Minister to Nigerians: Expect improved power supply in 6 months

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has promised Nigerians that they will witness improved power supply across the nation soon.

Adelabu made the promise while speaking with newsmen after his arrival at the Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Friday, August 25, 2023.

The minister, who received a rousing welcome from his political associates, supporters, family and friends, said he would do everything possible to make sure the ministry, under his leadership, laid a good foundation for 24/7 power supply in Nigeria.

He stated that his ministry was the most criticised sector and so important to the economic emancipation of Nigerians.

The minister said the task ahead of him is huge because the nation has suffered so long as a result of the low performance of the ministry, in terms of power supply to Nigerians.

READ ALSO: Adelabu to Nigerians: Expect stable, accessible power

Adelabu, however, allayed the fear of Nigerians about the challenge, saying the turn-around they had been looking for in the power sector had come.

Adelabu said: “We know it’s not something that is achievable overnight but we believe that once the foundation is laid, others can also build on it.

“I can tell you that between six months and one year, we will start seeing improvement in the power sector.

“Within the next six months, there would be major addition to the national grid, in terms of hydropower plant, that is the Zugeru 700mw in Niger state, that is about to be completed. This will be the biggest one in Sub-Sahara Africa when completed.

“The Kanji dam that we all grew up to know supplies about 460mw, Sororo dam supplies about 520mw.

“I will do everything to ensure that Zugeru power plant is inaugurated and subsequently add 700mw to the national grid.”

The minister noted that some resources had been wasted in the sector and it had not really succeeded as expected by Nigerians.

He, however, reminded Nigerians that “this is a new era and I will use everything that God has given me to ensure that we have stable power supply in the country.”

Adelabu hinted that he and all relevant people in the sector would sit down, between two weeks and one month, to study what was on ground.

The Star