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Enugu, SPP, stakeholders engage over state climate policy, action plan

Michael Simire
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Enugu, SPP, stakeholders engage over state climate policy, action plan

The Enugu State Government and the Society for Planet and Prosperity (SPP) held an inception meeting and stakeholder engagement for the proposed Enugu State Climate Policy and Action Plan on Thursday, July 18, 2024 in Enugu, the state capital.

Peter Mbah
Gov Peter Mbah of Enugu State

Supported by the African Climate Foundation, the inception meeting, which had a broad representative from top government functionaries, civil servants, businesses, civil society organisations, youth-based groups, women groups and those living with a disability, was aimed at aligning the climate strategies of Nigeria’s states at the national level with that of the state level.

In his welcome speech, the Commissioner for Environment, Prof. S. C. Ugwu, traced the effects of climate change on the state and communities to rainfalls, dry seasons, increased frequency, intense flooding in homes, as well as deep gully erosions that split roads and endanger lives and property.

He listed the role of the intervention which includes the development of a science-based climate policy through comprehensive data and scientific analysis which will form the bedrock to develop a strategic climate action plan, engage stakeholders and develop a climate finance strategy.

The governor, Dr Peter Mbah, represented by the Secretary of the State Government, Prof Chidiebere Onyia, delivered a keynote at the event entitled “The Vision of the Climate Resilience and Green Economy”.  He noted that the state has built a solid team to help actualise a green economy and build the resilience of the state to climate change.

Apart from setting up the necessary structure that will drive climate action, policy, climate change resilience and green economy, he shared objectives based on local content and local structure. He also stated that it is based on the three-key pitch of sustainability, inclusivity and innovation.

Mbah added that substantiality is at the heart of climate policy in rural economy, clean energy, sustainable agriculture and circular economy, He informed the gathering that the 250 model schools being constructed by the government will be powered through the renewable energy source.

The state is equally working hard to capitalise on the Circular Economy, Climate resilient infrastructure plan and provide a sustainable economy, he added, underlining the need to balance projects that are green and sustainable in the long run.  It was also revealed that the Enugu State Government is also working towards changing Enugu State from a coal city to a green city.

Also speaking, the chairman of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, who also serves as the Special adviser to the government on climate change and sustainable development, Prof Chukwumerjie Okereke, stated the importance and relevance of the state being the first in Nigeria to have a scientific-based climate policy and action plan that will help the state in transforming towards a green economy.

He underscored the importance of the policy as a major driver of climate change globally. He also stressed that women, children and people with disability are disproportionally affected by the action of climate change and stressed the need to tackle climate change through mitigation and adaptation measures. He highlighted the importance of just transition in the whole climate change process.

In his goodwill message, the Commission of Youths and Sports Development, Mr Lloyd Ekweremadu, stated that the youths are also affected by climate change and stated the importance of climate change in the lives of youths and those living with disability. He stressed the role of a green economy in creating jobs for the youth and having an environment that is sustainable and beneficial to the youth whose future needs are affected by climate change.

The meeting ended with a technical session where all the major issues relating to climate change in Enugu State were comprehensively discussed.

By Paul Ogwu, Society for Planet and Prosperity

Envoy accelerates drive for blue hydrogen investment, development

Michael Simire
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Envoy accelerates drive for blue hydrogen investment, development

Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, says he is exploring new collaborations to accelerate the country’s drive for blue hydrogen investment and development.

Envoy
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, after a meeting with climate action partners on Thursday at the State House

He said in a statement issued on Thursday, July 18, 2024, that he held insightful discussion with Mr Joseph McMonigle, Secretary-General of International Energy Forum (IEF), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

He said he also met with Mr Tony Okpanachi, the MD/CEO of the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and his team and congratulated them on becoming the first Nigerian financial institution to be accredited by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

He said this opened a new vista of climate financing for important projects nationwide.

“Furthermore, we discussed how to partner in advancing the priority areas of President Bola Tinubu’s administration within our green industrial growth acceleration programme,” said the envoy.

Ngelale said he also held a 90-minute discussion with lead climate negotiators representing 119 other countries in a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) virtual meeting on the just transition.

“I also hosted the Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), Mr Xavier Muron and his team, alongside the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) leadership.

“We deliberated on the various pathways to economically benefit decarbonisation in the context of maximising our natural resources to fund the energy transition.

“There are many exciting economic opportunities that will result from this deepening partnership,” he said.

Similarly, Ngelale on Thursday engaged virtually with a team from the Canada-based Alberta Carbon Market Collaboration.

He said he exchanged views with the NCCC leadership on Nigeria’s value chain localisation agenda and the evolution of a carbon market ecosystem that favors the Nigerian economy and citizenry above all else.

“Following this on Thursday evening, I held a high-level virtual discussion with leaders from the NDC Partnerships Group.

“We followed up on Nigeria’s update to the NDC framework, and deliberated fruitfully on converting the aspirational NDC framework into a business-tailored, project-driven plan that details in specificity the bankability of critical projects across the nation,” said Ngelale.

By Salif Atojoko

REPower Afrika: Group seeks urgent investment in renewable energy for Africa

Michael Simire
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REPower Afrika: Group seeks urgent investment in renewable energy for Africa

On Thursday, July 18, 2024, during the hottest month of the year globally, 350Africa.org and partners launched REPower Afrika – an ambitious campaign uniting regional community renewable energy projects to urge financiers and governments across the world to prioritise and increase investments in affordable, reliable and clean energy.

Solar panels
Solar panels

Africa is disproportionately bearing the brunt of climate change, with 17 out of the 20 countries most threatened by climate impacts located on the continent. Recent severe weather events, including severe droughts in Southern Africa and heavy rains in Tanzania, Kenya, and Burundi have caused food shortages, fatalities, and displacement. Despite these alarming trends, plans to expand fossil fuel infrastructure, like the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), continue to threaten both people and the planet.

The REPower Afrika campaign showcases the power and potential of community-led efforts igniting a renewable energy movement across the continent. Communities are standing up against harmful fossil fuels and demonstrating that renewable energy is a viable, equitable alternative. These efforts are fuelling hope for an energy-secure future and freedom from worsening climate impacts.

Urgent Call for Renewable Energy Investment and Policy Support

For Africa to realise a just transition to renewable energy, significant investment from financial institutions and developed nations is essential and urgent. African governments must create an enabling framework, enacting policies and regulations that facilitate the deployment of renewable energy and attract substantial investments.

Renewable energy is not only a sustainable choice but also a driver of economic development. While fossil fuel projects like EACOP are projected to create 200-300 jobs in Uganda, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) projects that renewable energy could generate 400,000 to 1.5 million jobs in East Africa by 2050.

Through the REPower Afrika campaign, communities in the EACOP region (Uganda and Tanzania) are showcasing the potential of renewable energy. Solar installations in communities along the EACOP pipeline are improving people’s lives, providing light for children to study but also developing green jobs and enhanced energy access whilst protecting the environment.

REPower Afrika is advocating for a future where renewable energy powers our communities, protects our environment, and promotes social and economic well-being. Ten gatherings will be taking place across Uganda and Tanzania, with solidarity actions taking place in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Benin, Togo, Ghana, and Nigeria.

Landry Ninteretse, Africa Regional Director at 350.org, said: “REPower Afrika marks the beginning of a transformative journey where communities at the frontline of the climate crisis take the lead in demanding accessible, affordable, and safe energy for all while creating millions of green jobs. Africa’s wealth of renewable energy potential presents a great opportunity for the continent to not only address its own energy needs but also potentially lead the global energy transition.

“By working together with governments, civil society, and community leaders, we can create a supportive environment for community-centred renewable energy solutions, avert climate disaster, and ensure a sustainable future for all. This is the time for Africa and the Global South to replace the obsolete energy model and fuel a development powered by renewables.”

Edwin Mumbere, Director at Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment: “Uganda faces a significant energy access challenge which hinders economic development and negatively impacts the quality of life for many Ugandans. The high upfront costs, limited financing options, policy and regulatory barriers, and competition from other energy sources are major obstacles to improving electrification rates. To address these challenges, REPower Afrika advocates for off-grid solutions like solar home systems and mini-grids and supports innovative financing models.

“Additionally, policy reforms and community engagement are crucial for creating a supportive environment for private sector investment and ensuring the long-term sustainability of solar projects. REPower Afrika is empowering communities to own and have a voice in the demand for a just transition to a community-centred renewable energy system.”

Rehema Peter, Founder of Partnership for Green Future: “We are witnessing firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change across Tanzania and Africa. From deadly floods and erratic rainfall to prolonged droughts devastating crops and livelihoods, the toll on our communities is profound. Despite global agreements like the Paris Agreement, there’s a glaring gap between promises made and the real-life struggles of those most affected.

“Climate funding often misses the mark, neglecting projects that could directly benefit vulnerable communities. It’s time for actionable policies that prioritise clean energy solutions, including tax incentives and local manufacturing of renewable technologies, to secure a sustainable future for Tanzania.”

Agnes Appiah-Hall, Global Campaigns Director at 350.org: “The main barrier to renewable energy across Africa is finance. For the sources of finance, we must turn to the rich countries and corporations that have exploited African countries for fossil fuels and have imposed huge amounts of historical debt to drive their own prosperity within rich nations, with no regard for the development or harmful impacts on communities within Africa itself.

“It’s time to expose the super-rich and the most polluting industries and tax their billions. The money generated by a global wealth tax could help drive forward the renewable energy transition with the kinds of community-driven projects REPower Afrika is putting centre stage.”

CSOs make case for increased revenue to communities at Public Hearing on Mining Act

Michael Simire
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CSOs make case for increased revenue to communities at Public Hearing on Mining Act

Civil society groups working on mining campaigns in Nigeria have demanded an upward review of the extraction net value revenue of five percent proposed to go to community development associations in Minerals and Mining Act to 10% and want the revenue reviewed periodically.

Members of the House Committee on Solid Minerals
Members of the House Committee on Solid Minerals

The recommendation was made by the Environmental Defenders Network (EDEN) in a memorandum to the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals and was endorsed by the Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI), Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF) and the Neighborhood Environmental Watch (NEW) Foundation.

At a Public Hearing on the Minerals and Mining (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill, 2023 and the Nigeria Mineral Development Company Limited (Establishment) Bill, 2023 which held in Abuja on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, the groups said that increasing revenue that goes to the communities is just and befitting as host communities carry the biggest burdens of solid minerals extraction yet they have nothing to show for it in terms of benefit sharing.

In their memorandum to the House of Representatives Committee on Solid Minerals which convened the hearing at the National Assembly, the groups also said that the government should create an incentive for artisanal and small-scale miners to be formally captured and registered so that they can access loan facilities and duty-free purchase of mining machineries.

They said this would encourage miners to pay their royalties while operating within accepted standards.

The recommendations were presented by Philip Jakpor and Tobias Lenganan Dapam, Board member of Renevlyn Development Initiative.

The memorandum by EDEN proposed that all small scale and artisanal miners should be documented in a Miners Register opened and domiciled in the Ministry of Mining/Solid Minerals in the State, local government area headquarters and mining communities.

EDEN also frowned at the excessive powers given in the proposed bill to the Minister of Solid Minerals in Section 4, which it said should be subject to further review as most of the functions proposed are duplications of what the Ministry of Environment should be carrying out.

For instance, the group questioned Section 4 (u) of the bill which proposes that the Minister of Solid Minerals shall have the power to designate a mineral as a radio-active mineral and by radioactive regulations make special provisions for the exploration, exploitation, possession, export or otherwise dealing in the radio-active mineral.

Instead, it proposed that the powers of the minister of solid minerals should be shared with other ministries relevant to the subject, including environment.

Echoing the same concern, the memorandum by Renevlyn Development Initiative stated: “There is too much concentration of powers in the hands of the minister which should be shared with other ministries or government agencies. For instance, we recommend that the powers conferred on him to establish environmental procedures are shared with other relevant ministries including the Ministry of Environment to avoid duplication or clash of responsibility.”

The group also picked holes in specific items listed which the bill proposed be included in the Community Development Agreement such as educational scholarships and employment opportunities, countering that the agreement should be flexible enough to allow the host community to determine exactly what they want or what they want to use funds they get for as their needs may change depending on situations.

Earlier, Chairman of the House Committee on Solid Minerals, Gaza Jonathan Gbefwi, said that the Public Hearing is sequel to the Public Policy Dialogue on the Mineral and Mining Act 2007 which was held from February 12 to 13, 2024.

Gbefwi said that the re-enacted bill is intended to replace the Minerals and Mining Act 2007 which does not adequately represent the reality of mining practice across the globe which should be profitable to the government and the host communities.

Income tax: Media reports misrepresent out-of-court settlement with FIRS – NLNG

Michael Simire
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Income tax: Media reports misrepresent out-of-court settlement with FIRS – NLNG

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) says it notes media reports suggesting that a Tax Appeal Tribunal ordered it to pay $27.5 million to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) as a revised Company Income Tax (CIT) settlement for 2016.

Philip Mshelbila
Philip Mshelbila, Managing Director, Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG)

The NLNG however clarifies that the reports misrepresent an out-of-court settlement that was reached amicably between the parties, without prejudice to their respective legal positions, which the Tribunal merely adopted as Consent Judgment in the appeal.

It adds that the payment by NLNG was thus made in furtherance of a settlement agreement reached between the parties and not because of any order made by the Tribunal.

Andy Odeh, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, stated: “NLNG remains a responsible corporate citizen, and consistently operates in compliance with Nigerian laws and will continue to operate in line with its vision of being “a globally competitive LNG company helping to build a better Nigeria.”

Images: Development Agenda presents Energy Transition Symposium report to ministers

Michael Simire
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Images: Development Agenda presents Energy Transition Symposium report to ministers

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Development Agenda magazine, Mr. Paddy Ezeala, on Tuesday, July 16 and Wednesday, July 17, 2024, presented the communique and the report of the recently held Energy Transition Symposium to the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, respectively.

Themed “‘Energy Transition in an Oil-dependent Economy” and supported by Ford Foundation, the symposium held in Abuja.

Development Agenda
Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako (left), and Mr. Paddy Ezeala, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Development Agenda magazine, during the presentation ceremony of the communique and the report of the recently held Energy Transition Symposium with the theme, ‘Energy Transition in an Oil-dependent Economy’ supported by Ford Foundation
Development Agenda
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and Mr. Paddy Ezeala, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Development Agenda magazine, during the presentation ceremony of the communique and the report of the recently held Energy Transition Symposium with the theme, ‘Energy Transition in an Oil-dependent Economy’ supported by Ford Foundation

Stakeholders seek urgent action to protect Nigeria’s mining sector

Michael Simire
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Stakeholders seek urgent action to protect Nigeria’s mining sector

With more than 80% of mining regulations not being followed, particularly by artisanal miners, Nigerian stakeholders have urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the sector to restore sanity and increase its contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

NEITI
Participants in Global Rights’ 2024 Multi-Stakeholder Roundtable in Abuja, organised in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI)

The group, which made the call in Abuja at the 2024 Multi-stakeholder Roundtable organised by Global Rights in collaboration with the Ministry of Solid Minerals and the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), lamented that the nation’s unregulated mining activities have negatively impacted the sector, to the point where it now contributes less than one percent of GDP.

In light of this, the event’s organisers feel that expanding the conversation’s participant base will help to effectively address the problem. This idea served as the inspiration for the programme’s theme, “Enhancing Inclusiveness: An Imperative for Promoting Transparency, Accountability, and Development in Nigeria’s Extractive Industry.”

“We live with the environmental and socio-economic consequences of lax oversight,” Abiodun Baiyewu, the executive director of Global Rights, said.

Even more tragic, she added, is that while many Nigerians will suffer the aftermaths of this irresponsibility in the future, these minerals lay the way for economic growth in the countries where they are illegally transported.

As a result, the environmental rights advocate emphasised the need for inclusion in strengthening host communities’ rights, increasing transparency, and fostering a path towards sustainability.

While NEITI’s audit reports on the industry show a few drips of progress in recent years, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, NEITI’s executive secretary, hinted that this was insufficient to make a significant difference in the economy.

In 2021, the solid minerals sector contributed 0.63 percent, of GDP, according to the latest NEITI statistics, he claims. And, given the huge potential “we have in the sector,” anyone would emphatically reject this scenario.

The low inclusion of women is another major issue he observed that needs to be addressed to accelerate growth and move the sector forward. For instance, the latest independent industry audit report conducted by NEITI in the oil, gas, and mining sectors disclosed that 56 out of 70 companies covered had a total of 19,171 employees. 15,639 (82%) were men, while 3,532 (18%) of the employees were women.

“Similarly, out of 2,325 top or high-level positions, women’s representation were less than 100,” Dr. Orji stated.

Another person who firmly feels that this issue needs a speedy solution to prevent the long-term environmental effects of natural resource exploitation on the socioeconomic development of the nation is Mr. Emmanuel Kuyole, the programme officer of the Ford Foundation.

Kuyole, who sees this setback as an opportunity for Nigeria to create green jobs, wants the conversation about transitioning from oil and gas to renewable energy to “centre on the lives of those affected by mineral extraction” to avoid a repeat of the Nigeria Delta situation.

 By Nsikak Ekere, Abuja

Natural Eco Capital lauds Development Bank of Nigeria on GCF accreditation

Michael Simire
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Natural Eco Capital lauds Development Bank of Nigeria on GCF accreditation

Natural Eco Capital, a Lagos-based sustainability firm, is celebrating and congratulating the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) on its successful accreditation to the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This milestone reflects DBN’s commitment to advancing climate action and sustainable finance.

Dr Eugene Itua
Dr Eugene Itua, CEO of Natural Eco Capital

Key Benefits of the Accreditation include:

  1. GCF Accreditation:
    • DBN’s accreditation to the GCF signifies its eligibility to access climate finance resources for projects that mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, enhance resilience, and promote sustainable development.
    • Natural Eco Capital played a crucial role in supporting DBN throughout the accreditation process, ensuring alignment with GCF standards and requirements.
  2. Climate Finance Impact:
  • With GCF accreditation, DBN gains access to funding mechanisms that can catalyze climate-smart investments across Nigeria.
  • DBN’s commitment to sustainable finance will contribute to climate resilience, renewable energy adoption, and ecosystem protection.

3. Collaboration and Vision:

Natural Eco Capital’s collaboration with DBN, over the years, exemplifies the power of sustainable partnerships, driving positive change, fostering resilience, and shaping a more sustainable future.”

The collaboration has resulted in significant achievements such as in the following:

  • ESMS Development: The Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) framework developed by Natural Eco Capital with comprehensive training for DBN staff and management enhances DBN’s ability to manage risks, monitor impacts, and foster positive outcomes for the environment and local communities.
  • Net Zero Strategy: Natural Eco Capital is excited to embark on the development of a net zero strategy for DBN. This forward-thinking initiative aims to align DBN’s operations with global climate goals, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance environmental performance. By adopting a net zero approach, DBN will contribute to a greener economy while ensuring long-term financial stability.

Natural Eco Capital is a member of the Capitals Coalition and works closely with government agencies, financial institutions, and investors to address emerging sustainability challenges.

By Dr. Eugene Itua, CEO of Natural Eco Capital, eugeneitua@ecopital.com

Summit of the Future: Countries commit to accelerate SDGs delivery

Michael Simire
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Summit of the Future: Countries commit to accelerate SDGs delivery

As preparations get underway for the Summit of the Future holding September 2024, the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development has concluded with UN Member States adopting a ministerial declaration aiming to boost multilateral efforts to scale up action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Paula Narváez
Paula Narváez, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

The declaration addresses the theme of the 2024 ECOSOC and HLPF on “Reinforcing the 2030 Agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: the effective delivery of sustainable, resilient and innovative solutions” and underscores actions for implementing the SDGs under in-depth review during this year’s HLPF.

“We must continue seeking solutions to advance the implementation and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals,” said Ms. Paula Narváez, President of the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The HLPF offered the opportunity for governments, the private sector, civil society and other partners to exchange experiences and showcase innovative solutions aimed at accelerating implementation of the SDGs. Held under the auspices of ECOSOC, this year’s Forum focused on specific goals related to no poverty (SDG1); zero hunger (SDG2); climate action (SDG13); peace, justice and strong institutions (SDG16); and partnerships (SDG17), while stressing the critical need to boost efforts during the six years remaining to meet the 2030 deadline.

Urgent call to accelerate SDGs implementation

At this time, only 17 per cent of the SDG targets are on track and current progress falls far short of what is required to meet the SDGs, according to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals Report 2024, released on June 28, 2024. The annual investment gap for developing countries to achieve the SDGs stands at $4 trillion.

The report also reveals that about 23 million more people were living in extreme poverty and over 100 million more were suffering from hunger in 2022 compared to 2019. Greenhouse gas concentrations hit record highs in 2022, with real-time data in 2023 indicating a continued rise.

However, there has been progress in some areas. The world has made significant strides in combating HIV. New infections in 2022 dropped by 27 per cent compared with 2015. The number of deaths of children under five reached a historic low of 4.9 million in 2023. The share of renewable energy in the world’s total final energy consumption rose from 16.7 per cent in 2015 to 18.7 per cent in 2021. Around 95 per cent of the global population now has internet access, a 70 per cent increase in just eight years.

“Although the greatest challenges before us are daunting, together we can overcome them, achieve the peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future that all people not only need but deserve,” said UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, at the opening of the Forum.

Voluntary National Reviews

Thirty-six countries presented their Voluntary National Reviews at the Forum – highlighting the bold actions they have taken to achieve the SDGs.

Snapshot of countries’ reporting on progress:

  • In Armenia, the proportion of seats held by women in the National Assembly is 36.45 per cent, while 40 per cent of employees in information and communication technologies and innovative start-ups are women, double the international average of 20 per cent.
  • Austria has further promoted the involvement of science in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, with an interdisciplinary project engaging 300 scientists, who presented 150 options and 950 concrete measures for implementing the SDGs in Austria.
  • In Ecuador, 94.3 per cent of the national development plan is aligned with the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals.
  • Out of 64 municipalities in Georgia, 32 are actively engaged in SDGs localisation, and it is anticipated that all municipalities will gradually integrate this process by 2025.
  • Mauritius plans to reduce overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40 per cent by 2030, achieve 60 per cent of energy requirements from green sources as well as a total phase-out of coal from electricity production.
  • In Zimbabwe, the agricultural sector grew by 4.1 per cent in 2020, 17.5 per cent in 2021 and 6.2 per cent in 2022, through the acceleration of climate-smart farming practices, conservation farming and the development of the irrigation alliance.

Adelabu inaugurates Ministerial Power Sector Working Group, signs performance contracts with agencies

Michael Simire
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Adelabu inaugurates Ministerial Power Sector Working Group, signs performance contracts with agencies

Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adekola Adelabu, has inaugurated the Ministerial Power Sector Working Group. The inauguration took place on Tuesday, July 17, 2024, in Abuja with directors and agencies under the supervision of the Ministry also signing performance contract to ensure proper tracking and supervision of projects.

Adebayo Adelabu
Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu

The performance contract was signed on behalf of the agencies by the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) and the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the Directors. Agencies present at the signing ceremony include the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), National Power Training Institute (NAPTIN), Nigerian Electricity Management and Safety Agency (NEMSA), NELMCO, Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigeria Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET).

Speaking at the event, the Minister said the inauguration of the working group would serve as a platform for supervisory, monitoring and oversight control and clarify issues with detailed explanation of what is happening in the sector, since the activities are inter-related.

Adelabu, who acknowledged the existence of the meeting in the past, said it was necessary to re-introduce and improve on it, emphasising that the major reason for re-introducing the meeting of the working group was to create a platform for information sharing, dissemination and sector wide communication medium, which he described as key to greater productivity.

He revealed that the meeting of the working group would serve more like a backup for sector co-ordination and centralized project management.

While dissecting some of the benefits of the meeting of the working groups, the Minister said: “Another aspect is the synergy that we tend to gain from coming together for the first year and capacity optimisation.”

Adelabu said the meeting would further serve as a training platform and a “refresher opportunity for optimum representation of the power sector.”

He enjoined the working group to work hard in order to achieve the set target.

“What we are doing at the end of the meeting is to ensure the signing of the performance contract which is like a bond that will compel each and every one of us to deliver on our target.

“In November 2023, as Minister of Power, I signed a performance contract with the President which actually summarised what the President expects from us.

“Now, we have cascaded that contract down to the Departments and Agencies that will contribute to the overall achievement of what we signed with Mr. President as we know that it’s a top-down approach, which is also a bottom-up approach.”

The Minister expressed confidence and assurance that the overall target would be achieved as displayed by the response and enthusiasm of the working group.

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