The Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees, (NUEE), Rural Electrification Agency’s Chapter has described allegations of contract fraud against the Agency’s Management as false and baseless.
The union, in a statement, yesterday, signed by all the 8-man executives led by its acting chairman, S. A Bassey described the claims making the round in some quarters as a mere figment of imagination by its sponsors.
The union disclosed that the persons planted to distract the Management of REA from continuing the giant strides in the Agency under the leadership of the managing director/CEO, Engr Ahmed Salihijo.
The Labour union listed the electrification of over 1.2 million households, the provision of electricity for over 6 million people through its capital projects, the provision of electricity to approximately 172,870 individuals, the creation of over 1,500 jobs and other numbers achievements by REA.
It warned detractors to desist from publishing false and unverified claims while restating an unwavering commitment to serving the good people of Nigeria.
“The attention of the Nigeria Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) REA-Chapter has been drawn to a coordinated attack targeted at soiling the Agency’s good name, tarnishing the leadership’s image and discrediting the giant strides we have achieved over the years.
“Part of this evil scheme is publishing reports containing unsubstantiated claims and allegations of contract fraud, ownership of private companies and multiple bank accounts allegedly linked to Directors at the Agency.
We want to state that all these claims are entirely false with no shred of truth. It is also important to note that the fictitious narratives being peddled by these unscrupulous elements do not represent the Agency’s values, mission and objectives.
“We are a law-abiding Agency; everything we do, including procurement and management activities, is within the ambit of the laws and constitutional provisions guiding the Agency’s operation. Our workers and management staff are also compliant with all necessary regulations.
“That being said, we understand that unscrupulous elements are using some media and civil society organizations to rubbish the good work of the Agency under the leadership of Engr. Ahmad Salihijo Ahmad, and distract the team.
“That plan has utterly failed because the Agency will not be distracted from the good works it has started in the power sector.
“Today, the REA has implemented many programmes as part of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration’s plan to bequeath over 22,000 megawatts of installed electricity capacity and ensure the remote areas are prioritised.
“For instance, REA has made commendable achievements by providing electricity to approximately 172,870 individuals, creating over 1,500 jobs during the period of REF from 2017 to 2023, 207 MST sites, 555,000 Households, 70,000 MSMEs, 100 Treatment/Isolation centres, 400 PHCs Over 1 million connections.
“Additionally, the Agency has electrified over 1.2 million households and provided electricity for over 6 million people through its capital projects.
Apart from the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP), the REA is also implementing the programmes from the Rural Electrification Fund, Energising Education Program (EEP), Grid Extension (capital projects), Energising Economies Initiative (EEI), and Solar Power Naija Program.
Quite notably, the REA has commissioned various solar projects across the country, while some are ongoing across the six geo-political zones in the country.
Also, in recognition of the herculean task ahead to reposition the Agency for effectiveness and efficiency in its project delivery mandate, the Management went to work, and the following has been achieved.
“30 per cent increase in yield for farmers through the use of solar powered irrigation pumps Over 50 per cent increase in profitability for farmers due to transition to a more affordable and renewable source of Power.
“Over 300 neighbourhoods, including schools, markets, hospitals and pathways already illuminated through the deployment of solar-powered street lights. Provision of easy accessibility of solar-powered water pumps for women and youths to get into farming; several projects geared toward the reduction of carbon emission; Cleared the backlog of overdue staff promotion and promoted all staff due for promotion. As of today, no staff of the Agency is behind in their career promotion.
“Robust Organizational Structure. Approval for a robust organizational structure was granted for the Agency by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation on the 29th of September 2022. By this, the career progression will be unhindered.
“Inadequate staffing due to no approved Establishment. To resolve this, Management applied to the Office of the OHCSF for approved establishments and waivers to recruit.
“The OHCSF graciously approved to recruit additional staff spread across different cadres. He(Ahmad successfully conducted a keenly contested employment aptitude test and oral interview to recruit a further 43 new staff into the Agency. These 43 new staff had been in the Agency as interns (some for over eight years) and have now been employed in Public Service, thereby putting an end to the internship program. The officers so recruited have been inducted and posted accordingly.
“The approval of the Establishment also from the OHCSF brought about approval for the upgrade of the Legal, Audit and M&E units to departments. This has strengthened the M&E functions of the Agency.
“On departmental job descriptions and specifications, Management has successfully redefined the departmental job descriptions and specifications clearly. Overlaps in departmental functions are completely removed.
“Introduction of Standard Operating Procedures into the daily activities of the Agency.
“A committee was set up that came up with Standard Technical Specifications for Capital and REF projects. This has greatly improved project delivery and execution.
“First, every town hall meeting in the Agency was initiated by the MD/CEO and gave room for staff to express themselves freely to Management and be updated on the happenings of Management in the Agency.
“While we warn our detractors to desist from publishing false and unverified claims, we restate our unwavering commitment to serving the good people of Nigeria”, the union stated.
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