NASS backs power sector reforms, seeks end to grid collapses
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas has pledged the support of the National Assembly for the ongoing reform of the Nigerian power sector, and called for collaboration amongst all stakeholders to improve the reliability of the national power grid.
Dr. Abbas who stated this at the opening ceremony of the International Power Engineering Exhibition and Conference in Abuja, called for the integration of the renewable energy into the country’s energy mix to improve efficiency and sufficiency.
The conference had the theme: “Birthing an Effective Electric Power Sector of the 21st Century: The Role of Professional Practice Regulation”.
Represented by the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Power, Rep. August Gana, the Speaker noted: “Over the years, the sector has undergone several reforms and privatisations aimed at improving efficiency and reliability. Despite these efforts, the sector continues to face numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, transmission and distribution losses, amid insufficient generation and distribution capacities.
“The transition from National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), while marked with optimism, was also met with skepticism, leading to the comical phrase “Problem Has Changed Names.” Yet, despite these challenges, we have seen remarkable progress, especially through the privatisation of the sector with succession generation companies (GenCos) and distribution companies (DisCos). This shift has opened the door to more participants and anticipated investment, providing us with an opportunity to redefine the future of power in Nigeria”.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Power, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe lamented that the poor performance of the power sector has left about half of Nigerians without electricity.
“It is essential to note that Nigeria’s power sector faces numerous challenges, including frequent grid collapses, inadequate generation capacity, inefficient transmission
and distribution networks, and regulatory hurdles that impede progress. Currently, our nation generates approximately 4,500 MW for a population exceeding 200 million, leaving about half of our citizens without reliable electricity access.
“Despite possessing vast energy resources, the country continues to grapple with significant challenges in power generation and distribution.
This stark reality underscores the necessity for a collaborative effort to reform and revitalize our power sector”, he added.
Speaking earlier, the President, Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria, CIPEN, Engr. Israel Abraham explained that “power is central to every indices of development and robust econonmy and l am wont to believe, that as theworld get it right and provide good, efficient and affordable power to its citizens and industries, make available new ideas on how to manage available power through smarter apparatus and control, most of the issues captured in the subthemes will continue to remain relevant”.
He noted that the ultimate goal of the international power exhibition a and conference “is to make available an uncommon syndicated platform that will host major players in the power sector worldwide engineering with special references to Nigeria”.
