» "We Will Fix Power Supply Problems In 3 Years" - Buhari «

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his
administration's commitment to providing a lasting
solution to the age-long power supply problems in in the
country within the next three years, Guardian reports.
Speaking at the National Economic Council retreat on the
economy held at the State House Conference Centre,
Presidential Villa, Abuja, Monday, March 21, 2016, the
President admitted that the privatisation of the power
sector has not changed anything in terms of performance.
“Nigerians’ favourite talking point and butt of jokes is the
power situation in our country. But, ladies and gentlemen,
it is no longer a laughing matter. We must and by the
grace of God we will put things right,” Buhari said
He said his government would end power shortages which
has become a monster of sort, as previous administrations
have been unable to successfully surmount it.
As listed by the President, some of the problems of the
sector includes, constant power cuts destroying economic
activity and affecting quality of life; high electricity bills
despite power cuts and low supply of gas to power plants
due to vandalization by terrorists.
Others are obsolete power distribution equipment such as
transformers; power fluctuations, which damage
manufacturing equipment and household appliances and
low voltage which cannot run an industrial machine.
Buhari also highlighted solutions to the problems - he said
the government will fast-track completion of pipelines from
gas points to power stations and provide more security to
protect gas and oil pipelines; adding that the power
companies will be encouraged to replace obsolete
equipment and improve the quality of service and
technicians.
He however charged the National Electricity Regulatory
Commission (NERC) to ensure consumers get value for
money and overall public interest is safeguarded.
The National Economic Council Retreat. which ends on
Tuesday, March 22, is aimed at generating immediate,
medium and long-term viable policy solutions to the
economic challenges facing the country.