- The Nigerian Society of Engineers calls on the Federal Government to work with experts to solve energy sector challenges.
- NSE advises reducing transmission losses and updating energy policies to support grid upgrades and renewable energy.
The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has called on the Federal Government to embrace a multi-stakeholder approach to tackle the critical challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector. This recommendation was made during the NSE Oluyole branch’s 7th Engr. Ifedayo Akintunde Annual Engineering Lecture, held in Ibadan on Monday, July 29.
The event featured a guest lecture by Dr. Owolabi Adio, Acting Director of the Renewable and Rural Power Access Department at the Federal Ministry of Power. Dr. Adio’s presentation provided a platform for professionals and academics to discuss advancements and propose solutions to the sector’s issues.
In a communique issued at the end of the lecture, NSE urged the government to establish initiatives that foster collaboration among experts. This would facilitate sharing best practices, technical expertise, and policy innovations. The lecture, “Expanding Energy Access and Security in Nigeria,” addressed several pressing issues, including ageing infrastructure, transmission and distribution losses, complex electricity tariffs, regulatory barriers, and environmental concerns.
The NSE also recommended several actionable measures to improve the sector. They suggested reducing the distance between power generation and distribution substations to decrease transmission losses. Additionally, they advocated for developing semi-autonomous mini-grids at the state level to enhance local energy reliability. The NSE further emphasized the need to review and update existing energy policies to support grid modernization, energy storage solutions, and the integration of renewable energy alternatives.
Overall, the NSE’s recommendations aim to foster a more collaborative and dynamic approach to solving Nigeria’s energy sector issues, ultimately promoting greater energy access, security, and sustainability across the nation.