ABUJA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Nigerian government plans to establish special energy zones across strategic commercial and industrial areas to support 24-hour electricity supply in high-demand locations, an official said Wednesday.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said in a statement that the move is part of the government's commitment to build infrastructure in high-demand areas and ensure that electricity supply keeps pace with estimated demand in the growing Nigerian economy.
Citing the government's plan, Tegbe said the energy zones could be established in Lagos, the country's economic hub, along the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano axis in the north, and along the Enugu-Port Harcourt axis in the south.
He said the zones could help address generation and transmission constraints while also closing gaps in power delivery at the distribution end of the electricity sector.
According to Tegbe, some local electricity distribution companies would participate in the project. The proposed energy zones are expected to close major gaps, unlock commercial and industrial demand, and strengthen revenue for electricity distribution companies.
"It also advances the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which places reliable energy at the center of economic growth, industrialization and job creation," he added. ■
