The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has blamed the non completion of the 14 kilometer Benin-Oshogbo power line, awarded at N14 billion since 2010 on paucity of funds.
Managing Director of the company, Engr. S. A. Abdulazeez while speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance on Tuesday said the project was supposed to have been completed in two years but regretted that only 60 per cent of the job has been done.
According to him, for nine years running, only N100 million has annually been released for the project, adding that construction of power lines in the country is a very difficult task because people are reluctant to release lands.
He cited example of seven communities that suddenly appeared to claim a portion of the land meant for the power lines after surveying, demanding huge sums of money as compensation which forced TCN to stop work Offering explanations on the controversial $33 million monthly payment agreement with Azura Energy to generate 450 Mega Watts of electricity to the national grid, Abdulazeez said that TCN was not part of the agreement but NBET should is placed better to explain.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. James Faleke said the Committee was not satisfied with the presentations the TCN management and directed them to appear before it at a later date with relevant documents especially budget releases.
He also summoned heads of NBET, NERC, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Power, BPP among others to also appear before the Committee more details.
