(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/phcn_power_station-300x229.jpg) Nigeria's Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo has noted that the National Integrated Power Project operated by the Niger-Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) is making progress towards actualizing its set goals in 2013.
Namadi Sambo who presided over the 28th Board Meeting of the Company held recently in the State House, Abuja reiterated that all contractors handling the NIPP Projects should endeavor to deliver at record time. He stressed the need for the training of personnel who will manage the power plants and stations on completion of the project through the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN). "There is need for the company to engage in new projects such as dams, the design and impact assessment of the new dams in Katsina-Ala in Benue State as well as the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and Gurara Phase two", he noted.
The Board considered and approved some proposals brought to it by the management of NDPHC comprising the divesture of eighty percent of the shares in the ten generation companies owned by NDPHC through a public tendering process earlier published and over 203 potential bidders already registered.
The meeting also noted the progress made by injecting about 32.17 (1200MW) per cent of electricity to the national grid and the targeted 10,000MW at the end of 2013 when all the plants would have been completed. Also approved was a road show to be held in Lagos, London, USA and Hong Kong; an Auditor to check out the financial statements of the company as well as the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) to about to hold in December, this year. The Board considered and approved the revised milestones and transaction scheduled for the year.
In his briefing, the Managing Director of NDPHC, James Olotu said that the total amount to be realized from the sale of the power facilities could not be ascertained for now, explaining that invitation for expression of interest has been released for professional firms and financiers to bid for the procurement of the companies. He further noted that this was to enable them validate and tender prices for consideration.
Dignitaries present at the meeting were: the Governor of Benue State, Gabriel Suswan, Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo; the Deputy Governors of Ekiti and Kaduna States; the Minister of State for Power, Zainab Ibrahim Kuchi and other senior government officials.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria