Read what the US government did for Nigerians to have constant electricity supply
– The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is in the news again
– They have launched a new assistance program that aims to improve power distribution performance and increase connections in Nigeria
– The two-year agreement will provide management consultation to three Nigerian distribution companies
NAIJ.com on Monday, May 23, witnessed the signing between USAID partner Power Africa Transactions Reforms Program and the chief executives of the Abuja, Benin and Eko distribution companies.
Mrs Olufunke Osibodu; CEO of Benin Electricity Distribution (r and Chairman, Eko Electricity Distribution; Mr Charles Momoh at the signing ceremony
The signing ceremony was also witnessed by the US ambassador to Nigeria; Mr James Entwistle, special assistant to the minister of power, Mr Babatunde Fashola, Lanre Olusola; director, office of the Economic Growth and Environment, USAID; Mr Matthew Burton and USAID mission director, Mr Michael Harvey.
US ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle and special assistant to the minister of power, Mr Babatunde Fashola, Lanre Olusola at the event
The agreement will advance major infrastructure investments and strengthen systems in the distribution companies.
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Announced by President Obama in 2013, Power Africa is working with sub-Saharan African governments, the private sector and other partners, including Nigeria to add more than 30,000 megawatts (MW) of cleaner, more efficient electricity generation capacity and 60 million new connections by 2030.
The initiative has already helped financially close over 4,000 MW worth of transactions representing almost 14 per cent of the initial 30,000 MW goal.
Participants at the event
Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Entwistle said: ”We believe that distribution companies are the starting point for improving the entire power sector value chain.
”Through improving the performance of distribution companies, we will see increased electricity supply and access….our joint efforts will improve the lives of countless Nigerians and serve as a model for other African countries.”
On his part, Fashola stated that the agreement was a big step towards improving the power situation in Nigeria. He also informed the audience that his ministry has begun focusing on solar power in order to diversify Nigeria’s energy base.
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Representatives of the distribution companies were also on hand to sign the agreements for their respective companies. They include Mrs Olufunke Osibodu; CEO of Benin Electricity Distribution, Chairman, Eko Electricity Distribution; Mr Charles Momoh and Board Chairman, Abuja Electricity Distribution; Ambassador Shehu Malami.
Meanwhile, a recent report revealed that Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies are not having the best of time, as they have recorded a huge collective loss of N300 billion since the federal government privatised the sector.
This is in the midst of other challenges that have marred effective power supply to residents and manufacturing industries in the country.
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