FG to make electricity fundamental right for citizens, says Adelabu

….Inaugurates power sector communications team

By Chris Ochayi

The Federal Government on Wednesday, declared that it’s envisioning a Nigeria where electricity will not just be a luxury but a fundamental right of the citizenry.

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who made the declaration while inaugurating the Power Sector Communications Team, PSCT, in Abuja said the vision could be achieved through effective communication.

According to him, ‘To achieve this, we must work together, and effective communication is key. The PSCT is a vital tool in this endeavor.”

The PSCT inauguration is a bid to enhance transparency and communication within the power sector.

Speaking further, Adelabu emphasised the importance of effective communication in addressing the sector’s challenges.

He described the PSCT as a “strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between the power sector and the public.”

He said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to illuminate Nigeria.

“We gather here to inaugurate the Power Sector Communications Team (PSCT), a strategic initiative designed to bridge the gap between the power sector and the public.

“Effective communication is the bedrock of any successful enterprise, and the power sector is no exception. It is a complex sector, often misunderstood and fraught with challenges.

“The PSCT is our response to this. It is a platform for clear, consistent, and transparent communication, aimed at building trust and confidence in the sector.

“The PSCT is more than just a team; it is a commitment to excellence in communication. Its members, drawn from the heart of the power sector, are dedicated to translating complex technical issues into plain language, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and creating a positive narrative around the sector.

“We envision a Nigeria where electricity is not just a luxury but a fundamental right. To achieve this, we must work together, and effective communication is key. The PSCT is a vital tool in this endeavor.”

The Minister added, “I am confident that under the leadership of its dedicated members, the PSCT will excel. Together, we will transform the power sector from a source of frustration to a catalyst for national growth.

“I urge all stakeholders, including the media, to support the PSCT in its efforts. By working together, we can create a brighter, more electrified future for Nigeria.”

Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Power Sector Communications Team, Hon. Bolaji Tunji emphasized on the crucial role effective communication plays in the power sector value chain.

He said, “Effective communication is a crucial aspect of our work as providers of an essential utility to all Nigerians, we have a responsibility to communicate effectively with all the stakeholders in the power sector value chain.

“Without effective communication, we would be winking in the dark. Our vision is to transform the perception of the power sector by providing consistent, truthful, and insightful information that highlights the ongoing progress, challenges within the sector.

“We believe that by fostering a culture of open communication, we can build the trust that is essential for our nation’s progress in this critical area

“Communication is the backbone of trust and reliability. It’s the foundation upon which we build strong relationships with our different stakeholders and the people we serve all over the country. ”

He stressed further that, “When we communicate effectively and transparently, we ensure that the public understands all that we do, and in this way, we gain their trust and buy-in, especially now that power theft and vandalisation of power infrastructure seem to be growing.

“Effective communication also helps us prevent crises and resolve issues quickly. By keeping our customers informed about maintenance, upgrades, or unexpected disruptions, we minimize inconvenience and frustration.

“Communication is not just about conveying information; it’s also about listening. By actively listening to our customers and stakeholders, we gain valuable insights that help us improve our services and develop new solutions.

“In today’s digital age, communication is more vital than ever. We must leverage technology to reach the different stakeholders where they are – on social media, through newsletters, and traditional media like newspapers, television, and radio.

“To achieve the objective of effective communication, we need to be clear and concise in our messaging, responsive to inquiries and concerns, communicate about service disruptions or changes, and be open to feedback and suggestions.

“The idea of the PSCT is for us in the communication team in the Ministry and the Agencies to speak with one voice, exchange information, collaborate, and eliminate working at cross purposes.

“To achieve our vision, the PSCT has laid out a series of strategic initiatives aimed at educating the public, engaging stakeholders, and driving positive change throughout the power sector. ”

Parts of key initiatives by the team according to Bolaji is launching of a nationwide campaign focused on educating the Nigerian public on critical power sector issues, such as energy theft, vandalization, and other vices that hinder the efficient delivery of electricity services.

He said, “Through this campaign, we aim to shed light on the impact of these issues not only on service delivery but also on the economy and national development.

“Our goal is to empower citizens with the knowledge to understand their roles in safeguarding our power infrastructure and to inspire collective action against these harmful practices.

“By working together, we can significantly reduce these vices and improve the overall service delivery in the power sector.”