Vice President Shettima Stresses Power Sector Reforms as Key to Nigeria’s Economic Growth
Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the importance of addressing Nigeria’s power sector crisis to achieve meaningful economic development.
Speaking during the inauguration of two key National Economic Council (NEC) ad-hoc committees at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima highlighted that no significant progress could be made without ensuring the country has access to affordable, accessible, and reliable energy.
He pointed to countries like Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Uganda, which have overcome similar energy challenges and are now leading the post-industrial revolution. The Vice President acknowledged Nigeria’s energy potential through its gas, hydro, and solar resources, stressing the need for a strategic and resilient energy mix.
Shettima also addressed the ongoing challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, particularly the national grid’s instability, which has been prone to frequent collapses. He expressed optimism about recent reforms aimed at opening up the energy sector to more participants, both local and foreign, which he believes will attract much-needed investments.
The Vice President urged the National Electrification ad-hoc committee members to work diligently to overcome these challenges, ensuring that the nation’s energy crisis is resolved for the betterment of all Nigerians.
In addition to the National Electrification Committee, Shettima also inaugurated the NEC ad-hoc committee on Polio Eradication. He called for renewed efforts to eliminate polio from Nigeria, particularly in light of the recent reemergence of the disease in states like Kano and Sokoto. The Vice President stressed the need for long-term solutions, including the local production of polio vaccines, to ensure the virus is eradicated once and for all. He encouraged the committee members to work collaboratively with various partners and stakeholders to achieve this crucial goal.
The committees were tasked with addressing critical issues in their respective sectors. Governor Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River, chairing the National Electrification committee, emphasized their goal of ending the persistent national grid collapses and deepening state engagement within the Electricity Reform Act 2023.
Meanwhile, Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, who chairs the Polio Eradication committee, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and assured that the committee would work tirelessly to rid the country of the disease. Both committees include various governors, ministers, and other key stakeholders, all committed to advancing Nigeria’s development in these critical areas.
