Nigeria’s Energy Struggles: Only 13% Have Reliable Power
An Afrobarometer survey reveals that only 13% of Nigerians have reliable electricity “most or all of the time.” Despite an 18% increase in revenue for electricity companies from Q1 2023 to Q1 2024, power supply decreased by 1.4%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Last month, labor unions protested for higher wages and against recent electricity tariff hikes.
Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest economies, faces a chronic power supply issue affecting millions. The country’s growing population and expanding economy intensify the demand for electricity. However, the energy sector struggles due to outdated infrastructure, insufficient investment, and inefficiencies in generation, transmission, and distribution.
According to the World Bank, 85 million Nigerians lack access to the national grid, costing the economy about 2% of its GDP. The government has implemented reforms, but these have not resolved the systemic issues, leading to frequent grid collapses and recurring blackouts.
Nigeria’s Energy Ambitions
The government’s Energy Transition Plan aims to provide modern energy services to the entire population by 2060. The World Bank’s DARES project targets improved electricity access for 17.5 million Nigerians using renewable energy. Despite these initiatives, significant challenges remain, including financial constraints and implementation delays.
The persistence of these power supply issues underscores the need for effective management and substantial investment to ensure a stable and reliable electricity supply for Nigeria’s future.