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Tag: Electricity

  • Nigeria’s New Power Minister Tegbe Promises Steady Electricity Improvements Amid Sector Challenges

    Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has highlighted what he described as early improvements in the country’s electricity supply, while pledging sustained progress in the sector.

    Tegbe, who recently assumed office following the resignation of former minister Adebayo Adelabu, made the remarks during a television interview where he assessed developments in the power sector over the past few weeks.

    Early Gains in Power Sector

    The minister said recent coordination with key agencies such as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) has contributed to relative stability in electricity supply.

    He noted that the sector had recorded some improvements within a short period of time, describing them as encouraging signs for ongoing reforms.

    Persistent National Challenges

    Despite the reported progress, Nigeria’s power sector continues to face long-standing structural problems, including gas supply shortages, transmission constraints, and grid instability.

    Average electricity generation remains significantly below national demand, with output typically ranging between 3,000 and 4,500 megawatts, compared to installed capacity estimated at over 13,000 megawatts.

    These challenges have continued to result in frequent outages and uneven power distribution across the country.

    Public Reaction Remains Mixed

    While some stakeholders have welcomed claims of improved stability, others remain skeptical, citing persistent blackouts and lack of consistent supply in many parts of the country.

    Critics have also called for clearer data and transparency regarding actual improvements in generation and distribution.

    Minister Outlines Reform Priorities

    Tegbe said his administration will focus on stabilising the national grid, improving gas supply to power plants, expanding metering coverage, and upgrading infrastructure across the sector.

    He also promised improved coordination among stakeholders in the power value chain and hinted at plans to introduce a public performance tracking system.

    The power sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic development agenda, with stakeholders continuing to stress that reliable electricity is critical for industrial growth, job creation, and overall productivity.

  • Peter Obi Urges Nigerians to Demand Better Governance, Cites Power Gap With South Africa

    Former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians to take a more active role in demanding accountability and improved governance, especially in tackling the country’s persistent electricity crisis.

    Obi made the call on Monday night while speaking at the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) aspirants dinner held in Abuja.

    Obi Highlights Power Generation Gap

    During his remarks, the former Anambra State governor drew a comparison between Nigeria’s electricity output and that of South Africa, describing the gap as a reflection of long-standing governance failures.

    “Nigeria produces just about 4,000 megawatts while South Africa generates over 40,000 megawatts,” Obi reportedly said at the event.

    He stressed that despite Nigeria’s population size and resource base, successive administrations have failed to deliver stable electricity supply.

    Call for Long-Term National Thinking

    Obi also urged Nigerians to adopt a long-term perspective in national development, insisting that leaders must prioritise the future of younger generations.

    He said the country must focus on building systems that will benefit “our children,” rather than short-term political gains.

    The event reportedly had in attendance notable figures including singer 2Baba Idibia and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who interacted with guests at the dinner.

    Reactions and Political Undertones

    Supporters at the event praised Obi’s consistent advocacy for good governance since the 2023 general elections, describing him as a strong voice for transparency and reform.

    However, some critics dismissed the gathering and questioned its political relevance, arguing that it lacked clear structure and substance.

    Despite differing opinions, Obi’s message continued to resonate with Nigerians concerned about infrastructure challenges and economic hardship.

    Obi has remained active in public discourse since the last election, frequently speaking on governance, economic reforms, and national development priorities.

  • NERC Considers Electricity Tariff Hike as Nigerians Face Rising Cost of Power

    The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has indicated that it is considering a further upward review of electricity tariffs, a move aimed at improving service delivery across the country’s power sector.

    The commission made the disclosure in a post shared on its official X account on Monday, noting that the review is part of ongoing efforts to enhance electricity supply and customer experience.

    NERC defends possible tariff adjustment

    According to the statement, the proposed adjustment is intended to improve quality of service while ensuring consumers receive more reliable electricity supply.

    “You deserve satisfaction and accurate information on the increase. There is no issue of hidden pricing or cutting off your power arbitrarily,” NERC stated.

    The regulator added that the objective is to bring electricity tariffs closer to actual cost-reflective levels while maintaining consumer protection mechanisms.

    “We are bringing the electricity tariff closer to you to improve your quality of life, and we assure you of continued protection of your rights every day,” the commission said.

    Push for cost-reflective tariffs amid system challenges

    NERC explained that the broader goal is to ensure access to affordable and reliable electricity while addressing long-standing inefficiencies in the sector.

    It also highlighted concerns around the current payment structure, describing it as a “one-size-fits-all system” that does not fully reflect consumption patterns or service realities.

    The commission further stated its commitment to resolving customer complaints and safeguarding consumer rights as reforms continue.

    Background of previous tariff hikes

    The latest development comes after a major electricity tariff increase in April 2024, when Band A customers saw rates rise from about ₦68 per kWh to ₦225 per kWh.

    This affected consumers receiving at least 20 hours of electricity supply daily, representing roughly 15 per cent of users.

    The rate was later adjusted to ₦206.80 per kWh in May 2024, before some Distribution Companies (DisCos) increased it again to ₦209.50 per kWh in July 2024.

    Despite these adjustments, many consumers have continued to complain that they are not receiving power supply that matches the tariff charged.

    Labour raises concerns over cost of living

    The proposed tariff review comes at a time of growing economic pressure on households, with rising inflation affecting food, transport, and housing costs.

    The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, recently warned that even high-income earners could struggle under current economic conditions if the naira continues to lose value.

    He stressed that workers are more concerned about purchasing power than nominal salary figures.

    “Even if Nigerian workers earn ₦1 million, it will not be meaningful if the naira has no value,” Ajaero said.

    As discussions around electricity pricing continue, stakeholders say the outcome could further shape the cost of living landscape in Nigeria in the coming months.

  • Daniel Regha Blasts Adeyanju Over ‘No Need for 24-Hour Light’ Comment

    A fresh debate has erupted online after commentator Daniel Regha criticised activist Deji Adeyanju over his stance on Nigeria’s electricity needs.

    The exchange followed Adeyanju’s remarks during a podcast appearance.

    Regha Rejects Adeyanju’s Position

    Reacting on social media, Regha described Adeyanju’s argument as misleading and disconnected from reality.

    “Deji Adeyanju is proof that some youths are no different from our present leaders… Nigerians need 24/7 electricity 100%,” he said.

    He argued that reliable power is essential for businesses and contributes directly to the cost of goods.

    ‘Electricity Is Not a Luxury’

    Regha further maintained that electricity should not be treated as a privilege in any serious country.

    “In a serious country, electricity won’t be divided into bands… provision of light is a social amenity,” he added.

    He also took a swipe at Adeyanju personally during the exchange.

    Adeyanju Explains His View

    Adeyanju had earlier argued that most Nigerians are not demanding round-the-clock electricity, but consistent supply during key hours.

    According to him, access to power in the evening and early morning would meet basic needs for many households.

    “Nigerians just want to come home at 8pm and meet light… and also meet light by 7am,” he said.

    Debate Gains Traction Online

    The disagreement has since sparked wider conversations on social media about electricity supply, affordability, and expectations in Nigeria.

    The issue remains central as Nigerians continue to grapple with unstable power supply across the country.

  • Deji Adeyanju Speaks on Power Crisis, Says Nigerians Don’t Need 24-Hour Electricity

    Nigerian activist Deji Adeyanju has said that most citizens are not demanding 24-hour electricity, but only basic and reliable power supply.

    He made the remark during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch podcast.

    ‘Nigerians Are Asking for Little’

    According to him, Nigerians would be satisfied with electricity during key hours, especially in the evening and early morning.

    “Nigerians don’t even want 24 hours light… they just want to come home at 8pm and meet light… and also meet light by 7am,” he said.

    He added that this would allow people to rest comfortably at night and prepare for the day ahead.

    Suggests Priority for Industrial Use

    Adeyanju argued that power supply could be prioritised for factories during other periods, while households get access at critical times.

    He maintained that the expectations of citizens remain modest despite the country’s long-standing electricity challenges.

    Calls for Practical Solutions

    The activist stressed that Nigerians are not asking for unrealistic improvements but basic functionality.

    “How can this be too much?” he questioned.

    His comments have added to ongoing conversations around Nigeria’s power supply and the need for more efficient distribution strategies.

  • “Power Has Improved Since 2015” — Tinubu’s Aide Bwala Defends Electricity Supply Gains

    Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy Communication, has said electricity supply has improved in parts of Nigeria, insisting that Nigerians now enjoy more power than they did in 2015 and 2023.

    Aide speaks on current situation

    Bwala made the claim during an interview on Arise TV, where he acknowledged that challenges still exist in the power sector but argued that there are noticeable improvements in some areas.

    He pointed to the Federal Capital Territory as one of the regions experiencing relatively stable electricity compared to others.

    Focus shifts from supply to tariffs

    According to him, many of the current complaints about electricity are now centred more on tariffs than on availability in certain locations.

    He suggested that this reflects a shift in concerns, as some areas are seeing better supply than before.

    Reforms opening up the sector

    Bwala also credited recent government reforms for expanding participation in the power sector.

    He said the legal framework now allows state governments, local authorities, and private investors to play active roles in electricity generation and distribution.

    “We have created the legislative environment that has given rise to the capacity of state, local government, and even the private sector to participate,” he said.

    ‘Judge by hours of supply’

    The presidential aide argued that progress should be measured by actual hours of electricity supply rather than political comparisons with previous administrations.

    He maintained that Nigerians are more concerned about how much power they receive daily than past benchmarks.

    Debate over real impact continues

    While Bwala insists there has been measurable improvement, discussions around electricity supply remain a key national issue, with many Nigerians still raising concerns about access, cost, and consistency.