Jonathan launches Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan and Power Investment Sector Fund

President Goodluck E Jonathan, on February 11, 2014 launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and

President Jonathan and VP Sambo

the National Enterprise Development Program (NEDP). These heroic step is a giant stride forward to bring Nigeria into the new era of Industrial development.  The Nigeria Federal Government has also launched the Power Sector Investment Fund, to enable stakeholders in the industry access to cheap funds for long term development in the power sector. These bold and well thought moves by the Nigeria Federal Government are welcomed by all patriots and should be applauded by all Nigerian citizens. These programs will bring Nigeria into the industrial age. This administration is laying the strong foundation for Nigeria technological and manufacturing breakthrough.

The first industrial revolution began in Great Britain between 1726 to 1840. The second industrial revolution was between 1840-1870. Both revolutions witnessed the transformation of hand productions to mechanized manufacturing, that began with the  invention of Watt Steam Engine. 

Georgia Hydroelectric Power Generates 844,720KW

While Nigeria is less than 300 years late into this era of industrial revolution, it is to our advantage that we do not need to start from the elementary beginning experienced by the economic superpowers.  The transfer of these technologies and their applications in our economy will and can be facilitated by the enabling environments that the federal government is creating with these programs. As evident in the industrialized nations, the engines that drive the industrialization are energy production. A massive investment in energy production on a scale to meet the manufacturing and services requirements will be needed for a successful industrial take of. Nigeria has a population of 167 millions and the electricity generation capacity has declined to a meager 3,781.80 kw, while the nation's demand level forecast is 12,800 kw. In essence, Nigeria electricity generation is at a sub per level and unable to meet the demand. Therefore, our economy is grossly under performing at the current level of energy production. There can never be an industrialization without adequate production of electric power to meet the demand. 

Georgia Nuclear Power  Generates 4 millions KW

Programs Indigenization:

For an effective implementation and positive outcome of these programs, Nigeria Federal Government must promote the full and active participation of Nigerian-owned Enterprises at home and abroad. While we do not encourage excessive protectionism from foreign participation in favor of Nigerianization, these programs will attain a higher level of success by encouraging and promoting Nigerians participatory efforts in the development of their motherland, for a long term benefit of Nigeria. It will be a disservice to Nigeria to surrender the exclusive rights of these programs to China, Korea, India, GE, Siemens or other foreign corporations. .

There are several Nigerian-owned Enterprises at home and abroad that are in partnership with Global Corporations that can facilitate the transfer of the required technologies within a reasonable time-frame. 

The importance and the emphasis on adequate generation of electric power are typified in all States in the United States of America.  The State of Georgia, with a population of 9.92 millions, has 20 hydroelectric dams, 14 fossil fueled generating plants and 2 nuclear power plants.  The 2 nuclear power plants alone generate more than 4 millions KW/hr of electricity combined.  The hydroelectric dams produce more than 844,720 KW/hr of electricity. The fossil fueled plants produce more than 14 millions of KW/hr of electricity.

RENEWABLE ENERGY PROGRAMS

Nigeria cannot and must not be left behind in the renewable energy exploration.  Again, we must state that energy generation drives the economy of the nation. An under performing economy is a function of poor planning that failed to recognize the critical role of energy production. Nigeria must invest generously in these specialized energy generation.  With the abundant sun and wind in Nigeria, our resources for solar and wind energy production are limitless.  All we need to do is the the investment and the transfer of the technologies.
 
The Industrialized Nations are now shifting to environment-friendly renewable energy with focus on hydro, solar and wind power plants. All these technologies are at various advanced stages of development with ongoing dynamic researches and

Wind Energy

developments in scientific and university laboratories. The transfer and the applications of these technological advances in our developing economies can only be possible in an enabling environment supported by this federal government. 

The role of energy generation in the industrialization of the world economy has been identified and utilized by the economic superpowers for ages.

We have been harnessing the wind's energy for hundreds of years. From old Holland to farms in the United States, windmills have been used for pumping water or grinding grain. Today, the windmill's modern equivalent - a wind turbine - can use the wind's energy to generate electricity.   In solar energy, radiant light and heat from the sun is harnessed using a range of ever-evolving technologies such as solar heating , solar photo-voltaics, solar thermal electricity, solar architecture and artificial photosynthesis to generate electricity.
   

Solar Energy

Nigeria can no longer afford to be left behind in all these global  technological developments. A responsive administration that is sensitive to the needs and welfare of the people is essential to making strides in these fields.  This administration is up to the tasks.

The stage has been  set by this administration to take Nigeria to higher level of industrialization.  All hands must be on deck in support of this administration during this transformation.

These projects and other projects embarked upon by this administration must be fully implemented as soon as possible and through the second term of President Jonathan's presidency.  

These are the legacies that all Nigerians will embrace and welcome.

The era of Nigeria Industrialization has begun.