FG urges cooperation of oil firms on power emergency
By
Aug 13, 2008, 12:53

Preparatory to the planned declaration of the state of emergency in the power sector, the federal government has warned that stiff sanctions await any one of the multinational oil companies operating in Nigeria that is not ready to abide by the new vision of the present government.

Speaking through his Special Adviser on Communications, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi on August 13 in Abuja, President Yar’Adua who expressed dissatisfaction with the activities of most oil companies in Nigeria that are bent on bending the rules declared that it cannot be business as usual.
He said that those who must live in the country are those whose operations comply with its new obligations towards the effective implementation of the planned state of emergency in the power sector.

Mr. Adeniyi stated that as soon as the much- awaited emergency is declared, obligations of the oil firms would be spelt out as pre-conditions for continued operations in Nigeria, stressing "the president means business on this issue and wants to see more commitment in this direction".
"Once all the issues are sorted out with all stakeholders, the emergency will be declared. But even before then, the power situation is being addressed and all the targets will be met. Once he declares it, however, Nigeria will continue to witness a gradual increase in the power situation until we can begin to take electricity for granted like most developed countries." He said.

He disclosed that the President has effectively tackled the problem of system collapse, which has gone on for years. This he said has manifested in the improvement in power supply across the country noticeable recently.
"If you are observant, you must have noticed improvement in power supply in the last three weeks. That is because some things have been done by the Federal Government. Within the last one month, the President has effectively tackled the problem of system collapse, which has gone on for years.” He stated.

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