The Federal Government has expressed confidence that Nigeria is moving closer to achieving reliable power supply across the country.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, made this known in Abuja at the commissioning of new facilities at the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN).
He described the project as a major milestone for both the institute and Nigeria’s power sector, noting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had shown real dedication by turning its promises into tangible achievements.
The minister explained that these efforts were already producing results, as the country recently recorded its highest level of power generation and transmission in history.
“In no time, we are going to witness a country where there is 24/7 uninterrupted power supply. This is possible and we have certainly seen the signs,” he said.
The minister said the government was lighting up universities, teaching hospitals, primary health centres, public institutions and communities, stressing that power supply remained the driver of other critical sectors of the economy, including education, health and aviation.
“We have what it takes to start manufacturing our own meters, cables, transformers, transmission transformers and batteries. We have the brain. We have the people. We must be self-reliant and sustainable, and we are very close to achieving this,” he said.
The minister said the new facilities reflected government’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce capable of addressing challenges in a fast-changing energy landscape.
He added that the training centres and hostel would equip young Nigerians with modern tools and knowledge to drive innovation and job creation.
Daily Trust reported that the Director-General of NAPTIN, Ahmed Nagode, said the projects represented a foundation for a brighter future in the power sector.
He disclosed that the institute planned to explore partnerships to implement the Next Generation Rescue Programme to train and empower young Nigerian leaders.
Nagode commended the European Union (EU) and the French Government for their role in supporting the new facilities, noting that funding and technical assistance came through Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
Speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, explained that the EU had committed €8 million to the project as part of its broader backing for power sector reforms in the country. He added that the EU had also supported NAPTIN in designing 95 training programmes, comprising 65 technical and 30 non-technical courses, while investing more than €200 million in Nigeria’s power sector since 2008.
Mignot further revealed that the EU’s most recent renewable energy package for Nigeria, valued at €100 million, was aimed at delivering 400 megawatts of clean energy by 2027, a move expected to benefit over five million Nigerians.
