FG, EU launch energy survey to address power needs of citizens

The federal government, in partnership with the European Union (EU), has launched the “Nigeria Residential Sector Demand-Side Survey”.

The survey, which intends to capture at least 5,000 households in the six geo-political zones of the country, is expected to provide comprehensive data on energy consumption and demand.

Speaking at the launch of the survey in Abuja, Adebayo Adelabu, minister of power, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu is committed to providing stable power supply to households, businesses, and industries.

Adelabu said only stable power supply would unlock the abundance of human and natural resources in the country.

“We have concluded the diagnosis and have passed that stage,” the minister said.

“We know what the problem is with the power sector, we know the obstacles and hindrances.”

Adelabu said there is a need for more funds to be spent on the country’s electricity supply chain.

“This is the only way that we can actually guarantee liquidity into the sector. And these funds cannot be provided by the federal government alone,” he said.

“We need all levels of government from the federal to the states, and the local government, most especially the private sector investors, both locally and offshore.

“Like Oliver Twist, we’re asking for more. They need to invest more in this country. Nigeria has over 200 million people. So we are still scratching the surface. The entire world would also know when we actually achieve our full potential.

“This is achievable only with reliable electricity.”

Mary Warlick, executive director of International Energy Agency (IEA), said her organisation would continue to support Nigeria in capacity building.

“As an agency with energy data and analysis at its core, the IEA is very key to supporting Nigeria with capacity building and energy statistics through the energy Sub-Saharan African programme,” Warlick said.

The IEA executive secretary said the survey will help the federal government in designing an energy policy.