For a long time, Nigeria has suffered from poor electricity Generation, inadequate Transmission infrastructure and distribution capabilities, and other issues arising from poor management, lack of investment, and poor network maintenance. According to World Bank data, about 45% of the population are without access to electricity. Of the remaining 55%, there is inadequate electricity to meet demand, and several factors have continued to hinder the stable supply of 24hour electricity to consumers. Based on the country’s current electricity deficit, it has become obvious that the way forward will be to develop off-grid renewable energy solutions.
With the climate of Nigeria, the easily accessible and least expensive option is the investments in off-grid solar power. The cost of a mini-grid project with a capacity of about 16 – 100KwH stands at about ₦30 – ₦100 million according to the “Mini-Grid Investment Report 2018” published by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG). Essentially, the average cost of a mini-grid project in Nigeria is approximately ₦100mn. For every budget cycle in the National Assembly, a statutory amount of ₦100 billion is earmarked for the Zonal Intervention Projects of the members. This amount is shared on a 40:60 ratio for the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively. The funds are usually domiciled in different government agencies for developmental projects within each member’s constituency. According to an investigative report by the Premium Times Newspaper, each member of the Senate and House of Representatives is entitled to approximately ₦200 million and ₦110 million respectively for projects within their various constituencies from the allocation.
If, as a nation, we are thinking of rapid development, the opportunity has presented itself for the National Assembly members to provide electricity access to their constituencies. Imagine a Senator using the funds from the allocation to commission, build and operate a mini-grid solar project at the different villages within their constituency. If this is pursued with dedication and commitment, at the end of the Senator/House of Representative members’ term, there will be visible benefits gained from that member for the communities to see. Furthermore, it is worthy to note that if this is successful, it will definitely work in favour of the National Assembly member(s) with respect to the politicking in their respective constituencies hence a win-win for both member and the constituency.