The efforts of the Nigerian government towards ensuring that every Nigerian has good access to clean and affordable energy are pretty commendable. Several millions of dollars are being set aside to ensure necessary steps are taken to meet the Energy Transition Plan (ETP) goal by 2030. However, these efforts might be ineffective without tackling some foundational problems which have stagnated the sector over the years.
Many people and organizations believe that renewable energy sources like solar and wind may be the gateway to achieving 100% access to electricity in Nigeria. Although however, this is possible given the abundance of these resources and the nation’s geographical location and topography; we tend to exemplify the western world and use them as a measuring standard, forgetting that a smooth transition begins with small, consistent steps.
One of these steps includes proper investment in Infrastructure, starting with our gas pipelines. Unfortunately, most of Nigeria’s gas pipelines fail, increasing the risks of vandalism and other dangers. Additionally, the few channels in good working conditions are being overutilized, which is hazardous given the high demand for energy from these infrastructures. Therefore, investment in the completion of pending gas pipeline projects, such as the AKK and OB3 projects, will alleviate the nation’s energy crisis and expand the country’s energy mix.
Other areas that should be considered for increased energy access are an investment in thermal stations and hydroelectricity. The active thermal plants that convert gas to energy are weak and dilapidated. This has resulted in several incidences of grid collapse within the year. Similarly, the contribution of hydroelectric energy sources to the total energy generated in Nigeria has declined due to poor maintenance culture and low water levels occasioned by climate change. Moreover, the hydroelectricity sector has faced different stages of management, which has affected the development of these dams. The Kainji Dam, for example, has not been rehabilitated since its construction in 1964; likewise, the Jebba Dam. These inefficiencies can be traced to poor maintenance. This calls for urgent interventions viz -a-viz, replacing and rehabilitating old power generation facilities and enacting resource management policies to ensure prudent use of resources and the sustainability of future systems.
Furthermore, in time past, specific recommendations have been made regarding establishing a new governing body for the entire power sector. While this recommendation may not be entirely adopted, existing “half-baked” establishments can be restructured and funds appropriately channelled to meet specific needs under the management of credible finance management teams.
Finally, protecting our climate is everyone’s duty and practising environmentally friendly activities should be mandatory; thus, there is also the need for specific regulations/policies and strict compliance monitoring to avoid boycotting of due process, leading to specific structural gaps, among other possible exposures.
Summarily, Nigerian Energy Transition Plan is possible. Still, it has been done to promote optimal use of available resources and synergy between the off-grid and on-grid options.