Minister of Power, Lanre Babalola, yesterday refuted report quoting him to have promised that the nation will have 24-hour power supply by December.
A release signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mrs. Olubunmi Badejo, stated that what the minister said was that a study showed that the country’s current demand was in the range of 5,100megawatts.
Badejo noted that, "the crux of the matter is that with current demand estimated at 5,100mw, (i.e. those already connected to the grid), according to a recently concluded national demand study, and projected supply of 6, 000mw, the Ministry is confident that power supply will increase substantially.”
The statement said further: "The Minister, knowing these facts and figures, could not and would not make such statements, given the fact that only about 50 per cent of Nigerians have access to electricity, coupled with this, is the fact that there is so much suppressed demand in the system.
"The erroneous statement credited to the Minister is most unfortunate and regrettable, as it belittles our collective efforts and raises false hopes and expectations.
“The Ministry will like to assure Nigerians that with Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) working assiduously hard to rehabilitate plants, and improve operations, the commitment by relevant bodies to ensure adequate gas supply and the unflinching commitment of the Federal Government, we are optimistic that power supply will substantially improve.," she noted.
