- Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, says addressing the power sector crisis is crucial for economic development and industrialisation.
- Shettima expresses optimism that recent energy sector reforms will attract investment and improve Nigeria’s power supply.
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has stressed that the country cannot achieve meaningful economic development without addressing the long-standing crisis in its power sector. Speaking during the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC) Ad-Hoc Committee on National Electrification and the NEC Ad-Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima urged the country’s leaders to set aside their differences and collaborate to resolve the power sector challenges. He emphasised that Nigeria can aspire to become an industrialised nation by resolving energy insufficiency.
Shettima pointed out that one of the critical factors behind the success of many developed nations, especially those in the post-industrial revolution era, is their ability to resolve energy challenges effectively. “One common thing with these countries and others in the post-industrial revolution community is that they have largely resolved the issue of energy insufficiency,” he noted. He further stressed that without addressing the power sector crisis, Nigeria could not progress in key areas of national economic development, including industrialisation. Shettima highlighted that Nigeria must ensure that energy is accessible, available, and affordable to the population for substantial economic growth.
The Vice President also expressed concern about the alarming statistics revealing that between 40 and 70 per cent of Nigerians lack formal access to electricity. This significant energy gap, he noted, poses a major challenge to the country’s development. Despite this, Shettima expressed optimism, stating that the calibre and experience of the Governors and other committee members would help reverse this trend and bring about positive changes.
In his address, Shettima acknowledged the severe challenges within Nigeria’s power sector, particularly the national grid, which has been plagued by frequent system collapses. These disruptions have further worsened the energy crisis across the country. However, the Vice President expressed confidence that, with the recent reforms in the energy sector, there would be a significant improvement in the situation. He pointed out that these reforms have opened the industry to broader participation, including previously excluded players, and are expected to attract local and foreign investments. He hoped this would lead to a more stable and reliable power sector, ultimately benefiting Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
In conclusion, Shettima reaffirmed that solving Nigeria’s energy crisis is essential for the country’s economic future and called on all stakeholders to work together toward a sustainable and industrialised future.