The Governor of Edo State, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, has commended the privatisation of the power sector by the Federal Government stating that the move has helped to fast-track development in the sector.
The governor, who stated this while speaking at the Azura transaction closure summit in Abuja, explained that even as a unionist he had always appreciated the fact that the challenge of poverty could only be fought through sustained and concerted efforts at wealth creation.
He said the private sector’s lead in this direction must be appreciated by all.
While commending the initiator of Azura project, David Ladipo, for his doggedness and foresight, Oshiomhole said the project was adjudged the first large-sized Independent Power Producer in Nigeria.
He said Edo State Government was committed to partnering with private sector, and indeed all genuine investors in deepening the Gross Domestic Product and the economy of the State by creating appropriate waivers and incentives.
Oshiomhole, who also expressed gratitude for the choice of Edo as the location of the landmark project, called for special waivers as incentives for genuine investors.
He said: “The key issue is that you need to have an appreciative host community, not one that sees investors as enemies to be fought and kidnapped or defeated.
“We need communities that recognise that the land that they have is an asset they can manage and turn around and add value.
“I am proud to say that the location of this power project, the enthusiasm of the host communities, the general attitude of Edo people beginning with His royal majesty the Oba of Benin- we are all unanimous that this is what the responsibility of the state is- to create an enabling environment to attract investors.”
“At this time with all the challenges in the country, every government needs more money and as we pursue internally generated revenue, there’s the temptation to want to make all the monies from anyone who wants a piece of your land.
He assured would-be investors of investment-friendly host communities in Edo State, in addition to the assured peaceful and secure environment clearly ahead of others in the South-South region.
The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, described the Azura project as a milestone in the development of IPPs in Nigeria, as it has paved the way for others to learn from its experience.
On the challenge of inadequate Transmission infrastructure, the Minister assured that the project would not suffer, as Government will make adequate provision in the area of infrastructure, sufficient to wheel-out all energy produced at the plant.
The minister also spoke about the unwavering commitment of President Goodluck Jonathan to the ongoing privatisation, describing the process as a pointer to the country’s coming of age and privatisation as being sacrosanct to the Power Sector Reform.
Azura power project which is located in Edo-State, is Nigeria’s leading independent power producer focusing on Greenfield and Brownfield opportunities using Gas to Power.
Its long-term vision is to generate 3,000MW of power by 2020.
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