By Stella Odueme
As part of the efforts towards the reformation and transformation of the power sector of the economy, the Power Minister, Chief Adebayo Adelabu recently , received the draft report of the Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation (NIEP-SIP), a policy framework that the Minister said would not only respond to the current realities but will as well anticipate future needs of the power sector.
At the ceremony, held in the Minister’s office at the headquarters of the Ministry in Abuja, the Minister said the event marked a critical juncture in the nation’s journey toward achieving a robust, sustainable, and inclusive power sector that meets the aspirations of all Nigerians.
According to him, the policy is the product of extensive consultations with industry experts, key stakeholders, and development partners who have shared their insights and expertise with the Ministry.
“The journey leading up to today has been a collaborative and rigorous process, driven by our collective commitment to addressing the pressing challenges within the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
From the passage of the Electricity Act 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the strategic engagements at the Ministerial Retreat and the 8th Africa Energy Market Place (AEMP) that followed, we have remained focused on crafting a policy framework that not only responds to current realities but also anticipates future needs.
“This policy is the product of extensive consultations with industry experts, key stakeholders, and development partners who have shared their insights and expertise with us.
“The NIEP-SIP places a strong emphasis on achieving improved sector liquidity, creating an enabling environment for investment to thrive, integrating renewable energy sources, enhancing grid reliability, ensuring equitable access to electricity for all Nigerians particularly those in underserved communities, improving local content and capacity across the value chain, and gender mainstreaming in the sector”.
He expressed his gratitude to the various stakeholders, industry experts, and development partners who have contributed to the development of the policy, saying: “your commitment and hard work have laid a strong foundation for a brighter energy future for Nigeria. I am confident that, with your continued support, we will achieve our goal of transforming the Nigerian power sector into one that is not only self-sustaining but also a catalyst for economic growth and social development”.
Among the development partners that worked on the draft zero policy and were present at the ceremony were: UKNIAF, GIZ, NPSP, UNDP, PwC, SA Energy, Deloitte, ETO, TBI and AFDB.
Frank Edozie, Team Leader for the UKNIAF, who made the presentation to the Minister thanked the Minister for opportunity given to them to serve in this capacity.
He assured the Minister of their readiness and availability in assisting the Ministry in its efforts in transforming the power sector.
