BY CHIBUZOR ISICHEI
If there is anything that gives Nigerians headaches and sleepless nights, it is THE lack of adequate power supply, and this, to a large extent, has attracted underdevelopment in the country.
Yes, Nigeria’s power supply history since independence in 1960 is marked by challenges. In the early years, the sector was initially managed by the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN), which was established in 1950. At that time, the country’s power generation capacity was relatively stable.
In the 1960s, the Nigerian government introduced reforms aimed at privatising the electricity sector. Later, the Electric Power Policy (EPP) of 2001 led to the unbundling of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) into 18 separate companies.
Despite these reforms, Nigeria’s power sector continues to face significant and serious challenges, including insufficient power generation capacity, ageing infrastructure, insufficient distribution networks, corruption, vandalism and lack of investment.
As a result of the combination of these factors, Nigeria’s power supply remains unreliable, with frequent outages and shortages affecting businesses and households. And despite the efforts to reform the sector, the country still faces significant hurdles in providing reliable electricity to its citizens. May will quickly point out that electricity supply is mainly under the Federal Government’s control, but now, states have been involved.
It is from this perspective that the recent statement by the Delta State Commissioner for Energy, Engr Michael Anoka, that the state government would soon improve the electricity situation in the state is a progressive, welcome development. If it works out, it will be one of the best things that has happened to the state and its citizens.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Committee to oversee the project, Anoka said that the Delta State Government has taken a decisive step towards improving electricity supply and strengthening its energy infrastructure with the effective utilisation of redundant power from the state’s Independent Power Plant (IPP).
Anoka disclosed this after participating in the inaugural meeting of the Committee, which is chaired by the Commissioner for Finance, Chief Fidelis Tilije.
According to the energy commissioner, the initiative forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to expand power stability, availability, support energy growth and enhance the quality of life of the residents.
Engr Anoka explained that the meeting focused on the critical legal and economic issues relating to generating and deploying power from the IPP. Key areas of discussion, he said, included contractual agreements, generation capacity, regulatory framework and critical pathways for tapping into redundant power for productive use across the state.
The Commissioner noted that the move aligned with the development philosophy of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, whose MORE Agenda prioritises infrastructure development, economic expansion and sustainable service delivery.
He stressed that maximising the potential of existing power assets will boost productivity, attract investments and create opportunities for business across Delta State.
He said that Nigeria is losing a lot due to inadequate power supply. Some of the key losses include economic losses, job losses, healthcare challenges and a lot more, adding that the losses highlight the critical need for a reliable and efficient power supply to support Nigeria’s economic growth, development and well-being.
He stated that the IPP can help improve power supply in Delta State by increasing generation capacity, improving reliability, enhancing energy, security and creating economic opportunities, adding that in Delta State, IPP can help address the power needs by additional power generation through increased generation capacity.
To put more weight on the issue of better power supply in the State, Governor Oborevwori, through his Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, said the state government wants to inject 120MW of electricity into the National Grid, thereby positioning the State for accelerated industrialisation.
He spoke during a visit by the State Economic Team to Sapele Power PLC in Ogorodo, Sapele Local Government Area.
Aniagwu said that the governor’s push to expand the state’s energy capacity reflects a clear strategy to drive industrialisation, attract investors and create employment opportunities in line with his MORE Agenda.
An engineer, who chose to be anonymous, said IPPs can play a significant role in improving power supply in the state and beyond by increasing power generating capacity, improving reliability and enhancing energy and security, stressing that having steady, reliable power in the state is doable and achievable.
Generally, people’s reaction to the power situation in Delta State and in fact Nigeria is one of frustration and desperation. Many residents have to take to the streets to protest the lack of power supply, yet people are paying their bills for services not rendered. In fact, people are forced to pay bills, and nobody cares whether you use the light or not.
Good enough, by setting up a Committee to look into the matter of inadequate supply of electricity, the Delta State Government and other agencies of the government in the power sector have acknowledged the issue and would address the electricity challenge.
It is our hope and prayer that the Committee will look into the matter to provide lasting solutions to the power supply issues in the state, so that other states will emulate. From the way things are going, Governor Oborevwori will get it right soon, to the glory of God.
