We have what it takes to start manufacturing our own meters, cables, transformers, transmission transformers and batteries. We have the brain. And we have the people.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has stated that Nigerians in no distant time will start enjoying 24 hours, 7 days a week power uninterrupted power supply. This is as he added that the country will start producing it’s own meters, transformers, transmission transformers and batteries.
Adelabu made this disclosure in Abuja during the inauguration of two blocks housing five training workshops and a 104-room hostel at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
Speaking at the occasion , the Minister said the development is a milestone for the institute and the sector. He added that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had demonstrated genuine commitment by “walking the talk and converting vision into action.”
According to him, the Government’s efforts were already yielding results with the country recording the highest power generation and transmission in its history.
He said, “In no time, we are going to witness a country where there is 24/7 uninterrupted power supply. This is possible and we have certainly seen the signs.
Adelabu stated that the Government was lighting up universities, teaching hospitals, primary health centres, public institutions and communities. He noted that power supply remained the driver of other critical sectors of the economy, including education, health and aviation.
“We have what it takes to start manufacturing our own meters, cables, transformers, transmission transformers and batteries. We have the brain. And we have the people. We must be self-reliant and sustainable. And we are very close to achieving this,” the Minister said.
Adelabu said the new facilities underscore Government’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of addressing challenges in a fast-changing energy landscape.
According to him, the training centres and hostel would equip young Nigerians with modern tools and knowledge to drive innovation and job creation.
In his remark, the Director-General of NAPTIN, Ahmed Nagode, said the projects represented a foundation for a brighter future in the power sector.
He disclosed that the institute planned to explore partnerships to implement the Next Generation Rescue Programme to train and empower young Nigerian leaders.
The DG praised the European Union (EU) and the French Government, who, through Agence Française de Développement (AFD), provided funding and technical support for the facilities.
In his remark, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, said the bloc committed €8 million to the project as part of its support for Nigeria’s power sector reforms.
The Ambassador noted that the EU had helped NAPTIN develop 95 courses, including 65 technical and 30 non-technical ones. And had also invested over €200m in Nigeria’s power sector since 2008.
Mignot pointed out that the EU’s latest renewable energy package for Nigeria, worth €100m, was designed to add 400 megawatts of renewable energy by 2027. A development that would benefit over five million Nigerians.