By Chukwuma Umeorah
Stakeholders, including industry leaders, policymakers, and investors in Nigeria have raised concerns over the slow pace of reforms needed to ensure a reliable electricity supply in the country.
They noted that the country has grappled with regulatory bottlenecks and investment constraints and they are set to lead discussions on addressing regulatory inefficiencies in the power sector, towards addressing the challenges at the inaugural Future of Power (FOP) Africa Conference 1.0.
Speaking ahead of the event fixed for April 2, 2025 in Lagos, the convener, Jude Nwoko, said all hands must be on deck to tackle regulatory inefficiencies that have continued to hinder investments and operational efficiency in the power sector.
“The FOP Africa Conference represents more than a discussion; it is a movement to revitalise the power sector by tackling challenges, identifying opportunities, and encouraging collaboration throughout the energy value chain.
“Our aim is to provide a clear snapshot that inspires investment and ingenuity, from generation to distribution and entrepreneurial ventures. By uniting top industry players, we aim to foster meaningful engagement that leads to tangible, lasting change,” he stated.
The conference will feature key stakeholders from Eko Electric Distribution PLC, Access Bank, Sahara Group, Savannah Energy, and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), among others.
The Special Adviser on Power to the Ogun State Governor is expected to participate in discussions focused on policy reforms, financing structures, and innovative business models that can drive sustainable energy solutions. Project Coordinator, Seun Eyitayo, underscored the long-term vision of the initiative, emphasising that mechanisms would be put in place to track progress and ensure continued stakeholder engagement.
“Our ambition extends beyond the event itself; we aim for strategic outcomes that continue to influence the sector. We’re committed to driving on-going dialogue, updating strategies, and tracking progress to ensure meaningful results from this initiative,” she said. The FOP Project Consultant, Yetty Ogunnubi, also stated: “Real change in the power sector relies on effective messaging and engagement as much as on policy and investment. The Future of Power Africa Conference aims to foster action by ensuring that crucial conversations reach the right audiences at the right time.