23 May 2016, Abuja – The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has again assured Nigerians that quality and uninterrupted power supply in the country was achievable but can only happen if citizens cooperate with the government to make this possible.
Fashola said by taking ownership of and protecting the various power supply facilities across the country, Nigerians would be advancing the country’s aim for stable electricity supply.
He said the power market was a result driven business and that until every Nigerian got metered, government would not consider the job done.
“I understand that it will happen but be patient, be encouraging, be supportive and be understanding.
“It has taken this long and if we have waited for this long we won’t wait for that long again to complete it, we are setting targets and we want to be realistic too otherwise we will become incredible and unbelievable, we also want a system to evolve,” said Fashola in a statement.
The statement was from his Senior Special Assistant on Communication, Mr. Hakeem Bello Sunday in Abuja.
It said the minister spoke with journalists on the power supply situation in the country after he delivered a keynote address at the Nigeria Urban Design Forum 2016 which held at the LCCI Conference Centre.
Fashola explained that the government was ready and had mapped out its programme to increase power generation and distribution in the country, and then guarantee stability in supplies.
He said the only way government could realise its plans for the country’s power sector was if practices of cutting gas pipelines amongst others stopped.
“But one of the things we should stop doing is to stop cutting gas pipelines and all of you must sensitise all of those who are involved because that is why supply is down,” said Fashola.
He said 23 of the nation’s power plants are gas powered and that it was important for those involved to stop vandalising and cutting gas pipelines.
He also added that such culprits be sensitised on the evil consequences of their nefarious acts to the economy and the country.
- This Day