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Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, yesterday
approved the composition of a new power reform structure as part of
efforts to transform the power sector and breathe fresh life into power
generation activities in the country.

The new structure is led by the Presidential Action
Committee on Power, chaired by the president and supported by a
Presidential Task Force on Power.

The Committee will provide leadership and guidance
for the development of the power sector, and determine the general
policy direction and strategic focus of the ongoing power reform. It
has the vice president, Namadi Sambo, as alternate chairman, and its
other members include: the Minister of State for Power, the Ministers
of Finance, National Planning and Petroleum Resources, the Secretary to
the Government of the Federation, the Head of Service, Governor of the
Central bank of Nigeria, a Special Adviser on Power and Chief of Staff
to the President.

The Presidential Task Force, on the other hand, is
charged with developing and driving the action plan for the nation’s
power sector with achievable targets within the life span of the
present administration.

It is also to articulate a proper plan of action for
implementation in the areas of power generation, transmission
distribution, as well as all issues regarding power sector reform. The
task force will report to the president and the Presidential Action
Committee on a regular basis.

Relevance of power ministry

Under the new arrangement, Ima Niboro, the media aide
to Mr Jonathan, said yesterday, the ministry of power will continue to
supervise the day-to-day affairs of the ministry and relevant agencies,
as well as fund the various projects approved in the 2010 budget.

“It will also provide a conducive environment for the
Presidential Taskforce to carry out its assignment. All requests for
the award of contracts for the consideration of the Federal Executive
Council are to be handled by the Ministry,” Mr Niboro said.

The Presidential Task Force is to be chaired by the Special Adviser to the President on Power.

Members include:

The Permanent Secretary (Ministry of Power)

Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum of Corporation (NNPC)

Managing Director, Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)

Managing Director, Niger-Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC)

Director General, Bureau for Public Procurement (BPP)

Director General, Bureau for Public Enterprises (BPE)

Accountant General of the Federation

Chief Executive, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)

CEOs of two power distribution companies

CEOs of two generating companies, and Director of Power in the Power Ministry

The Senior Special Assistant to the President (Special Projects) will serve as Member/Secretary