Chime urges BPE to ensure the right investors acquire Enugu coal

The Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Sullivan Chime, has urged the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to ensure that the investors that acquire the remaining four coal blocks of the Nigerian Coal Corporation (NCC) when advertised are investors with the requisite technical and financial wherewithal to operate the blocks.

The Governor noted that the acquisition of the hospital by the State Government became necessary due to paucity of medical facilities in the state, adding that the acquisition will go a long way in improving healthcare delivery in the state.He announced that the hospital, when refurbished will be dedicated solely to the care for mothers and children.

Earlier in his speech, the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprises, Mr. Benjamin Dikki, announced that the Bureau is finalizing arrangements with the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development and other stakeholders to commence the privatization of the remaining four coal blocks.He added that “we hope to soon grant concessions of these coal blocks to credible investors.”He assured that “the privatization program seeks to handover these coal blocks to credible investors that will invest money and expertise to mine these coal blocks to create employment and bolster the economic fortunes of Enugu sate in particular and Nigeria in general.”