The embracing situation with Nigeria’s electricity sector is well known around the world. The nation stands as Africa’s biggest economy with a populace of 206 million. However, its power harvest ranges between 3,000 and 5,000 megawatts annually; and this is highly insufficient.
Ideally, an average home containing six persons is expected to utilise 2,400kW yearly. Bearing this in mind, we see the magnitude of the electricity problem in the country.
Apparently, Oyo State Government has seen the concerns of its people and has come up with a plan to create other sources of electric power to reduce the dependence of the state on grid power. The state government stated that it would work with related stakeholders like the Nigerian Society of Engineers, private investors, and international aid agencies on a way to kick off this plan.
What’s this plan?
The governor seeks to invest in other energy sources like solar, wind, and hydropower. He’s looking into the private sector and international bodies to help the state to overcome these problems. Renewable energy reliance is growing rapidly and this initiative would be a gainful one for the state as businesses will thrive and the propagation of clean energy sources will be actualized.
Quite fascinating is the fact that some states in the country have already begun their independence on grid power by diving into other energy sources. For instance, Sokoto launched an 80KW solar system in Gudu LGA in 2018, Delta and Rivers have also begun similar projects. Also, the Lagos state government through the Lagos Solar project and other investors has installed nearly 5MWp of solar produced off-grid power for schools and clinics within the state.
Bearing this in mind, Oyo State residents should keep their fingers crossed in high hopes that the state government’s plan to assist them would come through. It would be an upliftment if every state in the federation looks into investing in other energy sources to elevate the country from its electricity challenges.