Nigeria’s electricity generation has risen by 12.59 percent to 4,354 megawatts, MW, from 3,868MW recorded on Tuesday, according to data obtained from the Independent System Operator (ISO), a semi-autonomous unit at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
But the development did not culminate in an increase in the nation’s power supply to Nigerians, who still live in darkness.
However, the Siemens power deal is expected to experience a major leap in September, this year when electricity equipment, including transformers and mobile power substations begin to arrive from Germany.
The Managing Director, FGN Power, Kenny Anuwe, while speaking in Abuja said that by the time the power equipment are installed, there would be an improvement in the supply of electricity nationwide.
According to Anuwe, the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) in Phase 1 seeks to modernise, rehabilitate and expand the national grid by investing in the electricity value chain, including generation, transmission, and distribution systems of the power sector.
Specifically, he said: “We will start to see the implementation of the transformers and substations which have been purchased across the country starting from September, right through to December. We have some significant amount of equipment which will start to come in.
“Part of the minister’s objective in visiting Germany only a month ago, if you recall, was to engage the principals at Siemens on the president’s agenda for the PPI to ensure that we were able to deliver on the objectives
“I am happy to report that this has borne some fruits and we will start to see the delivery of equipment starting off in September this year.
“Siemens equipment must comply with the local laws and regulations. And these are the things that we have put together to ensure that the Discos are all aligned with the FGN Company Power Company and Siemens to implement the presidential initiative.”
Also, the Minister of Power, Aliyu, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Nebolisa Anako, stated: “The objective of the PPI is to improve the end-to-end operational grid of the power supply in Nigeria to 25,000 MW, but the purpose in the next 18 months is to deliver additional 2,000 mw.
“This administration is prepared to solve the problem of epileptic power supply in the country once and for all and it’s the reason the FG launched this important programme. This initiative will create rapid transformation in the electricity value chain, spur economic growth and create jobs and opportunities for the Nigerian youths and enterprises.”
