Ministry of Power inaugurates Ministerial Power Sector Working Group

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has inaugurated the Ministerial Power Sector Working Group, a strategic initiative aimed at enhancing oversight and coordination within the sector.

The announcement was made in a statement on Wednesday, signed by Florence Dibiaezue-Eke, Director of Information and Public Relations.

During the inauguration ceremony, which took place on Tuesday in Abuja, directors and agencies under the Ministry’s supervision signed performance contracts to ensure effective tracking and supervision of projects. The performance contracts were signed by Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of the agencies and the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Directors.

Agencies present at the signing ceremony included the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN), Nigerian Electricity Management and Safety Agency (NEMSA), Nigeria Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET).

Speaking at the event, Minister Adelabu highlighted that the working group would serve as a platform for supervisory, monitoring, and oversight control. He emphasized the necessity of reintroducing and improving the meeting structure to create a robust medium for information sharing and sector-wide communication.

“The inauguration of this working group marks a significant step in our efforts to streamline operations within the power sector. This platform will provide detailed explanations of sector activities, ensuring transparency and coordination,” Adelabu stated.

The Minister acknowledged the existence of similar meetings in the past but stressed the importance of enhancing this framework. He noted that the primary objective of reintroducing the working group meetings was to facilitate better communication and synergy among the different agencies, which is crucial for greater productivity.

“These meetings will act as a backup for sector coordination and centralized project management. The synergy we gain from coming together will optimize capacity and improve our overall performance,” Adelabu added.

He also pointed out that the working group meetings would serve as a training platform and a “refresher opportunity for optimum representation of the power sector.”

Minister Adelabu urged the working group members to work diligently to achieve the set targets. He emphasized the significance of the performance contracts, describing them as bonds compelling all parties to deliver on their commitments.

“In November 2023, as Minister of Power, I signed a performance contract with the President, which outlined what is expected from us. Today, we are cascading that contract down to the Departments and Agencies to contribute to the overall achievement of our goals. This approach ensures accountability from the top down and the bottom up,” he explained.

The Minister expressed confidence in achieving the overall targets, citing the positive response and enthusiasm of the working group members.