- The energy expert called for a comprehensive electricity accounting system while debunking the TCN’s new peak generation of 5,713.60MW as misleading.
- Hamzat argued that the current reporting system distorts the actual state of Nigeria’s electricity generation by excluding over 12,000MW of power generated outside the national grid.
A leading energy expert and policy analyst, Mr Abdulrazaq Hamzat, has called for a more transparent and comprehensive energy accounting system in Nigeria to improve planning and investment in the power sector.
Speaking to journalists in Ilorin, Hamzat critiqued the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)’s recent announcement of a new peak generation of 5,713.60MW, calling it misleading and incomplete.
Hamzat argued that the current reporting system distorts the actual state of Nigeria’s electricity generation by excluding over 12,000MW of power generated outside the national grid. He emphasised that a holistic and transparent framework is necessary to measure electricity generation and distribution accurately.
“Nigeria’s electricity generation should not be assessed solely based on grid transmission data. A proper energy accounting framework must incorporate not just grid-based generation but also captive power, embedded generation, and independent power producers (IPP). Otherwise, we are not getting the full picture,” Hamzat stated.
Hamzat, also the Executive Director of the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), stressed that electricity planning and investment decisions must be based on complete and accurate data. He pointed out that many industries, businesses, and communities generate power, but their contributions are not included in national energy reports.
A transparent energy accounting system, he said, would help Nigeria:
- Attract investment by providing reliable data on actual electricity demand and supply
- Improve infrastructure planning by identifying gaps in energy distribution
- Enhance regulatory oversight through better coordination between government agencies
Hamzat called on government agencies, power sector stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to adopt a more inclusive and standardised approach to electricity reporting.
He urged TCN to collaborate more effectively with regulatory bodies such as the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) to establish a standardised electricity accounting system.
According to him, developing a national energy database that accurately reflects both on-grid and off-grid power generation is crucial to attracting investments in the sector.
He warned that without such reforms, Nigeria’s energy policies will continue to be based on incomplete information, hindering progress toward a reliable and sustainable electricity supply