Power supply will be stable before the end of 2014, President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday reassured Nigerians.
He said the completion of the ongoing 10 Independent Power Projects (NIPP) spread across the country will make this become real.
The President gave this assurance while commissioning the NIPP 500MW Omotosho II Power Station at Omotosho community in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo state.
Jonathan noted that the 10 power plant stations when completed before the end of first quarters of 2014 will add 5280MW to the nation’s capacity.
He said the projects were part of his administration’s effort in providing stable power supply.
According to him” “My administration is committed to boost electricity supply in the country. Today, we are in Ondo State to commission Omotosho power plant that will also serves, the people of these areas and improve electricity supply in the country.”
The President also explained why his administration privatised the power sector.
He said it was to make the sector more vibrant like the banking and telecommunication.
He stressed that the just commissioned Omotosho power plant would also be handed over to private company to commence proper work.
Jonathan added that the confidence the private sector has in his administration had made them to invest $3billion for the development of the nation’s power supply.
The President also disclosed that arraignments were under way to fund the electricity liability companies.
On the agitation of workers of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), the President assured that they will soon be paid their allowances, urging them not to embark on any industrial action.
The Minister of Power, Prof. Ositadinma Nebo, said the newly commissioned project will serve people of Ondo, Okitipupa, Igbokoda, Ilu-titun, Akure and others thereby reducing the feeder pillers from Oshogbo in Osun State.
Ondo State governor, Olusegun Mimiko, said his administration has embarked on a 30 megawatt power plant to supplement the newly commissioned power project.
The governor added that the 30 MW when completed will serve the industrial sector of the state.
He urged the President to quickly commence the transmission of the new power plant to the beneficiary communities.