Power Minister, Adelabu, Lists Implementing 2023 Electricity Act, Achieving Universal Metering, Others as Top Priority

•Pledges to leverage ICT, predecessors’ policies, stakeholder collaboration to solve Nigeria’s power challenge

Peter Uzoho

Nigeria’s new Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, assumed office on Monday to take on the country’s troubled sector, outlining key focus areas of the ministry under his watch including implementation of the 2023 Electricity Act, achieving universal metering of consumers amongst other top priorities.

The minister, who spoke at an event in his office in Abuja, immediately after the inauguration by President Bola Tinubu, pledged to leverage Information and Communications Technology (ICT), existing policies and programmes of his predecessors as well as stakeholder collaboration to solve Nigeria’s power challenge.

In his inaugural address entitled, “Powering Nigeria’s Future Together,” Adelabu said the purpose of his team as the custodians of the Ministry of Power was to provide optimal solutions for Nigeria’s power diligently needed across the nation.

He noted that the task before them was not merely a requirement but an expectation from the president and the Nigerian populace, who had endured years of power challenges.

The minister pointed out that his responsibility weighed heavily upon them and that it was, “with conviction, divine guidance and the support of President Tinubu, the National Assembly, government agencies and every Nigerian citizen that I pledge my commitment to achieving success in Nigeria’s power sector.

“My vision for the Ministry of Power is rooted in leveraging the Nigerian Electricity Act of 2023, which has opened new avenues for power provision and encourages collaboration between the public and private sectors.”

Promising that the ministry under his watch would build upon the foundation laid by their predecessors and diligently work to fulfill the aspirations of fellow citizens, Adelabu added that their aim was to empower Nigeria through reliable and accessible power, and ensuring that every home, industry, school, and business benefits from the ministry and the administration’s efforts.

According to him, key to their  success would be an unwavering dedication to efficiency and collaboration, adding that they would foster robust partnerships between the private and public sectors, and working collectively to enhance the nation’s economic and social well-being.

He maintained that the focus of his ministry would extend to aspects of life that truly matter households, small businesses, educational institutions and massive industrial productions, and beyond.

The minister stated, “A significant goal is the universal metering of households and addressing the challenges our national power grid faces. We will equally pay critical attention to the options of renewable and alternative energies.

“The world is indeed going towards this direction, and Nigeria must not be left behind.

“As much as possible, we would leverage the power of technology and the bursting energies of our talented youths to achieve or desired objectives. This would be pursued by ensuring robust handshakes between the Ministry’s ICT apparatus and the emerging technological ideas of young Nigerians to accelerate the envisaged transformation. Through this, we are convinced we will deliver services that would match the speed and values that the 21st-century economy demands.

“As we march toward our objectives, I extend my gratitude to the dedicated individuals who have served and continue to serve the Ministry. To past Honourable Ministers, Permanent Secretaries, Directors, and the entire civil and public service, I commend your efforts. However, there remains much to accomplish, and I implore each of you, my fellow citizens, to stand by my side as we journey toward tangible progress in Nigeria’s power sector.

“Nigeria’s success is a collective endeavor. Let us move from political discussions to action, each of us contributing our talents and energies toward a brighter future. With sincerity and Divine guidance, we shall thrive under President Tinubu’s administration.”