The Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, has disclosed the intention of the Federal Government to build more dams for hydro power uses.
Nebo said the move is aimed at complementing the existing hydro power stations in the country.
Speaking to newsmen in Abuja, Nebo said Nigeria needs a robust Super Grid network, which is estimated to cost $3.4 billion.
He opined that the Super Grid facility is what is required to meet international standard in Power Transmission and Distribution chain, while other renewable energy sources such as solar, bio-mass, which are off the Super Grid, will continue to be available for domestic uses.
On the ongoing repairs of Jebba and Kainji Dams, the minister said that the rehabilitation works is being financed through the World Bank loan.
He said for now, the ongoing privatization of generation companies excludes these two plants.
He said there would be substantial improvement in power supply situation nationwide when the ongoing works are concluded.
The minister said that with provision of substantial funding for rural electrification, the hitherto sick sub-sector will experience new lease of life.
He identified the present position of metering as weak and said that a recent study by Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission suggested that the gap in metering would require N77 billion to fix.
The minister assured Nigerians and investors in the power sector of a strengthened regulatory regime, adding that NERC would deliver on its mandate without fear or favour and will provide the enabling environment for investors in the power sector to recoup from their investments.
On the deadline for the attainment of 10,000mw, the Nebo said that there could be a slight adjustment to the December 2013 deadline, adding: “Within a year, all National Integrated Power Projects would come on stream.
“This would, no doubt, double the present capacities and capabilities.”
On incessant reported cases of vandalization of electricity infrastructure, the minister appealed against this act as it would only reverse the gains already recorded.
He said: “Nigerians should learn to protect infrastructure as their own and stop blaming successive governments for decay in the power sector.”
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