The cost of darkness: Nigeria’s power crisis and its unbearable toll

BY CHIECHEFULAM IKEBUIRO

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has issued a heat stress alert for several states, warning that rising temperatures and high humidity in the coming days could lead to significant thermal discomfort and increased health risks. At a time when reliable electricity is most needed, Ikeja Electric and other power distribution companies have as usual demonstrated an alarming level of incompetence.

While the recent invasion of Ikeja Electric’s offices by the army sets a dangerous precedent and must be condemned, the question remains: should the rest of us suffer as a result? Let’s be clear—this attack doesn’t change the undeniable fact that Ikeja Electric and other power distribution companies have shown some of the highest levels of incompetence imaginable. But in the midst of this chaos, is anyone considering the severe consequences, especially for the most vulnerable, like children and the elderly, who are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses?

This situation highlights a major problem Nigeria has faced for decades: the poor state of the electricity supply. Despite numerous attempts to fix the power sector through some forms of reforms and privatisation especially, the system remains largely ineffective, leaving millions of Nigerians without stable electricity. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it affects people’s health, the economy, and overall quality of life.

The bulk stops at President Bola Tinubu’s desk. It’s time he recognises the urgency of this situation. Minister of power, Bayo Adelabu, has a responsibility to ensure that electricity distribution companies are held accountable for their failures and that necessary infrastructural investments are made to improve power generation and distribution.

There has been too much talk and too little action. We have seen roadmap after roadmap from the Minister of Power. We have seen the National Energy Compact (NEC), described as an ambitious energy access program. We have seen the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (NIEP-SIP). Yet, since their announcements, it’s been crickets!  Enough of the excuses and endless discussions. If the kitchen is too hot, as they say, then the minister should step aside or the President should excuse him!

Nigeria’s economic growth is deeply tied to its energy supply. Without reliable electricity, businesses struggle to operate efficiently, healthcare facilities face constant operational challenges, and ordinary citizens are forced to depend on expensive and environmentally damaging alternatives like generators. To make matters worse, there’s the added burden of constantly buying fuel to power these generators, especially with the high cost of petrol. Haba! It’s overwhelming, and the average Nigerian’s purchasing power hasn’t improved. This demands urgent attention

Now, with extreme weather conditions posing an even greater threat, the lack of reliable electricity is no longer just an economic issue-it is now a matter of public health and survival.

If the Tinubu administration is serious about fostering economic stability and improving the quality of life for Nigerians, power sector reforms must be treated as a top priority. Beyond policy pronouncements, there must be a clear, actionable roadmap for resolving the power crisis. Addressing electricity challenges effectively could solve half of our issues

The current heatwave has once again shown how critical it is to have a functioning power sector. Nigerians deserve better. It’s time for the government to take real action and provide lasting solutions to a problem that has gone on for far too long.

Chiechefulam Ikebuiro can be contacted via [email protected]