TCN receives 218 stranded electricity equipment containers

EFFORTS at boosting power supply received another feat on Wednesday as the management of Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) took delivery of 218 stranded electricity equipment in Apapa which has been laying fallow at the port for over eight years.

Receiving the consignment at the Duncan Terminal in Apapa, the Minister of Power, Works and Housing , Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, said the equipment would go a long way to improve power supply in Lagos.

Fashola who was represented by Dr Atiku Abubakar, CEO, TCN, said that 77 containers were cleared from Duncan terminal while 114 containers will be cleared in other terminals.

He said that this was part of the Federal Government’s effort in ensuring that all stranded electricity equipment at the port get accelerated clearance and waiver to guarantee stable power supply in the country.

He said that the management will ensure that the consignments were moved immediately to the site for commencement of pending works.

According to him, “in president’s effort to give stable power supply to every Nigerian, he has graciously approved the disbursement of fund for the clearing of stranded containers containing power equipment and materials at various terminals so as to imp[rove power delivery to every Nigerians.

“I want to appreciate the effort of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, for his support in the actualization of clearing these stranded containers. A lot of hard work has been put  into negotiation for the release of these power materials due to the accrued demurrage as a result of the suspension of the issuance of import duty exemption certificate, for some period in 2014.”

The minister said that it is expected that the shipping companies and the terminal operators will be supportive of this administration and cooperate with the ministry of power in its effort to move other power project containers at their various terminal to project sites.

In his remarks, Honorable Daniel Asuquo, Chairman, House Committee on Power, said that the House feel elevated to be part of the success story of the released of the stranded electricity materials at the port.

Asuquo said that within a year of this administration the present administration was able tom address pending electricity equipment challenges.

According to him, “we have made fund available to the Ministry and TCN, while advising the management make use of the fund judiciously.

Mr Godfrey Shitguru, CEO DUNCAN Terminal asured total commitment to the development and effective distribution of elelctricity to the general populace in the country.

He said that lauded government initiative towards clearing the stranded powere material towards improving electricity supply in the country, adding that the company supported the objective.

He urged government to urgently loo into the repair of the Apapa-Oshodi express way, adding that it has affected the socioeconomic growth of the port.

“We are in support of the government policies toward the change and total eradication of corruption. The road has been in a deplorable state over the years. The previous government had not been able to find lasting solution to this but we trust this government can make it accessible again,” he said.