Mohammed Shosanya
The Federal Government will prioritize metering, distribution, and transmission infrastructure in the country’s power sector,Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu,has said.
The development will enhance electricity supply nationwide,he disclosed during the 3rd Roundtable on Enforcement of Technical Standards, Regulations, and Mandate of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) .
He also highlighted the impending power sector strategy roadmap, emphasizing a bottom-up approach to prioritize impact over the previous top-down strategies.
He said:“We will focus on customers, down to distribution and transmission infrastructures in the short term, ensuring a significant portion of currently generated power reaches consumers.”
He assured that attention would be given to generation segment, particularly in Distributed Power (Embedded) from Renewable energy sources, while concurrently advancing baseload power through thermal and hydro plants in the medium to long term.
He emphasized regional energy potentials, citing Solar energy in the North, small hydro power plants in the Middle Belt and South West, hybridized with Solar for maximum output. Coastal cities were identified for wind energy utilization.
These strategies,he said,will be revealed after a forthcoming retreat with electricity value chain stakeholders.
He urged NEMSA to adapt to the decentralization of the sector, with state governments participating under the new Electricity Act of 2023. He assured NEMSA of support, acknowledging the increased responsibilities at both federal and state levels.
Highlighting the devolution of powers to states through the Electricity Act 2023, Adelabu stressed NEMSA’s role as the lead enforcer of technical and regulatory standards. He encouraged collective efforts towards achieving the government’s mandate for regular and sustainable power supply.
Engr. Tukur Tahil Aliyu, CEO of NEMSA, outlined the agency’s responsibilities under the Electricity Act 2023, including the endorsement of technical standards and regulations, inspection, testing, and certification of electricity installations and instruments.