View on Threads
Video 👆In Offa, Kwara State, one community isn’t waiting for change. They’re informing their people about Nigeria’s electricity challenges, government’s recent actions, and why leaders must be held accountable. Other communities should take note and do the same.
*What Happened Before*
Nigeria’s power problem did not start today. After NEPA was split up and sold in 2013, we still had gas shortages, weak transmission lines, and little money in the system.
Only a small part of the power made actually reached homes and shops. For years, most Nigerians paid estimated bills for darkness.
*What Is Happening Now*
On June 9, 2023, President Bola Tinubu signed the Electricity Act 2023.
This law removed electricity from the “Exclusive List” so states can now make, move, and sell power inside their borders.
16+ states have already passed their own electricity laws.
States like Niger host 3,000MW of hydro power and can now build their own markets.
Tinubu also approved a plan to attract $122.2bn to fix power from 2024–2045. And his government started paying power sector debts.
An audit cut GenCos’ claimed ₦6 trillion debt down to ₦2.8 trillion, and Tinubu approved paying it in batches with bonds.
The Federal Government also said prepaid meters should be free. DisCos were banned from charging customers for meters. Yet many Nigerians still report paying ₦15k–₦150k to install meters.
DisCos are accused of hoarding meters to keep sending estimated bills.
*Why You Must Hold Your Governor and LG Chairman Accountable*
The 2023 Act gives your state the legal power to end blackouts. Your governor now controls state electricity policy, can license mini-grids, and partner with private firms.
Money for this already goes to states. If your area has no light, ask your governor: “Where is our state power plan?” Ask your LG Chairman: “What local projects have you started?”
*Power Subsidy: The Failed Years vs Now*
From 2013 to 2023, government paid power subsidies without audit. Claims were bloated. Tinubu’s team did a tripartite audit and found only ₦2.8 trillion was real.
Paying that debt frees GenCos to produce more power instead of shutting down for lack of gas payments.
*Way Forward: What Citizens Should Do*
1. *Learn*: Know that your state now has power to generate electricity.
2. *Demand*: Ask your State House of Assembly for updates on the state electricity law.
3. *Report*: If DisCos demand money for “free” meters, report to NERC and your state regulator.
4. *Support*: Back state projects like solar mini-grids and hydro.
*Content Recommendations*
- *For Governors*: Publish a 2-year state power roadmap. License private solar/hydro firms. Set up state regulators.
- *For DisCos*: Release all imported meters free. End estimated billing.
- *For Citizens*: Form community energy watch groups. Track state power budgets.
*Conclusion*
For decades we blamed only the President for darkness. The 2023 Electricity Act changes that. Tinubu has signed the law, started paying real debts, and pushed free meters.
Now light is in your governor’s hands. If your street is dark, don’t just tweet Abuja. Knock on your Government House door. Power is now local. Demand it.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.