Energy: FG seeks more private sector participation

Kaduna – President Goodluck Jonathan, Saturday, in Kaduna, called on the organised private sector (OPS) to support the Federal Government’s energy sector reform to rejuvenate the  economy.

The call is contained in the President’s message read at the opening of the 32nd Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna.

 He said:“ I wish to reiterate that only a diversified economy can ensure growth and prosperity in a globalised economy. 

“ I, therefore, urge all the stakeholders in the nation’s economy to collaborate with government to rejuvenate the economy and free our people from poverty. 

“ In the light of this, we must all brace to the  challenges and consciously work as partners in progress to give a new impetus, vision and direction to business environment in the country for sustainable economic growth.“ 

The president urged the OPS to also take due advantage of the current policies of deregulation and economic liberalisation to grow the non-oil sector, “which has suffered serious neglect in the past decades “. 

Jonathan assured the OPS of   government’s readiness to collaborate with them in an open and transparent manner by encouraging diligent and innovative ideas. 

He commended the organisers of the fair, Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA), for the choice of theme for the fair, “ National Energy Road Map for Nigeria’s Growth and Development. “ 

The president said the theme was apt and relevant to the administration’s effort in addressing the crises in the energy sector to make life more meaningful to both the populace and to industrialise the country.

“The theme could not have come at a better time than now that efforts are in top gear toward fixing the energy sector.“

He sais the development of the sector would contribute immensely to employment generation, wealth creation and poverty reduction.

He said the capacity of the energy sub-sector would drive the nation’s economy towards attainment of the Vision 20: 2020 programme.

“ The ongoing rehabilitation of the various hydro and thermal power stations and construction of 19 transmission lines and independent power projects (IPPS) across the country is a clear demonstration of the present administration’s seriousness.

“The efforts are geared to put an end to the perennial problem of epileptic power supply in the country.“he said. 

He said the Federal Government had constituted a task force to accelerate the expansion of Nigeria’s power infrastructure to attain 6,000 mega watts within 18 months.

He added, that the award of contracts for the construction of coal fired power plants along Enugu axis and Benue, Kogi and Gombe axis were to ensure uninterrupted power supply to every nook and cranny of the country.

Earlier, the President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr Herbart Ajayi, said the  private sector was willing to contribute to the development of the nation’s economy  by attracting massive investments.

Ajayi said the manufacturing  sector was faced by various challenges of power shortage and double taxation by government agencies, making it difficult to realise its set goals of investments, which was profit.

The NACCIMA president appealed to the government at all levels to collaborate  and ensure that challenges  slowing development were addressed.