Nigeria’s Electricity Generation Plummets to 4,998.20mw Amid Rising Energy Costs

Nigeria's electricity generation has experienced a decline, dropping to 4,998.20 megawatts from the previous peak of 5,234.70 MW recorded last Tuesday. This reduction in power generation is occurring amidst escalating energy costs, as reported by the National Control Centre's recent system performance data.

Despite having a substantial generating capacity of 22,000 megawatts, Nigeria's actual power generation remains massively lower than its potential, which is concerning given the country's population exceeding 210 million people.

The primary sources of electricity in Nigeria are thermal and hydropower plants, with gas-fired thermal power plants contributing 11,972 MW and hydro plants providing 2,062 MW. However, the country faces persistent challenges in meeting its electricity demand, which is estimated at around 30,000 megawatts daily.

The shortfall in power generation is attributed to several factors, including technical challenges, inadequate funding, infrastructural decay, and gas shortages. These issues have led to frequent power outages and an ongoing energy crisis, despite Nigeria's vast deposits of coal, oil, and gas.

The Nigerian energy supply crisis is further exacerbated by poor management, corruption, and the non-settlement of electricity bills. Additionally, the lack of proper maintenance of power infrastructure and the shutting down of major power plants contribute to the suboptimal electricity production. As a result, many households and businesses resort to using backup generators, which are costly and contribute to environmental pollution.

Efforts to address these challenges include the privatization of the power sector, which began in 2014, and the implementation of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) in 2005. However, major improvements in electricity generation and distribution remain elusive, necessitating urgent reforms and investments to enhance Nigeria's power sector and meet the growing energy demands of its population.