Niger Demands 13 Per Cent Derivation, Threatens Cut Off Of Power Plants from National Grid
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has demanded the extension of 13 per cent derivation from the federation account, to the state for the electricity generation from four hydro power plants located in the state.
He warned that his administration would disconnect the country from the four power plants in Kainji, Jebba and others, if the state fails to receive the derivation.
Bago issued the threat, while receiving a federal commissioner of the national commission for refugees, migrants and internally displaced persons, Tijaani Ahmed at the government house in Minna.
He calls for an immediate roundtable discussion with federal government for the disbursement of the 13 per cent derivation.
The governor warned that enough was enough, and that the state would no longer allow itself to be marginalized.
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“Abuja Electricity Distribution Company must pay us; they have consumed from Niger state hydrocarbon exchange. Similarly, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation must pay us,” the northern governor stated.
“We have woken up, and we can never ever tolerate being neglected or abandoned again. The only way we can ensure that the federal government recognizes our importance is to shut down the hydro dams unless we are paid.”
However, Mr. Bago stressed that his administration would collect “every dime” Niger deserves.
“We are serious about this. It is not a threat; it is a statement. Every dime that is due to us, we will take it. We will take every kobo that belongs to Niger state,” the governor explained.
“We are not going to be marginalized again; our waters, our lands, our borders are strengths for us and not weaknesses.”
Mr. Bago added, “We demand compensation for our people. Everything, every resource that comes from Niger state, must be compensated. We will not tolerate this anymore. Our people have done enough for Nigeria.”
