We’re committed to effective power supply –Nebo Chinedu Minister of power supply
Professor Nebo who spoke with a cross section of the Nigerian media recently in Abuja said that slow and steady progress has been recorded especially in government's efforts to boost power supply in some parts of the country.
In a definitive tone of assurance, the Minister stated that "we are determined to give light to Nigerians and we will surely do that". Indeed, government's interventions in critical projects in
the generation, distribution and transmission companies have led to obvious improvement in power supply in some parts of the country as evidenced by a litany of testimonies across the country.
Recently jubilation broke out in parts of
Anambra State South East Nigeria, in
appreciation of significant improvement in electricity. Also two weeks ago, Mr. Frank Ilogu, Manager of the White View Hotels in Akwa acknowledged the 24/7 power supply in that city.
Mr. Ilogu said that his public acknowledgement. was to give kudos to the federal government and to certify that the impact has brought a lot of
positive changes in the hospitality industry as funds which hitherto were used for diesel purchase to power generator sets are now being used to address other needs of the sector.
In another testimony, the Minister of Power revealed that a friend of his in Akwa called to inform him that generator sellers in that area are
complaining that it has been bad business since the city recently began to receive 24/7 power supply. Prominent people in Kaduna state have also been writing to thank the federal government through the Power Minister for
improved power supply in that State.
Statistics recently compiled by a power sector observer groups indicate that on the average, daily power supply in Akwa stands at 24 hours, Kaduna 22 hours; Enugu 20 hours, Lagos 18 to 20 hours while Abuja, Kano and other parts of the Federal Capital Territory gets 18 to 22 hours. On the whole, NOI Polls' international indicate a 38% general improvement across the country.
Speaking on this development, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Ambassador Godknows Igali described the improvement as the tip of the iceberg, assuring Nigerians that service delivery in the power sector could only
improve given the attention and the energy being directed into the sector. According to him, when the ongoing critical emergency maintenance on
some plants is completed, power supply will be boosted across the entire country and areas which have not started to experience long hours of power supply will begin to do so. He applauded the efforts and thepolitical will of
President Goodluck Jonathan whom he said has since given approval for the emergency funding intervention required for the critical projects.
The implication of this is obvious as dark days which characterized the sector for years will soon disappear. Small and medium scale businesses are expected to peak while economic and social activities will surely thrive on the much needed and indispensable power. But those who may not be excited by the
improved service delivery are those who are in the business of selling generator sets. Improved electricity supply in the country potentially puts
this class of the country's population out of business. When asked about the fate of the generator sellers in the country, Professor Nebo advised them to start winding up as their services may not be required in the not tool. distant future.
He disclosed that he stopped using a generator in his house as soon as he was appointed Minister. This he said is to enable him share the same. experience with those Nigerians who experience epileptic power supply.
However he was quick to say that by the grace of God and going by the efforts of the government, many Nigerians would soon join him in jettisoning their generator sets. To arrive at the present state has not been an easy journey. This
is because the Minister of Power was confronted with some critical problems on assumption of office which include, but are not limited to,inadequate funding for critical elements of the
sector and zero funding of generating and distribution companies in the 2013 budget. Prof Chinedu Nebo
