By Emmanuel Sixtus
Background
The Nigerian minister of power announced that 40% of Nigerians now enjoy daily power supply; his move was aimed to garner praise and give him bragging rights.
40% enjoy the daily power simply after more than a century of having independence. If it took more than a century for 40% of Nigerians to enjoy power supply, then the country is in serious trouble.
There is nothing to celebrate yet, and there is nothing to brag about; the minister should keep calm and shouldn’t celebrate disgrace.
What Happened
In a notable push for Nigeria’s energy sector, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, said that more than 40% of the country’s population now receives up to 20 hours of electricity daily. This reflects significant improvement in the power supply, a persistent matter that has long obstructed the country’s progress and economic growth.
While making the address on Sunday, Chief Adelabu pointed out the government’s commitment to further expanding the capacity of the national grid and settling long-standing inefficiencies. He also indicated that the power sector has witnessed gains under the current administration, with specific investments aimed at improving generation, transmission, and distribution.
“We’ve prioritised not just increasing generation but ensuring that the distribution companies are adequately equipped to effectively deliver power to consumers,” Adelabu said. He attributed this success to ongoing infrastructure improvements, including the recent commissioning of new transmission lines and the refurbishment of outdated facilities across the country.
He, however, noted that the administration will not stop making successful inroads to sustain the successes achieved and improve in their jobs to increase the output.
A New Era for Nigeria’s Power Supply?
For decades, Nigeria’s unstable electricity supply has been a significant obstruction to economic growth, with both businesses and households heavily relying on generators to make up for frequent outages. However, the minister’s announcement indicates that for a growing segment of the population, these challenges may be easing.
According to him, while the use of generators has not decreased or its importation, there is a future of reaching a point distribution that will reflect in the market.
Adelabu’s statements also serve as a counterpoint to widespread displeasure over power outages and shortages, especially in rural areas. While some critics argue that the situation on the ground might not reflect the minister’s optimistic figures, many have acknowledged improvements in major cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt.
It is fair to give credit where and when due, but the fact cannot be substituted for anything in a case where reflective actions are crucial proof of effectiveness.
Mixed Reactions to the Announcement
Public reaction to the minister’s remarks has been shaky and confusing. Numerous Nigerians turned to social media to either support or dispute the claim of a 20-hour power supply. While some residents of larger cities cautiously reported an improvement in supply over recent months, those in rural areas continue to describe inconsistent service.
Energy experts have also come in, advising the government to ensure that progress reaches all parts of the country. “It’s positive that some regions are experiencing better power supply, but the government must ensure these improvements extend to underserved rural communities,” noted Adewale Akintoye, an energy policy expert.
Challenges Persist
Despite these moves, Nigeria’s power sector continues to grapple with difficult challenges. Grid instability, ageing infrastructure, and corruption have all hindered the government’s ability to provide consistent electricity nationwide. Furthermore, distribution companies (DisCos) face operational inefficiencies, difficulties, and financial constraints, leaving vast areas of the country without reliable power.
Adelabu reassured citizens that these issues are being tackled through various policy reforms and partnerships with the private sector. “We’re developing long-term strategies to eliminate power outages altogether. Investments are being directed towards renewable energy and the modernisation of our power grid,” he stated.
Is 40% enough?
While Adelabu seems to be in a celebratory mood with over 40% increase, it remains a poor percentage for the most populous African country.
The Nigerian power sector has failed to meet the energy demand of the country’s population, which has ultimately affected the economy and overall state of the country.
The country needs a stable power supply to be able to mitigate the cost of fuel. Aside from using premium motor spirit for automobiles, the country relies on it for generation of power as power supply is low and cannot meet demands.
What Next
As the government works to consolidate its gains in the power sector, attention will be focused on whether this upward trend can be sustained and expanded. Reliable electricity is critical to achieving broader development goals, from industrial growth to better healthcare services.
For the 40% of Nigerians reportedly enjoying improved electricity supply, there may be some relief. But for millions still without steady power, the road to consistent and reliable electricity remains incomplete.
