The Nigerian government is calling for continued technical and financial support from the European Union (EU) to address the challenges in the country’s power sector, which is critical for overall economic development. During a meeting with EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gautier Mignot, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu emphasized the need for sustained international partnerships to improve the nation’s electricity infrastructure. The Minister reiterated that President Bola Tinubu is deeply committed to power sector reforms and has been pivotal in supporting the ongoing initiatives.
Adelabu acknowledged the EU’s past contributions, particularly from countries like Germany and France, in helping Nigeria make progress in the energy sector. He expressed gratitude for their support and urged for deeper cooperation to tackle the ongoing electricity issues, which have plagued the country for over six decades. He pointed out that despite having access to electricity before many European nations, Nigeria still struggles with inconsistent power supply, which hinders economic and industrial development.
Addressing the challenges head-on, Adelabu noted that Nigeria’s unreliable power supply has made the country heavily reliant on imports, despite having abundant natural resources. This, he argued, has kept the nation from fully benefiting from its own resources and achieving optimal economic performance. He also emphasized the importance of power in enabling the growth of all other sectors, highlighting how much of the government’s focus is on transforming the energy landscape.
Progress, however, has been made under the current administration, with notable reforms and investments in off-grid and renewable energy, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Adelabu pointed to the expansion of the energy grid, the adoption of solar power, and the use of small hydro dams as evidence of the positive steps taken so far. With continued EU support, he believes Nigeria can create a more reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy system to power long-term economic growth.
Source: the sun