FG pledges stable power supply during yuletide season

The Federal Government has assured Nigerians of improved power supply during and after the yuletide season, saying the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is working to ensure stable electricity supply in the country.

Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba gave the assurance yesterday during a tour of facilities at the Azura Power Plant in Ihovbor Village, Edo State.

While expressing improvement in the power sector, Jedy-Agba said power supply has improved compared to what it used to be in the past.

He cautioned against vandalism of power infrastructure to complement government’s efforts in providing uninterrupted power supply in the country.

“Azura is working to make power available to Nigeria. The power sector is improving gradually. The power supply is now better.

“Although electricity union recently embarked on strike, which led to the power sector shutting down operations last week, it took us less than 18 hours to get them back to work after negotiation.

“Power is stabilising and I am sure it will we do better. Government, distribution companies (Discos) and other stakeholders in the power sector are collaborating to ensure that Nigerians will have stable electricity throughout the Christmas season and beyond,” he stated.

Speaking, Managing Director, Azura Power West Africa, Edu Okeke disclosed during the tour of facilities that adequate power supply was possible in the country following Africa50’s investment in the 461MW Azura-Edo Independent Power Project (IPP.)

He said the investment in the country’s power sector complements the earlier investment by Africa50, a Pan-African investment platform in the Senegalese Tobene Power Plant, which joined the Azura fleet recently.

Meanwhile, Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has congratulated President Muhammadu Buhari on his 77th birthday, saying his contribution to Nigeria’s development was commendable.

In a statement issued in Benin City yesterday, he congratulated the President on adding another year, noting that the impact he has made since assuming office would entrench his legacies in the hearts of Nigerians.

“On behalf of the government and people of Edo State, I congratulate President Muhammadu Buhari on your 77th birthday anniversary.

“It is remarkable that you have left indelible marks in the sands of time in your foray into politics, implementing policies and programmes that have impacted positively on Nigerians,” he said.