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By Iheanyi Chukwudi
Nigeria's efforts at fixing current crisis in electricity supply in the country, will remain a mirage unless she takes the part of diversification programme through a robust energy mix.
Members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), who gave the warning at the end of their 2024 conference, lamented how the poor electricity supply in Nigeria had remained one of the most significant constraints to economic growth despite several power reforms that have been introduced since 1999 by successive governments.
The conference which is the eight edition held for two days at Reverton Hotels, Lokoja, Kogi State.
In a statement signed by Maureen Chigbo and Olumide Iyanda, President and Deputy General Secretary respectively of GOCOP, the group which brainstormed on startling revelations made by Chairman of the Power Sector Technical Board, under President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, and former Governor of Cross River State, Lyel Imoke, made case for more stable gas supply to power plants.
It said, "The Conference laments that despite huge resources that have been expended on electricity generation and distribution, Nigeria can only manage to deliver 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts. It notes that Nigeria’s per capita electricity consumption which is around 150 to 200 kWh per year, is too low compared to other African countries and only reflects challenges in electricity access, infrastructure, and supply."
On the way forward in addressing Nigeria’s power deficit, the GOCOP's statement reads, “Conference enjoins conscious efforts aimed at diversifying generation capacity through investment that guarantees expansion of the gas pipeline network, to ensure more stable gas supply to power plants.
The Conference identifies the need to diversify Nigeria’s energy mix by increasing the share of renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and small hydropower projects that could provide electricity to areas that are not well-served by the grid.
It observes that the current transmission system is not working hence, calls for the unbundling of the Transmission Company of Nigeria to allow greater private sector involvement in the transmission network.
The Conference advises the government to encourage more private sector investment in the power sector by creating a more stable and predictable regulatory environment to attract long-term investments. It notes that this is achievable if the government could stick to agreed contracts, reduce political interference, and ensure a transparent regulatory process.”
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