The federal government has inaugurated the Power Sector Communications Team in a bid to enhance transparency and communication within the power sector.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Power House in Abuja, was presided over by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, who emphasised the importance of effective communication in addressing the sector’s challenges.
This was disclosed in a statement by the chairman, PSCT Bolaji Tunji, on Wednesday.
In his speech, Adelabu described the PSCT as a “strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between the power sector and the public.
He noted that the power sector, which is often misunderstood and fraught with challenges, requires a platform for clear and consistent communication to build trust and confidence.
“The PSCT is more than just a team; it is a commitment to excellence in communication,” the minister stated.
“We envision a Nigeria where electricity is not just a luxury but a fundamental right. To achieve this, we must work together, and effective communication is key,” he added.
The PSCT, as outlined by Adelabu, will focus on translating complex technical issues into plain language, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and creating a positive narrative around the power sector.
“I am confident that under the leadership of its dedicated members, the PSCT will excel,” he said, adding, “Together, we will transform the power sector from a source of frustration to a catalyst for national growth.”
The chairman of the PSCT, Bolaji Tunji, expressed his enthusiasm about the team’s reactivation, noting that while the idea of the PSCT is not new, its revival marks a renewed commitment to addressing communication challenges in the sector.
“It gladdens my heart that the Power Sector Communications Team is being inaugurated today. Our vision is to transform the perception of the power sector by providing consistent, truthful, and insightful information that highlights the ongoing progress and challenges within the sector,” he said.
Tunji highlighted several strategic initiatives that the PSCT will undertake, including a nationwide campaign focused on educating the public on critical power sector issues such as energy theft and vandalisation.
“Our goal is to empower citizens with the knowledge to understand their roles in safeguarding our power infrastructure and to inspire collective action against these harmful practices,” he explained.
The chairman also stressed the importance of stakeholder engagement, noting that regular dialogues, workshops, and forums will be organised to foster better understanding and cooperation among all players in the power sector value chain.
“This engagement is crucial in ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in their efforts to provide reliable and affordable electricity to the Nigerian people,” Tunji stated.
In his remarks, Tunji underscored the need for adequate funding and inclusion of the communication team in all relevant activities within the Ministry and its agencies.
“Communication is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have for a public utility organisation like ours. I want to appeal to us to commit to communication that is clear, concise, compassionate, and customer-centric,” he added.
The inauguration of the PSCT is seen as a critical step towards improving transparency and building public trust in Nigeria’s power sector.
As the minister concluded, “By working together, we can create a brighter, more electrified future for Nigeria.”
