Works, Power and Housing Minister Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) will meet stakeholders in the power sector today in Lagos to discuss how to position the sector for service delivery, especially the achievement of 7,000 megawatts (Mw) electricity generation by end of the year.
A source told The Nation that Fashola said the Federal Government wants the attainment of at least 7,000Mw generation and remarkable supply level this year.
The meeting will bring together representatives of the generation, transmission and distribution companies, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc (NBET), Market Operator, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Ministry of Petroleum and Nigerian Gas Company (NGC).
The meeting aims to address the problems in the sector, including gas supply constraints.
According to the source, payment for the debts owed power firms by consumers, especially government offices, such as the military and ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), which is over N50 billion, is on the table. The Federal Government has made provision for the payment of the debts in the budget.
He said the improvement in power supply is as a result of the previous meeting with the Power Minister, who also has the backing of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to sanction any defaulter in the supply value chain.
“The meeting is to discuss increase in power generation. There is determination by this government to fix the sector. Everyone is performing his role. Nigerians will witness much improvement in supply, and I assure you the planned 7,000Mw generation will be achieved before end of the year because the government is backing its statement with action. They take practical actions, not rhetoric.
“I see a better situation for Nigerians. For the first time, we have surpassed 5,000Mw generation to 5,075Mw. The new electricity tariff is a new baby that should be nurtured because it will make the sector better, and if there is more generation, there will be more to distribute. With the tariff, the sector will be able to pay the gas suppliers, there will be more gas for the generators, and funds for necessary the infrastructure required.
“With the few meeting we held with the Power Minister, he has given a good account of himself. In a business such as power, we don’t have to mix it with politics and lip service. He has severally turned down moves by some stakeholders to see him prior to the meetings. He is focused on practically improving the sector. Challenges are there, but they are being surmounted.
“Vice President Osinbajo also wants practical results, and has given his approval that any defaulting section be sanctioned,” the source said.