Ministerial Retreat on the Integrated National Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan
Venue: Transcorp Hilton Hotel
Date: 12-14, December, 2023
Day 1
Section 3, part 2 of the Electricity Act signed into law in June 2023 requires that the Honourable Minister of Power shall, “within one year from the commencement of this Act, initiate the process for the preparation and publication in the Federal Gazette, an Integrated National Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (INEP & SIP).
In fulfilment of this requirement, the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, organized a three-day Inaugural Ministerial Retreat on the subject matter, to review, analyse, and discuss salient points that will culminate in the publication of the policy document. The retreat allowed stakeholders from within and outside the power sector to capture diverse opinions and viewpoints to enhance the quality of policy document to be written for the power sector.
This is a first in a series of three retreats which aim to identify the key themes to be addressed in the key National Policy Dialogue on the Integrated National Electricity Policy for the power sector. Noteworthy is the fact that the Strategic Implementation Plan, to be based on this policy is also being worked on.
Flanked by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Mr. Temitope Fashedemi, the event had in attendance, notable participants and stakeholders including, the coordinating Minister for the economy and Honourable Minister of Finance, The Minister of Budget & National Planning, the Chairmen of both the Senate and House Committees on Power, Chief Executive Officers of the departments, and agencies under the Ministry of Power, key power sector players, and representatives of State Governments (Lagos, Abia, Ekiti, Enugu, Adamawa, Benue, etc among others.
Setting the context for the first day of the retreat entitled “Navigating and Aligning on the path to Enhanced Electricity Reliability”, the Chief Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Power, Mr. Dayo Olowoniyi emphasized the need to walk together to achieve mileage and walk far in the quest for developing the necessary robust policy document that will underpin the success of the Nigerian Electricity Sector going forward.
The challenges and opportunities in the electricity value chain were well discussed by carefully selected industry giants and key stakeholders to cover issues around regulation, gas, renewable energy, thermal and hydro generation, transmission, and distribution sub-sectors.
The transition from the existing National Electricity Market in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) to the trio of Wholesale, State, and Regional Electricity Markets envisioned by the Electricity Act throws up fundamental market design changes with unique characteristics that must be covered by the draft policy for the power sector. This was dealt with thoroughly during the event.
Two plenary breakout sessions were held. The first gave an end-to-end assessment of the electricity value chain while providing necessary policy prescriptions that will promote growth and value-creation. The second took a detailed review of what the enablers and processes for the establishment of the three-tier electricity market envisioned for the power sector are.
Outstandingly, in a first of its kind, the Honourable Minister of Power attended every minute of the event, and participated in 14 different breakout rooms where discussions were held during the plenary sessions.
At the end of the first day of the retreat, the Honourable Minister thanked all participants for their steadfastness to the course, and their contributions throughout the day.
The event was ably supported by partners such as UKNiAF, Power Africa (USAID), Nextier Limited, and co.
Idowu Oyebanjo, PhD
8 comments
Strong Consumer Protection Policy should enthroned to avoid exploitation of masses-Hon. Abiodun K.Sorunke, FCA.
Thanks so much boss!
So much insights here Sir, I believe with continuous engagements of these various power entities and enthusiasm of the Honourable Minister. Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria long awaited power breakthrough will receive some testimonies.
Nigerians don’t care about the policies involved in getting power they want to get power they need it and are ready to pay for power when the supply is steadily stable. My humble submission is that, as much as the Sector is putting in place for the generation and distribution of power, we must first consider the real-purpose factors that will enhances a rapid flow of power to the end users.
Excellent thoughts. You are spot on!
A good development that call for continous engagements of the initiative and advocacy against power theft, vandalization and educate consumers against any act that will lead to distructing the process of getting
rapid flow of power to the end users.
Sure. We will appreciate suggestions on technologies that can help us prevent electricity theft Amar.
Thank you for sharing such valuable insights from the 2023 Power Sector Ministerial retreat. The Electricity Act has sparked so much excitement! I am glad to see that your post perfectly captures all aspect of the Ministerial Retreat.
Very much appreciated. Thanks