10 Years Post-privatisation, Electricity Industry Stakeholders Examine Performance, Plan Roundtable

Stakeholders in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) are set to examine the performance of the power sector, 10 years after it was privatised during a roundtable scheduled to hold in October.

Chairman of the NESI Market Participants & Stakeholders Roundtable (NMPSR),  Professor Stephen Ogaji, said the  inaugural roundtable event, titled “NESI privatisation & Its 10-year milestone: The Journey So Far, Opportunities and Prospects,”  is said to hold from October 30th to November 1st, 2023, in Abuja.

Speaking at a press conference, yesterday,

Ogaji said “the event is the first of what we hope to be a bi-annual conference event that provides a platform for a robust and comprehensive discussion of the issues and prospects associated with the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).

He hoped that the event will bring together the various experts, operators, vendors, and miscellaneous other stakeholders, necessary for the progressive determination of the way forward for the sector.”

This first NMPSR event holds a special significance, as we come together not only to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead but to also acknowledge the journey of the Nigerian electricity supply industry in the last ten years, post-privatisation. Since November 1st, 2013, when the final leg of the privatisation of the Nigeria power sector was completed, and the assets were successfully handed over to private investors by the federal government of Nigeria.

While it has been a decade of ups and downs, the resilience, dedication, and collective effort from all stakeholders have all brought us to where we stand today, not quite where we ought to be, but making incremental progress towards the final objective of consistent and sufficient power supply. He said

The chairman also added that NMPSR will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the sector. We envision this conference as the beginning of a new era of cooperation, progress, and growth in the sector.

Also speaking, executive director, Association of Nigeria Electricity Distribution (ANED)  Mr Sunday Oduntan said this type of event is happening at the right time. “Since 2005, we haven’t invoiced more than 4000 megawatts.

He also added that there should be a total overview and self assessment by the media to actually know what is surrounding the power sector.

He stated that the sector needs collaboration and alignment from the federal government.