The 36 state governors under the aegis of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) unanimously resolved to review the ongoing move by Federal Government to privatize the 10 generating plants located across the country under the National Integrated Power Projects which they described as critical national assets.
The subnational government currently holds 53 percent equity while Federal Government holds 47 percent equity in the 10 power plants.
The NGF position was contained in a communiqué issued and signed at the end of the 36th teleconference meeting by its chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, where the governors unanimously resolved that the settlement of all outstanding pension obligations should be included as part of the social compact with citizens for the removal of fuel subsidies.
The communiqué read in part: “On the proposed privatization of the 10 generating plants located across the country under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs), members received a detailed presentation by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Alex A. Okoh, and resolved to review and communicate through their board representatives, their assessment and position on the privatization of what they consider critical national assets. States currently own a total of 53% equity in NIPPs while the Federal Government owns a 47% stake.
“On the National Social Register and the Rapid Response Register as critical tools for rolling out cash transfer programs, members received a presentation from the National Coordinator of the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mr. Iorwa Apera.
The NGF position was contained in a communiqué issued and signed at the end of the 36th teleconference meeting by its chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, where the governors unanimously resolved that the settlement of all outstanding pension obligations should be included as part of the social compact with citizens for the removal of fuel subsidies.
The communiqué read in part: “On the proposed privatization of the 10 generating plants located across the country under the National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs), members received a detailed presentation by the Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr Alex A. Okoh, and resolved to review and communicate through their board representatives, their assessment and position on the privatization of what they consider critical national assets. States currently own a total of 53% equity in NIPPs while the Federal Government owns a 47% stake.
“On the National Social Register and the Rapid Response Register as critical tools for rolling out cash transfer programs, members received a presentation from the National Coordinator of the National Social Safety Nets Coordinating Office, Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Mr. Iorwa Apera.
“With respect to the required legal and institutional changes required to facilitate a successful CPS transition in all States, State Commissioners of Finance will be mandated to ensure that States meet the guidelines for the implementation of Contributory Pension Schemes by State Governments, including the enactment of pension law, the establishment of a pension board and the adoption of a transition framework for each State.
“On the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSRA) Bill 2021 which has passed its second reading at the Senate, members listened to a presentation from the Chief Executive of New Hampshire Capital Limited, Mr. Odion Omonfoman, on the implications for State Governments.
“The Forum thereafter set up a Committee comprising the Governors of Edo and Lagos State to scrutinize the new Bill and advice the Forum on a position that will ensure that the Bill, when signed, will be a tool to strengthen the course of policy direction, design and implementation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), and address critical issues in the country’s power sector.
“Members received a presentation from Dr. Nicky Okoye, Founder, Nicky Okoye Foundation and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, on the African Enterprise Initiative: a roadmap to reposition Nigerian businesses for the global marketplace through a suite of strategies such as the accreditation and verification of SMEs across the country to form a database for incentives, and the establishment of community enterprise clinics, funding strategies, and boot camps. Following discussions, the Forum mandated the NGF Secretariat to review and prepare an engagement strategy between interested States and the Foundation.
“With respect to the required legal and institutional changes required to facilitate a successful CPS transition in all States, State Commissioners of Finance will be mandated to ensure that States meet the guidelines for the implementation of Contributory Pension Schemes by State Governments, including the enactment of pension law, the establishment of a pension board and the adoption of a transition framework for each State.
“On the Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSRA) Bill 2021 which has passed its second reading at the Senate, members listened to a presentation from the Chief Executive of New Hampshire Capital Limited, Mr. Odion Omonfoman, on the implications for State Governments.
“The Forum thereafter set up a Committee comprising the Governors of Edo and Lagos State to scrutinize the new Bill and advice the Forum on a position that will ensure that the Bill, when signed, will be a tool to strengthen the course of policy direction, design and implementation of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), and address critical issues in the country’s power sector.
“Members received a presentation from Dr. Nicky Okoye, Founder, Nicky Okoye Foundation and representatives of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, on the African Enterprise Initiative: a roadmap to reposition Nigerian businesses for the global marketplace through a suite of strategies such as the accreditation and verification of SMEs across the country to form a database for incentives, and the establishment of community enterprise clinics, funding strategies, and boot camps. Following discussions, the Forum mandated the NGF Secretariat to review and prepare an engagement strategy between interested States and the Foundation.
According to the NGF Chairman, the book seeks to draw on the personal experiences of Governors in the spirit of the States Peer Review Mechanism. It will feature practical ideas, solutions, and approaches to solving difficult governance challenges in Nigeria for the benefit of incoming governors, academics, and members of the public.
According to the NGF Chairman, the book seeks to draw on the personal experiences of Governors in the spirit of the States Peer Review Mechanism. It will feature practical ideas, solutions, and approaches to solving difficult governance challenges in Nigeria for the benefit of incoming governors, academics, and members of the public.
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By Kehinde Akintola,
Nigerian Tribune