FG trains engineers to address transmission, distribution bottlenecks

The Federal Government, yesterday, commenced the first Network Development Studies training under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) as part of efforts to address challenges in the distribution and transmission value-chain.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, FGN Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, stated that the project is in line with the company’s mandate and Federal Government’s agenda to resolve the existing bottlenecks in transmission and distribution networks, which will increase electricity access across Nigeria.

According to him, the benefits of constant and reliable electricity could not be over-emphasised, adding that the company will do its best to deliver on the project to ensure greater success and sustainability.

Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, explained that the project is expected to modernise, rehabilitate and expand the national grid by investing in the electricity value chain of the power sector.

“The objective of the PPI is to increase the end-to-end grid operational capacity of the power system in Nigeria to 25GW but the focus in the next 18 months, it will deliver the first additional 2000 MW. This will create a rapid transformation in the on-grid electricity value chain, spur economic growth, create jobs and opportunities for Nigerian Youth and Enterprises, drive local content development through training opportunities and capacity building in the sector.

“Today’s commissioning signifies a milestone for the Presidential Power Initiative, FGN Power Company and Nigerians as we take giant strides in making history to transform the power sector. The training of sector engineers from today will empower our engineers with the tools to manage the infrastructure to be deployed and in turn enable improved service delivery to households and businesses across the country.”he added.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed, said the first phase of the Presidential Power Initiative would provide over 40 million people with more reliable electricity supply, create 11,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians from power system engineers to electricians and contractors, adding that this would in turn improve the standard of living while providing homes and businesses with constant, reliable and affordable electricity supply.