The power privatization and the Nigerian spirit

In times like this, with the new administration just inaugurated, the lip service that has been paid to this sector over the years ought to be addressed in order to bring hope to the ordinary citizens of Nigeria. The people are fed up and tired of the promises. And the average business man in Nigeria […]

In times like this, with the new administration just inaugurated, the lip service that has been paid to this sector over the years ought to be addressed in order to bring hope to the ordinary citizens of Nigeria. The people are fed up and tired of the promises. And the average business man in Nigeria can never break even with the dilemma of power not solved. A situation where you have to run on generator and burn diesel 24/7, how on earth will that man’s market compete with that of his international counterparts who are opportune to have power working in their countries because they have responsive and responsible government in place?

Bart Nnaji and the rest of the experts that have been advising the government on power do not seem to have realized that the power issue goes beyond talk and theory. Nigerians can never appreciate whatever effort they may be putting as long as it does not translate into electricity for them.

It must be noted that over time, the rate at which this issue has been politicized is somewhat the reason for the setback. The power privatization matter has come, gone, yet it is back and still here but what to do to avoid the back and forth syndrome is what should be perspicaciously and insightfully established.

The ongoing development on the prequalification of some Nigerian companies on the next stage of the power privatization is a welcome idea but must be treated with the urgency it requires to avoid the doldrums. The prequalification of Dangote Group, Oando, Honeywell Group and Energy Company of Nigeria (ENCON) for this next stage of the privatization of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) which is being midwifed by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) is of no doubt a welcome development. As it were, the BPE should give priority to the Nigerian companies in terms of first order of consideration over and above the foreign companies. This though may appear insignificant but it is not. Because our labour law is too lax and of no consequence to the Nigerian workers in terms of welfare, the foreign companies have cashed in on this and demean our people in terms of wages consideration and welfare package.  As such, it is of necessity that in the issue of this prequalification consideration, the Nigerian companies should be given paramount consideration.

Another view the country must consider is that this is a very sensitive sector that if left in the hands of foreigners will jeopardize the interest of the country in a state of emergency where interest of the parties involved is pivotal. Be that as it may, as much as one may be making a case for the indigenous companies, it is significant that the Nigerian companies should strive to meet the stringent financial and technical requirements set in motion for privatisation by BPE. However, where the Nigerian companies fail to meet the requirements as it were, they should be allowed the grace of partnering with their foreign counterparts that have the financial and technical capacities and competences. It should be realised bearing in mind the experience of the international communities that have got the power thing right, it would be a mirage in Nigeria to get power right without private sector participation. The power sector is too sensitive just like the Telecoms to be solely left in the hands of foreigners. The Nigerian government should encourage and support its citizens in order to be allowed a key role in the scheme of things with regard to the power sector.

If these Nigerian companies are supported, the proceeds of their business as far as the power thing is concerned would of course be ploughed back into the economy. The efforts and the role being played by Aliko Dangote of Dangote group, Stella Okoli of Emzor Pharmaceuticals, Mike Adenuga of Globacom, Odun Emeaselu of the Interior Woodworks limited, and a host of others should be commended. These are patriotic Nigerians who despite the murky waters in the unfriendly business terrain in the country, have remained immovable and still weathering the storm. If these gladiators choose to remain here to do their business, it then compels the government of Nigeria to do all it can to help the rest of its citizens willing to risk the situation and still do business. There is no doubt that the ‘I can do it spirit’ is in an average Nigerian.

My take on the matter is very simple, the power issue is too fundamental to the future of Nigerians. No country in the world makes meaningful progress without putting power in place. Nigerians are trooping to Ghana because the basic infrastructure like power is in place. You can never quantify the amount of revenue the country can generate if power is achieved. Small scale businesses will thrive better with power in place while the teeming youths and graduates will be employed. The recent popularized idea of entrepreneurial skills can only have the right kind of voice with power in place. Mr. President cannot afford to be docile in this area. If he gets power right, his name will remain forever in the annals of Nigerian history.

Oguname wrote from [email protected]