FG pledges 350GW of electricity generation by 2043
By Patience Ikpeme
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that by 2043, it will achieve a target of 350 gigawatts (GW) of electricity generating capacity.
This assurance is coming on the heels of the federal government’s decision to prioritize the power sector as the most crucial component of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP).
Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, made gave this assurance during a visit by the Nigerian Electricity Management Service Agency (NEMSA) to his office in Abuja.
Senator Bagudu emphasized that this ambitious goal can only be reached through collaborative efforts among all stakeholders.
He noted that the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has prioritized the power sector as the foremost focus within the NIIMP.
The minister highlighted ongoing government reforms in the power sector, including the introduction of a new electricity bill. This legislation amends the Electricity and Power Sector Reforms Act of 2005 and consolidates regulations pertaining to the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
Furthermore, Senator Bagudu noted that the Nigeria Electricity Act of 2022 places emphasis on implementing tariffs that accurately reflect the cost and quality of service, as well as promoting competition through contracts and rules within the electricity sector. The primary aim of these laws he said are to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Nigerian electricity industry.
He also praised NEMSA’s role as a key player in NESI, responsible for enforcing technical standards and regulations, conducting inspections, testing, and certifying electrical installations nationwide to ensure a stable, safe, and reliable electricity network. Senator Bagudu encouraged NEMSA to work towards reducing electrical accidents, ensuring energy accountability, eliminating substandard equipment, and eradicating unqualified electrical installation contractors.
Additionally, the Minister identified some of NEMSA’s activities, including inspecting over 15,931 electricity projects across the country, certifying 10,692 as fit for use, monitoring 12,114 existing networks and power systems nationwide, and inspecting 3,255 electrical installations at factories.
The Managing Director/CEO of NEMSA, Engr. Aliyu Tukur Tahir, emphasized the agency’s dedication to maintaining a stable, safe, and reliable electricity network, with a focus on zero electrical incidents, energy accountability, and eliminating substandard electrical materials and equipment across the country’s network.
