Hauwa Ali
Since taking office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has made Nigeria’s electricity sector a key focus of his administration. For decades, the country has struggled with an unreliable power supply, stifling economic growth and frustrating millions of citizens. The reforms he has introduced aim to tackle these deep-rooted challenges, but the big question remains: Are they making a real difference in the lives of ordinary Nigerians?
Nigeria’s electricity woes are nothing new. For years, businesses and households have had to rely on expensive generators due to the inconsistent power supply from the national grid. Despite the privatization of the power sector in 2013, little improvement has been seen, and frequent blackouts remain a norm. The lack of reliable electricity has hampered industrial growth, discouraged foreign investment, and left millions of Nigerians struggling with high electricity costs.
When Tinubu took office, he inherited a sector plagued with inefficiencies—ranging from generation shortfalls and transmission bottlenecks to financially struggling distribution companies (DisCos). Addressing these issues required more than just political will; it required bold, structural changes.
From the onset, President Tinubu signaled his commitment to solving Nigeria’s power crisis through a combination of policy changes, infrastructure investment, and private sector engagement. Some of his key initiatives include decentralizing Power Generation and Distribution.
One of the most significant reforms under Tinubu’s administration is the move toward decentralizing electricity supply. Previously, the power sector was largely controlled by the federal government, leaving states with little authority to generate and distribute power. Tinubu’s government has worked to change this by giving states and private investors more control over electricity generation and distribution. This means that regions with the capacity to generate power can now distribute it independently, reducing pressure on the national grid and improving efficiency.
Understanding that Nigeria’s power infrastructure is outdated and inadequate, Tinubu has sought to attract both local and foreign investors into the sector in an attempt to boost investment in infrastructure. His administration has signed agreements with international partners to expand power generation capacity and improve transmission lines. The goal is to reduce the technical losses that occur due to an overstretched and inefficient grid system.
One of the most contentious policies under Tinubu’s administration has been the introduction of a cost-reflective electricity tariff. While this policy aims to make the sector more financially viable by ensuring that electricity consumers pay realistic rates, it has also led to public outcry. Many Nigerians fear that higher electricity bills will further strain their finances without a corresponding improvement in supply. The government, however, argues that without these tariff adjustments, power companies would continue to operate at a loss, further worsening the sector’s woes.
To diversify Nigeria’s energy mix and reduce dependency on fossil fuels, Tinubu has also emphasized renewable energy development. His administration has initiated solar and hydroelectric power projects to provide more sustainable and cleaner energy options. Some rural communities, previously without access to electricity, are beginning to see benefits from solar mini-grids funded by both public and private sector investments.
For many years, corruption has plagued Nigeria’s power sector, with funds meant for electricity projects often misappropriated. Tinubu has vowed to tackle corruption head-on, ensuring that funds allocated for electricity infrastructure and projects are used transparently and effectively. However, ensuring accountability remains a daunting challenge.
While Tinubu’s electricity reforms have been met with both optimism and skepticism, their impact is beginning to unfold. Below is an assessment of some of the noticeable changes:
Improved Generation Capacity, But Grid Issues Persist: One of the early successes of Tinubu’s policies has been an increase in power generation capacity. New power plants, especially in renewable energy, have been commissioned, contributing additional megawatts to the grid. However, Nigeria’s electricity transmission infrastructure remains weak, meaning that much of this increased generation does not reach end users. Frequent grid collapses and transmission failures continue to hinder the full realization of these efforts.
State-Led Power Projects Gain Momentum: With the new decentralization policies, several states have begun launching their power projects. Lagos, for instance, has announced plans to develop its independent power projects, which could significantly improve supply within the state. Other states, such as Kaduna and Edo, are following suit. If properly implemented, this could mark a major shift in Nigeria’s electricity landscape, reducing reliance on the national grid.
Mixed Reactions to Electricity Tariffs: While the cost-reflective tariff policy is necessary for attracting investment and sustaining the power sector, its implementation has been met with resistance. Many consumers argue that they are paying more for electricity without seeing a significant service improvement. The government has attempted to cushion the impact by introducing subsidies for low-income earners, but affordability concerns remain.
Increased Interest in Off-Grid Solutions: Due to the persistent challenges of the national grid, more businesses and communities are turning to off-grid power solutions. Solar power installations have become increasingly popular, and the government has supported initiatives that encourage independent power producers. This trend indicates a shift towards alternative energy sources, which could reduce dependence on the unreliable national grid in the long run.
Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in ensuring the success of Tinubu’s electricity reforms. Nigeria’s power infrastructure requires extensive modernization. Without major upgrades to transmission and distribution networks, any increase in generation capacity will have a limited impact. Implementing reforms requires cutting through Nigeria’s often slow and inefficient regulatory processes. Speeding up approvals and reducing bottlenecks will be critical.
Many Nigerians remain skeptical about government promises regarding electricity. The administration must work harder to ensure transparency and deliver tangible improvements. Illegal connections, non-payment of bills, and vandalism of power installations continue to be major setbacks. Addressing these issues will require stronger enforcement mechanisms and public awareness campaigns.
The answer is both yes and no. On one hand, Tinubu’s policies have created a clearer roadmap for Nigeria’s electricity sector, encouraging investment, decentralization, and renewable energy development. On the other hand, the challenges of infrastructure deficits, affordability issues, and bureaucratic inefficiencies mean that most Nigerians are yet to feel a significant difference in their daily lives.
The real test of these reforms will be their long-term sustainability and effectiveness in delivering stable, affordable electricity to the majority of Nigerians. If Tinubu’s administration can maintain momentum, address outstanding challenges, and ensure that policies are fully implemented, there is hope that Nigeria’s electricity crisis will finally see meaningful improvement. However, if these efforts stall due to political or economic constraints, the power sector may continue to struggle, leaving Nigerians to rely on costly and inefficient alternatives.
For now, the journey towards stable electricity remains a work in progress, but Tinubu’s bold reforms have set the stage for potential transformation. Whether these efforts will succeed or falter depends on continued commitment, transparency, and proper execution in the years ahead.
