Ministers seek unified effort in power sector reform

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal; Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Joseph Utsev; Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of State, (Gas) Petroleum Resources, Heineken Lokpobiri, have called for a unified effort to drive economic growth through the power sector.

The ministers made the call during the inaugural meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Power Sector Working Group, emphasising the importance of the power sector in achieving economic growth and industrialisation.

The ministers also highlighted the need for collaboration in tackling the challenges that could hinder the power sector from achieving its full potential.

Addressing the ministers, Adelabu emphasised the importance of the power sector as a major driver of economic growth, adding that the call was in tandem with the vision of President Bola Tinubu, who sees the power sector as the driver of the other sectors of the economy.

“The President meant his words that he would give us all the support, all the backings and the inspirations we require to turn around this sector. He has kept his word since he assumed office. The improvement we have witnessed in the power sector is not unconnected to the backing and support of the President to all the policies and all the activities of the ministry. And we are grateful for all the support.

“Just few days ago, July 27, specifically, we successfully generated and transmitted 5105 megawatts of power, the highest ever witnessed in the last three years. The capacity before now had always hovered around 4000 megawatts or below. But within a year of taking over, we have had about 25 per cent increase. We are actually on the track towards achieving the President’s instruction to us that by the end of December, we must achieve a landmark generation and transmission of 6000 megawatts.”

On the terms of reference for the group, the minister said it is to activate seamless power sector liquidity and financing. It is also to provide guidance in the governance structure, particularly in the electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs), and to also look into the energy transition programme.

“How do we transition into our net zero emission target in year 2060? We are working with the Ministry of Environment and NCCC, among others,” he said.

The minister of state in the ministry, Bello Goronyo, acknowledged the importance of collaborating with the power ministry.

“Ministry of Water Resources and the Ministry of Power are like brothers and sisters and we will do everything possible to achieve the renewable energy agenda of the President in making life better for Nigerians,” he said.

Minister of the Environment, who was represented by the Minister of State, Iziaq Adekunle Salako, stressed the importance of the power sector in economic development, saying there was no doubt that power was central to everything, noting that virtually everything done had elements of power.