28 September 2011, Sweetcrude, Abuja – Chief executive officers of power generation and distribution companies are to generate revenue to fund the 50 per cent salary hike announced last week by the Nigerian government for workers of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), according to the Minister of Power, Prof Barth Nnaji.
A statement by the Head, Media Relations at the Ministry of Power, Greyne Anosike, said the minister has instructed that the government would no longer earmark funds to accommodate salary increment in future.
Nnaji reminded the companies that the salary increase would be funded from the revenue generated by the workers, “as the government would not commit a dime in this wise.”
He said the government has improved and stabilised generation, cut down losses and paid three months’ arrears of the 50 per cent basic salary increase.
“We have improved and stabilised generation, curtailed losses, paid 50 per cent basic salary increase with arrears to be undertaken by the Federal Government from June to August 2011. The onus is on you to prove that you are qualified and capable to drive the nation’s economic engine.”
“You (workers) are no more representing the government. These are your companies, run them as private enterprises. It is not possible to owe a private enterprise billions of naira on electricity consumed without being disconnected, and asked the companies to embark on mass revenue drive and spare no debtor who owes the company,” he said, adding, that would be the only way to shoulder their wage obligation and still make profits.
Nnaji urged the chief executives officers of the companies to device appropriate management to remain afloat.
