The need for continuous training of personnel in the power industry has been emphasised by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu.
Such training will enhance professionalism and performances of such personnel and boost productivity in the industry.
The Minister spoke on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, as he received members of the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN), who paid a courtesy call on him in his office at the Ministry headquarters, Abuja.
The Minister also noted that such a continuous training will add value to the reforms being undertaken in the power sector, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
He charged the institute to work in collaboration with the ministry and all its agencies and stakeholders, who engage the services of engineers, for efficient power delivery to Nigerians.
He called on them come out with a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on areas of co-operation, and relationships with the ministry and its agencies.
“Let me congratulate you for coming on board at this time in our ministry. The institute is a necessary tool to the industry. It is necessary for all our engineers to have industry exposure before they are engaged because of the risk involved in the sector and let me say that your emergence will certainly add value to the sector.
“Let me also add that you must be receptive to ideas on how to carry out your duties because you also need all the ideas you can get in moving the institute forward and putting your feet on ground in the area of training and retraining of our engineers. It is important we work on this intellectual capacity building, so as to get the best out our personnel.
“I will also advice that you scout for our young engineers from host communities, train them and these can be huge asset to the industry and in providing employment to our teeming youths. This will introduce professionalism in the power engineering”, Chief Adelabu said.
The President and Chairman of the Governing Council of the institute, Engr. Israel E. Abraham, applauded the reforms being taken by the Minister, which have increased power generation and supply in the country.
He said the institute was established to further entrench professionalism and ethical practices and help birth an improved power sector in Nigeria.
According to him, the 9th National Assembly passed the Bill that established the institute and it was signed into law on May 11, 2023. He said the institute is a regulatory and professional body, empowered to regulate, control and determine the standards of knowledge required for individuals seeking to become Charter Power Engineers in the power industry in Nigeria.
“Honourable Minister, your contributions, which we deeply admire, have been instrumental in shaping the future of our nation’s power sector. This sector plays an indispensable role in the socio-economic development of any country, as every other industry relies primarily on a stable, quality, and efficient supply of electricity.
“Today’s visit presents an opportunity to reintroduce our institute to you and explore potential areas of collaboration and support. We believe that by working together, we can mutually enhance our mandates as encapsulated in our enabling Act, thereby contributing to the development of Nigeria’s power sector. This will enhance a more professional power sector, increased capacity, and improved service delivery, all of which will contribute to the Honourable Minister’s vision for robust and efficient power sector in Nigeria”, he said.
Signed
Dibiaezue-Eke, Florence (Mrs)
Director, Information and Public Relations.
