Nigeria’s Electricity Problem: FG vs. DISCOs By Reuben Abati | Sahara Reporters The MBuhari government simply needs to move beyond politics and sentiments. READ MORE:
Here is the main problem with Nigeria’s electricity sector: Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, but it has failed consistently to generate, transmit and distribute enough electricity to power its development process and accelerate economic growth.
The House of Representatives also conducted a probe of the electricity sector. The House Committee on Power led by Hon. Ndudi Elumelu accused the Obasanjo administration of having spent over $10 billion on the electricity sector without having much to show for it. The Committee disclosed that between 2000 and 2007, the Obasanjo administration spent over $10 billion on various projects in the power sector. The Elumelu Committee raised questions and demanded answers.
President Jonathan had threatened, right from his early days in power that he would privatize the PHCN, and reform the electricity sector. In due course, he launched a Power Sector Transformation Plan and gave full effect to the Nigeria Electricity Sector Regulatory Act of 2005. He commissioned and upgraded a number of power plans including the Azura-Edo power plant, the first fully privately owned Independent Power Plant in Nigeria.
Needless politicking, sentiments and emotions have proven to be the bane of the electricity sector in Nigeria. Every Minister of Power since 1999 has always been ready with an excuse for inefficiency. Babatunde Fashola, as Buhari’s Minister of Power, Works and Housing heaped the blame on the privatization process. Buhari’s NERC blames the DISCOs and even threatened to revoke their licences. This blame game continued last week with Fashola’s successor as Minister of Power, Engr.
Recently we read in the media, that the Federal Government has granted sovereign guarantee to NNPC to build gas pipeline from Ajaokuta to Kano for $2.8 billion, with about two captive gas-powered generating plants along the gas pipeline. But any discerning observer of the industry will ask whether this AKK should be a priority now, when you can deploy the $2.
Nigeria Latest News, Nigeria Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nigeria Needs New Strategy To Fight Insecurity —Aisha Buhari | Sahara ReportersThe First Lady also said that insecurity remains the biggest challenge facing the country.
Read more »
Buhari to visit Ondo for commissioning of projectsThe Ondo State Government has declared Tuesday a public holiday as President Muhammadu Buhari will be in the state for a day's visit.
Read more »
Senator Ibrahim to Buhari: Save APC to preserve your legacy – Daily TrustSenator Abu Ibrahim, the Chairman, Board of Trustees (BoT), Council for New Nigeria initiative (CNNi) says President Muhammadu Buhari will preserve his legacy after leaving office if he saves the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from disintegration.
Read more »
PDP BoT chair backs Buhari on border closure
Read more »
Nigeria Running Quasi-military Government Under Buhari —Falae | Sahara ReportersNigeria Running Quasi-military Government Under MBuhari —Falae | Sahara Reporters Falae, who spoke on Monday at a public hearing on laws establishing the Ondo State Security Network, ‘Amotekun’, said the issue of security in the country... READ MORE:
Read more »
Boko Haram is frustrated – Buhari
Read more »