By Patience Chat Moses
The 4th edition of the Power Correspondents Association of Nigeria (PCAN) annual workshop recently convened in Abuja, bringing together key stakeholders to address the nation’s perennial power supply crisis. Notably, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, represented by Sunday Owolabi, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to resolving this lingering issue.
In his address, Adelabu emphasized the need for tangible actions, stating, “For many years, we have had discussions, deliberations, and strategic dialogues on the challenges facing the power sector… Yet, it is clear that words alone will no longer suffice.” He described the workshop’s theme, “Nigerian Power Sector: Ending the Talk, Moving to Action,” as timely and crucial for Nigeria’s energy future.
Meanwhile, Edu Okeke, Managing Director of Azura Independent Power Plant, highlighted the challenges faced by power Distribution Companies (DISCOs). Okeke advocated for increased capitalization, recommending that DISCOs raise at least $500 million to offset debts and enhance operational efficiency. This, he argued, would enable DISCOs to effectively manage their finances and provide reliable power supply.
Furthermore, Okeke stressed the importance of stable power for economic growth, noting that Nigeria’s industries and economy cannot thrive without reliable electricity. He commended the government’s decision to transfer costs to consumers and emphasized the need for adequate capitalization of DISCOs. “Stable power is not merely a convenience but the engine that drives our economy,” Okeke asserted.
However, concerns about corruption and exploitation in the power sector were raised by Princewill Okorie, National President of the Association for Public Policy Analysis. Okorie questioned the use of funds for metering programs and highlighted the need for transparency. He cited instances of misappropriation, including the 2018 metering policy, where few customers received refunds.
In addition, Okorie emphasized the exploitation of consumers, citing the National Mass Metering Program, which allocated 200 billion naira for implementation in three phases. He noted that only 7 billion naira was paid out of 59 billion naira shared among the 11 DISCOs between 2020 and 2024.
Meanwhile, Tukur Aliyu, Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), acknowledged the sector’s challenges and milestones. Aliyu highlighted NEMSA’s proactive efforts in addressing electrical safety and quality management.
Similarly, PCAN Chairman Obas Esiedesa expressed concern about the sector’s slow progress, noting that despite constant dialogue, each step forward often seems to bring about setbacks. “Persistent issues with grid reliability and the ongoing challenges in the national grid system remind us too much of the pre-privatization era,” Esiedesa observed.
Looking ahead, the workshop underscored the urgent need for collective action to transform Nigeria’s power sector. As Adelabu emphasized, “Let us move forward with courage, commitment, and a shared vision to power Nigeria into a brighter, more prosperous future.”
