abstract

the major purpose of this study is to ascertain the effect of privatization and commercialization on nigeria economy using power holding company of nigeria ekwulobia as a case study. the reason behind using the power holding company of nigeria is because it is one of the public enterprises that its product has the widest consumption. the population of the study consisted of 254 workers in phcn ekwulobia anambra state. the sample size was determined using yaro yamene formular. the sample of 155 out of 254 was drawn using simple random sampling. five research questions were formulated which guide the study. a structured questionnaire was developed and validated for use. table and percentage were used to answer the research questions. the major findings of the study were: (1) there is general discontent by the public about phcn’s service (2) there was serious fluctuating power supply from late 1992 to date (3) political instability has contributed to the problems of phcn (4) phcn has not registered as a public limited company. it was concluded that: based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were made. (i) the general public were dissatisfied with the poor services of the power holding company. (ii) the serious fluctuation in the supply of power by the power holding company was caused by breakdown of the power holding company’s power station at egbin. (iii) political instability in our country has made it difficult for the successful privatization of power holding company’s. based on the findings of this study and the conclusions drawn from it, the following recommendations were made. (i) company holding company of nigeria should establish a good public relation by improving on their quality of service. (ii) there should be total rehabilitation and frequent maintenance of the power stations and other electric generating equipment so as to solve problem of fluctuation. (iii) the frequent change in the government should be curtailed or minimized so as to enable efficiency and effectiveness in the performances of power holding company of nigeria.   (iv) efforts should be made by the government and stakeholders for the successful commercialization of power holding company of nigeria.

                          CHAPTER ONE

1.1        BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

The import substitution policy of the post independence Nigeria led to the establishment of industries. Apart from this prime motivation for import substitution, there was the need to create jobs for the growing educated youths, the need of industrialization and the ideological argument that the government should control, regulate and supervise the commending heights of the then nascent economy.

Furthermore, there was the need to strive to catch up with the developed countries of the world and since the indigenous businessmen and managers were neither technically nor financially ready to assume the catalyst role which their counterparts in the developed countries were playing; government felt obliged to fill the investment gap.   

        The obvious imperfections in the market oriented economics in terms of resources allocation to the more profitable but less preferred sectors of the economy was yet another reason for government intervention in the economy.

        The sum total of these is that between 1960 and 1980 the various governments in Nigeria both at federal and state levels established numerous industries. The core characteristics of most of these industries were inefficiency in the utilization of resources and their consequent dependence on the public treasury for subvention. Therefore, these adverse operating conditions could not make for rational economic decisions. Consequently, these enterprises and their management lost their mission and became pipes for wastages, agencies for political patronage and generally parasites on the national and state treasuries. However, by the late 80’s, the glut in the world oil market set in and it suddenly devoured on policy makers that the revenue from oil was significantly below the requirement for the sustenance of these money-guzzling ventures. There then arose the need for reprioritization of economic policies and the need to release the energy in economy suppressed by bureaucracy and undue control.

        Government both at the federal and state levels came to realize that goals of economic growth, full employment, rapid industrialization and high standard of living noble as they could not be actualized without the active participation and leadership of the private sector. It was further realized that excessive controls of government in the national economy encourage inefficiency, corruption and low capital formation. There was therefore need for invitation to private individuals and organizations to assume the role of activation and management of the national economy while the government lays the broad framework for the growth of industry and commerce. There was also the need for the infection of private sector enterprises for profitability and efficiency, hence the privatization and commercialization policy.

1.2  STATEMENT OF PROBLEMS.

Inefficient management and corruption have bedeviled the Power Holding Company of Nigeria since its inception. This is most evident in its power generation, transmission, and distribution as well as in the appointment of board members. This inefficiency has subsequently led to inadequate supply of electricity to consumers.

        There is also lack of dedication to duty on the part of the staff and management of the corporation. This mostly accounts for the poor financial returns it derives from its services. The staffs are rough in using the company’s equipment and tools in providing electricity to consumers at the expense of the authority. There were complaints of corruption in power distribution whereby the management seeks qualification first before approving of extension of electricity to consumers. This often robs the authority of huge revenue they would had should electricity is distributed without any form of restriction(s).

        PHCN ever since its inception in 2005 from former NEPA has undergone and is still undergoing stringent statutory and administrative control, which hinders the management from using their initiatives when necessary.

1.3  PURPOSE OF STUDY

        The major purpose of this study was to determine the effect of privatization and commercialization on PHCN, Ekwulobia business unit (branch) in Anambra State. Specifically, the study was to:

1.          To determine the durability of PHCN’s plant in the generation of electricity.

2.          To determine an efficient method of appointing capable persons into the management level in the enterprise.

3.          To investigate and ascertain if commercialization of PHCN was in line with the objectives of the government on privatization and commercialization.

4.          To ascertain an easy mode of operation in PHCN towards ensuring self-sustenance and justification of investment.

5.          To find out effective methods that would enhance the service rendered by PHCN to it customers. 

6.      To suggest means or ways by which PHCN can restore public confidence in its service of electricity to consumers.

7.          To identify better methods by which PHCN can effectively collect its services charges.

1.4  SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Very little is known about the privatization and commercialization programme. Consequently, many people are yet to appreciate the reason and objectives of the programmes. This research is significant in the following ways:

i.            It will provide a guide on how the authority can improve its service of electricity to the consumers.

ii.           It will highlight means to improve PHCN customer relationship.

iii.        The study will also suggest ways by which the staff can be positively motivated in order to increase their productivity.

iv.         This study will recommend better method for recruiting the management staff that will be more dedicated to the service of the corporation.

1.5  SCOPE OF STUDY

This study was delimited to the effect of privatization and commercialization of Power Holding Company of Nigeria Ekwulobia Branch, Anambra State. No attempt was made to look into the effect of privatization and commercialization on other corporations and organizations. 

1.6     RESEARCH QUESTIONS

This study sought answers to the following research questions.

i.            Is the partial commercialization of PHCN in line with the federal government policy of handling of the running of public enterprises?

ii.          Is it possible for the enterprise to operate effectively on its own without federal government subvention?

iii.        As a partially commercialized public enterprise, will PHCN be able to restore public confidence through improved services?

iv.         Will the partial commercialization of PHCN lead to improvement in its operations?

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