The United States, U.S, Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle has advised the Federal Government to create an enabling environment that will make big private companies invest in the nation’s power sector, insisting that such remained the solution to the challenges crippling the nation’s energy industry.
The envoy stressed that his country identified the private power players as the solution to the several challenges facing the country as regards electricity.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onu, in Abuja on Wednesday, he advocated a stronger private sector participation in the energy industry.
Entwistle, who pointed out that the U.S had assisted Nigeria in nuclear energy programmes, said: “What we have done in nuclear energy in the past with Nigeria has been related to safety and we are very committed to increase the power sector through our Power Africa Programme. That comes with increasing generation through the private sector.”
Onu had earlier assured his guest that the ministry will explore the excellent working relationship with the United States.
This was as he requested technology transfer from the country in the area of biotechnology.
Responding, Entwistle said: “the U.S would want to see what the minister has in mind specifically. Anything that he sends to us we shall look at it with great interest and see what is possible that can be done as fast as possible.”