Stable power soon, say Makoju, others

Nigeria will enjoy stable power supply soon as power firms are adopting measures to address the sector’s problems , experts have said. In an interview in Lagos, they raised hopes that things would be over soon.

Joseph Makoju, a former Managing Director of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), said the prospects for fresh investments, new technology and expertise of the new owners represented hope that the power challenges would be over soon.

He said the gains of the reforms would soon be made known to Nigerians, giving the commitment shown by the government and the private investors.

“I believe the future is bright for the sector. I see a lot of opportunities for uninterrupted power supply, capacity building and employment prospects for Nigerians in the long run,”’ he said

He called for patience and understanding from Nigerians as the investors embark rehabilitation, upgrade and deployment of robust infrastructure.

Abiodun Ogunleye, the Managing Director, PowerCap Nigeria Limited, urged Nigerians to be patient as the operators are overhauling the subsisting infrastructure to improve electricity supply.

Ogunleye said achieving uninterrupted power supply would require patience from Nigerians since the companies are deploying new technology in achieving growth.

“I am aware that the new investors are already thinking along the line of new technology and have plans to train and retrain their workforce. I believe we will get the breakthrough we all deserve in the near future,” he said.

Abraham Williams, Project Coordinator, Dubril Consortium Ltd. said the handover of some power assets to the private sector had brought new lease of life to the sector.

“The participation of the private sector would bring about more efficient and cost effective power supply arising from increased investment, enhanced infrastructure and opportunity for transfer of technical know-how to Nigerians,” he said.

Fashola Charles, Managing Director, Seacof Enginering Ltd., said the power sector transition represented unprecedented milestone for the nation.

“What private participation did to the telecom sector is what we will eventually witness in the power sector. But I believe a lot of consumer education and enlightenment programmes are required to make the average Nigerian know that the handover did not mean we would begin to witness uninterrupted power immediately. The good news is that it kicked off the journey of a process that would eventually get us there,” he said.