Prof. Momoh, NERC Chairman Tests Negative To COVID-19 As Commission Activates Emergency Measures

The Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Prof. James Momoh, has tested negative to the dreaded Covid 19 pandemic.

Anxiety had heightened earlier in the week over his status following a misleading media report alleging his membership of a Federal Government delegation to Germany and Egypt.

The misleading report had insinuated that his participation alongside other senior Government officials, some of whom are now receiving medical attention, for a meeting with the executives of Siemens AG could have led to his being contacted with the virus.

Breaking the news of his test result, Momoh said, “I have been tested negative to COVID 19. But let me say that this is a trying moment that requires our collective efforts.

” I will advise our media houses to hold themselves to the highest standards of professionalism. Rumours and misinformation can frustrate the significant efforts of the government, private sector, and the international community in combating this virus”.

He prayed for the healing of those receiving treatment, including the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari.

Meanwhile, in line with advice from the relevant health authorities, NERC has taken some preemptive measures to protect its staff from exposure to COVID 19.

Such efforts include scaling down on the number of staff in the office for the next two weeks.

A statement by Michael Faloseyi,
(AGM, Government, External and Industry Relations), explained that within the period, the Commissioners and top management would report for work, while those in the essential services departments maintain a roster of duty.

He said: “The Commission has also reduced visitors’ access to its headquarters building as the Registry Department operates from the reception.

“Staff in the Forum Offices across the country are on instruction to receive complaints from electricity consumers using the information communication technology platforms.

” These efforts are to be in place for the next two weeks as part of the lockdown exercise of the Federal Government.”

Momoh, who has been in isolation since his turn from the USA last week, has offered to complete the isolation period.

He thanked his well-wishers and members of the public who had expressed fear over his status concluding that “God has the final say in the affairs of men.”