FG to states: Remove Right of Way barriers for power grid

The Federal Government (FG) has directed affected states to remove Right of Way barriers in order to fast-track the expansion and strengthening of the national power grid.

The move, according to the FG, would help to avoid some of the recent disruptions to electric power supply in the country.

This was one of the deliberations of the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting which held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday where the Council was briefed on the current state of power generation in the country by the Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Aliyu.

The Council was also provided with an update on COVID-19 vaccination across the country.

The Minister of Power, while speaking at the meeting which was chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, stressed the need for urgent attention on the issue of state government’s approval on the Right of Way (ROW) which he said has hampered billions of Naira worth transmission projects that are meant to strengthen and expand the grid for better supply of electricity in the country.

He stated that most of the projects were delayed because of gaps in the implementation of the Right of Way resolutions that state governments are responsible for, adding that there are currently 32 projects stalled or unable to begin post-approval across states.

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Aliyu said the projects account for an investment of $137 million that the Nigerians were unable to realise value from due to these intractable issues.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib, updated the Council on COVID–19 vaccinations across the country.

Shuaib disclosed that 11,309,080 Nigerians were now fully vaccinated, with five states – Nasarawa, Jigawa, Ogun, Kwara and the Federal Capital Territory – topping the list.

He added that the target was to achieve 50% vaccination by March 24, 2022, noting that some States have reached the target.

While 58 million doses of the vaccination are now being administered, Shuaib noted that 48 million doses are expected before the end of the year.

He stated that a website showing a state-by-state guide of how to locate a vaccination centre and get vaccinated will be launched soon.

The Star