Abuja (Federal Ministry of Power Report)
The Minister of Power, Chinedu Nebo (Professor) has on behalf of the Nigerian Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abuja with KOZTEK Electric and Energy Technologies, a company based in Turkey.
The Minister of Power, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali (Dr) expressed delight that Annie Okonkwo, a Senator with pedigree and record of achievement has finally found an active role in the power sector.
He enjoined KOZTEK to bring to bear Turkey’s expertise in hydro, switchgears and transmission super structures which were built on European technology; but made available because of low wage structures in Turkey. The Minister acknowledged the obvious challenges faced in the sector and expressed the determination of the present administration to move the country to the top, among the comity of nations.
While setting out the agenda for the enormous potentials that are available in the sector, he inferred that Government has provided a level playing field for investors, both national and international to explore diverse areas like: expansion and modernization of facilities, metering, gas utilization, solar and other renewable. “Our plan is to link to the national grid all communities; hence we are desirous to open windows of opportunities for private funds into the transmission segment, ” he added.
“Government has agreed to provide incentives in the form of duty waivers, rebate and tax holidays on power plant equipment and installation. All these are to soften the ground for investors.”
According to the release from the Publicity Department of the Power Ministry on Friday November 28, 2014, the projects covered by the MoU would involve building of power generation and transmission infrastructure in Nigeria, wholly financed by Turkish business interests. The report said that the Turkish company has agreed to execute projects in Nigeria in accordance with specifications and timelines to ensure that projects are completed on schedule.
“KOZTEK has also agreed to provide adequate training for the workforce and strict adherence to the Nigerian local content provided as this will guarantee skilled manpower for the smooth running of the plants on completion,” it noted.
The Chairman of the Company in Nigeria, Annie Okonkwo (Senator) in his speech said that the signing of the MoU is an indication of the commitment of the President to improving power supply in Nigeria. Adding, soon the problem of epileptic supply of power will be a thing of the past as the whole world will celebrate efficient power in Nigeria. Also speaking, the Company Chief Executive Officer, Kerem Ozdemi informed that his company has been an interested follower of the happenings in Nigeria’s power sector in the past 10 years. He also promised that KOZTEK will be a co-partner towards ensuring improved supply of power in the near future.
In another development, a group of intellectuals under the aegis of Intellectual Development Initiative (IDI) formally presented a 600-page book titled: “Centennial Epoch – Memories and Legacies of the Nigerian State” to the Minister. Presenting the book, the leader of the Team, Biodun Akinpelu (Professor ) said that they were inspired to write so as to fill the gap created by the dearth of intellectual materials on national issues.
He described the 30-chapter book as a child of unique circumstance across major aspects of national life. Responding on behalf of the President, Godknows Igali praised the patriotism exhibited by the authors, describing their collective efforts in the production as intellectual masterpiece.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate