‘Why power supply has improved under Buhari’

Godknows Igali, permanent secretary of the ministry of power, says gas pipeline vandalism has stopped since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office.

This, he said, is responsible for the improved power supply in the country.

Speaking to the media on Monday at the presidential villa, Abuaj, Igali said contrary reports that power supply improved because of increased rains, “the hydro power stations in Kainji and Shiroro contribute just about 20 per cent of the entire electricity and no substantial additions come from there”.

According to him, vandalism of gas pipelines was recurrent in the last days of the previous administration.

“It reached its peak on the May 26th when gas-generated electricity was completely grounded,” he said.

Igali said the current administration redoubled efforts at engaging communities where the pipelines pass through to allow peace to reign “which has resulted in increased gas supplies and improved power supply nationwide currently at 4,600 megawatts”.

He said Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has been holding almost daily meetings with power distribution companies on ways of improving power supply to consumers.

“It is no miracle but a lot of work being directed by the president and vice-president. People are working in more a concerted manner to achieve the prevailing results,” Igali said.

He said ‎with these efforts being sustained, more gas has been passing through the pipelines “withou‎t hindrance”.