Nigeria has, in recent weeks been inundated with announcements detailing the actualisation of new peak generation figures. Much to the expectations of Nigerians, these announcements have been made with the usual fanfare and praise-singing signalling the perceived, unwavering hard work of the government in the power sector. About three weeks ago, the Minister of Power, Sale Mamman had put it to Nigerians that, the current administration had surpassed expectations by the announcements of back-to-back new peak generation figures. Indeed, the sector was doing fantastically well and beyond even the imagination of sceptics. The sector was poised and ready for more achievements.
As we all know, all good things lacking adequate maintenance and constantly mismanaged must come to a catastrophic end. Barely a month after, the Minister once again was in the news, this time announcing that at least 8 power plants (Sapele, Afam, Olonrunsogo, Omotosho, Ibom, Egbin, Alaoji and Ihovbor) are currently shut down, and another 7 (Geregu, Sapele, Omotosho, Gbarain, Omuku, Paras and Alaoji) are experiencing gas issues. The hydroelectric plants are not left out of the bonanza, while one (Jebba) is down for annual maintenance, the other (Shiroro) is experiencing “water management” issues. This means, a total of 17 generation plants in the country are currently either idle or experiencing operational issues.
The Nigerian power sector has for several years, especially the generation sub-sector, experienced recurrent issues ranging from inadequate gas supply to growing indebtedness and liquidity problems. Despite government bailouts, Generation Companies (GenCos) are still unable to generate enough energy to meet the demands of the country. This has brought about a negative and hard-hitting impact on the economy, driving away investors who have cited the high cost of doing business as one of many factors negating a willing investment drive in the country. Of recent was, the announcement that Twitter will open its African Headquarters in Ghana.
The time to quit the façade of a working power sector is now, the time to roll up our sleeves and actually address the many, many sector challenges from generation right down to distribution is now. We cannot maintain peak generation figures on unsustainable industry inefficiencies. It is time to get to work, save the next hurray in a heap of hard work and consumer noticeable changes lest we experience a humbling and catastrophic fall from a figment of grace to reality in the grass.