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By Akpan David, Calabar
The federal and Coss River State governments have discussed ways of further boosting power infrastructures and generation as a way of boosting socioeconomic developments in the country.
Governor of the state, Senator Bassey Otu and Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu agreed in Calabar, capital of the state, to collaborate more in this direction.
This agreement held when the minister called on Governor Otu in his office after he and his officials conducted an assessment tour of power infrastructure in the state.
Otu stated that his administration places high premium on energy and food security for the socioeconomic benefit of the state and its residents.
He maintained that energy security remains pivotal to driving every other sector of the state economy.
The Governor pointed out that the recent establishment of four mini-grids within the state would contribute in no small measure to the socio-economic development of the state.
“We have always looked out for ways in which we can scale up power; scale up in a way that our power supply can power our economy. We are confident that pending contracts in the sector will soon be activated, and 24/7 power supply across the state is very possible,” he said.
On his part, the minister explained that his visit to the state was to strengthen existing collaboration with the state government and be reassured of its commitment to achieving the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
He said the visit has afforded him more opportunity to discuss further collaborations that can fast track the common goal of regular power supply to the state’s households, businesses, and industries.
He stressed on the importance of collaboration between the federal and state governments to enhance the electricity supply in the state, adding that the productivity of the Calabar Distribution point under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, “happens to be the most active and the most productive of the 10 power plants being run by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company.
“The plant has a capacity of 625 megawatts, and I believe it can serve the nation better with proper maintenance and public cooperation,” he noted.
The Minister called for public co-operation in terms of payment of electricity bills and avoiding power theft, stressing that such responsibilities were crucial for the sustainability of the power infrastructure.
“Our president, under his Renewed Hope agenda, has chosen power to revive other critical sectors of the economy, citizens are expected to protect these collective assets from vandalism.”
Cross River State government has intention to buy over the Calabar power generation facility under the Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd, but Minister Adelabu said that is for the National Privatisation Council and Federal Executive Council to look into.
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