The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has pledged the National Assembly’s unwavering support for ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s power sector, stressing the importance of tackling grid collapses and improving the nation’s power infrastructure. Addressing attendees at the International Power Engineering Exhibition and Conference in Abuja, Dr. Abbas called for increased collaboration among stakeholders to stabilize the national power grid and improve electricity reliability.

Speaking on behalf of the Speaker, Rep. August Gana, Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Power, reiterated the importance of integrating renewable energy into Nigeria’s power mix. He emphasized that such efforts would not only improve efficiency but also promote self-sufficiency in power generation. The theme of the conference, “Birthing an Effective Electric Power Sector of the 21st Century: The Role of Professional Practice Regulation,” encapsulated the need for comprehensive sectoral reform.

While acknowledging the progress made in recent years, including privatizations aimed at boosting efficiency, Abbas highlighted the challenges that persist—such as inadequate infrastructure, transmission losses, and insufficient generation and distribution capacity. Reflecting on the transition from the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), he noted that while the shift was met with mixed feelings, it has ultimately opened doors for private sector involvement and investments in the power industry.

ALSO READ: Nigeria Faces Another Power Outage as National Grid Collapses

Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, also raised concerns about the underperformance of the sector, revealing that nearly half of the Nigerian population remains without reliable access to electricity. He outlined the serious challenges facing the sector, including frequent grid collapses, insufficient generation capacity, and inefficient transmission networks. Despite Nigeria’s abundant energy resources, Abaribe pointed out that the country currently generates only about 4,500 MW, which is far below what is needed for a population exceeding 200 million people.

Engr. Israel Abraham, President of the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN), underscored the critical role that reliable power plays in national development. He stressed that power is integral to every aspect of economic growth and development and noted that the exhibition and conference aimed to create a global platform for experts to share solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges.