Nigeria’s Power Future: Leaders Unite to Strengthen State-DisCo Collaboration

By Love Oyedokun

In a significant move to bolster Nigeria’s electricity distribution landscape, NOJA Power Australia, in partnership with its Nigerian representative, Fixontime Electric, and legal firm Akinwunmi & Busari LP, hosted a high-profile Executive Dialogue. The event, a part of the “Let There Be Light” series, brought together senior government officials, power sector executives, regulators, investors, and other key stakeholders to discuss and strategize on the future of electricity distribution in Nigeria. The dialogue, themed “Effective Collaboration Between States, Regulatory Bodies, and Distribution Companies for Sustainable Electricity Supply,” took place recently and aimed to leverage the opportunities presented by the Electricity Act 2023.

Cablenews24 reports that the event commenced with opening remarks delivered by Engr. Effiong Ekanem, Assistant Director of Distribution Services, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Power, Hon. Bayo Adelabu. Engr. Ekanem urged the 36 states of the federation to capitalize on the powers granted by the Electricity Act 2023 to expedite infrastructure development within their respective domains.

The Honourable Minister of Power, in his message, emphasized the critical need for sustained investment and diligent regulation in the electricity distribution sector. “Electricity distribution requires continuous capital investment, discipline, and effective regulation,” he stated. He further cautioned against fragmentation arising from decentralization, stressing that “Sustained collaboration among federal and state governments, regulators, operators, and investors is the only viable path to resolving Nigeria’s power challenges.”

Echoing the sentiment of collaboration, Mr. Temitope Akinyemi, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, asserted that no single entity can independently overcome the challenges plaguing Nigeria’s electricity distribution sector. He underscored the importance of a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to address the complex issues at hand.

Hon. Biodun Ogunleye, the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, delivered a compelling address highlighting the necessity for deep technical reforms across distribution networks. He advocated for transitioning to active grids, adopting embedded generation, reducing losses through engineering-based billing, and optimizing existing infrastructure to enhance efficiency and reliability.

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Adding to the discourse, Hon. Dr. Johnson Jaiyeola-Alabi, Ondo State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, emphasized that while decentralization presents valuable opportunities, it must be carefully managed to avoid inefficiencies and unnecessary regulatory overlap. He stressed the importance of strategic planning and coordination to ensure a seamless transition.

Engr. Wale Adereti, Managing Director of Fixontime Electric, introduced Neil O’Sullivan, the Group Managing Director of NOJA Power, a global leader in distribution solutions and smart grid technology with a presence in 116 countries. Mr. O’Sullivan emphasized the pivotal role of technology-driven partnerships in strengthening electricity distribution networks. He further highlighted how private sector innovation and participation can support both states and DisCos in navigating Nigeria’s evolving decentralised power landscape. Extending an invitation, Mr. O’Sullivan welcomed Nigerian government and private sector delegates to visit NOJA Power’s base in Queensland, Australia, to witness firsthand their advanced technologies and engage with Australian regulators, offering a glimpse into the future of electricity. He expressed NOJA Power’s commitment to collaborating with Nigeria in shaping the future of its electricity distribution sector.

Mr Glen Harris, General Manager, Sales at NOJA Power,

Mr. Glen Harris, General Manager, Sales at NOJA Power, further elaborated on emerging opportunities in grid automation, smart infrastructure, and sustainability-focused innovations. He emphasized the potential of these advancements to improve network reliability and support Nigeria’s energy transition goals.

Mr. Seyi Akinwunmi, Partner at Akinwumi & Busari LP and Founder of A&B – Let There Be Light, emphasized the crucial role of state governments in proactively partnering with public and private stakeholders to ensure reliable electricity supply to citizens. He also highlighted the need for investors to provide the necessary capital and governance structures to foster long-term sectoral growth.

The dialogue featured insightful contributions from prominent industry leaders and regulators, including Dr. Abubakar Shuaibu Jimeta (MD, Kano Electricity Distribution Plc), Engr. Abdu Bello Mohammed (MD, NISO), Dr. Musiliu Olalekan Oseni (CEO, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission), Mr. Abdulqadir Mohammed Dahiru (Head of Investment, Nigerian Pension Commission), Mr. Olufemi Ogunseinde (Executive Director, Investment, Ministry of Finance), Mr. Rotimi Akinde (Executive Director, Corporate Finance, Bank of Industry), Dr. Demola Sogunle (Chairman, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers), and Dr. Abba Abubakar Aliyu (MD/CEO, Rural Electrification Agency).

The Executive Dialogue concluded with a consensus that consistent stakeholder engagement, regulatory clarity, and coordinated implementation across all levels of government, in conjunction with the private sector, are essential for transforming Nigeria’s electricity reforms into a reality of reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for homes and businesses nationwide. The event served as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration and driving progress towards a brighter energy future for Nigeria.

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