Electricity : Minister Seeks Improved Govt/Workers Cooperation To Tackle Challenges
Honourable Minister of State, Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, OFR, has charged members of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity And Allied Companies (SSAEAC) for more cooperation with the federal government to improve electricity access in the country.
Jedy-Agba stated this On Friday, while speaking at the 5th Triennial National Delegates Conference of SSAEAC, held at the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja with the theme: "Partnering for Higher Productivity and Industrial Peace".
The Minister reminded the workers that they are the life wire of the power sector therfore, it was important for them to continue to maintain a harmonious relationship with government to address electricity challenges in the country.
While commending the President General, Engr. Chris Okonkwo for his support towards the President Muhammadu Buhari administration's power agenda, he however, charged the incoming executive to improve on what they'll meet on ground to the betterment of members and the sector in general.
According to him, "I want to commend the President of SSAEAC and his entire team for their support since I came on board as Minister. I specifically commend you for how you have accepted the current administration's power agenda and your support towards achieving the set goals.
But, I believe there's room for improvement. We need more cooperation and synergy to address the challenges in the sector. I want to remind all of us that if we fail to improve things, we will not be failing only Nigerians but God who has placed us in positions to work for the people".
He maintained that "power is the greatest economic booster. If we fix our electricity challenges, our economy will grow, investors will come in and there will be jobs for our children. Therefore, let's see ourselves as partners and not rivals who owe the people of Nigeria same responsibility to provide them with reliable electricity ".
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Engr. Nebeolisa Anako said that a united and peaceful union can help both the union and government to do things that will be very impactful in the sector.
He commended SSAEAC for showing. "leadership in labour matters in the sector. SSAEAC as the most senior union in the sector is largely responsible for the peace and harmony enjoyed in the power sector. With unity and vibrancy of the union, we can be meticulous in doing things that can be impactful".
Earlier, the President General in his welcome address, said that after delivering thirty two key projects some of which includes, construction of regional Secretariats in Enugu, Kaduna, Port Harcourt, New President General's office complex with conference hall, building of two guest houses in Lagos, amongst others, he was leaving behind a total of seventy million naira (N70m) for the new executive to kick-off.
Okonkwo who expressed his appreciation to members of the association for their support and understanding throughout his six years reins, also lauded "the Minister of State, Power who had always kept me close to know where the Ministry of Power would intervene as usual, and lately, the Honourable Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu who has also shown good understanding and cooperation with what he met on arrival".
