Kunle Kalejaye
19 November 2016, Sweetcrude, Makurdi — Benue State government has settled electricity bills issued by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) on the state’s ministries, departments and agencies.
The state government was commended by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, NERC for their quick response to settle outstanding bills.
It was earlier reported that MDA and the army are indebted to JEDC to the tune of over N2 billion.
Acting Chairman, Dr. Anthony Akah, Mni, gave this commendation at the inauguration of the Makurdi Forum Office as he advised other states to emulate Benue State so that power sector could be liquid enough to make investment decisions and make power more readily available to Nigerians.
He said, “Benue State is considered a critical partner being the first to offer a landed property to the Commission for office accommodation. We require further collaboration that would involve JEDC, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), the Commission and the state government to address safety concerns in the state.”
Harping further on safety issues at a courtesy visit later made to the State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, Akah observed that residents, especially within Makurdi town, erect structures under electrical installation thereby constituting a threat to the safety of lives and properties.
He said that collaborative efforts would be required with relevant state and Federal government agencies working with the Commission to ensure that people respect the right of way of electrical installations to prevent accidents.
Responding, the Chief of Staff to the Governor Ortom, Mr. Terwase Orbunde, said that the state was ready to collaborate with relevant Federal agencies on safety issues. He said that the governor would be briefed on requests made by the Commission.
Savouring the commendation given the state government on the payment of electricity bills by MDAs, Orbunde said, “Governor Ortom has private sector background. He appreciates the cost of energy and would ensure prompt payment of utility bills.”
He disclosed that many investors have approached the state government on investment prospect for independent power production and that Governor Ortom might be approaching the Commission for necessary regulatory guidance on independent productions in the state.
