It has become increasingly evident that Nigeria’s energy sector faces major infrastructure challenges. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently highlighted issues hampering government efforts to provide adequate electricity supply to the people. At an inter-ministerial meeting held at the Abuja International Conference Centre, the minister outlined the deteriorating state of infrastructure in the sector, pointing out the challenges faced by gas pipelines, power plants, and transmission lines.
The alarming state of gas pipelines was emphasized, with frequent acts of vandalism compromising the necessary pressure for gas delivery. Moreover, the power plants are in disrepair, outdated, and require immediate renovation. The transmission lines, over 50 years old, exhibit signs of deterioration, including worn cables and unstable pylons. Additionally, the transformers, some dating back to the 1960s, depict a lack of investment in equipment modernization.
In light of these findings, the federal government recently announced an increase in electricity prices, triggering widespread criticism nationwide. The electricity regulator NERC disclosed that Category A consumers, who receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily, will now face a tariff of ₦225 per kilowatt-hour compared to the previous rate of ₦68.
This situation underscores the urgent need to modernize Nigeria’s energy infrastructure to ensure a reliable and sustainable electricity supply for the population. Substantial investments and reforms are imperative to address these challenges and guarantee improved electricity access for all Nigerians.
For more information on the power sector in Nigeria and related developments, check out these articles:
– Decay in Nigeria’s Power Sector: Still Using Transformers from the 1960s