.As FG targets 40m consumers; create 11,000 jobs under PPI
By Eyo Nsima
The Managing Director/CEO, FGN Power Company, Kenny Anuwe, has expressed Federal Government commitment to resolving bottlenecks in transmission and distribution networks in order to increase electricity access across Nigeria.
Speaking at the official kickoff of the Power System Simulations, PSS for Nigeria, System Development Studies and Training in Abuja, yesterday, he said: “It is important to stress that the benefits of constant and reliable electricity will boost economic activities; improve the lives of small, medium and micro enterprises across and deliver the much-needed power supply across the country. I want to assure you that FGN Power Company will do its best to deliver on this project to ensure greater success and sustainability.
“This project is in line with the FGN Power Company’s mandate and Federal Government’s Next Level agenda to resolve the existing bottlenecks in transmission and distribution networks, which will increase electricity access across Nigeria. I am humbled to be a part of such a laudable project that will transform our power sector.
“It is important to stress that the benefits of constant and reliable electricity will boost economic activities; improve the lives of small, medium and micro enterprises across and deliver the much-needed power supply across the country. I want to assure you that FGN Power Company will do our best to deliver on this project to ensure greater success and sustainability.”
According to the government, the first phase of the Presidential Power Initiative, PPI, will provide over 40 million people with reliable electricity supply and create 11,000 direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.
Speaking at the same event, the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, said Nigerians, especially power system engineers, electricians and contractors would benefit from the scheme.
She said: “Based on President Buhari’s Power Sector agenda, FGN Power Company has been driving the process, coordinating key stakeholders input, working with the Federal Ministry of Finance to secure financing and to enter into efficient commercial and contractual arrangements to deliver the PPI. The Honourable Minister of Power is steering the technical effort, demonstrating the synergy of various Government agencies as a testament to Mr. President’s commitment.
“The commissioning of the training session is notable amongst other achieved milestones under the PPI. It is intended to deliver capacity development for engineers in network development using proprietary simulation software by Siemens. The strategy in training will enable students in our universities, staff in Distribution Companies and Transmission Company of Nigeria and other agencies of government learn or improve capacity in this area.”
Also speaking, the Minister of Power, Engr. Abubakar Alihu, who was represented by the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Agba, said: “This project is expected to modernize, rehabilitate and expand the national grid by investing in the electricity value chain (generation, transmission, and distribution systems) of the power sector. Our implementing partner, Siemens will assist with world-class experience in power system reforms like they have done recently in Egypt.
“The objective of the PPI is to increase the end-to-end grid operational capacity of the power system in Nigeria to 25GW but the focus in the next 18 months; it will deliver the first additional 2000 MW. This will create a rapid transformation in the on-grid electricity value chain, spur economic growth, create jobs and opportunities for Nigerian Youth and Enterprises, drive local content development through training opportunities and capacity building in the sector.”
