(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/phcn-300x229.jpg) The Minister of State for Power, Hajia Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi has said that Federal Government's commitment to settlement of severance benefits of Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) Staff is informed by the relevance of the exercise to the attainment of the power sector roadmap and the overall realization of the Transformation Agenda of the present administration.
Speaking at the inauguration of the implementation committee on the settlement of severance for PHCN staff, Hajia Kuchi commended Labour as represented by the three unions in the power sector for being courageous as they have helped the process to become less tedious and seamless.
She assured that the Federal Government is committed to bringing the process of privatization of the power sector to conclusion in no distant future with the inauguration of the Committee; it is "A product of proper buy-in by all", as Government is convinced that efficient power sector performance is underscored by capable work force that can operate at optimal efficiency. So, Government cannot but ally with all stakeholders in frank and transparent manner as to resolving all human resource oriented matters during this transition. "Federal Government in line with its previous commitments has sufficient funds to make all full and complete payments to all that are due".
The committee which is chaired by the newly appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Ambassador Dodknows Igali, has representatives from Finance and Labour Ministries, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), the Office of Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF), PENCOM, Office of the Auditor-General and the four Labour Unions in PHCN and the Consultant – Alexander Forbes, it also has 8-point reference and has since swung into action.
The Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Ngawa, in his goodwill message reiterated that Government would fulfil its obligations, "We cannot afford to disappoint Nigerians".
The Minister of Labour, Emeka Wogu said workers would not be short changed, just as he requested labour to show understanding by supporting its privatization programme. "We must carry labour along as to prove all sceptics wrong,..no room for speculation", he averred.
Speaking on behalf of the 4 Labour Unions in the power sector, Engr. Bede Opara said that the Unions are not prepared to fight Government as "We are equally stakeholders in the Nigerian project but urge Government not to change the course at any stage of implementation as anything to suggest short changing workers would be resisted".
The Permanent Secretary in his acceptance speech commended the pioneering efforts of all those who worked tirelessly to make this milestone possible in the on-going reform of the sector. "The course is on; today's event would only fire more power into the on-going process", he said.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria
PHCN is an annoying public organisation. They annoy me all the time.