Power sector investors rejig strategies to escape imminent probe

The fear of the popular call for urgent probe of the power sector by the incoming government may have forced the power sector investors to formulate new strategies of operating in line with due process.

The Guardian’s investigations revealed that a significant number of contractors handling power projects across the country have become more effective and efficient in service delivery immediately after the general elections.

A top official in the ministry of power told The Guardian yesterday that the companies including those that are nearly blacklisted have geared up to their responsibilities as works are now progressing massively on sites.

Besides, he said some officials in the sector are now reviewing their books of account and have resorted to transparent and accountable manner of operation for the fear of the impending probe.

“The problem with Nigeria and Nigerian is corruption. A country where people complain of lack of jobs or projects, but when they eventually win the projects they will refuse to implement it. In fact, some people believed that wining a project means their own share of national cake, so they intend to abandon the project and embezzle the fund because they know somebody in power who could protect them.

I want to believe all those things will now be history, if Buhari can tackle curruption as promised. Some of those companies have been coming around to amend their ways now. They even tell us what should be done according to due process.” The source said.

A consumer and publicity expert, Akpata Omoruyi, said the power supply situation is growing from bad to worse, expressing optimism that the incoming administration should be dedicated to making meaningful impact in the sector.

Omoruyi, who believed that the future of the sector is bright, advised that the President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari should not write-off the power sector privatisation programme, rather he should strengthen the process.

“He should not bother to cancel it. We cannot continue to go back and forth. He should strengthen the process,” he said.
Commenting on the level of corruption in the sector, he said, “I believe Buhari can deal with the corruption issues. Although, there are still some genuine players in the sector who mean well for the country.”

An public commentator and former Media and Communication officer of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP), Oke Ikeogu, said, although every government comes with its idea of what is good for the country, but the incoming government should not cancel the power sector privatisation programme, instead it should ensure that measure are put in place to derive efficient service delivery from the operators.

According to him, the power sector privatisation is making gradual progress but better inputs that would urgently drive the sector to promise land is welcomed.

“Nothing is impossible really, the government can decide to review or modify the process, if they observe that current status of the sector does not fit the need of the nation. Any good government will try to bring full idea of what is good for the country, but the bottom line is that it will be good if the government can strengthen the process and make the investor deliver optimal power supply.” He said.