Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasized that Nigeria cannot achieve meaningful economic development without addressing the lingering power crisis. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Economic Council (NEC) ad-hoc committees on National Electrification and Polio Eradication at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Shettima stressed the critical role of reliable and affordable energy in national progress.
Shettima cited examples of countries like Indonesia, India, South Africa, and Uganda, which have resolved energy challenges and are advancing in the global industrial revolution. He lamented that up to 70% of Nigerians lack formal access to electricity and expressed optimism that reforms in the energy sector would attract investments and significantly improve the country’s energy supply.
The Vice President urged the NEC ad-hoc committee on National Electrification, chaired by Cross River State Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu, to address recurring national grid collapses. He also called for deeper state-level engagement with the Electricity Reform Act 2023 to improve power delivery and ensure energy security for all Nigerians.
Additionally, Shettima inaugurated the NEC ad-hoc committee on Polio Eradication, calling for long-term solutions, including local vaccine production, to combat the disease’s resurgence in Nigeria. He warned against relying on short-term measures and commended states like Kano and Sokoto for taking firm action against emerging variants of the virus.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, chair of the Polio Eradication committee, pledged the committee’s commitment to eradicating polio. He assured that their collective efforts, alongside support from stakeholders like the Aliko Dangote Foundation, would yield lasting results.
Both committees consist of governors, federal ministers, representatives from relevant agencies, and international partners, reflecting the government’s commitment to tackling these challenges comprehensively. Shettima reaffirmed his support for the committees, urging members to deliver sustainable and impactful solutions to advance Nigeria’s growth and public health.
