By Abubakar Iliyasu
The recent power outage in about 19 northern states as a result of the vandalised towers of the Shiroro-Mando 330kV transmission line followed by the fault on the Ugwuaji-Makurdi 330kV line have undoubtedly caused significant disruptions across the region. However, amidst these challenges, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to addressing the situation.
Minister Adelabu’s proactive approach to the crisis is commendable. He has been actively engaging with stakeholders, including distribution and transmission companies, to identify the root causes of the outages and devise effective solutions. The result of these engagements was evident after a press briefing along with the TCN management which led to the announcement of a firm date for the restoration of supply to the affected states. His emphasis on transparency and open communication with the public has ensured that Nigerians are kept informed about the situation and the steps being taken to resolve it. Indeed as he promised, residents of the affected states heaved a sigh of relief when supply was restored days ahead of the set date.
Minister Adelabu’s leadership during this challenging period has instilled hope in Nigerians that things can change for the better in the sector. His unwavering dedication to resolving the crisis is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians. Not resting on his oars after perfecting plans for the restoration, he immediately embarked on a working visit to Kano and Kaduna states to sympathise with the people for the losses suffered by families and businesses and assure them of government’s plans to forestall a repeat of such prolonged outage. He also seized the opportunity to engage and have a heart to heart conversation with the leadership of Kano and Kaduna discos and those of the TCN stations in the state. He reckons that without the two major players in the value chain working in collaboration, bottlenecks that hinder progress in efficient power supply can never be addressed.
Away from the supply crisis in the North, the Minister’s focus on exploring alternative power sources, such as renewable energy, showcases his forward-thinking vision for a sustainable and reliable power sector. By prioritizing investments in renewable energy projects, he is not only addressing the current crisis but also laying the foundation for a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy future.
Another key initiative by the Minister of Power is the dogged implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens Deal conceived by the President Buhari administration This initiative aims to upgrade and expand the country’s electricity grid, improve service delivery, and increase the overall electricity generation capacity in Nigeria. The PPI is expected to add more than 25 gigawatts of electricity to the national grid and significantly reduce the power deficit in the country.
Furthermore, the Minister of Power has been working to increase investments in the power sector by creating a conducive environment for both local and foreign investors. By implementing policies that promote transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the sector, the Minister aims to attract more investments that will help to increase electricity generation capacity and improve service delivery.
Overall, the efforts of the Minister of Power to improve the power sector in Nigeria are commendable. With the implementation of the PPI, efforts to reduce losses, and initiatives to attract investments, the Minister is on the right track towards achieving the goal of providing reliable and affordable electricity to all Nigerian citizens. It is hoped that these efforts will lead to a significant improvement in the power sector and ultimately contribute to the economic development and growth of the country.
Abubakar Iliyasu, a public affairs commentator, wrote from Minna.
