The Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current condition of the 215 Megawatt Kudenden power generation plant in Kaduna State, assuring its imminent completion.
The minister, during a visit to the plant on Tuesday, also issued a stern warning to the management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company (KAEDCO) for not being transparent about the challenges faced by the company and the broader power distribution issues within its franchise area.
He emphasized that the company’s payment of only nine per cent of its debts was unacceptable.
Adebayo said,”If the DISCOs were paying 75 to 80 per cent of their debts, I would be at ease because the 10 to 20 per cent shortfalls could be managed,” he said.
The minister underscored the need to enhance power generation and distribution across the country, particularly in the northern region.
He expressed disappointment over the stalled progress of the Kudenden power project, but confirmed that efforts were underway to operationalise the plant.
“During our visit to the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), we discussed critical issues affecting electricity generation, such as power theft and vandalism,” he stated.
The minister highlighted that the deliberate destruction of power assets, including transmission systems, high voltage cables, and transformers, has become widespread, particularly in the northern areas, affecting the stability of electricity distribution.
He revealed ongoing collaborations with the National Security Adviser, the Federal Ministry of Interior, and other security agencies to curb these destructive activities.
Adebayo also called on governors, especially in the northern states, to address the security threats to power infrastructure, enabling them to fulfill their electoral promises to the public.
During his visit to Kaduna Electric, Adebayo urged the company to be more transparent with the public.
“Just as patients must be open with their doctors for effective treatment, Kaduna Electric needs to disclose details such as the amount of electricity generated, the population served, existing infrastructure, capacity, and the meter gap,” he said.
Adebayo said transparency would foster a sense of urgency and accountability among stakeholders, including the National Assembly and the end users.
The minister acknowledged the legitimate complaints of Nigerians regarding power distribution and emphasized that generation companies must improve their service delivery.
He stressed the necessity of financial viability for sustainable operations, noting, “No supplier will continue services without payment for past deliveries.
Adebayo emphasised the need for substantial debt payments, adding,”paying only nine per cent of debts is unacceptable.
” If DISCOs pay 75 to 80 per cent, the remaining shortfall could be managed.”
The power plant project, awarded in November 2009 to General Electric and Rockson Engineering, was initially set for completion by December 2013, was later extended to 2017, reaching 87 per cent completion.
He explained that it was designed to utilise eight turbine units with Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO) and natural gas, the project aims to boost power supply in industrial areas, revive textile industries and create jobs. (NAN)
