- Chief Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to transforming the power sector at NEF 2024.
- Significant increases in installed generation capacity through new plants and rehabilitated facilities are highlighted.
- Stakeholders emphasise collaboration for sustainable energy solutions and economic growth.
Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu affirmed the Federal Government’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s power sector during his keynote address at the 9th Nigeria Energy Forum (NEF) in Lagos. The conference, themed “Energising Sustainable Industrialisation,” convened stakeholders from various sectors to deliberate on pivotal energy strategies and initiatives.
Adelabu highlighted significant strides in increasing the country’s installed generation capacity by establishing new power plants and comprehensively rehabilitating existing facilities. These advancements, he noted, markedly bolstered the overall supply of electricity to the national grid, addressing longstanding challenges of power deficits across the nation.
Dr Sunday Owolabi, Director of Renewables and Rural Development at the Ministry of Power, echoed Adelabu’s sentiments, urging collaborative efforts among stakeholders, government agencies, private sector partners, international organisations, and the broader Nigerian populace. He emphasised that this collective approach is crucial for sustaining and accelerating ongoing reforms within the energy sector.
Peter Olowononi, Head of Client Relations at Anglo West Africa, Afrexim Bank, highlighted the institution’s pivotal role as a leading financial supporter of energy and industrialisation projects in Nigeria. Olowononi emphasised Afrexim Bank’s continued financing of critical initiatives within the oil and gas sector, which is essential for powering the country’s burgeoning industrial landscape and ensuring sustainable economic growth.
Caroline Eboumbou, CEO of All On, reiterated her organisation’s core mission of bridging the energy access gap in Nigeria, particularly in underserved regions like the Niger Delta. Eboumbou outlined All On’s strategic focus on expanding access to commercial energy products and services, catalysing socio-economic development and empowering local communities.
Norwegian Ambassador Svein Baera emphasised Norway’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy sources, highlighting ongoing collaborations to deploy solar and battery technologies. Baera announced specific initiatives, including partnerships with local entities like the Justrite supermarket chain, to reduce carbon footprints and enhance energy efficiency in commercial operations.
Engr. Ife Oyedele, Executive Director of Networks at Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC), provided insights into the company’s recent achievements in infrastructure development. Oyedele detailed NDPHC’s successful completion of ten new power plants with a combined capacity of approximately 5,000 Megawatts, alongside extensive expansions of transmission lines and substations across the country.
Muyiwa Odele, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, reiterated the critical role of sustainable energy in unlocking Nigeria’s full economic potential. Odele emphasised the importance of reliable, affordable, and equitable access to energy in driving inclusive economic growth, particularly in rural and marginalised communities.
The NEF 2024 conference continues to serve as a pivotal platform for shaping Nigeria’s energy policy and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders. The discussions and commitments made at the forum are expected to contribute significantly to advancing sustainable industrialisation and economic development across the nation.