Nigeria’s electricity sector remains one of the most critical yet troubled components of its economy. Despite decades of reforms, including the landmark Electricity Act 2023, the country continues to experience erratic power supply, infrastructural decay, and financial instability. This article examines the core problems in Nigeria’s power sector and proposes practical solutions, supported by relevant legal frameworks, vis-à-vis the solemn promise made to the people of Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the course of his political campaigns. Power generation is the main issue in regard to the socio-economic development of any nation. In Nigeria, however, successive governments have deployed it for political gains, knowing the importance that Nigerians attach to it. Thus, in 2015 when it was canvassing for votes from the electorate, the All Progressive Congress stated as follows:
“INFRASTRUCTURE: APC WILL:
Generate, transmit and distribute from current 5,000 – 6,000 MW to at least 20,000 MV of electricity within four years and increasing to 50,000 MW with a view of achieving 24/7 uninterrupted power supply within ten years, whilst simultaneously ensuring development of sustainable/renewable energy.”
Manifesto of the All Progressive Congress (APC), submitted to the people of Nigeria in the wake of the 2015 general elections.
While seeking the mandate of the people to be voted into office, President Tinubu declared that he will surely and certainly fix the power sector issues which will guaranty stable, functional and efficient electricity supply. During the 2023 presidential campaign in particular, the President made a notable promise regarding the Nigerian power sector, stating that if he fails to provide stable electricity within his first four years, Nigerians should not vote for him for a second term. The statement as monitored from his campaign video, states thus: “If I don’t keep the promise (of providing electricity) and I come for a second time, don’t vote for me,” adding that he would provide “24-hour electricity” and end estimated billing. Eleven years after the APC manifesto and three years after his swearing in, the electricity situation has not fared any better, if not worse. For instance, I have never experienced electricity supply in my hometown since I was born, as we are not connected to the national grid at all. Several towns and villages are like my hometown, locked out of any form of development at all, yet we are classified as oil producing. The impression that our leaders in power have conveyed to us is that it is practically impossible to have stable and permanent power supply; that we don’t have the resources to build the needed energy plants that will meet the needs of all Nigerians; and that we must accept generators as second nature if we must function and survive as a people. Churches, banks, schools, small businesses, factories, government ministries and departments, police stations, the courts and even PHCN itself, all depend on generators. Instead of fulfilling his promise, the President has exited the epileptic national grid to the suffering masses of Nigerians and this has trickled down as the Nigerian Revenue Service has recently announced its exit too. In reality, the President may have forgotten that he made any promise to Nigerians, since Aso Villa is now powered with modern solar technology.
Overview of Nigeria’s Power Sector Crisis
Nigeria’s power sector has long been characterised by inadequate generation, weak transmission networks, and inefficient distribution systems. Although installed capacity exceeds 13,000 MW, actual generation is often far lower due to systemic inefficiencies and constraints. Frequent national grid collapses, blackouts, and dependence on private generators highlight the depth of the crisis. It is very difficult to know what to believe between bogus figures being bandied by the government and the institutions established to manage the power sector.
The Major Problems in the Power Sector
a. Inadequate Generation Capacity
Nigeria generates far less electricity than required for its population of over 200 million people. Structural issues such as gas supply shortages and overreliance on fossil fuels limit output. The system equipment is obsolete and no major investment is imminent to end the rot.
b. Poor Transmission Infrastructure
The transmission network, largely controlled by the government, is outdated and unable to efficiently evacuate generated power. Aging infrastructure contributes to frequent grid failures. What is required is a total overhaul, not selective attention meant to garner acceptability.
c. Inefficient Distribution System
Distribution companies (DisCos) struggle with:
High technical and commercial losses, mostly from government agencies.
Poor metering systems, fueled by corruption and bureaucracy.
Inability to recover costs, as the route for such endeavour are very cumbersome and costly.
This results in unreliable service delivery and revenue shortfalls. While the consumers are shouting blue murder against the DISCOs, the latter is always complaining of frustration by the system.
d. Financial and Liquidity Crisis
It has been alleged that the sector is heavily indebted, with trillions of naira owed to generation companies. This discourages investment and limits expansion. We were, however, informed lately that the President has ordered the payment of all legacy debts connected with the power sector. It is therefore surprising that Nigeria is currently experiencing the worst in electricity supply after the financial liquidity issue has been addressed.
e. Regulatory and Policy Challenges
Prior to recent reforms, the legal framework—primarily the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005—was insufficient to address evolving sector challenges, including decentralisation and renewable integration. This led to several suggestions for an amendment of the said Act which was indeed accomplished in 2023. But that has not changed anything.
f. Vandalism and Energy Theft
Pipeline vandalism, electricity theft, and sabotage of infrastructure further weaken the system and increase operational costs.
3. Legal Framework Governing the Power Sector
a. Electricity Act 2023
The Electricity Act 2023 is the most comprehensive reform in Nigeria’s electricity sector. It repealed the 2005 Act, decentralised the sector by empowering states to regulate electricity markets, encouraged private sector participation and promoted renewable energy development. These reforms have however remained opaque and elusive as Nigerians still grapple with generators all over the country.
b. Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC)
Established under earlier reforms and strengthened by the new Act, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission oversees licensing, tariff regulation, and consumer protection. It is considered to be a weak institution, displaying inability to muster the needed willpower to enforce the law.
c. National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP)
This policy provides strategic direction for long-term sector planning and energy mix diversification.
4. Solutions to Nigeria’s Power Sector Crisis
a. Decentralization and State-Level Electricity Markets
The Electricity Act 2023 allows states to generate and distribute electricity independently. This can reduce pressure on the national grid, encourage localised solutions and improve efficiency through competition. The President should develop a road map for the power sector as a matter of priority and this should be done in active collaboration with the states. The convergency of interests should not be visible only on political matters but should be extended to and include developmental projects.
b. Investment in Infrastructure
Significant investment is required in transmission networks, smart grid technologies and renewable energy systems. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) should be strengthened under the legal framework. Like the reforms implemented in the telecommunications sector, government should be concerned with effective regulation.
c. Cost-Reflective Tariffs
Implementing tariffs that reflect actual costs—while protecting vulnerable consumers—can improve liquidity and attract investors.
d. Promotion of Renewable Energy
The law supports renewable energy integration, including solar mini-grids for rural electrification. This reduces dependence on fossil fuels and improves energy access.
e. Strengthening Regulation and Governance
Enhancing the capacity of Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission ensures transparent licensing regime, holistic enforcement of market rules and protection of consumer rights.
f. Addressing Sector Debt
Government intervention—such as debt refinancing and subsidy reforms—can stabilise the sector financially and restore investor confidence.
g. Tackling Vandalism and Energy Theft
Stronger enforcement of electricity offences under the Electricity Act 2023 is essential to reduce losses and protect infrastructure.
5. Conclusion
Nigeria’s power sector crisis is deeply rooted in structural, financial, and regulatory challenges. However, the introduction of the Electricity Act 2023 marks a turning point by providing a modern legal framework for reform. If effectively implemented—alongside investment, decentralisation, and improved governance—the Act offers a realistic pathway to achieving stable and sustainable electricity supply in Nigeria. For now, we hold the President to the solemn promise he voluntarily made to the people of Nigeria that he is willing and able to fulfil that undertaking, failing which he should expect the enforcement of the consequence, which is that Nigerians should not vote for him for a second term in office if the darkness persists. With the resources said to have accrued from the trumpeted economic reforms, there is no reason that Nigerians should keep enduring high tariffs for darkness and estimated billings drain their resources painfully. Abia State has recorded stable power supply through effective partnership with the private sector, so electricity supply is not rocket science and unless the issue is resolved by the President in line with his solemn promise, it may be a burden he will carry for a long time and into the coming election.
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