Nnaji also argued that just like some other sectors in Nigeria, there are cabals in the power sector
By Kehinde Okeowo
Former Minister of Power, Professor Bart Nnaji has alleged that there are cabals sabotaging efforts by the federal government and power distribution companies to ensure steady electricity supply in Nigeria.
He made this known recently in Umuahia, the Abia State capital while speaking at a programme tagged, “the South East Political Roundtable”, organised by FLO 94.9 FM.
During the event, the ex-minister narrated how diesel suppliers and generator dealers in the country have been frustrating the efforts to improve power generation and distribution.
Nnaji, who is the founder of Geometric Power, identified the two groups as obstacles for those who are into power generation business in the country.
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He went on to disclose that some of the diesel suppliers and generator dealers once approached him to complain that he was ruining their businesses.
Speaking at the event, he said: “There are two areas when you talk of cabals in the sector. The diesel suppliers and generator users.
“Nigeria is a big user of generators because of our enormous power needs and those who are in the business would not want any interruption.
“The diesel suppliers feel that a stable power supply would destroy their business. In fact, some of them came to me that I am ruining their business and I advised them to get into a better business, maybe power generation.”
He also stated that just like some other sectors in Nigeria, the power sector has its cabals that make gains from poor power supply.
“A graphic picture of how dangerous the diesel suppliers can be is when we were in government, somewhere in the South West, some men cut down 30KVA lines to stop electricity supply to thousands of users.
“Unfortunately the diesel supplying company sponsored the operation; incidentally the power cable fell on one of them who later confessed to the crime,” Nnaji further said.
