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In its bid to ensure a hitch-free management transition, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) met with the Managing Director of Manitoba Hydro International and representatives from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) at NERC headquarters. Earlier this year, after an exhaustive bidding process conducted by BPE, Manitoba Hydro International (a Canadian based company) was awarded the contract to manage the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) – one of the successor PHCN companies. This was a critical milestone in the roadmap to power sector reform which is focused on privatization of the industry and the improvement of power supply in Nigeria.
The objective of the meeting was for NERC to ensure the management transition is effectively conducted and to review the terms and conditions of the contract in advance of Manitoba assuming operational control of TCN on July 30th. Manitoba is expected to transform TCN into a technically and financially efficient company during their 3 year contract during which they are mandated to develop the proficiency of TCN staff through training and capacity building programs. Under the management of Manitoba, TCN is expected to effectively and reliably wheel power generated by generation companies, to load centers. NERC stressed that under this new management, systems collapses in the power sector would be unacceptable in line with the terms of their contract. The Chairman of NERC, Dr. Sam Amadi said it was in the Commission's interest as regulator to ensure Manitoba fulfills its contractual obligations, stating that NERC expects a comprehensive management plan from Manitoba that includes a work plan, milestones and performance indicators.
In its role as industry regulator and consumer champion, NERC is committed to working closely with key industry stakeholders to ensure progress continues in the power sector and that Nigerians, in the very near future, benefit from reliable and constant electricity supply.
