Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized the urgent need to resolve Nigeria’s energy crisis, stating that meaningful economic development hinges on accessible, reliable, and affordable electricity. He delivered this assertion on Thursday during the inauguration of two National Economic Council (NEC) ad-hoc committees on National Electrification and Polio Eradication at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Shettima highlighted the stark reality that an estimated 40–70% of Nigerians lack formal access to electricity, a gap that must be addressed for Nigeria to join the ranks of industrialized nations. Drawing comparisons with countries like Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Uganda, the Vice President pointed to their successes in overcoming energy insufficiency as a model for Nigeria.
“There is no doubt that we cannot dream of meaningful national economic development without addressing the issue in the power sector and ensuring that Nigerians have accessible, available, and affordable energy,” Shettima said.
Acknowledging the challenges, including frequent national grid collapses, Shettima expressed optimism about recent reforms opening the sector to increased participation and investments. He emphasized Nigeria’s rich energy resources—gas, hydro, and solar—and the need for a resilient energy mix to secure the nation’s future.
The National Electrification Committee, chaired by Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, has been tasked with ending grid collapses, deepening states’ involvement under the Electricity Reform Act 2023, and formulating a sustainable electrification strategy. Otu assured Nigerians of the committee’s commitment to delivering credible results, aligning with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In addition to the energy sector reforms, Shettima underscored the importance of eradicating polio, calling for long-term solutions, including the local production of vaccines. With new polio variants emerging in Kano and Sokoto, he urged stakeholders to confront the disease head-on through collective and collaborative efforts.
“If we have relied heavily on external assistance in the past, it is time to take determined steps to eradicate this disease. We must develop a futuristic plan with a long-term approach to containing and ultimately exterminating the virus,” Shettima said.
The National Electrification Committee comprises governors from Katsina, Gombe, Osun, Imo, and Plateau States, alongside key federal ministers, agencies, and private sector stakeholders. The Polio Eradication Committee includes governors from Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, and Sokoto States, representatives from UNICEF and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, and other health experts.
Both committees vowed to approach their mandates with determination and deliver impactful outcomes that align with Nigeria’s developmental goals.
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