Severance benefits for PHCN workers: FG to commence payment on June 17

The Minister of Power, Prof Chinedu Nebo has disclosed the readiness of government to settle electricity workers’ severance package.

The minister said government would most likely pay the N384 billion to workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) by June 17.

Nebo, who gave the assurance during his official inspection of Egbin Power Station in Lagos yesterday, said “very soon your severance package or entitlement will hit your various accounts by June 17.

“We hope to start payment of workers benefit by June 17 which is the tentative date we are working at, we need a lot of support from workers in areas of adequate information on the forms given to them,’’ he said.

Nebo said that for several months now, the technical and implementation committees set up to look into the issues of workers’ entitlements have been working seriously in ensuring effective result.

He said that contrite agreement had been reached with the leadership of the union in ensuring that what was agreed as the workers’ severance package was  paid as at when due. He urged them to ensure that all forms given to them were endorsed and filled adequately, adding that nobody would be left out.

The ministry he noted had issues with the operational cost allocation which was not in the 2013 budget.

“The only way to move the sector forward is to involve private sector participation. When this sector is fully privatised, no Chinese or Indians will take over the full operation of the duties of Nigerians,” he said.

The minister also promised to fund the sector to ensure the optimal realisation of its goals, adding that Egbin Power Station was contributing 25 per cent of total power generation of the country.

In his response, the Chief Executive Officer of Egbin Power Station, Mr Mike Uzoigwe, said that the major challenge facing the station wasfunding.

Uzoigwe pleaded with the minister to ensure adequate funding of the station to move it forward.

He noted that the station which has installed capacity of 1,320 megawatts was currently generating 1,080 megawattsfrom five units.

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