throughout its latest step to address power supply difficulties throughout the country, the Federal Government announced the purchase of over ten mobile power stations.
Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, announced this on Wednesday, February 28, when he met with Nigeria’s Forum of Commissioners of Energy in an effort to increase collaboration between the federal and state governments in order to achieve reliable power supply.
In a press statement signed by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Ministry of Power, on Thursday, February 29, Adelabu begged for patience while addressing the forum, which was attended by 23 states, saying power outages would soon be a thing of the past.
“We are poised to address the root cause of the electricity challenge. We have done enough diagnostics, we know the cause of the problem, and we are now in the implementation stage. We have realised that in the past, temporary solutions were applied to the challenges without dealing with the root cause”, he said.
Adelabu enjoined the Federal and State governments to seize the opportunity to work together.
“You can always call on me to intervene, I will stand by you and I know once the States start to perform and take up further responsibilities, it means I have also performed.
“When each of the States starts getting involved, there would be healthy rivalry akin to what we used to have in the days of regional government”.
Adelabu drew attention to Abia State where Geometrics Power Limited has established a 188 megawatts power generating plant supplying and distributing power to between seven and eight local government areas in the State.
“They enjoy 24-hour power supply; this is what we want States to also adopt. It might look difficult, but with tenacity and if we endure, it is achievable”, he said.
The Minister advised the State governments to get involved in distribution networks in their States and also bridge the metering gap.
“You can then discuss with the DISCOs how to capitalise your investment. State government can get involved in picking the executive management of the DISCOs. You already have about 40 per cent of the shares of the DISCOs. You need to discuss this with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) on the shares. If a State buys about 10, 000 meters, all that needs to be done is to agree with the DISCOs on capitalising the investment”.
“You should know who you are dealing with at the State level and if you invest in the power infrastructure, you would know who to hold responsible. It is easy for the States and DISCOs to work together on distribution. As a State, you are in a position to know the unserved and the underserved or where there are weak infrastructures that States can invest in. Once we can attend the challenges from 36 points, we will have solved a lot of our electricity problems”, he said.
Earlier, Prince Eka Williams, Chairman of the Forum and Commissioner of Power and Energy in Cross River State, reaffirmed his unwavering support for the Federal Government’s exceptional visions, ideas, and power reforms.
He highlighted that the electrical Act delegated authority for running the state’s electrical operations to the states.
Williams underlined the states’ willingness to work together to overcome the difficulties and basic concerns.
“The Honourable Minister’s consistent call for collaboration and partnership is key”, he said
