Kashim Shettima, the vice president of Nigeria, launched the Light Up project in Enugu on Monday as a part of the federal government’s initiatives to enhance the electricity supply to South East industrial clusters.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, and Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State were among those present. Senator Hope Uzodinma is the Chairman of the South-East Governors’ Forum.
For the region’s investors and manufacturers, Shettima characterised the initiative as a voyage of transformation and a source of renewed optimism.
2023: Shettima Planning Office For Boko Haram In Aso Villa – PDP
The Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited, NDPHC, and its partners worked together to launch the project.
He acknowledged that President Bola Tinubu was passionate about the Light Up Project and gave his word that the administration would not relent in its efforts to enhance electricity supply to South East industrial clusters.
He said, “the long awaited solution to epileptic power supply is finally here and this project will help to stabilise Nigeria because if there is no power, there can’t be industrialization.
“The economic fortune of Nigeria remains the critical concern of President Tinubu as we believe that if the power sector works, Nigeria works too, so we must make the project work and make the South East work.”
The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Chiedu Ugbo, had earlier stated in his welcome speech that the occasion marked the official beginning of the South-East phase of the strategic collaboration between NDPHC and other project partners to provide consistent and reliable electricity supply to industrial and business clusters throughout Nigeria. He also mentioned that the event offered a chance for the business community in the South-East Zone to interact with His Excellency, the Vice President of Nigeria.
PEPC Judgment: We Owe Our Victory To Nigerians – Shettima
His words: “We are honoured to have you all here today. This event is part of a series of initiatives led by His Excellency, the Vice President, who serves as the Chairman of Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
“These initiatives demonstrate the commitment and determination of President Tinubu’s administration, working through NDPHC, to provide reliable and sustainable solutions to the electricity challenge in the country, starting with reliable and affordable supply to industries.
“The first event in this series took place on October 12, 2023, in Agbara, Ogun State, South-West Nigeria, where His Excellency engaged with the business community and committed to providing the required electricity to power businesses in industrial areas across the country through NDPHC.
“Since then, significant progress has been made on the Agbara Project including identifying and signing on key industrial customers, conducting engineering surveys, negotiating transaction agreements, and procuring OEM/EPC providers for the required transmission and distribution projects.
Interesting Facts To Know About Tinubu’s Running Mate, Kashim Shettima
“Additionally, NDPHC has worked closely with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and FGN Power Company to conduct engineering surveys, identify sites, and acquire a mobile transmission substation for the project.
“TCN has approved the connection of the new substation to the national grid, and efforts are underway to deploy this fast-track transmission substation.
“Today’s event builds on the commitment made by His Excellency at Agbara and will be replicated in other geopolitical zones across the country.
“The Light up Nigeria project, which is the focus of today’s event, is led by Niger Delta Power Holding Company Limited (NDPHC).
“NDPHC, a government-owned company, is responsible for implementing the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) and operates a portfolio of gas thermal electricity generation assets in Nigeria.
PDP Reveals How Tinubu, Shettima Distanced Themselves From Buhari’s Failures
“However, the optimal utilisation of these assets has been hindered by technical challenges and market constraints.”
He said in response to the challenges in the sector, NDPHC initiated the Light up Nigeria Project, “which aims to provide reliable and affordable electricity supply to industries and homes by utilising underutilised generation capacity, establishing trading agreements with bulk purchasers of electricity, and mobilising investments to address technical, commercial, and collection losses in the supply chain.
“Additionally, NDPHC aims to receive full payment for the electricity generated and delivered, without relying on the Federal Government for such payments.
“The project aligns with the Electricity Act of 2023 (graciously signed into law by His Excellency Present Bola Tinubu GCFR), which provides a strong framework for state governments to develop electricity markets at the sub-national level, with the aim of delivering consistent and affordable electricity to residents.
2023: Shettima Reveals Tinubu Is One of Most Demonized Nigerians
“Through the Light up Nigeria project, state governments will derive the benefit of increased access to electricity, attraction of investment opportunities, revenue generation and economic growth.
“At the Federal level, the project will help to reduce the financial burden on FGN’s balance sheet from debt exposure of NBET.
“The project is further reinforced by NERC’s MYTO 2024 which mandates distribution companies to secure adequate bilateral contracts and exit from contractual relationships with NBET. NDPHC remains at the forefront in pursuing bilateral electric power sales and other projects that ensure efficient and targeted electricity delivery to end-users.”
The Light-Up Nigeria Project, according to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State, who earlier expressed the opinions of his colleagues, heralds a new era for the South East’s industrialization and power.
PDP Reveals How Tinubu, Shettima Distanced Themselves From Buhari’s Failures
According to him, the project is consistent with his administration’s unconventional and disruptive style of governance.
Other dignitaries in attendance included the chairman of the board of directors of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, or EEDC, Emeka Offor, Adebayo Adelabu, the minister of power, and former senate president Pius Anyim.
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Facebook
Post Disclaimer
The opinions, beliefs and viewpoints expressed by the author and forum participants on this website do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs and viewpoints of Anaedo Online or official policies of the Anaedo Online.