These are no ordinary times in Nigeria, especially in the power sector of the economy.
That Nigeria now generates about 2000 Megawatt of electricity-from a peak level of 5,074 Megawatt, as at February 2nd, 2016 is no longer news. In the month of May 2016, power generation in the country dropped to zero Megawatt on six different occasions. It is a well-known fact that Africa’s most populous nation predominantly depends on hydroelectricity and gas –powered plants for its energy needs. Sadly, for Nigerians it has been a litany of woes despite the efforts of successive Governments to provide stable electricity. From the hydro sector, the tale is that, many of the hydro power plants are obsolete, overaged or have simply packed up; Or the water level is too high, too low or both.
From the Niger Delta region where most of the Gas-fired plants are located the stories are similar; Militants in the region are dropping bombs on the gas pipelines, faster than the wise guys in Abuja can comprehend! As if all these are not enough, on the 6th of June,2016, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company-the managers of the 10 power plants built under the National Integrated Power Projects Scheme(NIPP)-lamented in a statement credited to its Managing Director, that it is being owed about 99 billion naira by the Power Distribution Companies! The Federal Government seems overwhelmed. The economy is on its knees and the people are helpless.
Mention these to the information minister and he would probably remind you that past Governments created this mess that we are in, and that this Government is on a rescue mission, pointing out to you that so much have been done in so short a time. Finally, you would be educated about the various multi-billion dollar electricity projects, which are at various stages of completion, in different parts of the country. Their completion, he will tell you, would adumbrate a Nigeria with sufficient and regular electricity.
Nigerians have heard such stories before. Successive Governments have always thrown large amounts of money at ‘laudable’ electricity projects. However, seeing the commanding heights that corruption has attained, coupled with absence of sincerity of purpose as well as a naked display of avaricious schemes by most Government officials. It is a no brainer to conclude that such ‘laudable’ projects are headed the way of their predecessors-the way of the flesh!
The Nigerian Government, and at all levels, need to come to the realization that they cannot provide electricity to the people. Let them display the needed humility and accept the fact that the people have to take their energy responsibility in their own hands. Let the power be given to the people!
The attraction for this proposal is the simplicity of its execution and the fact that it would only cost a fraction of what Nigeria currently spends in its quest for electricity. Thus the country will benefit financially.
What is needed is clear decision-making and a supportive regulatory environment .
Given our abundant land, sunshine and natural resources, we need to seriously embark on massive adoption of a diverse energy mix which is centered on Renewable energy, particularly, solar energy. This is free energy from the sun; It is available year in, year out; It is renewable, sustainable and environmentally friendly, leaving a zero carbon footprint. The solar panels require little or no maintenance and can last up to 40 years.
Government incentives should be in form of zero import duties and tariffs, as well as tax breaks for firms that are engaged in the local manufacturing of solar energy equipment and components. The construction and maintenance costs of Renewables are low, so as long as investors are given a secure environment it is quite attractive. Competition will drive down prices. This would encourage investments in, and mass participation in the use of solar electricity. Both Off-Grid and On-Grid solar installations would be encouraged on a large scale; Off-Grid solar installations, particularly for cluster settlements will blossom. This would be a huge relief to communities that are not presently on the national grid .Those already on the grid, especially Companies and residential Home owners would be encouraged to install solar panels on their rooftops, or in their compounds in order to harness solar energy and take advantage of Government incentives. Solar panels on rooftops and in various compounds would be commonplace, much like the Satellite Television is in Nigeria today. Pressure on the electricity generation and distribution companies - which are on the verge of collapse-would drop. It will also create much needed jobs and the acquisition of skills in this sector.
Renewable energy smashed global records in 2015.Some 147 Gigawatts of renewable electricity was put online-the largest annual increase ever and as much as Africa’s entire power generating capacity. Investment in clean energy surged to 286 billion dollars, with solar energy accounting for 56 % of the total, according to Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century (REN 21) Global Status Report.
For the first time, emerging economies spent more than the richer nations in the race for green energy.
All over the world, employment in renewable energy grew by 5% in 2015, while oil and gas jobs fell by 18%, according to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena). In the same year, the Solar Photovoltaic (PV) industry was the biggest Renewables employer, surging by 11%.
Surely, Nigeria can learn some lessons from a prosperous world!
Solar electricity is one of them.
