Adelabu: FG Planning to Make Reliable Power Supply Human Right

Emmanuel Addeh in Abuja

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday said that the policy thrust of the President Bola Tinubu administration is to consider the provision of electricity a fundamental human right to all Nigerians.

Adelabu announced this at the inauguration of the Power Sector Communications Team (PSCT) made up of media managers in the ministry of power and all its agencies.

He described the inauguration of the team as a significant milestone in the sector’s effort to inform the public about the policies and programmes of the ministry and its agencies.

The minister added that the PSCT was a platform for clear, consistent, and transparent communication, aimed at building trust and confidence in communication.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to illuminate Nigeria. We gather here to inaugurate the PSCT, a strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between the power sector and the public.

“Effective communication is the bedrock of any successful enterprise, and the power sector is no exception. It is a complex sector, often misunderstood and fraught with challenges. The PSCT is our response to this.

“It is a platform for clear, consistent, and transparent communication, aimed at building trust and confidence in the sector.
“The PSCT is more than just a team; it is a commitment to excellence in communication. Its members, drawn from the heart of the power sector, are dedicated to translating complex technical issues into plain language, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and creating a positive narrative around the sector.

“We envision a Nigeria where electricity is not just a luxury but a fundamental right. To achieve this, we must work together, and effective communication is key. The PSCT is a vital tool in this endeavour,” he stated.

In his speech, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, who is also the Chairman of the team, described communication as the backbone of trust and reliability.

He also said that it was a crucial aspect of the team’s work as providers of an essential utility to all Nigerians.

“We have a responsibility to communicate effectively with all the stakeholders in the power sector value chain. Without effective communication, we would be winking in the dark.

“Our vision is to transform the perception of the power sector by providing consistent, truthful, and insightful information that highlights the ongoing progress, challenges within the sector. We believe that by fostering a culture of open communication, we can build the trust that is essential for our nation’s progress in this critical area.

“Communication is the backbone of trust and reliability. It’s the foundation upon which we build strong relationships with our different stakeholders and the people we serve all over the country.

“When we communicate effectively and transparently, we ensure that the public understands all that we do, and in this way, we gain their trust and buy-in, especially now that power theft and vandalism of power infrastructure seem to be growing.

“In today’s digital age, communication is more vital than ever. We must leverage technology to reach the different stakeholders where they are – on social media, through newsletters, and traditional media like newspapers, television, and radio”, Tunji said.

In her opening remarks, the Director of Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Dibiaezue-Eke Florence, noted that the rejuvenation of the team would assist the ministry and its agencies in reaching out to the public effectively to explain their programmes and policies.

She appreciated the minister for the inauguration, which she also described as a milestone that would offer a platform for disseminating the reforms and transformation being carried out by the minister.