Kunle Kalejaye 30 November 2016, Sweetcrude, Lagos – The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says its recent receipt of 77 out of its 218 abandoned containers loaded with power equipment meant for power projects across the country would ensure timely completion of affected projects and bring about improved power delivery of the distribution companies, and ultimately to consumers nationwide.
The containers have been abandoned in various ports and terminals across the country for over eight years with Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola, initiating moves recently for their delivery.
The first set of 77 were finally released last week to TCN officials led by Managing Director/CEO, Engr. Abubakar Atiku, at Duncan Terminal i, Apapa, Lagos
Atiku said a six man committee headed by Mr. Chuks Osije of TCN was constituted to initiate the release of the 218 abandoned power projects containers.
“A lot of hard work has been put into negotiations for the release of these consignments due to the accrued demurrage as a result of the suspension of the issuance of Import Duty Exemption Certificate, for some period,” he said.
He explained that following the released of the consignment, contractors would move to site immediately and complete on-going priority projects and others, which will result in improved power supply.
He listed some of the priority projects to include construction of new Abeokuta-Igboora double transmission line and 132KV double-circuit Tee-off at Igboora-Igangan; construction of 2x60MVA, 132/33KV substation at Odogunyan and construction of 2x60MVA, 132/33KV substation at Auobo, Ikeja West Ayobo 132KV D/C transmission lines and 2x132KV line bays extension at Ikeja west as well as construction of Benin North-Osogbo 330KV DC line with turing in and out to new Akure substation.
Others are construction of Kaduna-Jos 330KV DC line, Plateau and Kaduna State; installation of 1x60MVA and 132/33KV power transformers, auxiliary equipment and devices at GCM transmission substation, Onitsha; and construction of 330KV D/C Kaduna Power Plant–Mando Substation Transmission Line, to name a few, he added.
Expressing hope that other shipping companies and terminal operators would be supportive to government and co-operate in the effort to move other power project containers at various terminals to project sites, Atiku stated that N3 billion was budget for the release of the abandoned containers but only N1 billion was released to the six man committee to work with.
Meanwhile, chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Power, Mr. Daniel Effiong Asukwo, said government would release the funds to expedite the release of the remaining abandoned containers.
