Energy News South Africa

Nigeria won't change power privatisation plan

Nigeria won't be revoking the privatisation of the country's energy sector, the minister of power, works and housing, Raji Fashola, says.

"The Federal Government will respect and uphold the contract it has been committed to and inherited from the past administration.”

According to him, the government has nothing to gain from sending investors in the power sector packing, following calls from some quarters asking for revocation of privatisation of the sector.

"If those calling for revisiting of the privatisation of the power sector meant to say improving the governance, performance and efficiency, then, I am here for that.

“If revisiting it will mean that distribution companies (DISCOs) should open up and investments should come in, I am for that. If it means that the entire power sector will become very efficient, I will support it. But, I will not support cancelling of the contracts we had with them.”

"If we revoke privatisation of the sector, investors will carry their bags and go, they will tell others that Nigeria is not reliable for investment," Fashola says.

The minister, however, urged the EU-business delegates to invest in the power sector, saying that no economy would grow without investment in infrastructure.

Fashola was speaking at the 5th European Union (EU)-Nigeria Business Forum, themed: Harnessing Nigeria's Potential for Economic Growth in Lagos.

Source: allAfrica

Source: allAfrica

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