BY GLORIA AKUDORO
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has said that Nigeria’s economic growth hinges on a vibrant industrial sector driven by reliable and affordable power supply.
Adelabu stated that ongoing reforms in legislation, policy and infrastructure had improved grid stability and boosted generation and consumption.
He stated this during the Industrial Revolution Work-Group Premier Ministerial Roundtable on Energy, Security and Industrial Infrastructure on Wednesday in Abuja, themed “Beyond Power: Building the Backbone of the Industry – Energy, Infrastructure and Sovereignty in Action.”
Adelabu reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to strengthening transmission, distribution, regulation and investment to ensure sustainable electricity supply and reduce grid disturbances nationwide.
The minister added that consensus had been reached on the need for stronger collaboration between the Ministry of Power and the industrial sector to tackle challenges systematically, cluster by cluster.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Industry, Sen. John Enoh, declared that Nigeria must prioritise industrialisation and dependable energy supply to stop exporting raw materials and strengthen local value chains. He described industrialisation as an economic imperative.
The event, which featured top government officials and key stakeholders, aimed to ensure Nigeria became more productive by reducing raw material exports and enhancing economic management.
The minister stressed that discussions within the Industrial Revolution Workgroup had identified energy security and weak industrial infrastructure as major barriers to growth. He added that the roundtable series would begin by tackling power supply issues in industrial clusters, as energy is central to industrial development.
Strengthening clusters, he said, remained the most practical way to deliver energy and infrastructure efficiently.
While acknowledging the importance of the national grid, Enoh said alternative energy sources must complement it. He explained that blended power — gas, solar and others — is needed, especially where grid supply is unreliable.
President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr. Francis Meshioye, said the roundtable addressed critical issues, including alternative power sources to ensure independent and reliable electricity supply for industries.
He said discussions covered options such as independent power and dual international connections, guided by cost-benefit analysis.
Meshioye expressed confidence that practical power solutions for industrial clusters would emerge in the coming months.