Federal government has vowed to make electricity supplies available to 75 per cent of Nigerians by 2020.
It also admitted that so far over 60 per cent of Nigerians were still without electricity, even as more than 25 million households were yet to be connected with electricity access.
The minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, stated this yesterday, while presenting a keynote address at the CWC 14th Nigeria Oil & Gas (NOG) Conference tagged: Nigeria Power Forum (NPF), in Abuja.
The Forum, which was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Power, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Electricity Bulk Trading Company Plc (NBET), drew key sponsors from Schneider Electrics, United Airlines, Cummins, Seven Energy, and Mantrac CAT among others.
Nebo, who highlighted the major achievements of the reforms in the sector so far, also noted that a huge percentage of the populations were yet to be connected to the national grid.
“It is however sad to note that despite all these advances, Nigeria still has less than 40% access to electricity with more than 25 million households without access,” he said.
He further disclosed that government had a specific target of ensuring that almost every Nigerian had access to electricity shortly, saying that government was targeting up to 75% penetration by 2020.”
Nebo said it would be achieved through the ongoing National Roadmap on Access to Electricity and a comprehensive Renewable Energy Policy that would ensure massive connections through on-grid and off-grid solutions.
He canvassed for the commitment of all electricity stakeholders on achieving the target.
“We must now work together to develop the emerging electricity market with a strong, responsive yet proactive regulator and other participants meeting all obligations including their respective business plans.”
