as Nigerians groan over pain,losses due to power outage, difficult times.
Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu has attributed the blackout in the country to insufficient gas supply to generating companies Gencos.
In a statement via X on Friday,Adelabu said following the setbacks in Power supply, he had a meeting with GENCOs and Distribution Companies DISCOS on how to improve the situation
According to him, investigations revealed that low supply of gas to the GENCOS was the reason for the power outage
Adelabu said that a plan is underway to collaborate with the Minister for state, Petroleum for uninterrupted gas supply To his Ministry.
He wrote: “Yesterday, I had crucial discussions with power Generating companies (GENCOs) and Distribution companies (DISCOs) to address the ongoing issue of blackouts in parts of our country. Power supply during the yuletide improved, but unfortunately, we’ve experienced setbacks in the new year.
“After investigations, it’s clear that the main cause of poor power supply is the low supply of gas to GENCOs. Visited facilities in Olorunshogo, Ogun State, and Omotosho, Ondo State to understand the challenges firsthand. Resolving the gas supply issue is our top priority.
“During our meeting, we also addressed the indebtedness to GENCOs by Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET). While acknowledging the sector’s liquidity challenge, we are working on validating the debt and determining a fair resolution.
“I emphasised the importance of GENCOs establishing contractual arrangements with gas suppliers to ensure a steady gas supply. Recognizing concessions may be needed, I assure you that we are committed to working on this to stabilize the power sector.
“To tackle the gas supply and liquidity challenges, I’ve decided to form a committee involving all stakeholders. Together, we will work on recommendations to resolve these issues and ensure a more reliable and consistent power supply for our citizens.
“A plan has also been established to initiate discussions with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources regarding collaboration and to emphasize to the Ministry the importance of prioritizing Gas to Power.
“Our commitment is unwavering in addressing the challenges affecting power supply. We understand the impact on citizens, and our goal is to swiftly resolve the issues of gas supply, indebtedness, and overall sector stability. Your patience is appreciated as we work collaboratively towards a brighter, more reliable energy future for Nigeria.” Adelabu added
Meanwhile, the power outage has generated reactions from Nigerians across states.
Speaking with current matters on the streets of Port Harcourt, the Rivers capital, traders, students and workers in private and public sectors reasoned that it was most unkind treatment Nigeria should be subjected to at this period citing the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant hardships on living, inflation among others.
Three owners of restaurant Mama Rosa,i,Ibiene and Vera,a fish farmer, Amos and hair stylist simply called ” Big Boy”told our reporter that the situation in the country is becoming unbearable as they suffer great losses in their businesses which depend on electricity.
They called on the Federal Government to match words with action and sort out the problems with regular supply to assuage their pains .
.” We didn’t vote to be treated this way. This is too much suffering” Amos said
