Nigerians can look forward to a more stable and sustainable power supply across the country, as assured by Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power. During a recent inspection visit to the Niger Delta Power Holding Company’s Calabar power plant in Cross River State, Adelabu emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the electricity sector to ensure electrical stability nationwide.
Adelabu highlighted the increasing energy demands in the country and stated that the government is working tirelessly to meet these demands. He urged colleagues in the oil and gas industry to be prepared to take proactive measures, similar to the initiatives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, in addressing challenges within the sector.
The Minister emphasized the critical importance of the power sector to the government and the national economy. He mentioned that President Tinubu has tasked him with visiting all power plants in the country to assess their functionality. Adelabu expressed satisfaction with the Calabar Power Plant’s performance and emphasized the government’s focus on reforming the sector for optimal power generation and distribution to meet the needs of Nigerians.
In line with the government’s efforts to improve the electricity sector, Adelabu mentioned that the Federal Executive Council and the Federal Privatization Council are considering the privatization of power plants, including the Calabar Power Plant, in collaboration with the Cross River State government.
Eka Williams, the Cross River State Commissioner for Power and Energy, affirmed the state government’s readiness to effectively take over and manage the power plant. He commended Senator Bassey Otu’s administration for its efforts to meet the energy demands of the state.
Chiedu Ugbo, the managing director of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, highlighted the company’s role in providing electricity to the South-South and South-East regions of Nigeria. He emphasized the need for additional sub-transmission power plants to deliver electricity to more areas and called for an end to acts of vandalism that disrupt power supply.
In a significant development, the Federal Ministry of Power and the US Agency for International Development signed a memorandum of agreement to support the implementation of a US government grant-funded technical assistance program aimed at enhancing power sector development and reforms in Nigeria. This partnership underscores the commitment to market openness, liquidity, and expanding access to affordable electricity in the country.
Overall, the Minister of Power’s assurance of a steady and sustainable power supply, coupled with ongoing efforts to reform the electricity sector, signals a positive outlook for Nigerians in terms of improved access to reliable electricity. With collaborative initiatives and investments in the power sector, Nigeria is poised to address energy challenges and meet the growing demands of its population.