Ambassador Maitama Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has disclosed that the Siemens gas deal between Nigeria and Germany is set to usher in a new era of improved power supply for Nigerians, with significant changes expected by the first half of 2024. This optimistic revelation was shared during Tuggar’s appearance on the Politics Today program on Channels Television, dated Tuesday, November 21, 2023.
Tuggar, a key member of President Bola Tinubu’s delegation at the G20 Compact with Africa Economic Conference in Germany, emphasized the full backing of the Siemens deal, heralding a promising outlook for Nigeria’s electricity landscape.
Anticipating a notable shift in electricity supply, Tuggar outlined the timeline for these improvements, stating, “In the coming year, by the first half of next year (2024), God willing, there would be a remarkable improvement in electricity supply in Nigeria.” Acknowledging the challenges faced in the past, some of which were attributed to unforeseen circumstances such as the Covid-19 pandemic, Tuggar underscored the renewed commitment to deliver under the Tinubu administration.
Highlighting the collaborative efforts between Nigeria and Germany, Tuggar noted the recent visit of Chancellor Scholz to Nigeria. The interactions during the visit and subsequent engagements at the G20 summit illustrated a shared commitment not only between Nigeria and Germany but also with other African nations, as well as international financial cooperation and development financial institutions.
Expressing confidence in the swift impact of the Siemens deal, Tuggar remarked, “So it’s something that will be felt within a very short period of time.” He emphasized the interconnectedness of the gas deal with Germany, clarifying that exporting gas to Germany wouldn’t compromise Nigeria’s domestic gas needs. Instead, the revenue generated from these exports would be reinvested to expand electricity and gas infrastructure across various parts of Nigeria.
Characterizing the gas deal as a win-win situation, Tuggar outlined the synergy between exporting gas and fulfilling domestic needs. He explained, “So, it’s all interconnected and one does not stop the other from happening.” This perspective underscores the holistic approach adopted in leveraging international partnerships to address both immediate and long-term energy requirements within Nigeria.
Adding another layer to the anticipated improvements, Tuggar highlighted the significance of the ongoing Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) project in bolstering electricity supply. The completion of this project is expected to contribute significantly to the overall enhancement of the country’s power infrastructure.
In summary, Ambassador Maitama Tuggar’s statements provide a comprehensive overview of the positive developments on the horizon for Nigeria’s power sector. The Siemens gas deal, with its collaborative efforts and the AKK project, stands poised to usher in a transformative era, promising improved electricity supply for Nigerians by the first half of 2024. As the nation looks forward to these advancements, the interconnected nature of these initiatives reflects a strategic and holistic approach toward meeting the growing energy demands of the country.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate