(PRESS RELEASE)
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to expand energy access for economic growth and national development.
The Minister spoke on Wednesday while receiving a delegation of Women in Energy, Oil and Gas ( WEOG) in his office adding that the target remains the singular target of the administration.
He said the target would be achieved through the use of both grid and off-grid solutions, encompassing those connected to Industrial grid and those that are in rural areas, the unserved areas that are using mini grids, solar and other forms of renewable energy.
Adelabu revealed that one of the Power sector’s target is to bridge the poverty gap and completely eliminate it for prosperity among Nigerians, noting that women are a force to reckon with when it comes to bringing positivity and productivity in any atmosphere.
“When we talk about this energy access, the main target is to enable us grow the industry that can actually create employment for our youth and to also enable us to substitute import as we are a heavily dependent country which is not good for our economy.
“We also use it to promote our export by adding value to our primary resources, by promoting local manufacturer”.
The Minister stated that the need to build local capacity cannot be over emphasized as the Sector is looking towards growing Nigerians in the rural areas in terms of agricultural processing, irrigation. He added that women have dominance in that part of the Sector’s target.
“We must build our local capacity to enable us achieve our actual sustainability by ensuring that our people can actually produce what they can consume”.
He said supporting policies have been put in place in order to achieve the sectorial target.
He assured the Group of the Ministry’s unflinching support, collaboration and partnership towards achieving success.
Earlier, the National Vice President sector of the Women in Energy, Oil and Gas, Tolulope Longe disclosed that the association has been in operation for the past six years as a non profit organisation.
“As a result we deemed it fit to seek collaboration with the Ministry of Power especially in our decarbonization initiative, among other focus of the group.
The power sector under your supervision has done well and we have all seen the improvement in the sector since your assumption of duty”.
Longe said WEOG is advocating for clean environment and clean society which helps to support women to attain their full potential.
She said that the decarbonization initiative encompasses several key projects designed to drive impactful change and address the urgent challenges of sustainable energy transition, Net-Zero emissions, climate change, environmental sustainability and the sustainable utilisation of Nigeria Natural resources.
While speaking on the forthcoming World Decarbonization Summit slated for September 3-5, 2024, Longe expressed the Association’s unreserved confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drive for adequate power supply and sustainability through the Power sector..
“We are committed to working closely with you and your esteemed office to ensure the success and impact of the WEOG decarbonisation initiative for the benefit and the future of the coming generation”.
