- Nigeria discusses with the US to improve its power infrastructure, with discussions including collaboration with American companies like Sun Africa LLC.
- US Ambassador Richard Mills invited Nigerian Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu to an upcoming Energy Summit in Washington, DC, focusing on electricity sector advancements.
The Federal Government of Nigeria is engaging in discussions with the United States to enhance the country’s access to reliable and affordable electricity. Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communication and Media Relations to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, announced this development in a statement on Tuesday.
The dialogue was highlighted during a recent meeting in Abuja between US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard Mills, and Minister Adelabu. Mills reiterated the US government’s support for Nigeria’s efforts to improve its power infrastructure, underscoring a mutual commitment to bettering electricity access in the country.
Ambassador Mills strongly supported Nigeria’s initiatives and reaffirmed the US’s willingness to collaborate on this critical issue. “You have the support of the US government,” Mills stated, emphasising the shared objectives of both nations in enhancing electricity reliability and affordability.
The discussions are part of a broader strategy that includes partnerships with American firms, such as Sun Africa LLC. This company is actively negotiating with the Nigerian government to develop and implement power infrastructure projects nationwide.
In addition to bilateral talks, Mills invited Minister Adelabu to attend the upcoming Energy Summit scheduled for September 11-12, 2024, in Washington, DC. The summit will focus extensively on the electricity sector, featuring strategic dialogues and working groups dedicated to energy issues.
During the meeting, Minister Adelabu elaborated on the Nigerian Ministry of Power’s commitment to improving local industries by providing reliable power. He highlighted the challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly its heavy reliance on imports, which significantly strains the nation’s foreign exchange reserves. Adelabu noted that Nigeria imports about 80 per cent of its consumption needs, exacerbating economic pressures.
The Minister outlined the ministry’s strategic priorities, which include:
1. Seeking legislative support to decentralise the power sector.
2. Developing a National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan.
3. Establishing a suitable tariff structure to facilitate market migration and infrastructure upgrades.
4. Collaborating with foreign investors to enhance infrastructure.
5. Implementing an energy transition plan aimed at achieving net-zero emissions.
Regarding the ongoing Sun Africa Power Project, Adelabu assured the delegation that substantial progress is being made to secure necessary approvals, ensuring the smooth execution of the project. This initiative is critical to Nigeria’s strategy to bolster its power sector and address its electricity challenges.