Abbas: Effective regulation needed for sustainable power sector

Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house of representatives, says effective regulation is required for a sustainable power sector.

Abbas spoke on Wednesday at the power engineering exhibition and conference (IPECON) organised by the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) in Abuja.

Represented by Audu Gana, deputy chairman of the house committee on power, Abbas said effective regulation would ensure high standards, ethical conduct, competence and professionalism among engineering professionals.

The speaker said effective regulation is vital in maintaining public trust and fostering accountability to drive innovation within the sector.

He noted that Nigeria’s yearning for reliable, sustainable power supply requires a transformative and dynamic approach.

“This conference’s theme, ‘Birthing an Effective Electric Power Sector of the 21st Century: The Role of Professional Practice Regulation’, highlights the pressing need for a robust regulatory framework that prioritises safety, efficiency, reliability and sustainability,” he said.

“In this context, the role of professional practice becomes even more crucial.”

Enyinnaya Abaribe, chairman of the senate committee on power, who was represented by Benson Konbowei, senator representing Bayelsa central, said the myriad challenges in the power sector require collaboration.

“It is imperative that the stakeholders in the sector establish robust regulatory frameworks that not only ensure ethical professionalism but also promote innovation,” he said.

Abaribe said regulation should accommodate emerging technologies such as smart grids and renewable energy sources.

“By fostering a culture of accountability and professionalism within the industry, we can enhance operational standards and ensure that power engineers are equipped with the necessary skills to meet contemporary challenges,” the senator added.

Israel Abraham, president of CIPEN, said the conference is a call for power engineers to reappraise their role on how to get the sector back on a progressive path.

The conference comes amid the frequent collapse of the national grid which has been attributed to weak infrastructure.