Human capital development critical to improvement in power supply –Perm Sec
By Constance Athekame
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Power, Alhaji Mamudah Mamman says human capital development is critical to having a sustainable and effective power sector.
Mamman said this on Wednesday in Abuja at a one-day Stakeholders Retreat for Practitioners in the Electric Power Sector, which had the theme “Role of Human Capital Development in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the retreat was organised by the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN) in collaboration with Hak-Ben and Associates Nigeria Ltd.
Mamman noted that human capital development was the backbone of any industry.
He said this was critical especially in the electricity supply sector, where the complexity of technologies and processes required not just skilled hands but innovative minds to navigate the potential within.
“We stand united in the belief that development of human capital is integral to achieving our goals in the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry (NESI).
“It is through our skilled professionals, technicians, engineers and all members of the workforce that we can innovate, improve service delivery and drive the sector towards greater heights of achievement.
“The NESI is at a pivotal stage. As we strive towards enhancing our capacity and reliability in electricity supply, the role of skilled human capital cannot be overstated,’’ the Permanent Secretary said.
He stated that the power sector’s collective aim was to forge a future where the country’s energy sector was not only sustainable.
Mamman added that it must also be a beacon of innovation and excellence in Africa and beyond.
“This requires an unweaving commitment to invest in training, development and empowerment of our workforce, ‘’ he said.
Mamman said NAPTIN in alignment with its objectives remained at the forefront of the mission to continuously be evolving to meet the educational and training needs of the power sector.
“By leveraging national and international expertise, NAPTIN is poised to elevate the standards of training and development by ensuring the sector’s workforce is equipped with necessary knowledge and skills to propel the industry forward.
“As we engage in today’s discussions, let us focus on the strategies and actions required to enhance human capital development in the NESI.
“Our deliberations will undoubtedly contribute to shaping a robust framework for nurturing a competent, innovative and motivated workforce capable of driving transformation in the Nigerian electricity supply sector,” he said.
On his part, Mr Aliyu Tukur, Managing Director of Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), said the workshop aimed at enhancing the human capacity development of professionals in the power sector.
Tukur said NEMSA had been in strategic collaboration with NAPTIN trough training and retraining of its engineers and technical officers.
According to him, NAPTIN is also collaborating with NEMSA on competence certification of trained electrical installation personnel in the country.
“We are pleased with NAPTIN’s initiative at driving the review of the various fronts in capacity development to align with evolving technologies in the power sector,” he said.
Earlier, the NAPTIN Director-General, Mr Ahmed Nagode, had said by pooling knowledge, experiences and resources, stakeholders could create a synergy that would propel the sector towards brighter and more sustainable future.
“We must foster an environment of inclusivity and cooperation, where every stakeholder, from government agencies to private companies, from academia to industry experts, has a seat at the table and a voice in shaping the direction of our efforts.
“Together, we can bridge gaps, overcome challenges, and unlock new opportunities for growth and progress,” he said.
According to him, NAPTIN’s alignment with economic growth and job creation is crucial in supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Nagode said that NAPTIN’s training programmes and capacity-building initiatives would create a skilled workforce capable of filling key roles in the electricity sector.
“Also, NAPTIN plays a significant role in empowering Nigerian youths by providing them with opportunities for skill acquisition, certification, and career development in the energy sector.
“This empowers young people to become active participants in the workforce, fostering economic independence and contributing to the overall growth of the economy.
“NAPTIN’s focus on human capital development aligns with Mr President’s agenda to harness the potential of Nigeria’s diverse talent pool.
“By investing in the development of skilled professionals, NAPTIN supports the country’s economic diversification efforts and productivity,” he added.
NAN also reports that the highlight of the retreat was the inauguration of the Sector Skills Council of Power by the Permanent Secretary.
Council members were drawn from stakeholders in the power sector and other relevant agencies.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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(Edited by Emmanuella Anokam and Olawale Alabi)
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