The Federal Government has begun moves to establish special Energy Zones in major commercial and industrial centres as part of plans to provide stable, 24-hour electricity supply to high-demand areas across the country.
The proposed zones will cover the Lagos axis, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
The Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, disclosed the plan after a strategic meeting with the leadership of selected electricity distribution companies in Abuja.
The initiative is aimed at improving electricity supply to homes, businesses and industries while addressing challenges at the distribution end of the power sector.
According to Tegbe, the challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity sector go beyond generation and transmission, as distribution companies also face difficulties in taking up available power and delivering it efficiently to consumers.
“The constraint on the sector is not limited to generation and transmission but includes how much power is taken up and delivered at the distribution end,” the minister said.
He explained that the proposed Energy Zones would help close the distribution gap, unlock commercial and industrial demand, and strengthen the revenue and collection capacity of electricity distribution companies.
Tegbe also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to expanding electricity infrastructure in areas with high demand to ensure that supply keeps pace with the needs of Nigeria’s growing economy.
Representatives of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Sahara Energy Group attended the meeting.
The government has not announced a specific timeline for implementing the Energy Zones.
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