FG Urged to Develop National Energy Policy

• FG Urged to Develop National Energy Policy

The President, Blue Diamond Logistics and Founder, Good Governance Initiative, Mr Festus Mbisiogu, has urged the Federal Government to develop a national energy policy that will address the energy need of the country.

Mbisiogu, who stressed the need to work towards ending erratic electricity supply in the country, said enhanced electricity would boost the country’s economy and help revive moribund industries.

According to a statement, he spoke on Monday at a press conference, tagged ‘Voting right, first sign social contract for adequate power supply’ in Lagos, to draw attention to the worsening power situation in the country.

He said, “It is quite imperative for us to understand that adequate electricity supply stimulates economic activities in any given country. Life without electricity is impossible because virtually every economic growth and development is tied to power; hence, uninterrupted power supply of electricity is as essential as life itself.

“Energy plays the most vital role in the economic growth, progress, and development, as well as poverty eradication and security of any nation. Uninterrupted energy supply is a vital issue for all countries today. Future economic growth crucially depends on the long-term availability of energy from sources that are affordable, accessible, and environmentally friendly.

“It is not news that electricity is used in various areas of human activities, such as economic, social, industrial, etc. And to think that in spite of effort by the ministry of power towards boosting the electricity capacity and ensuring good power supply in the country, inadequate power supply still prevails.”

According to Mbisiogu, the nation’s development will suffer a setback until power supply issues are addressed.

He said, “One of the major challenges posing a hindrance to development lies in the erratic electricity supply.”

While calling on Nigerians to vote for leaders who would initiate a new energy policy and sign a contract for its implementation, he said, “Nigeria is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources such as hydroelectric, wind, solar, tidal and biomass, and there is a need to harness these resources and chart a new energy future for Nigeria.

“In this regard, the government has the responsibility to make renewable energy available and affordable to all. This is the time for the nation to initiate a national energy policy that would spell out our energy needs.”