Nigeria’s Electricity Crisis: A Growing Concern
Nigeria is facing a deepening electricity crisis, with renewable energy experts and civil society groups raising urgent concerns about the country’s inadequate power generation. The situation has sparked debates on how to address energy poverty while promoting sustainable development.
Currently, Nigeria’s national grid generates approximately 5,000 megawatts of electricity for over 200 million people. This translates to roughly 24.5 watts per person—barely enough to power a single light bulb. Experts warn that this level of supply is insufficient to support meaningful economic growth or meet the needs of the population.
The issue was highlighted during a media roundtable organised by the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation in collaboration with the Secure Energy Project and Power Shift Africa. In a statement released following the event, participants emphasized that the current power supply is grossly inadequate and incapable of supporting the country’s ambitions.
Joseph Ibrahim, Nigeria Campaign Director for the Secure Energy Project and member of the Solar Power Nigeria Coalition, described the situation as a major constraint on national development. He pointed out that despite Nigeria’s large population and entrepreneurial spirit, the energy available to an average citizen is minimal.
Ibrahim linked the persistent energy poverty to slow economic growth and limited productivity. He noted that about 85 million Nigerians still lack access to electricity, which he said is not just a technical issue but a fundamental barrier to progress.
He also highlighted the growing reliance on solar energy, particularly among businesses and households. For many, solar power has become a necessity rather than a luxury. However, Ibrahim cautioned against imposing an outright ban on solar panel imports, warning that such a policy could worsen energy access challenges if not properly implemented.
Instead, he advocated for a phased approach over the next three to five years, allowing time for local manufacturing to develop. “Building a manufacturing industry is like planting a forest. You cannot just command trees to grow; you must prepare the soil,” he said. This includes stable policies, access to finance, and strong quality standards.
Renewable Energy as a Complement, Not a Replacement
Femi Asonibare, a climate expert at the West African Science Service Centre on Climate Change, emphasized that renewable energy should be seen as a complement, not a replacement, for conventional power sources. He noted that the renewable sector is helping to fill the gap created by deficiencies in the conventional sector, especially given Nigeria’s reliance on hydropower, which is affected by seasonal rainfall patterns.
Asonibare warned that a sudden ban on solar imports could lead to price hikes and reduced access, as local production capacity remains insufficient. “Without foreign investment and improved policies, prices will rise and affordability will become a major issue,” he added.
Lucky Abeng, Nigeria National Coordinator for GreenFaith Africa, described energy access as a development and social justice issue. “Millions of Nigerians live without reliable access to energy. This is not just an infrastructure gap; it is a development crisis,” he said. He stressed the need for inclusive policies that expand access to financing and involve non-traditional stakeholders such as faith-based organizations in the energy transition.
Public Opposition to Solar Import Bans
Daniel Oladoja, data analyst and founder of AfriEnergy Tracker, shared findings from recent research showing overwhelming public opposition to a potential ban on solar panel imports. “Over 85 per cent of Nigerians are clearly opposed to the idea of banning solar panel imports at this time,” he said. While he acknowledged the government’s intention to boost local manufacturing, he argued that the timing is wrong.
Oladoja urged the government to adopt a phased roadmap that gradually increases local manufacturing capacity while maintaining access to imported solar components. “You cannot wake up overnight and ban imports without having sufficient local capacity,” he said. He compared the situation to the development of the Dangote refinery, which took years before reducing fuel imports.
Challenges in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
Nigeria’s electricity sector has long struggled with inadequate generation, weak transmission infrastructure, and poor distribution. Millions of citizens remain without a reliable power supply, and the signing of the Electricity Act 2023 has opened the door for state governments to develop their own electricity markets. This creates opportunities for decentralized and renewable energy solutions.
However, experts warn that policy uncertainty, particularly around proposals to restrict solar imports, could slow progress in expanding energy access. With millions still lacking electricity, scaling up solar and other decentralized solutions remains critical to bridging Nigeria’s energy gap and driving economic growth.
