In a move that many see as a last-ditch effort to salvage Nigeria’s failing power sector, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu has urged a boost in local power production capabilities amidst the ongoing struggles of existing power generation facilities. This bold call came during his tour of Coleman Cables and Wires in Arepo, Ogun State, on Friday.
Why It Matters
Adelabu, with a flair for dramatic gestures, revealed plans to push through legislation aimed at increasing local content in the power sector. He envisions this as a way to ensure manufacturers play a more significant role in power projects managed by federal agencies under his ministry.
In a bid to cozy up to the manufacturers, Adelabu pledged unwavering support from the Federal Government, perhaps hoping that this will inspire a wave of goodwill and, more importantly, tangible results.
Highlighting his relentless fieldwork, the minister boasted about visiting nearly 80% of power generation and distribution companies. This, he claims, has given him a unique, firsthand perspective on their operational challenges and an understanding of their potential capacity.
What They Are Saying
“Being a power minister isn’t just about lounging in an office in Abuja. You need to hit the ground running and see the issues for yourself. I’ve been to almost 80% of the power-generating plants. I’ve seen all the problems and confirmed their capacity,” he proclaimed, in what some might see as a thinly veiled jab at his predecessors.
During his visit, Adelabu didn’t shy away from showering praise on Coleman Wires and Cables, hailing it as a “major private operator in the value chain of the power sector.” He specifically lauded the company’s CEO, George Onafowokan, for his contributions to job creation and economic empowerment, perhaps in a bid to win over more private sector allies.
Bottom Line
Adelabu’s tour included inspections of Coleman’s factories in both Arepo and Sagamu, where he continued to emphasize the importance of local manufacturing in revitalizing Nigeria’s power sector. However, whether these visits and assurances will translate into real change remains a topic of heated debate.
