Nigerian govt releases N1bn for PHCN staff, retirees

The Federal Government has released about N1.05 billion to settle outstanding claims and entitlements of 408 staff and retirees of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Alex Okoh, said on Thursday in Abuja that the payments were approved by the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

Okoh in a statement said that the settlement of the outstanding liabilities became possible after the Bureau on March 27, 2018, constituted a Technical Working Group, that worked with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, who worked out the payment.

The Federal Government, after privatising the power company, had paid 47,041 out of the 47,913 staff of the defunct PHCN in 35 batches.

Also, 2,962 out of the 4,423 retirees of the company were paid and death benefits also paid to beneficiaries in 14 batches.

However, the remaining workers and retirees could not be paid because the government could not verify their claims as workers or past workers of the PHCN.

The NCP at its meeting of April 16, 2015, directed BPE to continue with the process of verification and payment of outstanding cases until a final resolution was achieved.

Following the NCP directive, the Bureau conducted the final verification in the six geo-political centres from October 3 to 14, 2016, resulting in the 408 beneficiaries who are now scheduled for payment.

More News

President Buhari to Embark on Eight-Day Visit to Saudi Arabia, Perform Umrah

On Tuesday morning, President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an eight-day state visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he is expected to perform...

Senator-Elect Yar’Adua Commits to Delivering Change for Katsina Central District

Senator-elect Abdul’aziz Yar’Adua of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Katsina Central Senatorial District has vowed to deliver on his campaign promises to the...

Police Arrest Suspect in Brutal Killing of Pregnant Girlfriend in Kano

The Kano State Police Command has arrested Philibus Ibrahim, who allegedly strangled his pregnant girlfriend, 22-year-old Theresa Yakubu, in Tudun Wada Local Government Area...

2023 Polls: Group warns Governor Matawalle over inciting comments, blaming Nigerian military

The Centre for Africa Liberation and Socio-Economic Rights (CALSER), a Civil Society Organisation, has accused Governor Bello Matawalle of displaying undemocratic tendencies following his...