U.S Assistant Secretary of State on Energy Resources visits Tinubu

The United States Assistant Secretary of State, Amb. Geoffrey Praytt has paid a visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja.

Taking to its verified Twitter handle, the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu  Media Centre confirming Praytt’s visit to the president on Monday.

It stated that the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mele Kolo Kyari was also present at the meeting between Tinubu and Praytt.

“Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu received in audience, the United States Assistant Secretary of State, Bureau of Energy Resources, Amb. Geoffrey Praytt and GCEO-NNPC, Mele Kolo Kyari, in State House, Abuja.”

Although, the details of the meeting are yet to be disclosed, it could be connected to Tinubu’s resolve to improve the Energy sector in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, President Tinubu, upon assuming office as Nigeria’s president on Monday, May 29, 2023 had pledged to ensure accessible and affordable electricity for all Nigerians.

He highlighted shortly after taking the oath of office the country’s power sector as one of his areas of focus.

“Electricity will become more accessible and affordable to businesses and homes alike,” He said at the Eagles Square in Abuja.

“Power generation should nearly double, and transmission and distribution networks improved. We will encourage states to develop local sources as well.”

A review of Tinubu’s campaign manifesto reveals that his administration has plans to review and upgrade the country’s power sector governance and regulatory structure. The latest regulation document that stakeholders have called on the government to reform is the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) amendment bill.

Also, according to Tinubu’s campaign manifesto, the power sector regulations reform will ensure that government processes and procedures improve efficiency and accountability for project management, design, procurement, construction, and remittances. The Tinubu administration plans to make sure that all Nigerian households and businesses are metered, using the National Mass Metering Program (NMMP) and the Meter Asset Provider Scheme (MAPS).

And just last week, Tinubu assented to the 2023 Electricity Act which is a replacement for the Electricity and Power Sector Reform Act of 2005.