The minister of power recent visit to the Egbin Power Plant, he reiterated that they conducted a thorough diagnosis of the challenges currently facing the power sector in Nigeria.
These challenges range from infrastructure limitations to supply chain constraints, and the ministry is taking urgent action to address them and enhance power supply across the country.
To this end, the minister said the Federal Government is fully committed to implementing proactive measures. Starting from April, the ministry will prioritize the settlement of outstanding debts owed to power plants like Egbin Power. By doing so, the ministry goal is to provide incentives for the continuous operation of these crucial facilities and to enhance their overall efficiency.
Moreover, the minister acknowledge the importance of ensuring that power generation companies have access to essential foreign exchange for their maintenance and operations. This access is crucial for sustaining and improving power output on a national scale. The minister said decisive steps are being taken to facilitate this access, recognizing its critical role in the broader context of our energy infrastructure.
Their are ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and gas suppliers are centered on addressing gas supply constraints and facilitating debt repayment. Through collaborative efforts with all stakeholders, the ministry of power is dedicated to finding solutions that will benefit the entire sector and contribute to its long-term sustainability.
The minister said the shortage of gas has posed a significant obstacle to the operation of gas power plants. Through close collaboration with the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and gas suppliers, the ministry is working diligently to tackle this issue and ensure a reliable gas supply for power generation.
The minister also commissioned two projects during his visit – The environment friendly Electric Vehicles Project and Expansion projects on staff quarters named after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The minister commend the Board and Management team of Egbin Power for their unwavering commitment to improving and maintaining infrastructure despite facing numerous challenges. Their dedication plays a crucial role in strengthening the resilience of the power sector and ensuring its continued operation.