The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has hinted that the problem in the Nigerian power sector is not equipment but inadequate availability of innovative capability, therefore appealing to Nigerians to stop cursing electricity companies and their workers.
He made this appeal at Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, where he met with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and other relevant individuals and groups.
Speaking about power infrastructure available across the country, Adelabu noted that some of the equipment used in Nigeria’s power sector were imported from various countries including Germany, China, Korea, and others.
He urged citizens to exercise patience with officials and power companies, and to refrain from cursing them. He noted that within six months, there will be a remarkable difference in the power sector.
Adelabu therefore noted that he has assigned a team of power industry experts and stakeholders to evaluate the progress made so far, identify successes and gaps, and develop a master plan to address power outages in Nigeria. The master plan, according to him will be named “Power for Economic Growth.”
Adelabu however revealed that the masterplan for the turnaround of the power sector will be released in the next two to four weeks.
He said, “I am not under pressure to let out my master plan, maybe in 2 or 4 weeks, we are understudying each stage in the value chain of the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI), from generation, transmission, and distribution.”
He therefore disclosed that the power sector master plan will be released at an elaborate press conference in a few weeks where he will discuss it with journalists.
The Power Minister further restated his commitment to leverage the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023 which opened new avenues for power provision and encouraged collaboration among states and the Federal Government.
“We will also understudy the renewable power industry, especially on the contribution to rural electrification, with a view to providing solar, wind farm and other off grid electricity sources.
“I am promising that the Ikere Gorge dam will generate almost 20 MegaWatts of hydroelectricity. The dam is one of the major projects constructed by the Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority with a view to tapping the water resources of the Ogun River basin,” the Power Minister noted.
Adelabu further noted that there are plans to improve the power generation from Zungeru and Shiroro hydropower plants into the national grid.
“The Zungeru 700MW in Niger state is about to be completed Within the next six months. This will be the biggest one in Sub-saharan Africa when completed.” Adelabu said.
“The Kainji dam that we all grew up to know supplies about 460mw, Shiroro dam supplies about 520MW.
“I will do everything to ensure that Zugeru power plant is inaugurated and subsequently add 700mw to the national grid,” he stated.
While expressing his commitment to implementing key power projects and partnering with investors to improve the power supply in the country, Adelabu urged state governors to accelerate the passage of the electricity bill in their states.