From Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu has said that energy poverty affects Nigerians in off-grid communities more than others.
Speaking at a two-day stakeholders roundtable, organised by the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) in Abuja, Adelabu said that the commitment of inclusivity must therefore be unwavering.
“By ensuring that the benefits of electrification reaches every corner of our nation, we are not only illuminating homes but catalysing economic growth, improving healthcare, and enhancing educational opportunities” he charged the stakeholders.
According to the minister, the presence of key representation of state governments, distribution companies (DisCos), private sector players as well as partners in the development sector must therefore spur conversations that will address the main points across the value chain.
He noted that the integration of renewable energy sources into the grid is not just a choice; it is a responsibility.
” I am glad to witness the trajectory of such collaborative and impactful engagements. We only need to facilitate even more of such engagements. Witnessing the ongoing efforts of state governments to design their respective energy access pathways, we must leverage the abundant expertise, available data and technologies to strengthen these new pathways while creating a cleaner, more resilient energy infrastructure” he said
The minister explained that the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects clearly in the 2023 Electricity Act adding that the president has set him on a path to transformative growth.
“The 2023 Electricity Act and the recent amendments in 2024 therefore serves as a testament to the nation’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable energy development. As primary stakeholders, we have a responsibility to build upon this foundation set by the president to propel Nigeria into a new era of energy excellence.
“We are all aware of the historical roadblocks militating against progress in the energy sector. Some of those issues the ministry has recently addressed and still addressing to ensure that Nigerians are provided with the services they deserve in the sector. The business of electrification is a business of service, from generation, to transmission, to the end user for consumption.
“This is a solution-driven engagement. I will not want to dwell on the problems. Therefore, I urge us all to pull together our collective insights and solution-driven ideas in the next two days. The success of the 2023 Electricity Act hinges on effective collaborations between the public and private sectors.
“This is why we must explore innovative public private partnership (PPP) models that leverage the strengths of each stakeholder, be it in financing, technology, or operational expertise. These partnerships are not just transactions; they are the lifeline of our energy ecosystem. It is pivotal to optimise the critical role state governments have been tasked with as captured in the Act,” he said.