By Waliat Musa
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s power sector to deliver efficient, affordable, and stable electricity to all Nigerians in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, gave the assurance at the second edition of the EnergyTimes Newspaper Awards, where he was conferred with the Power Sector Personality of the Year award, while the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company of Nigeria, Jennifer Adighije, emerged as the Young Achiever of the Year at the 2025 Energy Times Awards for her contributions to the power sector.

The minister, represented by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media, Mr Bolaji Tunji, emphasised that the Ministry of Power was actively exploring both grid and non-grid solutions to meet the nation’s electricity demands. He reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to providing affordable electricity for all Nigerians.

The minister described the recognition as a reminder of the immense responsibility to transform Nigeria’s energy landscape.

“Electricity is the lifeblood of any economy, the catalyst for industrialisation, job creation and socio-economic development. Yet, we are acutely aware of the gaps that persist: from grid inefficiencies to the need for diversified energy sources, including renewables,” he said.

MEANWHILE, the federal government has called on member states of the European Union (EU) to sustain their technical and financial support for Nigeria, particularly in the power sector, which it described as the bedrock of the nation’s economic development.

Adelabu appealed during a weekend meeting with the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Gautier Mignot, in Abuja. He emphasised that the power sector remains central to Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic productivity, urging sustained collaboration and investment from international partners.

Adelabu highlighted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to overhaul the national grid through the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), popularly known as the Siemens Project.

He disclosed that financing of $2.3 billion is being secured for the transformation of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure, with Germany playing a pivotal role in facilitating the project.

The Minister revealed that the pilot phase of the PPI was nearing completion, with nearly 90 per cent of the 10 power transformers and 10 mobile substations already imported, installed, commissioned, and energised across the country.

Despite these strides, Adelabu emphasised the urgent need for additional international support, particularly concessionary financing, to sustain the momentum.

“Thank you, it’s been tremendous, but like Oliver Twist, we ask for more. We still need financial support, as the evolving global economic landscape is not favourable to us here,” he said.