Experts seek support for new investors in power sector

Some experts in the power sector on Tuesday urged electricity consumers to exercise patience as effects of the reforms would soon begin to unfold.

They also sought the support of the new investors towards ensuring sustainable and effective electricity supply nationwide.

The stakeholders made the appeal in interviews with news men in Lagos.

They assured consumers that the roadmap for the reform and activities of new investors were indicative of success ahead in the near future.

Mr Joseph Makoju, a former Special Assistant to the President on Electricity, said the just concluded reforms in the power sector would soon begin to show gains.

He said the prospects for fresh investments, new technology and expertise of the new owners represent hope and confidence that the nation would soon overcome its power challenges.

Makoju called for patience and understanding from Nigerians as the new investors embarked on rehabilitation, upgrading and deployment of robust infrastructure.

'I believe the future is bright for the sector.  I see a lot of opportunities for uninterrupted power supply, capacity building and employment prospects for Nigerians in the long run,'’ he said

Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, the Managing Director, PowerCap Nigeria Ltd., said it would take some times to overhaul the subsisting power infrastructure.

Ogunleye said achieving uninterrupted power supply would require patience from Nigerians and commitment to deploy new technology to be manned by well trained workers.

'I am aware that the new investors are already thinking along the line of new technology and have plans to train and retrain their workforce.

'I believe we will get the breakthrough we all deserve in the near future,' he said.

Mr. Abraham Williams, Project Coordinator, Dubril Consortium Ltd., said the handover of some power assets to the private sector had brought new lease of life to the sector.

'The participation of the private sector would bring about more efficient and cost effective power supply arising from increased investment, enhanced infrastructure and opportunity for transfer of technical know-how to Nigerians,' he said.

Mr Fashola Charles, Managing Director, Seacof Enginering Ltd., said the power sector transition represented unprecedented milestone for the nation.

'What private participation did to the telecom sector is what we will eventually witness in the power sector.

'But I believe a lot of consumer education and enlightenment programmes are required to make the average Nigerian know that the handover did not mean we would begin to witness uninterrupted power immediately.

'The good news is that it kicked off the journey of a process that would eventually get us there,' he said

NAN reports that some of the operators are currently partnering with reputable global power firms as technical partners to ensure stable electricity supply.

Ikeja Distribution Company (IKEDC) currently partners the Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

KEPCO partnership is expected in areas of generation, transmission, distribution and metering.

Others are distribution automation system, geographic information system, customer information, advanced call center and distribution control center.