The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, has reaffirmed the commitment of his ministry to prioritise electricity supply in Nigeria throughout 2024, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for a transformative shift in the country’s power sector.
According to Mr. Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Communication, and Strategy to the Minister of Power, Adelabu emphasised the ministry’s tireless efforts during the festive season to bolster power supply, noting a significant improvement.
“In recognising the pivotal role of electricity in economic growth, the initial three months of my tenure focused on assessment, consultations, and strategy formulation,” stated Adelabu, outlining the groundwork conducted.
Adelabu highlighted the primary focus on bolstering distribution and transmission infrastructure to curtail technical and commercial losses, addressing a core concern within the sector.
The Minister underscored the challenge posed by liquidity constraints in the electricity market while disclosing ongoing government review processes for a cost-reflective tariff. He also assured continued subsidisation for vulnerable communities in the power supply.
Efforts to bridge the meter gap and supply transformers to underserved communities without imposing financial burdens on citizens were outlined by Adelabu, citing World Bank initiatives and the Presidential Metering Initiatives.
The Minister emphasised rural electrification plans, including solar-powered mini and microgrids, street lights, and collaborations with electricity distribution companies and State Electricity Boards to align initiatives with local needs.
In enhancing transmission infrastructure, the Federal Government has reactivated the Presidential Power Initiative Siemens Project, aiming to fortify the national grid and minimise technical losses.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) is set for reconstitution, separating transmission services from system and market operations in early 2024, with long-term plans for regional grid segmentation.
Adelabu emphasised maximising generating capacities in government-owned plants while encouraging increased private-sector investments. The focus on off-grid and distributed generation through renewable energy sources like solar PV, small hydro, and wind farms was reiterated.
Addressing power theft and vandalism, Adelabu highlighted the gravity of these issues as national responsibilities requiring collective efforts to safeguard assets. The Ministry has informed the National Security Adviser (NSA) of recorded cases, stressing the necessity for joint action to combat these setbacks.
