Nigeria Needs Structural Power Reforms, Not Empty Promises — Climate Analyst

A climate change consultant and environmental policy analyst, AVM (Rtd) Akugbe Iyamu, has expressed concerns over recent promises by the Federal Government to stabilise Nigeria’s national electricity grid within 90 days, warning that solving the country’s electricity crisis requires more than political rhetoric.

In a statement titled “Ninety Days of Miraculous Countdown to Grid Restoration, Stabilization and Echoes from the Streets,” Iyamu argued that Nigeria’s power sector challenges are deeply rooted in decades of inadequate infrastructure, poor investment, weak distribution systems and recurring national grid collapses.

The environmental expert noted that Nigeria’s electricity system has struggled for years despite several reforms dating back to the establishment of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) in 1951, the formation of the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) in 1972, and the later unbundling of the sector into generation and distribution companies.

According to him, electricity generation in the country has remained insufficient for a population exceeding 200 million people, with frequent grid failures becoming a recurring problem that continues to affect homes, industries and small businesses.

Iyamu stated that the national grid had reportedly suffered more than 100 total or partial collapses between 2015 and 2024, adding that the instability has worsened economic hardship and forced millions of Nigerians to rely on expensive fuel-powered generators.

He also criticised the current electricity tariff band system, describing it as insensitive to the economic realities facing Nigerians, including poverty, unemployment and the struggles of small and medium-scale businesses.

The analyst called for a comprehensive overhaul of the power sector through decentralised electricity generation, increased investment in renewable energy and regional power systems. He further advocated a market-driven electricity framework that would encourage willing buyers and willing sellers, similar to the telecommunications industry.

Iyamu stressed that the implementation of the Electricity Act 2023 should be used as an opportunity to modernise Nigeria’s power infrastructure and reduce dependence on the fragile national grid.

He warned that unrealistic promises and unmanaged expectations in the electricity sector could further deepen public frustration and economic hardship if not backed by practical plans and sustainable reforms.

The statement was signed by AVM (Rtd) Akugbe Iyamu, Consultant on Climate Change and Analyst on Environmental Policies, who also serves as President of the Association of Environmental Protection and Climate Change Practitioners.