Rep Lauds Tinubu Over Power Sector Reforms
The chairman of the House of Representative committee on power, Hon Victor Nwokolo has
lauded president Bola Tinubu over the power sector reforms saying investors’ confidence has now been restored that would soon begin to yield positive results.
Nwokolo said Tinubu has been able to get to roots of the challenges that had bedevilled the sector over the years adding that investors were now ready to grant credit facilities to the power generating companies
Speaking after leading members of the committee to inspect facilities at the Metering Solution Manufacturing Services Limited (MSMSL) in Awa, Onna local government area of Akwa Ibom State, he said the committee would work with other relevant agencies in the sector to encourage the local manufacture of electricity meters locally to reduce dependence on foreign imported products .
According to him, “A lot is being done in the power sector and the minister has been able to push through what has made the power come alive, “he said.
The lawmaker who represents Ika North East/Ika South Federal Constituency suggested the imposition of a tariff on finished imported meters said, “When you bring in brand new cars, there are tariffs you have to pay.
“What we are saying is that there is no point giving them waivers anymore. No waivers should be given to those bringing in finished products . We are against bringing in finished products when we have manufacturers here in the country,” he stated.
He commended both the investors and the management of the company for a job well done saying the location of the factory in a rural community is similar to what is obtained in China and Turkey which he said is intended to ensure that workers have the attention to work without being distracted.
“It is going to be a different narrative. The renewed hope agenda of President Tinubu will do the needful to encourage investors to enable us to conserve our foreign exchange to improve the value of the naira, we must patronize local manufacturers,” he said.
He also commended the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel for the foresight of bringing such a factory to the state.
Earlier, the General Manager of the company, Mr Tolulope Ogunkolade lamented lack of patronage of its products saying imported meters were being given preference by the authorities.
According to him, local manufacturers are facing stiff competition by imported cheap meters made possible by waivers granted to the imposters adding that it explained why the local manufacturers could not offer products at competitive prices.
He appealed to the lawmakers to intervene and save the local manufacturers from collapse due to lack of patronage and support.
“We are operating at a loss, we are being sidelined. The Chinese are offering cheaper products , they have certificates to import meters but they do not have any assembly line as we do.
“We want to be given the opportunity to prove that we meet the gaps in the metering of electricity consumers. We are being rubbished and not acknowledged,” he lamented
Rep Lauds Tinubu Over Power Sector Reforms is first published on The Whistler Newspaper
