Nigeria’s Power Crisis: PENGASSAN Blames Leadership Incompetence For Grid Collapses

Nigeria’s Power Crisis: PENGASSAN Blames Leadership Incompetence For Grid Collapses

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s power sector, urging the federal government to take action to address the ongoing issues, particularly…Nigeria’s Power Crisis: PENGASSAN Blames Leadership Incompetence For Grid Collapses

the frequent grid collapses. PENGASSAN attributed these challenges to a lack of competent leadership in key positions within the Ministry of Power.

In 2024, Nigeria recorded 12 grid collapses and consistent power shortages, with electricity generation hovering between 3,000 and 4,000 MW despite significant investments in the sector. PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, expressed concern during the association’s National Executive Council meeting in Lagos, stressing the need for the government to prioritize the appointment of experienced and qualified professionals in leadership roles across the sector.

Osifo praised President Bola Tinubu’s administration for decentralizing the power sector but emphasized that technical expertise is crucial for effective power generation, transmission, and distribution. He called for the selection of highly skilled individuals to lead the Ministry of Power and other relevant agencies to address the power crisis sustainably.

The PENGASSAN President also commented on the partial operation of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries, underscoring the importance of fully functional refineries for job creation and boosting Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. He further explained that the high cost of petrol is largely due to the foreign exchange rate, which affects the pricing of petroleum products in the country.

Osifo encouraged Nigerians to be patient with the gradual return to full refinery capacity, as the refining process is complex and necessary to meet international fuel quality standards. He also stressed the potential for job creation, citing over 2,000 jobs created when the Port Harcourt refinery was operational. If all refineries are fully functional, he argued, the country could reduce its reliance on imported refined products, lowering petrol prices and reducing logistical costs.

Lastly, Osifo urged the government to address the weak naira and improve Nigeria’s foreign exchange management to mitigate rising costs. He called for an expansion of the country’s revenue base, particularly through the full utilization of its abundant mineral resources, to create alternative revenue streams and strengthen the economy.

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