By CHRIS OCHAYI

The Federal Government has reiterated its determination to create an enabling environment for the electricity industry to work satisfactorily, in the post-privatisation era.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali, who said this at the 10th International Conference on Power Systems Operation and Planning, in Abuja, said efforts would entail a position of non-interference. While ensuring fairness and equity between investors and the consumers of electricity, Igali who recalled the challenges of Nigeria’s electricity sector since inception in the 1890’s, said the only option left for government was the decisive and bold step of privatisation, especially in view of successes recorded in the banking, aviation and telecommunication sectors, among others.

Ambassador Igali said Government’s retention of the transmission component of the power chain was deliberate, and was intended to preserve the integrity of the system.

He explained that Nigerians could afford to look forward to positive changes, as the privatisation exercise would usher in enormous positive value, including creation of jobs, at the primary and secondary levels.

The Permanent Secretary assured that in line with the resolve to create a conducive industrial environment for deregulated power sector operations, government was speedily resolving the issues surrounding the financial benefits of about 2,500 casual workers of the PHCN, and about 4,000 staff who had biometric verification problems.

Participants from across Nigeria and the United States are attending the three-day international conference, which is exploring issues of privatisation and restructuring in a competitive power environment.