The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Mr Ali Rabiu, has called for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges in the power sector. This approach, he believes, requires innovation, collaboration, and visionary leadership. Rabiu made this remark at a webinar organised by the NSE Board of Fellows, which focused on "Rebooting Nigeria's Power Sector for Sustainable Development: The Role of Nigerian Engineers."

The power sector has been plagued by long-standing political interference, according to Rabiu. As a result, the politics of energy encompasses a complex array of issues, including policy formulation, regulation, investment, and international relations. These issues are intertwined with socioeconomic dynamics, environmental considerations, and geopolitical realities.

Rabiu commended the NSE Board of Fellows for their efforts in highlighting critical issues in the power sector. The webinar, he said, would foster meaningful discourse and strengthen the collective role of engineers in national development. As engineers, Rabiu stated that they are committed to guiding the Federal Government in properly constituting the management structure of all relevant agencies and operationalising the sector.

The guest speaker, Dr Meyen Etukudo, Special Adviser to the Akwa Ibom Governor on Energy, highlighted the significant challenges facing the power sector. Notably, the heavy reliance on thermal generation is both polluting and unsustainable. Etukudo advocated for a balanced power generation mix that incorporates clean and renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr Ali Rabiu, is right to call for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges in the power sector. However, the fact remains that the sector has been plagued by years of mismanagement and corruption. The Federal Government must take concrete steps to address these issues, including constituting a new management structure for the power sector and operationalising the sector. The reliance on thermal generation is not only unsustainable but also has devastating environmental and health consequences. Nigeria's abundant sunlight and renewable energy sources offer a viable alternative. It is imperative that the government invests in these alternatives to reduce dependence on thermal generation and ensure a reliable electricity supply. The power sector is a critical component of national development, and engineers have a crucial role to play in guiding the government towards a sustainable solution. The NSE's commitment to supporting policies that ensure reliable electricity supply is a welcome development. However, words must be translated into action, and the government must be held accountable for its decisions.