Power Players Set To Discuss Shortfall In Electricity Market

Lubem Gena, Abuja

It has been estimated that Nigerian electricity supply market will record an estimated N1 trillion shortfall by December 2016 due to the shocks in the system.

This is going to form part of the monthly power sector dialogue organised by Nextier power which the October version is scheduled to take place in Abuja.

Scheduled to hold tomorrow, Wednesday 19th October between 5-8pm at 'Thought Pyramid Art Gallery, 18, Libreville Crescent, Wuse II, with the theme: "Addressing the Liquidity Issues in Nigeria's Distribution Value Chain", the dialogue is expected to feature prominent stakeholders in the industry.

Addressing journalists in Abuja today, 18th October, an analyst intern at Nextier Power,  Emem Bassey-Etuk, stressed that if the problem is left unresolved, the issue could lead to systemic bankruptcy and a risk of nationwide blackout.

While Chiedu Ugbo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Niger Delta Holding Company (NDPHC) will discuss shortfalls from the generation companies' stand point, Azu Obiaya, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors will assess the liquidity challenges from the perspective of the Distribution Companies (DisCos) and proffer pragmatic solutions.

Equally, Dr. Tony Akah, the acting Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) will discuss the financial implications of an insolvent market and proffer solutions.

The event, according to principal partner of Nextier Power, Patrick Okigbo III will provide an opportunity to network with leading power sector stakeholders and to join other industry professionals to seek solutions to the challenges in the Nigerian electricity market.

He also said, the platform is an advocacy initiative  where problems in the sector will be discussed among the key players in the value chain with the sole aim of ensuring that enduring solutions are provided to the energy situation in the country.

Okigbo emphasised that the time for the blame game which was gradually becoming a norm among the key sector players should be over and replaced with constructive dialogue that will benefit the generality of the people stressing that there should be a shared sense of belonging among all.

Nextier Power, a subsidiary of Nextier Advisory, provides solutions to difficult policy challenges facing the Nigeria electricity supply industry. It also seek opportunities to take principal investor positions in impactful solutions for the electricity market just as it offer as well manage services to sector participants to reduce cost, increase revenue, and improve the overall customer experience.