The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), formerly Nigerian National Corporation (NNPC), has expressed interest to participate in the acquisition of the power plants put up for sale by the Federal Government through the Nigeria Integrated Power Plants (NIPPs).
Managing Director of NNPCL, Mallam Mele Kolo Kyari, who made this known when he led top management team of the oil and gas company on a visit to the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) in Abuja, said the company had the requite expertise and experience to be an active participant in the power sector.
Head, Public Communications, Mr. Ibeh Uzoma Chidi, in a statement, quoted Kyari as having said the NNPCL, as an oil company and enabler organisation, it was determined to boost power generation and supply to Nigerian homes through increased investment hence it had signed a contract with China Machinery Engineering Company (CME) and General Electric (GE) to provide 50megawatt (Mw) of electricity to Maiduguri, Borno State.
He said the management of NNPCL was determined to run the organisation efficiently and profitably for the benefit of the shareholders hence it planned to engage in activities that would generate funds; and for the power sector, “NNPCL is a partner of choice”.
He said the organisation was ready to collaborate with the BPE after the audit of some of its assets for sale and divestment through the BPE. The GMD added that the planned audit would be carried out by renowned and reputable audit firms.
Earlier, Director-General of BPE, Mr. Alex A. Okoh said the NNPCL had indicated interest in the acquisition of some NIPP plants and would be given a level playing ground to compete with other bidders.
Okoh added that the National Council on Privatisation (NCP) would be notified of the desire by the NNPCL to bid for the NIPP plants.
The Special Adviser to the President on Infrastructure, Ahmad Rufai Zakari, was part of the visit.
