By Taiwo Adebowale, Senior Business Correspondent
Nigeria’s electricity saga has long been a burning issue. But the recent revelation by Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director and CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), has reignited nationwide fury. In an appearance on Channels TV’s Politics Tonight programme, Abdulaziz boasted that Nigeria provides 24-hour power supply to neighbouring countries Togo, Benin, and Niger, while Nigerians continue to endure epileptic power supply at home.
A Case of Misplaced Priorities?
The most pressing question on the minds of millions of Nigerians is this: why is the country providing uninterrupted electricity to foreign nations while the majority of its citizens live in darkness? The TCN’s decision to prioritise its foreign customers has sparked outrage, with many accusing the government and energy sector officials of blatant disregard for the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
Abdulaziz’s claim that “Nigerians are getting 24-hour supply, but it’s not everyone” seems to have fallen on deaf ears. The reality, as many Nigerians will attest, is that constant blackouts have become a norm. While residents in certain “elite” Band A areas may enjoy 20-22 hours of electricity, the vast majority, especially those in rural and underprivileged communities, are left to grapple with a meagre 12-16 hours of electricity a day, and in many cases, far less.
In a country that prides itself as the giant of Africa, this stark inequality in power distribution is seen as not just a technical failure but a moral and political disaster. With Nigeria’s energy supply being a longstanding national embarrassment, the news that foreign countries are receiving reliable power adds insult to injury.
A Politically Charged Energy Crisis
This revelation comes at a time when Nigeria’s energy sector is already under heavy scrutiny. The country recently suffered a major national grid collapse, the sixth in 2023 alone. These frequent collapses leave businesses crippled, economic activities at a standstill, and the everyday lives of citizens thrown into chaos. For a nation aiming to boost industrial growth, these frequent power disruptions serve as a major hindrance.
Abdulaziz’s defense that system collapses could result from any part of the energy chain—be it generation, transmission, or distribution—has not quelled public frustration. His attempt to distance the TCN from the systemic failures by blaming outdated equipment and the inefficiency of other sectors within the energy chain has left many unconvinced. After all, as the agency responsible for managing the grid, the TCN is the face of Nigeria’s power sector.
Abdulaziz’s comments also underscore a fundamental communication breakdown between government agencies and the public. His clarification that the TCN only handles transmission, not generation or distribution, while factual, does little to placate Nigerians who still view the TCN as an extension of the now-defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA). Many Nigerians continue to refer to the current system as “NEPA” in a derogatory sense, a reflection of their deep-rooted frustration with the power sector.
Infrastructure Decay: The Root of Nigeria’s Energy Problem?
A critical part of the energy crisis Abdulaziz highlighted is Nigeria’s outdated infrastructure. Most of the equipment used in the power transmission process is reportedly over 50 years old. The TCN’s aging infrastructure presents a major challenge to the delivery of consistent and reliable power. Despite various efforts and plans over the years to revamp Nigeria’s energy sector, the persistent use of outdated equipment has rendered these efforts ineffective.
While the country has embarked on several projects aimed at improving its electricity transmission capacity, progress has been painfully slow. Corruption, bureaucracy, and mismanagement have plagued the energy sector for decades, leading to half-baked solutions and an infrastructure that is constantly on the verge of collapse.
The electricity sector reform process, launched in 2005, was meant to break up NEPA’s monopoly and introduce efficiency. Yet almost two decades later, Nigerians are still paying the price for poor policy implementation. The privatisation of the energy sector, which was expected to bring about a drastic improvement, has been mired in controversy. Distribution companies (DisCos) and generation companies (GenCos) are struggling under heavy debts, operational inefficiencies, and an inability to meet the demands of their consumers.
In contrast, Nigeria’s neighbours—who benefit from 24-hour electricity—appear to have avoided these internal complexities. The revelation raises the question: why is Nigeria willing to invest in providing uninterrupted power to Togo, Benin, and Niger but fails to fix its own dilapidated infrastructure?
Financial Implications: Who Pays the Price?
Abdulaziz was quick to defend the power exports by assuring Nigerians that these neighbouring countries pay for the electricity they receive. But how much are they paying, and more importantly, at what cost to Nigerians? While foreign nations may be receiving reliable power and footing the bill, millions of Nigerians are being forced to rely on costly alternatives, such as diesel-powered generators, to supplement the unreliable national grid.
The financial implications of Nigeria’s power failures are significant. Nigeria loses billions of dollars annually due to its underperforming power sector. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which form the backbone of the Nigerian economy, bear the brunt of the country’s inconsistent electricity supply. The costs of running generators, coupled with frequent breakdowns, drain the profits of businesses, while large-scale industries struggle to maintain productivity due to constant power outages.
Meanwhile, Nigerians are left grappling with rising electricity tariffs. As Abdulaziz himself noted, Nigerians are used to paying cheaper rates compared to other African countries. However, with inflation on the rise and an unstable economy, the pinch of increased electricity costs is being felt across the nation.
The real tragedy is that despite the increased cost, the quality of service remains abysmal. Many Nigerians are questioning why they are paying more for an unreliable service while foreign countries benefit from uninterrupted supply.
The Government’s Role in the Crisis
The TCN boss expressed optimism that Nigeria can achieve consistent electricity supply within five years, emphasising that the new Minister of Power is addressing the sector’s challenges without “cosmetic showdowns.” Yet, Nigerians have heard similar promises before. Successive administrations have failed to fix the electricity problem, with billions of dollars poured into the sector yielding little to no results.
What makes this government different? That is the question on the lips of millions of Nigerians. The promise of a five-year timeline for reliable power is hard to believe for citizens who have lived through decades of failed promises. Without a radical overhaul of the power sector’s structure, experts argue, the government’s five-year timeline is overly ambitious and unrealistic.
The Minister of Power has inherited a broken system. Nigeria’s energy sector is a complex maze of inefficiency, corruption, and mismanagement. To untangle this, the government needs to embark on comprehensive reforms that go beyond superficial changes. The system’s deep-seated issues require a political will that has been lacking in previous administrations.
What’s Next for Nigeria?
As the nation continues to grapple with its electricity woes, Nigerians are left to wonder when, or if, their reality will ever improve. Can Nigeria really achieve consistent power supply within five years, or are Abdulaziz’s comments just another in a long line of empty promises? The road ahead for Nigeria’s power sector is undoubtedly challenging, and the country’s leadership will need to take drastic, innovative measures to turn things around.
The ongoing discussions surrounding Nigeria’s energy sector highlight the broader challenges the country faces in its journey toward sustainable development. Without a reliable electricity supply, Nigeria’s economic potential will remain stunted, and its citizens will continue to live in darkness—both literally and figuratively.
As the government sets its sights on achieving 24-hour power supply for all Nigerians, it must also reckon with the political, technical, and financial complexities of the sector. Until these are addressed, Nigeria’s energy crisis will remain a glaring symbol of the country’s failed leadership and wasted potential.
The Politics of Power: Who Benefits and Who Loses?
At the heart of Nigeria’s electricity debacle lies a deeply entrenched political struggle. Over the years, the energy sector has been a battleground for vested interests, with various power players benefiting from the chaos and inefficiency that plagues the industry. These actors, ranging from powerful business moguls to influential politicians, have built empires off the back of the country’s failing energy system.
For decades, Nigeria’s power sector has been a goldmine for corrupt officials who profit from the constant breakdown of infrastructure, bloated contracts, and lack of accountability. The privatization of the sector, which many hoped would lead to improvements, has instead resulted in the concentration of power in the hands of a few, creating monopolies that prioritize profit over service delivery.
The controversial issue of Nigeria supplying uninterrupted electricity to neighboring countries while millions of its citizens suffer has added fuel to the fire of public outrage. Critics argue that this situation exposes the priorities of the ruling class. The decision to supply 24-hour power to Togo, Benin, and Niger is seen by many as a reflection of how Nigeria’s political elites place their own interests, and those of foreign allies, over the welfare of their people.
Nigerians are increasingly asking: Who benefits from these foreign power deals? What kind of political or financial gains are involved? Some speculate that the agreements with Togo, Benin, and Niger serve the political ambitions of certain individuals in power, while others believe they are a means of securing geopolitical leverage in West Africa. Either way, the Nigerian public feels they are being left out of the equation.
The Shadow of NEPA: Why Nigerians Still Blame the TCN
Despite Abdulaziz’s attempts to clarify the role of the TCN and its separation from the now-defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), the ghost of NEPA still haunts the country. For many Nigerians, the inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement of the past continue to define their current experiences with electricity.
The legacy of NEPA, notorious for its constant blackouts and infamous phrase “NEPA has taken light,” is a stain that the TCN cannot easily shake off. The privatization of the power sector may have restructured the energy supply chain, but the dysfunction that characterized NEPA remains deeply embedded in the system.
For decades, NEPA represented all that was wrong with Nigeria’s public utilities. The agency was a bloated, bureaucratic institution riddled with corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accountability. In its wake, the TCN, along with the various DisCos and GenCos that emerged from the sector’s unbundling, have inherited a broken system that still bears the hallmarks of NEPA’s failures.
Abdulaziz’s attempt to explain the technical differences between the old NEPA and the TCN has done little to change the perception of Nigerians. The reality on the ground—frequent blackouts, poor service delivery, and high electricity tariffs—remains the same. Until these systemic issues are addressed, the TCN will continue to shoulder the blame for Nigeria’s electricity woes, fair or not.
The Regional Power Dynamic: Is Nigeria Stretching Itself Too Thin?
Nigeria’s role as the power supplier to Togo, Benin, and Niger has also sparked a broader debate about the country’s regional ambitions. As the largest economy in Africa, Nigeria has long played a leadership role in West Africa, both politically and economically. Its decision to supply electricity to its neighbors can be seen as part of this broader strategy to maintain influence and goodwill within the region.
But is Nigeria stretching itself too thin? With its own energy crisis spiraling out of control, some critics argue that Nigeria cannot afford to be the regional “big brother” at the expense of its own citizens. The country’s willingness to export electricity while millions of Nigerians go without is seen as a miscalculation of priorities.
While regional diplomacy is important, many believe that Nigeria should first focus on solving its domestic issues before extending its resources to other nations. The failure to address the power needs of its own population risks undermining Nigeria’s position as a leader in West Africa. How can Nigeria be taken seriously on the global stage when it cannot provide basic services to its own people?
This question strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s regional power dynamic. In a competitive global environment, where countries are striving to improve their infrastructure and attract foreign investment, Nigeria’s inability to provide consistent electricity is a major drawback. Foreign investors, already wary of the country’s volatile political environment and rampant corruption, are further deterred by its unreliable power supply.
By continuing to export electricity to neighboring countries, Nigeria may be securing short-term political gains, but at what long-term cost? The country’s economic growth, industrialization, and overall development are being stifled by its power sector’s failures. Unless Nigeria takes decisive action to fix its energy crisis, it risks losing its status as a regional powerhouse in the years to come.
Hope on the Horizon? Can Nigeria Achieve Reliable Power in Five Years?
Despite the widespread skepticism surrounding Nigeria’s power sector, Abdulaziz expressed optimism that the country could achieve reliable electricity within five years. This bold claim, while encouraging, has been met with disbelief by many Nigerians who have heard similar promises from previous administrations.
The five-year timeline seems ambitious, especially given the magnitude of the challenges facing the energy sector. From outdated infrastructure to a convoluted regulatory environment, the obstacles are significant. Nevertheless, some experts believe that with the right policies, investments, and leadership, it is possible to turn things around.
The recent appointment of a new Minister of Power has brought a glimmer of hope. According to Abdulaziz, the new minister is “not doing cosmetic showdowns” but is instead tackling the root causes of Nigeria’s power problems. This statement suggests a shift in approach, focusing on long-term solutions rather than quick fixes designed to win political favor.
One of the key areas of focus for the new administration is infrastructure development. Without a significant upgrade of Nigeria’s transmission and distribution networks, achieving 24-hour power supply across the country will remain a distant dream. This requires massive investment, both from the government and private sector, as well as strong regulatory oversight to ensure that funds are not siphoned off by corrupt officials.
Moreover, improving the operational efficiency of the DisCos and GenCos will be critical. While these companies were privatized in a bid to improve service delivery, many are struggling under heavy debts and an inability to meet demand. A comprehensive review of their operations, along with targeted interventions to address their financial and operational shortcomings, will be necessary to bring about the desired improvements.
Additionally, the government must tackle the issue of electricity theft and vandalism, which are major contributors to the country’s energy losses. According to reports, Nigeria loses a significant percentage of its generated electricity to theft and vandalism, further exacerbating the supply-demand gap. Strengthening security around power installations and implementing stricter penalties for those caught tampering with the grid will be essential in addressing this issue.
But perhaps the most important factor in achieving reliable power in five years is political will. Nigeria’s power sector has long been plagued by a lack of accountability and a failure of leadership. For the country to succeed, its leaders must demonstrate a genuine commitment to solving the energy crisis, putting aside personal and political interests in favor of the greater good.
Conclusion: The Road to Energy Stability – A Long and Winding Path
Nigeria’s electricity crisis is not just a technical or economic issue; it is a deeply political one. The decision to supply 24-hour power to Togo, Benin, and Niger, while millions of Nigerians remain in darkness, highlights the skewed priorities of the country’s leadership. As long as political interests take precedence over the needs of the people, Nigeria’s energy woes will persist.
While Abdulaziz’s optimism about achieving reliable power within five years is commendable, it is hard to ignore the decades of broken promises and failed reforms that have defined Nigeria’s power sector. For Nigerians, who have endured countless blackouts, high tariffs, and inconsistent service, the path to energy stability seems long and winding.
The challenges are immense—outdated infrastructure, a convoluted regulatory framework, corruption, inefficiency, and political interference. But with the right leadership, policies, and investments, there is hope that Nigeria can one day achieve a stable and reliable electricity supply.
Until then, millions of Nigerians will continue to wait, frustrated and powerless, as their country exports what they desperately need: light.
