Nigeria's power sector sale fails to end generator reliance
13 years after privatization, most Nigerians still depend on generators for electricity, with diesel costs acting as the real tariff.
Most Nigerians continue to rely on generators for electricity 13 years after the power sector was sold. The generator remains the primary source of power, and diesel expenses function as the actual electricity tariff for many households and businesses.
Professor Barth Nnaji, founder of Geometric Power and a former Minister of Power, addressed this persistent issue at the Lagos Country Club Business Forum 3.0. He explained the reasons behind the continued dependence on private generators despite the sector's privatization.
The forum highlighted that the sale of the power sector has not yet fulfilled its promise of reliable national electricity supply. The ongoing reliance on generators indicates a significant gap between the intended outcomes of privatization and the lived reality for Nigerians.
Why it mattersNigerians continue to spend money on diesel for generators because the privatized power sector has not provided consistent electricity.