The federal government says Nigeria is on the path to achieving a sustainable power sector and ensuring a reliable electricity supply for its citizens.
The minister of power, Adebayo Adelabu, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja while inaugurating a two-storey building comprising five training workshops and a 104-room hostel at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
Mr Adelabu, who congratulated NAPTIN and the power sector, said that the country was moving in the right direction and would soon attain sustainability in the sector.
The minister noted that the President Bola Tinubu-led government was not only committed to the development of the sector but was also converting vision into action.
According to him, Nigerians are already reaping the fruits of the sector, adding that: “This administration has witnessed the highest generation of power ever in the history of this country.
“We have seen the highest transmission, stable transmission infrastructure and we have seen improvements in our distribution infrastructure.
“In no time, we are going to witness a country where there is 24/7 uninterrupted power supply; this is possible as we have seen the signs,’’ he said.
Mr Adelabu also said that the federal government was lighting up universities, teaching hospitals, primary health care centres, institutions, offices, and communities.
According to him, this administration believes that without power, no critical sector can operate optimally.
“This is why the president has chosen the power sector as a key driver of other critical sectors in the economy, education, health, aviation and all other sectors.
“This is why we must focus on making this power sector work,’’ he said.
The power minister outlined strategies for achieving sectoral sustainability, including the development of local capacity, such as human capacity to operate an effective industry with reduced reliance on foreign expertise.
“Another thing we need to add is to develop local content in all segments of the power sector value chain, be it in generation, transmission, distribution,’’ he said.
He said: “Nigeria has what it takes to start manufacturing its own meters, cables, transformers, transmission transformers and batteries.
“We have the brains. We have the people. So, we must be self-reliant, we must be sustainable, and I believe that we are very close to achieving this,’’ he added.
Mr Adelabu said that the inauguration of the projects underscored government’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of addressing the challenges of a rapidly evolving energy landscape.
He noted that the establishment of the training workshops would serve as a vital investment in human capital, which was the foundation of any thriving sector, particularly energy.
The minister explained that the president’s sustained investment in the power sector would enhance national development as the new facilities at NAPTIN would equip Nigerian youths with modern tools.
“It will increase their access to cutting-edge technologies, enable them to build the expertise required to drive innovation, efficiency and sustainability in Nigeria’s power sector.
“ This is going to lead to more jobs available for our youths and they will be able to be more productive, more prosperous and improve their earnings capacity. That is the road to prosperity,’’ he added.
The minister lauded the vision of the president, under whose leadership the completion of the project and other strides had been achieved.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with the European Union (EU) and other development partners to further advance infrastructure development and employment generation in the sector.
Mr Adelabu urged stakeholders to patronise the training institute.
He advised that the facilities should be channelled towards promoting and fostering an environment of peer learning and personal and professional growth.
The director-general of NAPTIN, Ahmed Nagode, while providing an overview of the project, said that it represented the commitment to transform the power sector.
Mr Nagode said that the building was not just an edifice, but would lay the foundation for a brighter future filled with possibilities.
“This new training workshop represents our commitment to providing cutting-edge resources and an exciting learning environment for the next generation of professionals in the power sector.
“Equipped with modern facilities and technology, our workshop will enable us to enhance the quality of vocational training.
“It will ensure that our trainees are not only well prepared to meet the current challenges in the sector, but also positioned to embrace future advancement,’’ he said.
Mr Nagode said, “The addition of 104-room hostels will further enhance the institute’s training programme, providing trainees with comfortable accommodation that promotes focus, collaboration and community building.”
He disclosed NAPTIN’s plans to explore strategic collaboration with other agencies to implement the Next Generation Rescue Programme, a joint initiative designed to train and empower young Nigerian leaders.
Mr Nagode commended the EU and French Government’s support through the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), which provided funding and technical support for the project.
(NAN)