The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors has apologized to Nigerians for the persistent power outages across the country, acknowledging the difficulties households and businesses have endured amid weeks of inadequate electricity supply. Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Sunday Oduntan expressed concern over the renewed blame game among stakeholders in the electricity industry, warning that it could undermine efforts to resolve the persistent power supply difficulties.
Oduntan recalled that similar disagreements among electricity distribution companies, transmission operators, generation companies, and gas suppliers had characterized the sector between 2016 and 2019, when operators frequently shifted responsibility for poor electricity supply. He noted that the industry appears to be returning to the same pattern, with stakeholders accusing one another instead of working collectively to address the structural and operational challenges affecting electricity delivery.
The association's chief executive questioned the differing explanations provided by the Nigerian Independent System Operator and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited regarding the factors responsible for the recent electricity shortages. NISO had identified inadequate gas supply and low water levels as some of the factors affecting electricity generation, while the NNPC subsequently issued a statement indicating that gas was available.
Oduntan faulted what he considered an incomplete explanation from the national oil company, arguing that Nigerians deserved clarity on whether outstanding payments and other financial obligations were affecting gas deliveries to power generation companies. He maintained that the NNPC needed to provide specific information about gas supplies, including whether payments had been made by the relevant parties and whether the commodity had been delivered to the intended power plants.
The ANED chief executive called on the Minister of Power to assume a stronger coordinating role by convening the relevant stakeholders to establish the actual causes of the disruptions and agree on practical solutions. He argued that continued exchanges of accusations among gas suppliers, the NNPC, transmission operators, and the system operator would not resolve the electricity crisis without effective government leadership.
The apology comes amid increasing public frustration over unreliable electricity supply, with consumers in different parts of the country reporting prolonged outages that have disrupted domestic activities and commercial operations. The worsening situation has also renewed concerns about the effectiveness of the electricity tariff band system, which categorizes customers according to the minimum number of hours of electricity they are expected to receive.
The persistent electricity shortages have also brought renewed attention to President Bola Tinubu's campaign commitments to address Nigeria's longstanding power challenges. During his 2023 presidential campaign, Tinubu promised to improve electricity supply and eliminate estimated billing, assuring members of the Organised Private Sector in Lagos that Nigerians would have access to electricity if he became president.
Key points
- Electricity distribution companies apologize to Nigerians for persistent power outages.
- Blame game among stakeholders and inadequate gas supply contribute to power outages.
- Government leadership is necessary to resolve the electricity crisis.
