Toba Owojaiye ReportingÂ
Former Nigerian Minister of Power, Barth Nnaji, has brought to light a disturbing revelation regarding the continuous struggle for consistent electricity access in the country. During a recent radio interview on Flo FM, Umuahia, Nnaji identified a “cabal” that has been benefiting from the ongoing power crisis, a crisis that has plagued Nigeria for decades.
Nnaji specifically pointed fingers at fuel suppliers and generator sellers, accusing them of actively sabotaging efforts to improve the nation’s power infrastructure. He explained that the perpetually failing national grid remains a significant concern for Nigerians, despite the Federal Government’s claim of investing a substantial N7 trillion in the power sector and privatizing key components of the industry since November 2013.
As the chairman of Geometric Power in Aba, Nnaji emphasized the need for industry professionals who understand the complexities of the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry. He singled out diesel suppliers and generator sellers as key actors in the cabal, motivated by their economic interests in a country with a high demand for backup power sources.
Nnaji recalled a troubling incident where individuals associated with a diesel supply company cut down a power line, disrupting electricity supply to thousands. Shockingly, the company sponsored this operation, highlighting the extent of their influence.
The implications of Nigeria’s power problem are staggering. It’s estimated that the lack of reliable electricity costs businesses around $29 billion annually, according to the World Bank. The country has one of the lowest rates of access to electricity globally, with 92 million out of 200 million Nigerians lacking access to power, as reported in the Energy Progress Report 2022.
A World Bank report from 2021 further illustrated the dire situation, with 74% of power users expressing dissatisfaction with electricity supply. While 93% of metered users paid their bills regularly, a staggering 78% of electricity consumers received less than 12 hours of power daily, driving businesses to rely on expensive diesel-run generators.
The Nigerian government has made claims about reducing dependence on generators, but the reality is far from that, with citizens continuing to grapple with the consequences of poor power supply. Nnaji’s revelations underscore the urgent need for reform and the elimination of vested interests obstructing progress in Nigeria’s power sector.