President Muhammadu Buhari over the weekend said strong regulations is the key to quality and effective service delivery in the electricity market.
He spoke at the just concluded 14th West African Power Pool (WAPP) general assembly themed: “ECOWAS regional electricity today and future opportunities,” in Abuja.
The President who spoke through the Secretary-General of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha said for the electricity industry to be effective, there is a need for both local and regional players in the sector to prioritise regulations.
His words: “One of the many areas I would also want to highlight regarding electricity and going forward is regulation. Local and regional regulators, as well as operators in the industry, must be strong.
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“It must be very effective, proactive, technology and knowledge-driven. This is the foreway of ensuring quality performance from the service providers.”
He stressed the need for sanctions saying; “Regulations must be taken seriously and penalties applied when necessary to instil discipline in the entire market.”
Also, he noted that the huge potential in the electricity market is yet harnessed, adding that the progress in the WAPP interconnection projects and programmes will help develop energy resources across the region.
“The huge potential for electricity generation within the region still remains underdeveloped, thereby slowing the economic development of the countries and productivity of its citizens.
“These are clearly indicated by the human development indices. It is heartwarming to see the WAPP progressing in the direction of interconnecting the countries and developing the energy resources across the region.
” I, therefore, charge you all to focus your efforts and actions on the present realities and projecting to what the future of electricity supply within the region. We have witnessed progress in the WAPP interconnection projects and programme,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Power, Engr Sale Mamman disclosed that the preparation of the WAPP median backbone involving Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire is currently under procurement adding that the second transmission line from Nigeria to Benin/Togo is being prepared.
Also, he noted that the launch of the implementation of the Northcore interconnection lines connecting Niger, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso will stimulate economic growth of member countries.