Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu
FG denies rumoured sale of TCN
Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, has denied of any plans by the Federal Government to sell the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), amid unrest among labour groups in the power sector against the move.
The Minister who was responding to media reports and statements claiming that there was plan to privatise the TCN, further urged the public to dismiss such insinuations.
Labour unions within the power sector are spoiled for a showdown with the Federal Government over reports of a planned sale of the TCN and have already mobilised their members for mass protests.
“Some of the reports falsely claimed that the said privatisation was to take place in coming months.
”These reports are untrue and are only mere misinformation aimed at spreading panic in the power sector, which is making progress in ensuring that Nigerians enjoy uninterrupted power supply,” the Minister said.
Engr. Aliyu reemphasised that the government of Nigeria has not made a statement of intent to sell TCN.
“TCN is a centre-piece in Nigeria government’s efforts to rejuvenate the power sector.
“The Ministry of Power is key stakeholders are continuously working to evaluate, assesses and upgrade TCN to make it more efficient and transparent.
“As part of the repositioning of TCN, job opportunities are being created, as with the recently concluded ramp up of employment, contrary to claims of plan on mass disengagement of members of staff of the TCN.
“The Organisation has also been carrying out sustained capacity building by training and retraining of members of staff across all cadre for efficiency and service delivery.
“Transmission is a vital segment of the electricity value chain that constantly needs significant investment. As is the best practice across the world, the government of Nigeria maintains the transmission segment of the power value chain even when other segments have been privatised,” the Power Minister said.
