Like many ministers and presidents before him, the new minister of power has come with the same old swansong of 24 hours uninterrupted power supply. Can he achieve it, or is it another gimmick?
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has promised Nigerians that they will witness improved power supply across the nation soon.
Adelabu made the promise on Friday in a chat with newsmen when he arrived at the Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia Ibadan.
The minister, who received a rousing welcome from his political associates, supporters, family and friends, noted that his ministry was the most criticised sector and so important to the economic emancipation of Nigerians.
According to him, the task ahead is huge because the nation has suffered so long as a result of the low performance of the ministry, in terms of power supply to Nigerians.
Adelabu, however, allayed the fear of Nigerians about the challenge, saying the turn-around they had been looking for in the power sector had come.
Promises Made
The Minister said he would do everything possible to make sure the Ministry, under his leadership, laid a good foundation for 24/7 power supply in Nigeria.
“We know it’s not something that is achievable overnight but we believe that once the foundation is laid, others can also build on it.
“I can tell you that between six months and one year, we will start seeing improvement in the power sector.
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“Within the next six months, there would be major addition to the national grid, in terms of hydro power plant, that is the Zugeru 700mw in Niger state, that is about to be completed. This will be the biggest one in Sub-sahara Africa when completed.
“The Kanji dam that we all grew up to know supplies about 460mw, Sororo dam supplies about 520mw.
“I will do everything to ensure that Zugeru power plant is inaugurated and subsequently add 700mw to the national grid,” he stated.
The minister noted that it was a fact that some resources had been wasted in the sector and it had not really succeeded as expected by Nigerians.
He, however, reminded Nigerians that “this is a new era and I will use everything that God has given me to ensure that we have stable power supply in the country.”