Electricity: USTDA Sponsors Nigerian Executives on Reverse Trade Mission

Senior executives from four leading power distribution companies in Nigeria – Abuja, Benin, Eko, and Ikeja – with a combined procurement budget of over $800 million, will participate in a Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) to the United States from October 15 – 25, 2013, sponsored by the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). This, a part of modernization of Nigeria’s electricity distribution infrastructure, will comprise of senior decision makers from Nigeria’s newly privatized electricity distribution companies, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and a commercial representative from the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, according to a statement by USTDA. “The expected growth in Nigeria’s power sector is creating unprecedented opportunities for U.S. firms,” noted USTDA’s Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Paul Marin. “The recent privatization of Nigeria’s distribution sector will enable critical investments to be made and improve electricity services throughout the country in coming years.” USTDA also said, “A part of the Government of Nigeria’s Power Sector Reform Roadmap, the sector is being overhauled to accelerate the expansion of power supply while dramatically improving service delivery, revenue recovery and efficiency across the power sector value chain. A cornerstone of this reform is the ongoing privatization of eleven distribution companies in Nigeria.” “The RTM will expose Nigerian delegates to U.S. technologies, equipment, and services, as well as policies, regulations, financing mechanisms and management structures that can support the implementation of smart grid infrastructure in Nigeria’s distribution companies. U.S. companies are being encouraged to participate in this RTM through: Attending the Business Briefing and Finance Roundtable in Arlington, VA on October 22, 2013; Attending or leading a training session in Washington, DC on October 21, 2013; Hosting the delegation at their facilities to discuss their expertise and capabilities; Arranging a site visit “in the field” to demonstrate technology in use and Sponsoring a private dinner or lunch meeting with the delegation.