Members of the House of Representatives, on Tuesday, expressed grave concerns over the impacts of unabated epileptic power supply on the Nigerian economy.
Worried by the development, the House tasked Federal Government to upgrade power transmission, distribution infrastructures and seek the best alternative sources of energy to ensure a steady power supply across the country.
The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance on the ‘Urgent need to address the crippling epileptic power supply in Nigeria’, sponsored by the Majority Chief Whip, Hon Mohammed Monguno, who called for the House intervention.
Hon Monguno observed that electricity is a crucial enabler for industrial development, social welfare and improved healthcare, hence it is the backbone of development in any country.
“The House also notes that Nigeria has 23 power generating plants connected to the national grid and managed by generating companies (Gencos), independent power providers, and the Niger Delta Holding Company.
“The House further notes that the country is endowed with large oil, gas, hydro and solar resources, and has the potential to generate 12,522 megawatts of electric power from the existing plants.
“The House is concerned that despite being so largely endowed, on most days, it is only able to dispatch around 4,000 megawatts, which is insufficient for a country of over 195 million people.
“The House is also concerned that for some weeks, many parts of the country, including major cities like Abuja, have been experiencing unstable power supply just as the relevant agencies resorted to blamestorming on why the situation persists.
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“The House is further concerned that the frequent collapse of the power grid and load shedding has become a matter of national embarrassment and the increase in electricity tariff has not brought about any improvements in power supply across the country.
“The House is worried that the epileptic power supply in Nigeria has retarded the country’s development and caused untold hardship for the people due to the consequent collapse of businesses and low productivity.
“The House is also worried that the lack of adequate supply has not only hurt businesses but has cause huge economic losses for the country as a whole.
“The House is cognizant that economic development cannot be without adequate power supply which is a major determinant in job an wealth creation.
“The House is also cognizant that to achieve constant power supply, the Federal Government needs to take a cue from other countries and seek other means of generating power such as coal-fired power plants, wind and solar among others,” he noted.
To this end, the House mandated its Committee on Power to ensure compliance.
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