Minister of State for Power, Mr Goddy Jeddy-Agba, has said that Nigeria’s economic growth was largely tied to the sufficiency of power supply in the country.
Jeddy-Agba stated this on Friday in Calabar during the Top Management Retreat for Heads of Agencies and Parastatals under the Ministry of Power.
He said that some reports in 2017 recorded that Nigeria was ranked the second worst power supply nation in the world.
He explained that on assumption of office, he met with relevant agencies and top management staff of the ministry with a view to establish the position of things.
He lamented that what struck him was the lack of synergy between agencies and the ministry staff, adding that some individuals have also refused to adopt technology and computers as very relevant work tools for functionality.
Jeddy-Agba said that the essence of the retreat was to address the gaps in operations existing between the ministry and its agencies and also establish a good working relationship for implementation of government policies.
“I cannot over emphasize the fact that the entire nation has its eyes glued firmly on the power sector. Ironically, the power sector can be likened to human eye.
“Once the eyes are closed, darkness takes over. However, I strongly believe that at the end of this retreat, the eyes will be wide open and light shall be fully restored”, he said.
Speaking, Minister of Power, Engr. Sale Mamman, said the retreat will provide them an opportunity to discuss the challenges faced in 2019 and set the pace for 2020 activities.
Mamman said that the theme of the retreat “Building Synergy for Effective Service Delivery in the Power Sector”, was carefully chosen to address the coordination and collaboration of units under the Ministry.
“This retreat focuses on synergy and team spirit with the aim of ensuring efficient and effective service delivery.
“I also want us to use the opportunity of this retreat to reflect on our core values as a sector and ensure that they are aligned with the fundamental core values of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“There is also a need for a change of mind set by encouraging positive thinking and result oriented actions if the sector must achieve targets and deliver its goals and mandate.
“I will like to remind us that it is our collective responsibility to improve the delivery of electricity service for the well-being of every Nigerian”, he said.
