Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that Nigeria’s aspirations for meaningful economic development cannot be realized without addressing the ongoing crisis in the power sector and ensuring access to reliable electricity and affordable energy for its citizens.
He called on the country’s leaders to set aside their differences and unite in tackling the power sector challenges, contributing to Nigeria’s transformation into an industrialized nation.
Shettima made these remarks on Thursday night during the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC) Ad-Hoc Committee on National Electrification and the NEC Ad-Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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In a statement released by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima cited examples of countries facing similar energy challenges, such as Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Uganda, all of which are now leading the way in the post-industrial revolution.
“One common thing with these countries and others in the post-industrial revolution community is that they have largely resolved the issue of energy insufficiency. There is no doubt that we cannot dream of meaningful national economic development without addressing the issue in the power sector and ensuring that Nigerians have accessible, available and affordable energy,” he stated.
Vice President Shettima, expressing concern over the fact that an estimated 40-70 percent of Nigerians lack formal access to electricity, said he finds reassurance in the expertise and experience of the state governors and other members of the committee. He believes their involvement will lead to positive changes.
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Shettima acknowledged the persistent challenges facing the country’s power sector, particularly the instability of the national grid, which has been plagued by system collapses.
Despite these issues, the vice president remained optimistic, noting that recent reforms in the energy sector have opened the door to greater participation from previously excluded players. He also highlighted the potential for both foreign and local investments to drive significant improvements in the sector in the near future.
“I believe we are well endowed with resources, be it gas, hydro or solar, that allow us to have an optimal energy mix and leverage these resources to build a sector in a resilient manner that ensures energy security for every Nigerian,” he added.
The vice president urged members of the National Electrification ad hoc committee to come on board and work for the nation.
He said, “I wish you the best as you embark on this critical assignment, and I want to assure you of my availability as you discharge this onerous assignment. With this, I hereby inaugurate the NEC ad hoc committee on National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan.”
During the inauguration of the NEC ad hoc committee on Polio Eradication, Senator Shettima called on committee members and stakeholders to renew their efforts in tackling the resurgence of the disease directly.
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