…privatization of Nigeria’s power sector will not solve Nigeria’s power problem.-House Committee Chairman
President Muhammadu Buhari has reassured Nigerians that the goal to increase electricity generation to 25,000 Megawatts in six years is still on course, despite the galloping inflation that has enveloped the country.
The President stated this at the third ministerial performance review retreat for ministers, permanent secretaries, and top government functionaries, which he chaired on Monday.
He stated that the plan through the partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and German Siemens, is on course as the first batch of the transformers has arrived in Nigeria already.
“The Power Sector has remained a critical priority for the Administration. The implementation of a ‘Willing Buyer-Willing Seller’ Policy introduced by this Administration has opened up opportunities for increased delivery of electricity to underserved homes and industries,” he said at the event.
“We are also executing a number of critical projects through the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme, which will result in achieving the national goal of improved power supply by 2025.
He said it is important to state that the partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and German Siemens AG through the Presidential Power Initiative to increase electricity generation to 25,000 Megawatts (MW) in six years is on course, as the first batch of the transformers has arrived in Nigeria already.”
The President said his administration remains unwavering in the fight against corruption and will continue to review and prosecute high-profile corruption cases and ensure speedy completion.
For this purpose, platforms to promote collaboration among anti-corruption and prosecuting agencies of government have been established, particularly to ensure government at all levels is effective, efficient, accountable, and transparent.
Also, he said the agricultural sector has experienced significant growth and shortfall in food production and food importation bills have both reduced significantly, manifesting in the nation’s goal of self-sufficiency in rice production.
In spite of this, the President disclosed that the government is working assiduously to solve the problem of the rising cost of food.
Meanwhile, Chairman House Committee on Power and Member Representing Birninkudu/Buji Federal Constituency, Da’u Aliyu, is of the opinion that privatization of Nigeria’s power sector will not solve Nigeria’s power problem.
According to Hon Da’u Aliyu, when one looks at the previous privatization policy of the sector that saw the emergence of distribution companies, then one can tell that some other idea beyond privatization is needed.
The lawmaker told reporters in his hometown Birninkudu, in Jigawa state that despite the privatization policy, Nigerians have not seen any improvement in power supply.
“I’m not a fan of privatization because it has failed in Nigeria. Look at the Discos and the level they are operating today,” he stressed.
According to him, the Transmission Company of Nigeria has inherited dilapidated infrastructure hence the incessant collapse of the National Grid.
“We are going to have a public hearing on the 22nd of this month where we will interrogate the Management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria on this issue.
“However, I’m not defending the TCN but we all know they inherited dilapidated infrastructure and this makes it difficult for them”.
The legislator who on Sunday received thousands of supporters in his house – who come to welcome him back from his two months of study abroad, said he has already won his election but is only waiting for the votes to be cast.
“In terms of representation, we have done well to the people in Jigawa state, where developments were done to the desired constituents to make sure that APC wins the election in 2023,” he buttressed.
