Vice President Kashim Shettima announced that the National Economic Council (NEC) is set to implement measures to accelerate the decentralization of Nigeria’s national grid.
Speaking during the 145th NEC meeting held on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima emphasised that these steps are necessary to prevent frequent grid collapses, which have left certain northern states in total darkness.
As NEC Chairman, he stressed that the government’s commitment to accountability necessitates a proactive response to these persistent energy challenges.
Shettima outlined specific actions to support grid decentralization, including establishing mini-grids and expanding the use of renewable energy sources such as solar photovoltaic systems and wind turbines.
He highlighted the urgency of implementing the Nigeria Energy Sector Implementation Plan (NESIP), noting that the energy sector must harness the potential of renewables and deploy solar and mini-grid solutions tailored to regional electricity needs.
“A robust economy is the backbone of every nation. The recent blackouts caused by the actions of vandals remind us of our urgent need to expand our energy infrastructure. I believe the governors here would agree that the decentralisation of electricity is our path forward.
“We will continue to promote the constitutional framework that empowers constituent states within the Nigerian federation to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity in areas covered by the national grid. Together, we can make instability a relic of the past.
“Furthermore, our energy sector must embrace the potential of renewable energy. We must leverage solar and mini-grid solutions tailored to regional needs. I urge the Council to support the implementation of the Nigeria Energy Sector Implementation Plan (NESIP).
“If we capitalise on our diverse regional energy resources—from northern Nigeria’s solar potential to the south’s gas reserves—we can build a resilient, decentralised energy system that drives growth and empowers our communities.”
The Vice President highlighted that the tax reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Administration aim to diversify the nation’s revenue sources, promote economic stability, and reduce reliance on specific sectors.
“I must admit that the tax reforms initiated at the onset of this administration by His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu, have opened avenues to address stakeholders’ concerns, particularly regarding VAT reform and its implications for sub-national revenues.
“As representatives of diverse interests, I do not doubt that you share a common aspiration: to broaden our revenue base, foster economic stability, and diminish our dependency on specific sectors,” he noted.
Shettima, addressing Nigeria’s low ranking on the Human Capital Index, described it as a critical challenge that demands urgent attention.
“We are confronted with alarming statistics regarding life expectancy, maternal and child mortality, and educational attainment. Today’s gathering seeks to transform this grim reality through a series of deliberations and sector-specific recommendations, led by experts from both government and our development partners,” he said.
The Vice President also highlighted the progress made toward mitigating flood disasters, emphasising that ‘recent months have tested the effectiveness of the solutions’ aimed at strengthening flood resilience.
“Although many regions were caught unprepared by the floods, our proactive mitigation efforts have led to sustainable strategies to address the widespread damage, including significant property loss and health risks,” he stated.
He commended the Honourable Minister of Water Resources and the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) for their foresight and swift response.
“Today calls on us to strengthen our resolve to implement approved mitigation measures, ensuring that states provide comprehensive reports on flood damages, as outlined in the NEC Ad-hoc Committee report.”
