Victor EzejaMINISTER of Power, Engr Abubakar Aliyu has said the ministry is poised to continue driving policy reforms and actions geared towards implementation of projects and addressing challenges in the sector to boost power supply in the country.
Engr Aliyu revealed this in a statement issued On Wednesday, to give an update of the ministry’s activities since he assumed office 50 days ago.
He stated that his team in the ministry is determined to address challenges in the power sector by taking critical steps. The challenges according to him have to do with, quality service, in terms of the level of power supply, electricity charges, and revenue shortfalls which causes illiquidity in the sector, making it difficult for robust investment in power infrastructures among the distribution, transmission, and generation companies.
He said, “It is well known, the primary policy aim of this administration is to provide stable, good quality, reliable and affordable electricity for the people of Nigeria for domestic and industrial usage.
“Since I assumed office in this Ministry, 50 days ago, a lot has transpired in that short period. This reinforces my inaugural assertion and conviction that you do not need to be a magician to Perform.
“I do believe that a determined and motivated team will always find a way to mobilize resources and deliver on its assignment. We have put in place goal delivery machinery which is operational.
“With this in place, many of our lingering challenges in the power sector are now being addressed in a Methodical, systematic, and Proactive manner.”
The Minister said the main focus of his team was to address the following:
“Create liquidity in the electricity market; Improve services in terms of hours of supply; billing transparency and accuracy, and wider access to electricity; bring consumer, operator and investor confidence back to the sector to attract foreign and local investment into the sector; create jobs, and promote competition and bring in more participants in the Nigerian Electricity Market (NEM).”
He said the ministry aims to achieve the goals through the acceleration of progress and completion of its key projects and initiatives in collaboration with. partners. some of the projects include Kashimbilla 40MW power station, 700MW Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Project, Katsina Windfarm with a full capacity of 10MW, Dadin Kowa 40MW power station, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project, amongst other projects and initiatives.
He said, carrying out reforms takes time, patience, and commitment, adding that he is confident that when the ongoing reforms and projects are fully implemented, there would be massive transformational changes in the sector.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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