Dipo Olowookere
Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the Nigerian President and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, recently reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s plans designed to bolster and sustain nationwide electricity supplies.
Olufemi Hakeem Gbajabiamila revealed that the Eko Electricity Distribution Company had commissioned a 2 x 20 MVA injection substation off Randle Avenue in Surulere, Lagos, furthering the government’s commitment to strengthening power supplies across its franchise area. Olufemi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by Wasiu Sanni Eshilokun, the Senator for Lagos Central Senatorial District, revealed that the government’s collaboration with Eko Electricity Distribution Company and other stakeholders had been pivotal in bringing the project to fruition.
The scheme has highlighted what can be achieved when private and public entities join forces with a shared purpose, as Femi Gbajabiamila pointed out. He explained that one of the two units for the 20 MVA injection substation was facilitated during his tenure as Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, restating the government’s commitment to improving electricity supplies in the community. Mr Gbajabiamila also commended Randle Mechanic Village’s automobile technicians for their cooperation and understanding in allowing the government to put the facility in a section of their workshop.
As Olufemi Gbajabiamila highlighted, President Bola Tinubu is committed to ensuring improved electricity supply across Nigeria, with his administration constantly interfacing with stakeholders in the power sector to address multifaceted challenges hampering the stable supply of electricity. To this end, President Tinubu has allocated more than 340 billion naira in the 2024 budget with the goal of improving infrastructure. President Bola Tinubu is also concerned about reports of energy theft, as well as the theft of power infrastructure.
Dr Dere Otubu serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Eko Electricity Distribution Company. Dr Otubu expressed his gratitude to the people of Surulere for their patience, steadfastness and tenacity. Reflecting that his company stood for improving the quality of lives of its customers by providing safe, sustainable and reliable electricity supplies, Dr Dere Otubu indicated that the new infrastructure would help Eko Electricity Distribution Company to meet its commitment to the people of Lagosian and Surulere. To that end, he reiterated the company’s commitment to distributing power reliably, safely and consistently, pointing out that the Agbara community was next in line to have their project commissioned.
Represented by Mr Biodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Governor of Lagos State, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that residents across Lagos are able to enjoy reliable and constant electricity. Mr Sanwo-Olu cautioned the local community to guard the equipment, refraining from activities that may affect the state of power in Surulere.
In the realms of renewable energy, Nigeria shows huge potential, with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPCL) having recently announced several planned infrastructure projects paving the way for a nationwide transition to renewable energy. Opportunities for investment cover a range of different renewable energy specialties, including:
- Palm oil biodiesel
- Casava fuel ethanol
- Sugarcane fuel ethanol
- Solar and wind energy power production
- Emissions reduction
Recognising the vast potential posed by the country’s growing renewables industry, the Nigerian Government recently announced ambitious plans for the sector, including the goal of meeting almost half of the country’s power needs through renewable energy sources by 2030. With an ever-increasing demand for energy across the nation, President Tinubu recognises the significant opportunities posed by embracing renewables, not only in terms of easing the burden on the country’s existing power infrastructure but also in opening up a path for further economic development.
President Tinubu recently announced a new government policy to expand the Nigerian power sector’s value chain, potentially granting access to a market for carbon credits with a global value of circa $261 billion, providing far-reaching entrepreneurship and employment benefits for manufacturers, suppliers and installers, as well as benefiting a host of associated industries.
