From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
In the quest to finding solutions to challenges in the Power Sector, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu on Wednesday met with the management teams of power Generating companies (GENCOs) and the Distribution companies (DISCOs), urging them to improve on their performance.
A statement by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser, Strategic Communication and Media Relations quoted the Minister as saying the meeting was a fact finding meeting towards finding lasting solutions to the challenges in the power sector that have affected the growth and development of the country’s economy.
The Minister said meeting with all the stakeholders in generating, transmitting and distribution value chain would be adopted as a regular meeting in order to constantly review developments in the sector.
He described the gathering as the most authentic way of getting valuable information on the challenges faced by the operators as opposed to speculations.
“We called this meeting to learn from you and the only way to salvage a bad situation is to understand the real issues on ground. You will agree with me that power is the most important issue you need in order to re-energise the economy in terms of achieving the desired economic growth and industrial development as contained in the President’s inaugural speech where he picked power as a major driver of economic growth and industrial development”, the Minister said.
Adelabu challenged the operators to synergize for the success of the power industry adding that the work at hand cannot be carried out by one person, he therefore solicited for support in order to forge a practical solution beyond theory.
“ Power is one of the most important things we need to energize the economy in terms of achieving the desired economic growth and Industrial development and the President has identified the Power Sector as a major driver of economic growth, therefore no excuse will be entertained for non performance”, he said.
In the meeting which lasted for several hours and attended by the Managing Directors of the generating and distribution companies across the country, the Minister maintained that as operators in the sector, he needs their cooperation in order to make impact. “There won’t be anything as fulfilling as making impact in the Power Sector within two to three years other than delivering and sustaining electricity supply to the end users; schools, households, small businesses and the industries.
