•Says vandalism is undermining achievements in power sector
The Federal Government yesterday announced that about 1, 600mw of power has been added to the national grid in two years.
Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, who disclosed this during a ministerial platform in Abuja, however, lamented the current spate of vandalism in the power sector, saying it is threatening government's efforts at revitalising the sector.
He charged all stakeholders on the protection of power installations across the country, stressing that government is working assiduously towards the diversification of the energy mix.
"In order to enhance the security of power supply, government is assiduously working towards the diversification of the fuel mix. In this regard, the nation's vast resources of coal, wind, solar, biomass and hydropower potentials are being fully exploited."
According to him, feasibility studies on the development of coal to power are on-going in five coal blocks in Enugu axis, three coal blocks in Benue, Kogi and Gombe States.
The study, which he said has reached about 25 per cent completion, would focus on clean coal technology while feasibility studies on 10 dams with small hydropower potentials which started in 2011 had been completed and was ready for concession.
The minister noted that several transmission projects have been completed within the period under review which has led to increase in the transmission capacity of 2, 370MVAs.
However, Nebo said the Federal Government has partnered investors from six countries to ensure that the nation's power sector was developed.
"Investors from Asia such as China, India, South Korea; investors from Europe, namely Germany and the Nordic countries of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden; the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, South Africa and Brazil had shown commitment and interest in Nigeria's power sector owing to clearly defined programme by government," he said.
Nebo further explained that companies such as General Electric, Siemens, Daewoo, Elctrobas and Power China Corporation had all signed Memoranda of Understanding, MoU, with the Nigerian government to support power projects.
According to him, with this new approach, these companies will also provide equity in the investment of the nation's economy.
Nebo said the power sector had recorded an appreciable improvement in power delivery in the period under review despite overwhelming challenges.
He, however, noted that the ministry was committed to ensuring that improved service delivery level was maintained during and after the transition to private ownership of the Gencos and the Discos.
The minister added that the ministry would intensify efforts in the implementation of the roadmap also and would ensure completion of key projects and programmes with renewed vigour in 2013 and beyond.
He added that the ministry and its agencies would seek for continuous support and understanding from its numerous stakeholders in the industry to ensure efficient power supply to Nigerians.
According to him, like what happened when the telecommunication sector was privatized; "The power industry when also privatised will unleash Nigeria into new a season of peace, progress prosperity and development," he stated.
National Mirror