three Unions in the power sector for being courageous as they have helped the process to become less tedious and seamless.
She gave the assurance that the Federal Government is committed to bringing the process of privatization of the power sector to conclusion in no distant future with the inauguration of the committee.
She said, “It is ‘a product of proper buy-in by all’, as Government is convinced that efficient power sector performance is underscore by capable work force that can operate at optimal efficiency.  So Government cannot but ally with all stakeholders in frank and transparent manner as to resolving all human resource oriented matters during this transition.
“Federal Government in line with its previous commitments has sufficient funds to make all full and complete payments to all that are due.”
The committee, which is chaired by the newly appointed Permanent Secretary of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, had representatives from Finance and Labour ministries, the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Pensions Commission (PENCOM), Auditor-General and the four labour unions in PHCN and the Consultant – Alexander Forbes.
The committee had an eight-point reference and has since swung into action.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. YerimaNgawa, in his goodwill message reiterated that government would fulfill its obligations, saying, “We cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians.”