The disclosure that over 20,000 Nigerian communities are without electricity is unimpressive despite billions of naira invested in the sector to revamp it. History of electricity generation in Africa showed that Nigeria was the third country in Africa to generate electricity after South Africa and Egypt. It is unfortunate that many African countries, like Kenya, Zimbabwe, Ethiopia, Mauritius, Tunisia, Zambia, Uganda, Morocco and Ghana, whose first electricity generation occurred later than Nigeria’s, now generate more megawatts than Nigeria and have achieved higher community coverage than Nigeria. At the moment, Nigeria’s energy generation hovers between 4000MW and 5000 MW, which is appalling for its size and economic potential.
The Federal Government, through the Rural Electrification Agency, has probably taken the bull by the horns to bridge the electricity shortfall in the country, especially in the rural areas. Recently, the REA inaugurated a 550kWp solar hybrid mini-grid project in Bakin Ciyawa and Kwande communities in Qua’an Pan Local Government Area of Plateau State to electrify 3,500 households. The REA Managing Director, Abba Aliyu, said this at the inauguration ceremony that the projects built under the interconnected mini-grid Accelerated Scheme were part of a €11m grant from the European Union and the German government to provide electricity for rural communities.
In its drive to provide renewable energy to rural communities across the country, Abba Aliyu said REA was energising 3,700 communities in phases. He disclosed that it was going to be 100 communities per state and it was going to infuse 370MW of clean energy. According to him, “the first phase, which is going to be 25 communities per state, will be 925 communities across the federation, and we will be infusing over 92MW of clean energy into our energy space. One of the most profound benefits of these solar mini-grids is their impact on the environment. By replacing traditional fossil fuel-based energy sources such as diesel generators and kerosene, these mini-grids are significantly reducing carbon emissions.”
The over 11 million euros donated by the EU and German government for this project must be judiciously used to electrify more communities in the country. Among others, it would stimulate the economy of these communities and enhance security at a time non-state actors have created disturbing security lapses in many parts of the country. Nigeria has a bad history of accountability when it comes to electricity funds. Despite a $750 million credit from the World Bank to improve the energy sector, Nigeria’s energy crisis has not witnessed any considerable improvement. Part of the reasons Nigeria’s electricity generation is poor is the inability of the country to upgrade to modern electricity generation assets, even with funds made available for such purposes by different Nigerian governments and foreign collaborators. Nigeria generates most of its power through thermal and hydro sources. Though the country has installed power generation capacity of approximately 13,000 MW, its transmission capacity is 8,500 MW.
The over-reliance on obsolete grid-connected plant should be reviewed. Nigeria has 23 grid-connected generating plants, which are unable to supply regular power to homes, offices and public places. Regular power outages have adversely affected the economy. If the Federal Government must achieve its target of 350GW electricity generating capacity by the year 2043, it must embrace renewable energy wholeheartedly rather than piecemeal. With a population of over 200 million people Nigeria’s electricity consumption is around 4,000.240 MWh per hour. Meeting Nigeria’s energy requirement demands for expansion of the country’s energy base.
Renewable energy is very important in reducing the effects of climate change. It is also easier to generate from natural sources and maintain. Currently, many African countries are investing in renewable energy to diversify its energy mix, including solar, hydropower and wind, and to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which are becoming expensive to procure these days. Renewable energy leads to reduction in carbon emissions and guarantees a greener future.
It is expected that, ramping up Nigeria’s energy supply and achieving stability would have far-reaching economical, environmental and social benefits. Nigeria is one of Africa’s largest economies with a huge active enterpreneur population. A stable energy is crucial to driving the much-needed growth. It would also attract foreign investments and foster job creation, increase manufacturing output and enhance technology. Nigerian citizens are bound to see improvements in security, healthcare, education and achieving a more prosperous and sustainable future. We welcome the current plans to electrify Nigeria’s 20,000 communities without electricity. The federal government should also look at the broader picture of utilising renewable energy in both urban and rural areas in the long run.