*To build more dams for hydro power
Oscarline Onwuemenyi
04 May, Sweetcrude, Abuja – The Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo has disclosed plans by the Federal Government to build more dams for hydro power uses, the move is aimed at complementing the existing hydro power stations in the country.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Professor Nebo said that now, more than ever before Nigeria needs a robust Super Grid network which is estimated to cost $3.4 Billion Dollars.
He noted that the Super Grid facility is what is required to meet international standard in Power Transmission and Distribution chain, while other renewable energy sources like solar, bio-mass which are off the Super Grid will continue to be available for domestic uses.
On the on-going repairs of Jebba and Kainji Dams, the Minister said that the rehabilitation works is being financed through the World Bank loan, just as he said for now, the on-going privatization of generation companies exclude these two plants.
Nebo further observed that there would be substantial improvement in power supply situation, nationwide when the ongoing works are concluded.
The Minister said that with provision of substantial funding for rural electrification, the hitherto sick sub-sector will experience new lease of life.
He identified the present position of metering as weak, and said that a recent study by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) suggested that the gap in metering would require N77 billion to fix.
The Minister assured Nigerians and investors in the power sector of a strengthen regulatory regime, adding that NERC would deliver on its mandate without fear or favour and will provide the enabling environment for investors in the power sector to recoup from their investments.
On the deadline for the attainment of 10,000MW, the Minister said that there could be a slight adjustment to the December 2013 deadline, saying that “within a year all National Integrated Power Projects (NIPPs) would come on stream, this would no doubt, double the present capacities and capabilities.”
On incessant reported cases of vandalization of electricity infrastructure, the Minister appealed against this act as it would only reverse the gains already recorded, “Nigerians should learn to protect infrastructure as their own and stop blaming successive governments for decay in power sector.”
