TheCable

Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu state, says the power sector is the key to unlocking other sectors of an asphyxiating Nigerian economy. 

He also added that the Light-Up Nigeria project signals a new dawn for power and industrialisation in the south-east region.

Mbah spoke on Monday at the south-east business roundtable, and flag-off of the Light-up Nigeria Project by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, in Enugu.

He commended the federal government and the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) for coming up with the initiative to ramp up power supply to industrial clusters in the south-east.

The governor also enjoined industrialists in the region to key-in fully and take advantage of the initiative.

“The Light up Nigeria project today is, in my view, a new dawn for power in the south-east and one of the most innovative initiatives in the power sector,” Mbah said.

“This project is of critical importance since it deals with the power sector, which I believe is pivotal to economic growth. Indeed, if we fix power, a lot of other sectors would fall into place.

“This project ensures efficient dispatch of power to the largest consumers via bilateral sales agreements, which overrides the existing bulk purchase arrangements through NBET, leveraging on a willing buyer, willing seller structure.

“The programme will certainly bring improved access to affordable power to the South East. This will in turn result in reduced power costs for the productive sector and enable them enhance productivity and generate jobs.

“This is critical in this day where the country is pushing to boost production and drive-up exports to ultimately shore up our domestic currency.

“Therefore, this project aligns completely with our approach to governance in Enugu in the sense that it is a very disruptive initiative, which shows a deep ability to think outside the box. Today’s Nigeria requires a marked departure from business as usual to business unusual.”

Mbah said his administration is committed to continued support for industrialists and other private investors across the state, to complement the boost in electricity that the Light-up Nigeria Project would entail.