Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja
In line with the federal government’s determination to improve on electricity supply under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), the Distribution Companies (Discos) have urged to improve on their capitalisation to enable them deliver on their mandate.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who gave the charge, also admonished state governments to invest in mini-power projects to reduce burden from the federal government.
Adelabu, gave the advice while fielding questions from journalists shortly after the inauguration of 60MVA, 132/33KV power transformer at Okene Transmission Substation in Okene Local government area of Kogi State, recently.
He explained that for Nigerians to enjoy adequate supply of electricity, the Discos must improve on their capitalisation, stressing that money was required to improve on infrastructure for distribution.
“They must bring in money to invest seriously on transformers, cables and other equipment to aid easy distribution of electricity,” he added.
He maintained that the federal government would no longer indulge any Disco not living up to its responsibility.
“Any distribution company found wanting and embarking on illegality will be sanctioned and that will serve as deterrence to others.
“So we are looking at that and again and that the Discos should be structured along the state lines,” he added.
The Minister enjoined State governments to also invest in mini power generation, saying, “the State government must be able to engage in tracking and monitoring most of these Discos. Our people will suffer, if you don’t do it. We have made electoral pledges and promises to our people during our electioneering campaign. We must fulfil these promises.
“The problem and solution is about energy now collaboration , cooperation and partnership,” the Minister stated.
Adelabu, disclosed that the federal government was leaving no stone unturned when it comes to transforming all the three segments in the power value- chain from the generation , transmission and distribution respectively.
“Distribution is the process which is the last stage where light is connected to the people. If people could not get power, every effort we are making is fruitless.
“That means we are moving in the dark. You could see that the federal government is making efforts to make sure we increase our generation capacity. We have redouble the number of efforts that we are making to provide electricity.
“We have improved the capacity by 700 megawatts at Zungeru and another at Manbilla. We have revived many hydro-electric power stations.
“To improve power generation, you could see that domestic power has just been added in Abia State. “We are also talking to the gas companies with a view to pay the debt the federal government is owning them and to resume full supply of gas immediately.
“And in terms of efforts in transmission, of course you could see why we are. It is part of the efforts. The Presidential Power Initiative which is being anchored by the federal government and it has started working .We are almost done with pilot stages of this project.
“One of the things we are doing today, commissioning of five transformers across five locations in the country , Okene , Kogi State, Potiskum , Yobe State , Apo in Abuja, Ihovbor, Edo State and Amukpe in Delta state respectively.”
