President Bola Tinubu has put the Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, on the clock, demanding a two-week progress report on the agreements signed at the recent COP 28 climate conference in Dubai. The clock started ticking on December 7th, leaving Adelabu less than 48 hours to deliver.

This swift action comes after the landmark Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) agreement with Germany was inked at COP 28, promising an electrifying 12,000 megawatts of additional power to the national grid. But questions have swirled about the specifics of projects under the PPI, prompting Tinubu to demand clear answers.

In a letter obtained by THISDAY, the President, through his Principal Secretary, Hakeem Muri-OkunoIa, laid down the law. He wants:

• A detailed breakdown of potential projects: vague promises won’t fly anymore. Tinubu wants detailed plans on the table, outlining exactly how this extra juice will flow.
• Sustainability and skills transfer: it’s not just about flipping a switch. The President wants guarantees that these projects will last, with full technology transfer and training for Nigerian engineers at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

“I write on the instructions of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to request that you kindly provide a written report on the advances made by your ministry in furtherance of the positive discussions, negotiations and meetings held during the course of Mr. President’s visit to Dubai, UAE to attend the 28th Session of Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework on Climate Change (COP28).

“Your report should kindly provide specific details of potential projects, and agreements-in-principle, discussed in line with Mr. President’s drive for foreign direct investment under the banner of his Renewed Hope Agenda, and should include: Details of the most advanced projects and discussions and the identity of the counterparties.

“(It should also include) projected timelines and project milestones; and details of any obstacles which may have been encountered thus far,” the letter stated.

The letter further stated that the president had further directed that such progress reports should be provided periodically, on a monthly basis.

“I, therefore, look forward to receipt of your first status report within 14 days of the date of this letter for the consideration and further directives of Mr. President. Kindly accept the assurances of my warm regards,” it added.