Can Nigeria light the way to a brighter future?

WOW!  That loud sound you hear? That’s the euphoria of having power back, a sound I remember well from my teenage years.  Many years later, the nation is still struggling with chronic power shortage.  For over 60 years, Africa’s giant has failed to solve this persistent problem.  It’s a disgrace!  I say that with conviction: it’s a national shame!  The question is: why? Is it because we lack the financial resources to build and modernize our transmission infrastructure?  No, the real cankerworm, the one that has eaten deeply into the fabric of our nation, is corruption. For the past two months, power supply in Kaduna and Abuja has deteriorated significantly. In many areas, residents only receive a meager 1-2 hours of electricity per day, with the  exception of some influential areas. Despite privatisation, residents still face the burden of paying for metering, repairs, or purchasing transformers. These DisCos continue to operate with impunity. We have heard reports of transmission lines being vandalised. Protecting our critical national infrastructure falls under the purview of the NSCDC. We need to hold them accountable for any irregularities that occurred on their watch; there should be no sacred cows. Anyone who failed to live up to expectations should be removed from office. We are tired of litanies of excuses. The government should consider declaring a state of emergency on power.

Since the unbundling and privatization of the power sector in November 2013, the nation has continued to grapple with acute power supply issues.  The privatisation process, some argue, placed the sector in the hands of those with little technical expertise. Corruption also plagues the power sector. During the tenure of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, a staggering $16 billion was allegedly funneled into corrupt practices. Subsequent administrations, however, have lacked the audacity to investigate these claims.  The government’s continued subsidisation of the sector with taxpayer money, despite meager results, raises concerns about accountability.  Fast forward to 2015, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Amidst media frenzy, a ministry publicly declared the Mambila power project to be nonexistent, although its completion would significantly improve the national grid.  Those who acquired the Distribution Companies (DISCOs) have failed to invest in upgrading the electricity supply chain. Instead, they burden customers with exorbitant bills.  The Ministry of Power has threatened to revoke the operating licenses of some DISCOs due to their poor service delivery. In Kaduna, for example, Kaduna Electric only provides a meager 3-4 hours of power supply daily.

No nation can thrive without reliable power. If Nigeria aspires to join the ranks of developed nations, addressing its power issues is paramount, as electricity is the bedrock of economic growth.  According to the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), a staggering 767 manufacturers left Nigeria in 2023, citing multiple taxation, foreign exchange crises, expatriate employment levies, and, crucially, power issues.

The Nigerian government has decided to suspend the implementation of the expatriate employment levy, which is a positive development for businesses. However, the ongoing issue of erratic power supply, particularly in Niger state and across the country, continues to pose significant challenges for small businesses, leading to closures. Transcorp Chairman Tony Elumelu recently addressed the electricity challenges in Nigeria in a Bloomberg interview, advocating a comprehensive restructuring of the sector. He highlighted the need for the government to consider selling transmission lines as a strategic measure to revitalize the economy. Elumelu emphasised the critical obstacles facing the industry, such as liquidity issues and inadequate transmission infrastructure, which hinder overall sector growth and adversely impact national productivity.

Institutional decay is another long-standing problem in Nigeria. The agencies tasked with overseeing the DISCOs and holding them accountable are failing in their duties.  The Minister of Power’s threat to revoke licenses via Twitter highlights a lack of decisive action. Instead of resorting to mere pronouncements, the Minister should focus on tangible solutions. His performance thus far suggests a need for improvement.  Let the minister take concrete steps. If he is not part of the problem, then he should be part of the solution.  Now that the Federal Government has granted states autonomy to generate and distribute their own power supply, other states should take a cue from Abia State. Abia Geometric Power, the first integrated electricity facility in Nigeria, is located in the Osisioma Industrial Layout of Aba. The $800 million project championed by Geometric Power Limited includes the construction of a 27-kilometer natural gas pipeline. It has the capacity to generate and distribute 181 megawatts of power.A new electricity distribution company, Aba Power Limited, has begun receiving electricity from the plant and supplying it to nine of the 17 local government areas in the southeastern state.

Acute power supply, rising fuel prices, multiple taxation, increased customs duties, and the foreign exchange crisis have thrown some businesses into disarray. Even those that manage to stay afloat are struggling, and the burden is largely passed down to consumers. Diversifying our power generation by using alternative sources is crucial.  The darkness that plagues Nigeria is not an inevitable fate. By embracing a diversified energy mix, investing in renewable resources, and prioritizing grid modernization, we can illuminate a brighter future. This is not just about flicking on a switch; it’s about unlocking economic growth, fostering education, and empowering a nation. The time for decisive action is now. Let us light the way for a more prosperous and sustainable Nigeria, one where the potential of its people can truly shine.

• Tanimu, a dreelance architect writer and activist, writes in from Kaduna.

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