“We all know what we
passed through in February and March. But we rose to the occasion, and we made
sure we changed the situation for the better.”
According to Adelabu, the ministry’s target is to achieve
6,000MW of power generation before the end of the year — which would be for the
first time in the history of Nigeria.
“We’ve improved grid generating capacity with the addition
of 700MW in Geregu. We are also proposing the inclusion of 3,000 utility-scale
solar power source within the next 24 months to change the mix of our energy
generation,” Adelabu said.
He said this will also be another feat “because what we have
today is just hydropower and gas power”.
Adebayo said the ministry plans to introduce renewable
energy for transmission of electricity together with power plants.
According to the minister, there is a guaranteed and
improved service level for customers in Band A.
He said electricity distribution companies (DisCos) are now
taking responsibility due to “improved regulatory oversight”.
“For the first time
in the history of Nigeria, we have what is called guaranteed improved service
level. It might be for Band A today but no government has ever guaranteed 20
hours of supply, not even for one percent of consumers,” Adelabu said.
“We have guaranteed service level for Band A customers with
the introduction of cost-reflective tariffs to the band.”
He said the tariff for Band A customers might “look
expensive at the moment,” but it will eventually reduce.
Adelabu said it is a temporary hardship that will lead to a
permanent gain.
