Arise News anchor, Rufai Oseni, has expressed skepticism about the new law allowing various states to generate their own electricity. During Arise Television's Morning Show on Monday, Oseni stated that while the idea may seem appealing on paper, the states lack the necessary capacity, funding, and infrastructure to generate and distribute power effectively. He emphasized that electricity generation requires massive funding, gas supply, generation plants, transmission infrastructure, and a distribution network, which most states do not possess.
Oseni questioned the feasibility of the law, citing the struggles of the Federal Government in the power sector. Despite being involved in the sector for over 40 years, the Federal Government still struggles to generate 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts of electricity for over 200 million Nigerians, with frequent grid collapses. He argued that many states are unable to pay workers' salaries and rely heavily on the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation, making it unclear where they would source the billions of dollars needed to build power plants and transmission lines.
The broadcaster also expressed concerns about the performance of Distribution Companies (DisCos), which are already struggling to distribute electricity generated by the Federal Government. Oseni believes that giving power generation and distribution responsibilities to states would create 36 new problems. He urged the Federal Government to focus on fixing the national grid, improving gas supply to generation companies, and upgrading transmission infrastructure rather than pursuing a law that he believes is unworkable.
Oseni emphasized that the new law is not a solution to Nigeria's electricity challenges. He argued that if the Federal Government, with its vast resources, cannot provide 24-hour electricity to Nigerians, it is unrealistic to expect 36 states to do so independently. Oseni called on the government to be honest about the challenges facing the power sector and to prioritize finding practical solutions.
The new law allows states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, potentially increasing Nigeria's electricity supply. However, Oseni's comments highlight the significant challenges that states may face in implementing this law. The lack of infrastructure, funding, and expertise could hinder the success of state-level electricity generation and distribution.
Oseni's criticism of the law has sparked a national conversation about the best approach to addressing Nigeria's electricity challenges. While some may argue that state-level electricity generation could increase efficiency and reduce reliance on the national grid, others share Oseni's concerns about the feasibility of this approach. The debate is likely to continue as the government seeks to find a solution to Nigeria's persistent electricity shortages.
The issue of electricity generation and distribution is crucial for Nigeria's economic growth and development. With many businesses and households struggling with inadequate power supply, finding a reliable and sustainable solution is essential. As the government considers the new law and its implications, it will be important to engage with experts and stakeholders to ensure that any solution prioritizes the needs of Nigerians and addresses the underlying challenges in the power sector.
Key points
- Rufai Oseni believes the new law allowing states to generate electricity is unworkable due to lack of capacity, funding, and infrastructure.
- Oseni questions the feasibility of states generating power, citing the Federal Government's struggles in the power sector.
- The broadcaster urges the government to focus on fixing the national grid and improving gas supply rather than pursuing a law that he believes will create more problems.
