The Purchase of 10 Morbid Power Transformers and 10 Mobile Substations In Progress- Minister of Power
Maryam Aminu
Renewable energy is taking the center stage of the ongoing reforms in the power sector in Nigeria as it is visible from the ongoing and completed projects like Zungeru Hydroelectricity power project which is at 97% completion and it is expected to provide 700 megawatts to the national grid; Kashimbila Hydroelectricity project providing 40 Megawatts to the national grid; Dadin-Kowa dam providing 40 Megawatts to the national grid among others.
The Honourable Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar D. Aliyu, made this known at the 5th National Council on Power (NACOP) held at Barcelona Hotel, Abuja.
Aliyu noted that the National Council on Power is a forum which brings together key stakeholders in the power sector from all levels of government, the private sector, civil society organizations and global partners to rub minds together with a view to formulating policies that will bring desired changes on the challenges bedeviling the power sector in Nigeria.
He disclosed that through the Government-to-Government collaboration between Nigeria and Germany,a loan agreement was reached which provided on concessionary terms through Siemens Company to rehabilitate the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) and the value chain in the industry.
Through the agreement with Siemens, orders had been made for the purchase of 10 morbid power transformers and 10 mobile substations. The 10 morbid Power transformers to be situated across the country have started arriving.
He urged all participants to appraise recommendations of the technical experts’ submission on various memoranda carefully to enable the council arrive at objective conclusion that will improve the activities in the Power sector.
He notified that the 5th NACOP is going to be the last Council for this administration.
“It is a valedictory council, but I assure you that all the recommendations reached here today will be forwarded to Federal Executive Council for approval and also I will ensure the kick-starting of the implementation process of such approvals before the expiration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Administration.”
Speaking also, the Honourable Minister, Federal Capital Territory, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello CON,represented by the Executive Secretary FCDA, Engr.Shehu Hadi Ahmad expressed gratitude to the Hon. Minister of power and members of the Committee for the choice of Abuja as host city.
Bello explained that the importance of power sector to the social, economic and even political development of any nation cannot be overstated as it is at the heart of industrial growth and drives the acceleration of small and medium business enterprises.
He added that the administration of president Muhammadu Buhari has not only ensured unprecedented growth in the generation, transmission and distribution sections of the energy sector but has also set the stage for even more progression and result oriented reforms.
Speaking on the theme: sustaining and improving electricity supply through the power sector value chain for socioeconomic growth “, Bello said it is not only germane but could not have come at a better time than now
He added that there is need for increased investment in the power sector value chain especially by the organized private sector, working together inline with the vision and policies of the government.
“It is our expectations that 2022 NACOP will evolve policies that will sustain and build on the gains made in the power sector over the last few years while bearing in mind that reviving the Nigerian economy and sustaining growth depends to a large extent on an efficient and functional energy sector”, he added
” FCT has continued to engage investors in the provision of off-grid solutions to meet household and institutional needs, we have also encouraged investors to set up shop for the assemblage of solar panels, inverters and other such components in the electricity value chain”
Bello urged the NACOP to evolve policies that will protect these businesses and encourage patronage for the locally made components as this will boost the socioeconomic growth of the FCT and the nation at large.
