President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday approved the sum of N384 billion to complete the payment of all outstanding benefits accruing to staff of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, with a directive that payment should commence today.

The duo of Power Minister, Prof Chinedu Nebo, and Labour Minister, Chief Emeka Wogu, who gave the hint alongside Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati while briefing State House Correspondents after the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, said the payment was meant for PHCN staff only and in determining who should benefit, labour and government conducted a biometric exercise.

Nwogu said, "I want to inform you that the agreed benefits accruing to the staff of PHCN in the last negotiation between government and the Labour Unions has been approved by President Goodluck Jonathan. The total package is aproximately N384 billion in full payment of all outstanding benefits that we agreed upon. It will be done within the best principle of transparency and accountability.

"Payment of the agreed sum will commence immediately and that brings to an end the issue of non-payment. So, we enjoin labour unions in the power sector to work closely with the Ministry of Power in the payment of these benefits as agreed. The process will commence tomorrow and I want to assure them that this brings to an end the labour issue in the sector.