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Power Supply, Metering, Renewable Energy Performances Top Agenda As Stakeholders Roundtable Kicks Off In Abuja
From Lateef Taiwo
Ten years after the privatisation of the Nigerian power sector, market participants, government agencies, and institutions, as well as other key stakeholders are to commence the maiden roundtable evaluation of the performance of the sector and its challenges on Monday, 30 October in Abuja as a step towards charting a pathway for the progression of the power sector.
The three-day Inaugural Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry, NESI, Market Participants and Stakeholders Roundtable, NMPSR, Event 2023 with the theme: “NESI privatisation and Its 10-year milestone: The Journey So Far, Opportunities and Prospects,”
is scheduled to hold at the PTDF auditorium in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday, signed by Prof. Steve Ogaji and Bode Fadipe, Chairman and Secretary, NMPSR Planning Committee, respectively.
Speaking to the imperative of the roundtable, the statement noted that it’s the view of critical stakeholders in the sector that evaluating it’s performance for the first decade along the lines of defined parameters would afford players the opportunity to clinically determine the issues in the sector and proffer
solutions.
“Significantly, this 10-year milestone, post-privatisation, in view of the continued challenges of the power sector, presents the perfect opportunity that is not so much a celebration but a sober reflection/retrospection and an audit of how far we have come, how much further we need to go, and what we require for the journey ahead.
“The roundtable is expected to provide a platform for leading energy professionals and other related experts to discuss and objectively determine a way forward for a privatised NESI, consistent with the aspirations and objectives of NEPP, and ultimately design a post privatisation roadmap that will be presented to decision/policy makers, as NESI market participants and stakeholders’ comprehensive contribution to power sector policy
formulation and implementation,” it explained further.
Giving an insight into the event’s package, Prof Stephen Ogaji, said the 3-day Roundtable event will have eight plenary sessions which will encompass the various segments of the NESI viz: Power Generation; Gas to power; Power Distribution, Transmission, Metering and Customer Centricity, Renewable Energy and Climate Change, Access to Finance, Liquidity and Recapitalisation.
The conference will also look at the regulatory and policy ecosystem,
with a particular emphasis on the Electricity Act, 2023.
The organisers lamented that even though much has gone into the privatisation in the last 10 years, not much, as expected, was achieved to move the sector forward, hence the aptness of this year’s event and its theme.
“As you are aware, the privatisation of the NESI, which took place in 2013 marked a historic turning point in Nigeria’s energy sector, transitioning it from the era of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, to a system of private investor ownership and participation.
“However, the progress in NESI, post-privatisation has not fully met the lofty expectations set forth in the National Electricity Power Policy, 2001 (NEPP), the Electric Power Sector
Reform Act, 2005, EPSRA, now Electricity Act 2023, and the Road Map for Power Sector Reform, 2010.
“Consequently, while acknowledging the ten-year post-privatisation milestone, under the umbrella of NMPSR, the operators and other stakeholders of NESI stakeholders are also seeking to
assess the evolution of the privatisation, assess the areas of constraint, and determine a roadmap that will provide the pathway to the progress that is currently impeded by various factors,” the statement further noted.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
*
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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