… unveils lists of several approaches necessary to accomplish Nigeria’s energy goals
… seeks stakeholders’ input
Oredola Adeola
The Federal Government has launched the Gazettes of the National Energy Policy (NEP) and National Energy Master Plan (NEMP), crafted by the Energy Commission of Nigeria, to chart a comprehensive national strategy for untapped energy source diversification.
Advisors Reports confirmed that the unveiled documents would be presented to the public for further consultation on the lists of several approaches necessary to accomplish the country’s energy goals.
The documents were unveiled by the duo of Ms. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President Bola Tinubu on Energy, and Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit, at the PTDF auditorium, Abuja on Wednesday.
Ms.Verheijen in her remark stated that the documents reveal the direction of the government’s policies, and also list the several approaches necessary to accomplish the country’s energy goals.
The Special Adviser to the President on Energy stated that the documents would be presented to the public for further consultation.
Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, on her part described the documents as a significant milestone in addressing Nigeria’s longstanding energy crisis that has affected all aspects of the nation’s sustainable development.
According to her, the two documents have the potential to unlock Nigeria’s vast energy resources by eliminating obstacles and paving the way for a future powered by reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy sources.
She said, the efforts of the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Energy Commission of Nigeria, and other critical stakeholders in the Energy sector concerning the road map for the industry directly align with Presidential Priority 4 of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration—to unlock energy and natural resources for sustainable development.
Usman further said, “Today’s event signals progress in our journey toward a reliable and stable energy supply for the benefit of all Nigerians”
“We are confident that the implementation of these policies will transform lives across the nation. The current administration is fully aware of the tremendous social and economic benefits of a resilient, stable, and profitable energy sector,” Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, the Central Delivery Coordination Unit.
Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), who also witnessed the unveiling of the documents called for increased collaboration between public and private sector investors for the country to achieve its energy goals.
Ekpo said the task of creating a Nigeria where citizens have access to cheap, unlimited energy must not be left solely to the government.
The Minister said, “To achieve our energy goals, I implore our respected partners in the public and private sectors to collaborate. To face the difficulties that lie ahead, let’s leverage the power of cooperation, creativity, and technology.”
He also described the road to a sustainable energy future as a marathon and not a sprint, saying it calls for unyielding resolve, innovative leadership, and unwavering dedication.
According to him, energy plays a critical role in promoting social development, accelerating economic progress, and protecting the environment.
“Future generations will be greatly impacted by the choices that we make today. We can create a Nigeria where everyone has access to cheap, unlimited energy by working together,” Rt. Hon. Ekpo added.
Chief Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, in his remark, stated that the documents will provide an ability and constancy framework in the decision-making and planning processes between government and other stakeholders.
According to him, the step taken by the Energy Commission would enhance its recognition at the international level while facilitating cooperation and alignment within international standards.
“These steps taken will facilitate the energy industry and promote the requisite platform for a robust consideration of the invested and prospect from transmitting to the falsehood-based economy to an economy driven by low carbon options” Chief Nnaji stated.
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General Energy Commission of Nigeria, ECN, earlier in his welcome address, said the documents will address the energy crisis in the country by educating Nigerians on the best source to use.
He said, “We have had different policy documents unveiled in this country, but this is the first time we have crafted an implementation strategy in the Masterplan that will help the masses, stakeholders, and investors to invest in energy and also advise them on the best source of energy to use.
“The full solution to the energy crisis we are having is if we must guarantee energy security, then we must diversify. We have so many sources of energy that are still untapped and this document is given the roadmap, “Abdullahi emphasized.
