The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, says the Federal Government has policies in place that will greatly empower Nigerians through stable and accessible power supply.
The minister who gave the assurance when he assumed office on Monday in Abuja, also said that every home, industry, school, and business will benefit from government policies and programmes in the power sector.
The new minister of power explained that to effectively and efficiently supply stable and affordable electricity to every home, business and industry, the ministry will leverage on the Nigerian Electricity Act, 2023 to boost power supply in the country.
Adelabu, a former deputy governor in charge of operations of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate in Oyo State in the 2019 general election, said the task was not merely a requirement, but an expectation from both the President and the Nigerian populace who had endured years of power challenge.
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The Minister’s words echo the fears and Expectations of Nigerians like Adetayo Adegbemle, the convener of power up Nigeria, an organization that seeks Transparency and accountability in the power sector.
Adegbemle wants the minister to start by reviewing some of the previous contracts entered into by successive government, one in point is the Siemens Deal.
Another Key player in the sector is Kunle Olubiyo, President of electricity consumer protection network who has served as a Member, Presidential Ad-hoc Committee on Review of Electricity Tariff in Nigeria 2020. He believes that addressing corruption in the sector is key, in addition to ensuring the regulator is truly independent.
Currently, the country generates between 3000 to 4000 megawatts, barely enough for the over 200 million Nigerians in the rural and urban areas.
To most Nigerians, therefore, the success of the new minister will depend on his ability to meet the high expectations on power supply and work towards improving the situation.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
