- Collaboration between ECN and REA will drive local production of electricity components and reduce reliance on imports.
- Strengthening hydropower and turbine manufacturing is critical to boosting electricity generation and supporting sustainable energy growth.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has renewed calls for local production of electricity components to strengthen the power sector. He emphasised that collaboration between the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is critical. The minister explained that local manufacturing would reduce dependence on imports, conserve foreign exchange, and promote domestic economic growth. Therefore, local production of electricity components remains central to Nigeria’s energy reform strategy.
Adelabu made these remarks during a meeting with ECN management in Abuja, highlighting the need for enhanced collaboration between the two agencies. He stressed that effective cooperation must be grounded in robust research, accurate data, and strategic planning. “The ECN and the REA need to synergise. They must share research and build data that will support local production of electricity components,” the minister said. He added that sustaining higher exports than imports is vital for economic stability.
Data-driven reforms also featured prominently in the discussion. The minister noted that the lack of reliable data hinders effective planning and decision-making in the sector. He revealed plans to establish a central data pool integrating all key stakeholders, including generation companies (GenCos) and distribution companies (DisCos). “ECN must be part of this process to ensure reliable and comprehensive sector data,” he stated. He further urged the agency to coordinate with the Ministry’s Research Department to enhance informed planning.
Better coordination and a focus on hydropower were additional priorities. Adelabu announced that ECN would join quarterly Power Sector Working Group meetings to improve inter-agency collaboration. He highlighted Nigeria’s hydropower potential, noting that over 300 small dams nationwide could boost electricity generation. He stressed the importance of developing local turbine production, which is crucial for hydropower operations. States were also encouraged to take responsibility for generation, transmission, and distribution, with support from the ministry’s technical guidance.
In response, the Director-General of ECN, Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, affirmed the commission’s readiness to support the ministry. He pledged to support research, data development, and policy to advance local content and sustainable energy development. Both parties expressed commitment to realising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of a self-sustaining, growth-driven power sector.