FG Commits To Solving Erratic Power Supply

The Federal Government has restated commitment to implement essential reforms in the power sector to attract the necessary development, which has been hindered by erratic power supply in the country.

The Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, made this known at the 4th Ministerial briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja.

The minister of power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, who explained that the recent increase in electricity tariff was one of the reforms, emphasized that it will only affect fifteen percent of electricity consumers who enjoy a minimum of 20 hours of electricity per day.

He stressed that government would still subsidize the tariff for 10.5 million consumers who will continue to enjoy the subsidy for a period of three years.

The minister said the money that would be generated would be channeled to revamping the existing power infrastructure, some of which have been installed for over fifty years and cannot withstand the present reality, as well as building new ones.

He added that the band ‘A’ consumers would still prefer the increase given that the constant light is cheaper compared to alternative power supplies.

Earlier, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Idris Mohammed, said the forum, which is the fourth in the series, is aimed at informing the populace about progressive policies in the power sector, targeted at boosting power supply for all Nigerians.

According to the Minister of Information, “We understand that transparency is not just a principle to be upheld but a foundation for good governance. Therefore, we are committed to ensuring that our communication channels remain open, accessible, and informative while we strive to provide accurate, timely, and relevant information to the public on matters of governance, policies and programmes”.

He explained further, “A few days ago, the Federal Government unveiled a progressive policy in the power sector, which aims to boost sufficiency in power supply for all Nigerians. The most important aspect of the policy is that the Tinubu administration is sustaining electricity subsidy to 85% of Nigerian consumers, which re-justifies its credential as a Pro-People democratic government while effecting electricity tariff increment to only 15% of the electricity consumer population”.

He further stated that misconceptions and concerns around the tariff review are understandable and reassured Nigerians that the review is a strategic step towards a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable electricity sector for improved service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic prosperity.

“Misconceptions and concerns around the tariff review are understandable. However, let me reassure every Nigerian that this review is a strategic step toward a more sustainable, efficient, and equitable electricity sector. It lays the groundwork for significant improvements in service delivery, infrastructure development, and economic prosperity. Our focus must therefore remain steadfast in ensuring that the electricity sector’s transformation benefits all Nigerians, supports our industries, and propels our nation towards its bright future”

“You would also recall that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the Electricity Act (Amendment) Bill, 2024 into law to further strengthen the governance structure in the Power Sector and mandates the GENCOs to set aside 5% of their actual annual operating expenditure from the preceding year for the development of host communities. The Act also removed Electricity from the Exclusive list to empower state governments to generate and distribute electricity to residents”

Florence Adewale, Edited By Grace Namiji