By Clara Nwachukwu
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday, said part of the ministry’s priorities for this year is to improve electricity supply through enhanced transmission and distribution infrastructure, to minimise technical and commercial losses.
The Minister also said the government is currently reviewing the implementation process of a cost-reflective tariff, while subsidising power supply to the vulnerable in the society, in line with President Bola Tinubu’s electricity turnaround agenda in his New Year message.
In a statement issued by his media aide, Bolaji Tunji, the Minister was quoted as saying: “Our primary focus is enhancing distribution and transmission infrastructure to minimise technical and commercial losses.
“Closing the meter gap is imperative, and ongoing initiatives, including World Bank programmes and the Presidential Metering Initiatives, will gain momentum.
Mr Adelabu also said that rural electrification remains a priority, with plans for solar-powered mini and micro grids and streetlights while collaborating closely with DisCos and State Electricity Boards.
He said: “Our efforts will align with local needs. The Ministry will intervene in distribution infrastructure, supplying transformers to communities without burdening citizens financially.”
He however noted that lack of liquidity continues to be a major challenge in the electricity market.
The Ministry will intervene in distribution infrastructure, supplying transformers to communities without burdening citizens financially.
implementation strategies
Mr Adelabu said that to improve transmission infrastructure the Federal Government has reactivated the Presidential Power Initiative Siemens Project, to strengthen the national grid and minimise technical losses.
He added: “We will also be implementing the Eastern and Western super grid projects to strengthen the grid and increase electricity supply to demand centres in the country.
“The Transmission Company of Nigeria will be reconstituted in the short term, separating transmission services from system and market operations in the first quarter of 2024. In the medium-to long-term, the transmission grid will be separated into regional grids for effective management.”
According to him, generating at installed capacity is a goal for government-owned plants, while private companies are encouraged to invest further.
He also informed that off-grid and distributed generation, utilising renewables are parts of the focal point, adding that solar photovoltaic plants, small hydro plants, and wind farms would be strategically deployed.
Speaking on power theft, the Minister said that tackling the issue and vandalism is paramount and a national responsibility, which requires joint efforts to protect power assets.
To this end, he said the ministry had already informed the National Security Adviser of recorded cases, adding that collective action is key to eliminating the menace.