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The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has inaugurated the planning committee for the proposed conference of the National Council on Power, the highest decision-making body for the power sector.
He tasked the committee with ensuring a successful and hitch-free event, scheduled to take place in the second quarter of the year.
Speaking at the inauguration held at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, the minister emphasised the significance of the conference.
A statement by the minister’s spokesperson, Bolaji Adebiyi, highlighted the importance of the council meeting, particularly in light of ongoing reforms and efforts to revitalise the power sector.
Adelabu noted that there was a significant backlog of issues to address, as the meeting — intended to be an annual event—was last held in December 2022.
“As we are all aware, this is the highest decision-making body for the power sector, so this is not just a meeting but an important assignment. It must be planned and executed to ensure that the desired outcomes are achieved.
“The last meeting was held in December 2022, meaning we have a lot of ground to cover. Since this is supposed to be an annual event, we have accumulated issues that need to be discussed, and we must be fully prepared,” the minister said.
Adelabu also read out the Terms of Reference for the Planning Committee. He also noted the committee’s tasks stating, “To ensure adequate preparations for holding the 6th National Council on Power in terms of logistic, accommodation, security, to collate memoranda that will be sent in by States and other stakeholders and prepare briefs.
“To suggest themes for NACOP for management’s approval; suggest suitable topics, in line with the theme of the 6th Edition of National Council on Power; follow up with various invited agencies and ministries that are expected to present memos and ensure that the memos are submitted to the Secretariat in good time; Prepare a draft report during the technical session, draft communique and a report at the end of NACOP.
“To ensure adequate publicity and press coverage before and during the Council, respectively; prepare a draft programme of activities for the Council including possible social events at the close of the Council; and any other function that would enhance the overall success of the Council in the good judgement of the Planning Committee.”
The minister also informed the committee that Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, had expressed interest in hosting the conference.
He urged committee members to follow up on this and collaborate with the local organising committee that the state government would establish.
“We must work together harmoniously to ensure a successful meeting,” he said.
Adelabu further directed the Planning Committee to engage with all relevant stakeholders in the sector, including development partners and United Nations agencies, to guarantee a smooth and productive event.
