Coleman MD urges Adelabu to address aging energy infrastructure | The Guardian Nigeria News

The collapse of the national power grid is crippling the manufacturing sector

Coleman Wires and Cables Managing Director George Onafowokan has called on Nigeria's Energy Minister Adebayo Adelabu to urgently address aging infrastructure that is contributing to the frequent collapse of the national power grid.

In light of the recent power outages, Onafowokan stressed the need to replace aging cables that have expired, leading to inefficiencies in the entire power distribution system.

Remember that the Coleman Wires and Cables industry, including some manufacturing companies, provides its own energy.

After the federal government set up a six-member committee to find solutions to Nigeria’s energy challenges, Onafowokan stressed the importance of upgrading critical infrastructure.

Onafowokan explained that many cables in use today are no longer fit for purpose, resulting in frequent network outages that have a significant impact on the manufacturing sector.

He explained how these outages have impacted manufacturers, forcing many to rely on costly alternatives such as diesel-powered generators.

Rising diesel prices have exacerbated the problem as many companies struggle to maintain operations. “Manufacturing costs are skyrocketing due to energy costs, and that makes it difficult for companies to remain profitable,” Onafowokan explained.

Onafowokan called on the Energy Minister to implement a strategic, long-term solution that not only addresses infrastructure but also focuses on local power generation.

He advocated for the creation of energy clusters where industries could generate and share electricity in specific areas. According to him, decentralized power generation could reduce costs and provide companies with more stable access to electricity.

The manufacturing sector, already burdened by inconsistent power supply, continues to suffer from grid outages that disrupt production schedules, leading to higher costs and delays.

Onafowokan's comments underline the urgency of addressing these challenges as Nigeria seeks to revitalize its economy through improved industrial production.