-

Advertisements

Spread the love

Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima has stated that there can not be meaningful national economic development in the country without addressing the power sector crisis and ensuring access to affordable energy for its citizens.

The VP stated on Thursday while inaugurating the National Economic Council (NEC) Ad Hoc Committee on National Electrification and the NEC Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The VP, while speaking at the event, made reference to countries like Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Uganda, that have overcome energy insufficiency challenges to emerge as industrialized nations.

“There is no doubt that we cannot dream of meaningful national economic development without addressing the issue in the power sector. And ensuring that Nigerians have accessible, available, and affordable energy,” he emphasized.

According to the VP, an estimated 40-70 percent of Nigerians lack formal access to electricity. He, however, expressed optimism that the calibre and experience of the committee members would lead to positive changes.

Shettima acknowledged the persistent challenges in the power sector, particularly the frequent national grid collapses. He, however, expressed optimism that recent reforms in the energy sector would attract both local and foreign investments.

He said, “I believe we are well endowed with resources, be it gas, hydro, or solar. That allow us to have an optimal energy mix and build a resilient sector to ensure energy security for every Nigerian,” he added.

Addressing members of the Committee, Shittima urged them to work collaboratively to develop and implement a National Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan.

The Vice President also used the occasion to inaugurate the National Executive Committee Ad Hoc Committee on Polio Eradication,

Addressing the committee, Shettima called for a renewed effort to combat the disease. He emphasized the importance of long-term solutions, including local vaccine production, to address the resurgence of polio.

He said, “We cannot fight this virus by constantly responding to its recurrence, as short-term measures will always fail. We must develop a futuristic plan,” he said.

Shettima also highlighted the new variants of polio in Kano and Sokoto States . He, however, commended the firm actions taken by these States to address the outbreaks.

Responding on behalf of the Committee, the Governor of Cross River State, Prince Bassey Edet Otu thanked the Vice President.

He, therefore, outlined the Committee’s key tasks, that include ending consistent grid collapses and deepening state engagement in the Electricity Reform Act 2023.

The Chair of the Polio Eradication Committee, Governor Inuwa Yahaya assured that the Committee would work diligently to eradicate polio in the country.

The Gombe State Governor, commended the Vice President for assembling a strong team for the task. He emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to achieving success in their task.

Members of the National Electrification Committee include the Governors of Katsina, Gombe, Osun, Imo, and Plateau States. Also in the Committee are the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and Power. The representatives from the Rural Electrification Agency, Nigeria Governors’ Forum, and other key stakeholders make up the list.

The Polio Eradication Committee includes Governors of Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States. Also representatives from the Ministry of Health, UNICEF, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and other health organizations are on the list.

source: Vanguard

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaC505jB4hdZ5Yx9g82U