The Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Dr. Sam Amadi, has linked poor service delivery in the power sector to inadequate resources.
Amadi spoke in Ibadan during the inauguration of Ibadan Customers’ Forum Office at Magara Police Station, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The NERC chief, who was represented at the occasion by the Commissioner, Government and Consumers Affairs Division, Mr. Abba Ibrahim, said huge resources were required to sustain quality power generation.
He said, “You need a lot of investment in the power sector to be able to sustain it. The reason why government has not been able to sustain it is because it has been unable to provide the required input to make things run.
“That is the reason for inaugurating the Customers’ Forum. We require the support of the private sector to succeed. You should help us to protect electricity infrastructure and investment in your area to be able to get to a sustainable level.”
He explained that the forum was organised for the benefit of electricity workers as well as consumers, adding, “The forum is a redress mechanism for the resolution of dispute between the electricity consumers and the PHCN.
“As we all know, investors will still take over power distribution. The new owners will need your support as stakeholders in the sector. Privatisation is to create more opportunities for us as a nation.”
The Chief Executive Officer, Ibadan Distribution Company, Mr. Bolaji Oyesiku, said, “What we are doing today is an affirmation of the fact that customer is king. The power sector reform has done a lot and the result would begin to materialise in a short time.”
Chairman, Ibadan Customers’ Forum, Dr. Babajide Taiwo, who spoke through Mrs. Eniola Oyedele,
said, “We want to pledge our commitment. Our work is not limited to customer’s interest only. We would do our best in ensuring that we get the best.”
The Senior Special Adviser to Oyo State Governor on Infrastructure, Mr. Olugbenga Opatunde, said, “There has been dispute between the power generating company and the consumers.
“Most of the challenges and complaints are unresolved for a long time. It is hoped that the forum would be able to intervene.”
