A power expert, Mr. Kola Balogun, says Phase One of the National Mass Metering Programme (NMMP) can create 500,000 jobs for Nigerians.
Balogun, who is the Chairman, Momas Electricity Meter Manufacturing Company (MEMMCOL), made the assertion on Tuesday in an interview in Lagos State.
Federal Government launched the Phase Zero of the NMMP in respect of which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), in October 2020, issued the Framework for Financing of National Mass Metering Programme.
He appealed to the CBN to create easier access to Forex by local meter manufacturers to source raw materials ahead of the program.
Balogun noted that phase zero of the NMMP recorded the desired success of installing meters for about one million customers.
According to him, under phase one, about four million prepaid meters were targeted for installation which has a huge potential for job creation.
”President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration must be commended for initiating the NMMP because there is an urgent need to bridge the metering gap in the power sector.
“I want to appreciate the government because the intervention that came to manufacturers under phase one was a huge success.
“It gave manufacturers the opportunity to have a tested process in place to know their capabilities and capacities and what they can give to the market.
The volume given to us was tested against the equipment, manpower, and why we need to upscale further.”
Balogun said there was the possibility of local meter manufacturers increasing their employees and trainees in order to meet the volume required of them under phase one of the program.
“We need to employ more engineers on how to handle and service the machines, how to do coding and programming, and also installers that will be going into the field.
“I am appealing to them that as phase one is coming in that they should strengthen local manufacturers.
“There should be an opportunity for more funding to upscale our production and train more hands to ensure its success.
“It is a better way for the government to utilize its Forex by supporting local manufacturing instead of capital flight through the importation of meters.”
Balogun said the CBN needs to have a comprehensive list of local meter manufacturers and give them the necessary Forex support so that the phase one commencement would not be delayed.
He said there was a need to increase the local content compliance in meter manufacturing from 30 percent to about 70 percent to create more job opportunities for Nigerians.
The program is aimed at meeting the target of closing the metering gap in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry by December 2021.
It would assist in reducing collection losses, while at the same time, increasing financial flows to achieve 100 percent market remittance obligation of the DisCos.
Part of the objectives also includes the elimination of arbitrary estimated billing, improving network monitoring capability, and provision of data for market administration and investment decision-making.
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