The Government of the United States of America has signed a memorandum of understanding with Nigeria’s government to improve electricity supply.

The partnership which is expected to inject nine million dollars annually into the sector is also expected to provide technical support to the distribution companies.

Representatives of electricity distribution companies, the Ministry of Power and the American government, all witnessed the signing of the agreement between the U.S government and electricity distribution companies.

The U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, said that the partnership is aimed at opening up business opportunities in Nigeria, as access to electricity would reduce the cost of doing business in the country.

Away from the business opportunities the partnership will provide, representatives of some electricity distribution companies at the event asked the U.S. Government to help build their capacity to distribute power and collect tariff from consumers.

The Minister of Power, Works and Housing, who was represented at the event by his SSA, Lanre Akinsola, said that government is making efforts to relieve the sector of its over-dependence on gas.

Electricity generation and distribution has dropped below 3,000 megawatts in recent times, causing perpetual darkness in some parts of the country.

Often, the Ministry of Power has blamed the sharp fall on acts of vandalism of gas pipelines and other installations across the country. (Channels TV)

•Photo shows Ambassador Entwistle.