The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Sule Abdulaziz has expressed optimism that Nigeria will achieve a 24-hour power supply across the nation within the next five years.
Abdulaziz said this during an interview with Channels TV on Sunday, stating that the country would soon generate the 20,000 to 25,000 megawatts (MW) required for consistent power supply, thanks to the efforts of the new Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu. This would be a significant leap from the current national grid’s output of 4,500MW.
Abdulaziz credited Adelabu’s hands-on approach to resolving the challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, asserting that the minister’s focus is on long-term solutions rather than “cosmetic” fixes.
He further pointed out that Nigeria currently supplies uninterrupted 24-hour electricity to neighboring countries, including Togo and Benin. However, not all Nigerians enjoy similar access. Only customers in Band A receive 20 to 22 hours of electricity daily.
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Despite frequent power grid collapses in Nigeria, Abdulaziz stressed that these incidents are not solely the responsibility of the TCN, as other sectors, including generation and distribution, also play critical roles in maintaining a stable electricity supply.
In terms of cost, Abdulaziz noted that, although electricity tariffs have increased in Nigeria, the country still has one of the most affordable electricity rates in Africa. He compared Nigeria’s rates to those of Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, where citizens pay significantly more.
Abdulaziz also highlighted Nigeria’s outdated infrastructure, another factor contributing to frequent power outages and system failures. However, he reassured Nigerians that the government is working to address these issues and the nation is on track to achieve a reliable 24-hour power supply within the set timeframe.
Meanwhile, the unreliable power supply has significantly impacted the economy. The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Akinwumi Adesina, reported that Nigeria loses approximately $29 billion annually due to power inefficiencies, representing a 5.8% loss in GDP. To support Nigeria’s electricity needs, the AfDB has invested heavily, including $200 million for the Nigeria Electrification Project and $210 million for the Nigeria Transmission Project.
