During a detailed inspection tour of various power projects in Lagos, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, unveiled the Federal Government’s bold strategy to significantly increase the nation’s electricity generation capacity from the current 3,500 megawatts to an impressive target of 6,500 megawatts. This ambitious plan aims to unfold within a tight timeframe of three to six months, marking a potential transformative period for Nigeria’s power supply chain.
The minister’s visit encompassed a thorough review of the operations at the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) headquarters, along with detailed examinations of two 20 MVA injection substations located in Randle, Surulere. Adelabu’s focus also extended to the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) monitoring facilities, underlining the comprehensive nature of his assessment of the current power infrastructure and operations.
Highlighting the critical need for an immediate uplift in electricity generation, Adelabu expressed dissatisfaction with the current capacity, deeming it unacceptable given the growing energy demands across the nation. His encouragement of the progress made by EKEDC over the past decade was coupled with a clear message that continued improvements and investments in the power sector are essential for fuelling economic growth and development.
A key part of the minister’s address was the emphasis on prioritising services to customers within higher billing brackets, with a strategic plan to enhance service quality across all consumer segments through targeted infrastructure investments. The role of Distribution Companies (DisCos) in elevating customer service standards was also highlighted, with a call for these entities to engage more proactively with consumers and streamline their operations to meet the rising demands efficiently.
Furthermore, Adelabu pointed out the necessity for sector-wide transformations, tackling issues such as metering discrepancies, vandalism, debt collection, and fostering positive customer relationships. He stressed the importance of stimulating power demand through active engagement with customers, ensuring the efficient utilisation of generated electricity, and optimising distribution to minimise waste.
Reacting to the minister’s commitments, EKEDC’s chairman, Mr. Oritsedere Otubu, and CEO, Dr. Tinuade Sanda, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to improving power supply and its readiness to support government initiatives aimed at achieving these objectives. With over four billion Naira invested in critical infrastructure improvements in the last six months, EKEDC is poised to ensure a stable power supply, particularly during the demanding rainy season.
The challenges ahead, including a daunting debt profile exceeding N131 billion and substantial outstanding dues from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), were acknowledged by EKEDC’s leadership. The company’s firm stance on pursuing mass disconnections for defaulters underscores the critical balance between improving service delivery and ensuring financial viability within the sector.
Nairametrics