Energy

THE Minister Of Finance and Chairman of the National Economic Team (NEMT) Mr. Olusegun Aganga has assured stakeholders in the real sector that his team is set to monitor the growth of the nation's economy to herald steady growth of adequate employment and good standard of living for Nigerians. Aganga, disclosed this in his keynote address to the Nigerian growth and employment pact seminar, organized by the ministry in collaboration with the World Bank in Abuja. Aganga said that it was the first time the Federal Government was organizing such a session with partners to find lasting solutions barriers pacing economic growth with a view to chart a new course. According to him; “We intend to monitor it to ensure that all stakeholders comply, so that we will assess progress.” “The National Economic Management Team is committed to closing the gap that has existed over the years, the Nigerian economy must continue to rise to greater levels as we get along,” he explained. The minister acknowledged that the Gross Domestic Product (GPD) has been strong over the last five years, maintaining a six per cent growth between 2005 and 2009. He however, lamented the escalation of unemployment from 11.5 per cent in 2005 to 19 per cent in 2009, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

•As FG plans registration of generators and other appliances
DETERMINED to shed the toga of being one of the most corrupt government agencies, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) have begun moves towards fighting corrupt practices by launching an aggressive anti-corruption campaign to sensitise its staff and customers across the federation.
According to the Chief Executive Officer of the Ikeja Distribution Company of the PHCN, Mr Christian Akamnonu, in a chat with the press, decried corruption that might be perpetrated by either the staff or customers of the company, noting that the word corruption personifies evil and has deprived the nation of benefits of development.

PAUCITY of funds to carry out statutory overhaul of the six units of the 1,320 mw capacity power station is threatening the Egbin Power station, which is the biggest gas fired plant in Nigeria.
This was disclosed by the Plant's Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Jonathan Ogbonna, while briefing 15 members of the House of Representatives Committee on Power who visited the facility in Lagos.

A statement issued by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the NNPC, Dr. Levi Ajuonuma, has warned residents of Edo and Delta States to desist from buying kerosene from unauthorized outlets and dealers, saying they run the risk of buying adulterated, killer product, which is currently in the market.