Power Ministry to prioritize expanding energy access for national development – Adelabu
By Kunle Sanni
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has announced that expanding energy access will be the primary goal of the power sector, aiming to drive economic growth and national development.
This comprehensive target will be pursued through both grid and off-grid solutions, including industrial grid connections and renewable energy sources like mini-grids and solar power for rural and underserved areas.
Adelabu made these remarks during a meeting with the “Women in Energy, Oil and Gas” (WEOG) group, who recently visited the Ministry headquarters in Abuja. The statement was released by Florence Dibiaezue-Eke, Director of Information and Public Relations.
The minister emphasized the sector’s ambition to bridge and eventually eliminate the poverty gap, fostering prosperity among Nigerians. He acknowledged the crucial role of women in driving positivity and productivity in various environments.
“We also aim to promote our exports by adding value to our primary resources and supporting local manufacturing,” Adelabu said. He stressed the importance of building local capacity, particularly in agricultural processing and irrigation, noting that women play a dominant role in these areas.
“We must build our local capacity to achieve sustainability by ensuring that our people can produce what they consume,” he added. Adelabu assured the Women in Energy, Oil and Gas of the Ministry’s unwavering support, collaboration, and partnership towards achieving success.
Tolulope Longe, the National Vice President of WEOG, disclosed that the association, a non-profit organization in operation for the past six years, seeks collaboration with the Ministry of Power, particularly in its “decarbonization” initiative.
Longe highlighted that the WEOG Association advocates for a clean environment and society, helping women attain their full potential. She explained that the “Decarbonization Initiative” encompasses several key projects designed to drive impactful change and address urgent challenges such as sustainable energy transition, net-zero emissions, climate change, environmental sustainability, and the sustainable utilization of Nigeria’s natural resources.
Speaking on the forthcoming “World Decarbonization Summit” slated for September 3-5, 2024, Longe expressed the association’s confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure adequate power supply and sustainability through the power sector.
“We are committed to working closely with you and your esteemed office to ensure the success and impact of the WEOG decarbonization initiative for the benefit of future generations,” she said.
