The Nigerian Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) has called for harnessing the potential of renewable energy in the country to boost the economy and provide alternative source of energy.
Mr Felix Olu, Chairman, NIEEE Abuja chapter, said this at the 6th Summit of the institute in Abuja on Thursday with theme, “ Digital Revolution in View: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency as Quick Wins.“
Olu said that the summit was put in place to discuss a national concern, power supply and to build the capacity of members of the institute to provide alternative supply for their businesses.
“ NIEEE is particular about the ability of the common Nigerians to get power supply they need for their Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and homes.
“Where the majority of over 200 million Nigerians are found, our thinking is that, the engineers must be able to come to the rescue of the country in this area.
“NIEEE thought it should blaze the trail in the area of need, by improving engineers’ capacities, to provide solution through training , summits , advocacy, codes and standards and engaging all stakeholders,“he said.
Olu said that following the signing of Executive Order 5 by President Muhammadu Buhari to improve local content in public procurement with science, engineering and technology components, the challenge to deliver rested on the engineers.
He said that the Summit of Electrical, Electronic and Communication Engineers (SEECEA 2019) had been captured with the selected theme to help boost power supply.
He stressed the need to provide the power supply to ensure steady electricity.
This he said became necessary in view of the current dominance of digital technology and the permeation of all sectors and fields by digital revolution.
“We have carefully selected major players in the power industry to interact with engineers and join in the “hot topic“, so as to empower, motivate and disseminate improved manpower to various parts of the country, ‘’he said.
Earlier, the National Vice Chairman of NIEEE, Mr Kings Adeyemi, said that if Nigerians do not have control over the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity across the country, they should have control over the small energy they used.
“Even if it is one hour electricity that Nigerians can generate, they should be able to do that, using renewable energy.
“By doing this, the load and high demand on the national grid will be reduced“ he said.
Mr Suleman Yusuf, Chief Executive Officer, Blue Camel Energy, Abuja said that renewable energy should be given attention by government, to help improve power supply.
He said renewable energy could be used by those in the rural areas to do their businesses “as it is readily available. “
The award was given to Blue Camel Energy, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission.
Other awardees are: Nigerian Television Authority and Energy Commission of Nigeria, for their outstanding performance
