By Ikechukwu Chukwudi
Stakeholders in the power sector have sounded a note of caution over poor project execution by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA).
Speaking at an interactive/familiarisation meeting with stakeholders of the power industry, the Executive Director of, the Rural Electrification Fund (REF) in the REA, Hon Engr Doris Uboh MNSE, gave the notice while asserting the need for stakeholders and contractors to only take on projects that were within their capacity and scope of expertise.
Hon Uboh, a former member of the House Of Representatives also expressed her willingness to collaborate with local stakeholders, stating that external applications haven’t alleviated the issues surrounding the power sector to date.
She said “ I’m impressed with the presentations I’ve received and listened to so far, especially knowing that you all share in my passion and belief, which is that it will take Nigerians to make Nigeria Work.
” Bringing external hands has only worsened the situation for obvious reasons, and the fact that there are Nigerians like you who are willing and know the terrain, have the experience, and are willing to work to proffer solutions to the issues of epileptic and inadequate power supply.
Speaking further, the REF Boss hinged on the generality of the issues being suffered by Nigerians due to the instability of power, as well as the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving them in due time.
She opined that “ The issues affecting the power sector has become one that all Nigerians are affected by, whether rich or poor, so much that they now manifest in places otherwise thought to be impossible.
” Furthermore, the Honorable Minister is very concerned and passionate about making things work, and thankfully young people currently dominate the industry, with most of us having exposure to foreign climes via academic studies, where we have seen their power sector work, so, we know it can be done.
Emphasizing the need for contractors and stakeholders to maintain good conduct and honour contractual agreements, Hon Uboh stated “ I was just from a workshop, where I told them that it is Zero Tolerance For Failed Projects.
” As an agency, we are going to do all we can to support any developer experiencing difficulties, so long as those difficulties are within our purview, however, stakeholders must not take on more than what they can handle, otherwise, we will take the job and give it to someone more capable. All we want is to make things work.
” Even if you are my brother, and you are spending too much time on a project like the Minister said, before they fire me, I will fire you.
She added” Before you give me a bad name, I will give the job to someone who can execute it because I am tired, everyone is tired of these recurring power complaints, and it’s as if something is wrong with us as a people, but nothing is wrong with us.
” We just need to be serious about making it work,” Hon Doris Uboh added.
Among the stakeholders present at the meeting with the ED REF, were Mr Alapa Hyacinth, Mr Oke Ogbaudu, Engr Canice Emeka Obi, Engr Donald Igudia, Dr Sunday Orishedere, Ms Laura Ogbareno Buwa-Udah, Pastor Norbert Akachukwu Sochukwudinma, and Gladys Agada.
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