'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, has underscored the critical need for continuous training of personnel in the power sector to elevate professionalism, performance, and overall productivity. His remarks came during a courtesy visit from the Chartered Institute of Power Engineers of Nigeria (CIPEN) at the Ministry headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, August 20, 2024.
During the meeting, Minister Adelabu highlighted that ongoing training is essential for advancing the reforms outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. He emphasized that a well-trained workforce is crucial for optimizing the sector’s operations and achieving the government’s vision for the power industry.
"I want to congratulate you for joining us at this pivotal moment," Adelabu said. "The institute’s role is vital, as industry exposure before engagement is crucial due to the risks involved in the sector. Your presence will undoubtedly add significant value."
Adelabu urged CIPEN to collaborate closely with the ministry, its agencies, and all stakeholders involved with engineering services to ensure effective power delivery. He recommended that the institute draft a comprehensive Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining areas of cooperation with the ministry and its affiliates.
He also stressed the importance of intellectual capacity building and encouraged CIPEN to explore ideas and approaches to enhance the training and retraining of engineers. "It is essential that we focus on building our engineers’ skills to get the best out of our personnel," he added. Adelabu further advised the institute to identify and train young engineers from host communities, positioning them as valuable assets to the industry and contributing to employment generation for Nigeria’s youth.
Engr. Israel E. Abraham, President and Chairman of the Governing Council of CIPEN, commended the Minister for his efforts in advancing power sector reforms, which have resulted in increased power generation and supply. He noted that CIPEN was established to promote professionalism and ethical practices in the power sector, following its legal establishment by the 9th National Assembly on May 11, 2023.
“The institute was created to regulate and determine the standards of knowledge required for individuals aspiring to become Chartered Power Engineers in Nigeria,” Abraham said. He expressed the institute’s eagerness to collaborate with the Ministry of Power to enhance sector capacity, service delivery, and professional standards.
“Today’s visit is an opportunity to reintroduce our institute and discuss potential collaborations. By working together, we aim to improve the power sector’s professionalism and efficiency, aligning with your vision for a robust power sector in Nigeria,” Abraham concluded.
The meeting reflected a shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s power sector through enhanced training and professional development, supporting the broader goals of the current administration.
