The Senate Committee on Power and the Federal Ministry of Power have agreed that the concession of the 700 Megawatts Zungeru Hydroelectric Power project will go ahead as it is in the best interest of the country.
The minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, who appeared before the Senate Committee on Power chaired by Senator Gabriel Suswam, pointed out that the Zungeru Hydroelectric dam was financed jointly by China Exim Bank and the Nigerian government.
He pointed out that all the best practices and regulations have been complied with to ensure that Nigeria is not shortchanged in the concession agreement.
Mr Aliyu noted that the hydroelectric infrastructure is still owned by the federal government and the concession is only for a period of 30 years.
He also said government has been diligently addressing all the challenges facing the Zungeru power project in order to make it secure and functional for more electricity supply to meet the energy demands of Nigerians.
Senators who spoke during the hearing supported federal government’s various interventions in the power sector. On his part, Senator Adamu Aliero said that the concession is in the best interest of Nigerians.
Both the minister of power and senators also agree that there should be more enlightenment on the power value chain, to appreciate the huge investment going on in the sector.
Meanwhile, the minister has challenged electricity distribution companies to improve their performance by ensuring that customers are at the centre of their services.
He added that government will continue to support the electricity distribution companies to ensure that Nigeria and Nigerians enjoy stable electricity supply.
The minister stated this on Thursday while addressing managing directors of the 11 electricity distribution companies during a meeting summoned to address the growing concerns of Nigerians over appalling power supply.
Mr Aliyu also urged the electricity distribution companies to focus on improving their facilities and services to their customers.
Earlier in the week, the minister met with the governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sani Bello where they discussed issues relating to settlements for communities affected by the Zungeru hydroelectric power project.
