NIGERIA’S POOR POWER SUPPLY
The people are reduced to such a level that they always their gratitude anytime the power is restored by screaming “UP NEPA”!
I remember the day when I was young and was living in (senior camp) NEPA estate, where we enjoyed constant supply of electricity. During my stay in NEPA estates, of Lagos Thermal station, egbin I experienced constant supply of electricity. The power supply was unlimited. I honestly did not know if there were people who would go for several hours or days without electricity.
The assumption I made would be seen as ignorance; however it was due to my young age. The reason, the power holding company staff quarters, enjoy that uninterrupted power supply was because they had to benefit from their primary responsibility. Although, I doubt if it is still the same story today in those staff quarters.
The poor state of power supply is troublesome; you will consent with me that it is an inconvenience to most people. The erratic state of electricity is unspeakable. The people have been reduced to such level that they always have to expect their gratitude anytime the power has been restored by screaming “UP NEPA”!
Why are these problems not solved? Why does the government fail to provide Nigerians with the basic necessary infrastructure for the people to enjoy?
It has become the norm to have private generators at home in Nigeria: this is constantly referred to as “I pass my neighbor”
Nigerians provide for their selves what the government is expected to provide; this is the case for most infrastructures such as roads. Some inhabitants have taken it upon themselves to tarring the roads leading to their homes, and dig boreholes to provide water. However, this is only applicable to residents who have the resources to do so. Taking responsibility to improve the infrastructure does not exempt them from paying the electricity and water bills. If you are not capable of providing all these for yourself as a Nigerian, life continues to be frustrating.
A personal power generator becomes very necessary; at least one can turn on the generator when the PHCN strikes. ‘Apart from the noise pollution, the fumes from the generators are very dangerous. Dr. Olatunji Ekamode, toxicologist at the Lagos state university teaching hospital (LASUTH) said” Generator fumes can be deadly when inhaled, as carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the body tissues. When oxygen is displaced in the body, it prevents blood from carrying out its functions, including transporting of oxygen around the body. This situation can lead to death”
So it suffices to say government’s failure to provide power supply, and allowing her citizens to fend for alternative is indirectly endorsing death of her citizens. Even if they do not die immediately; as a result of the fumes inhaled, over time it will affect them and eventually lead to sickness and death! The government should be held liable of such deaths.
The best gift any president can present to Nigeria right, apart from security of lives and property is constant and uninterrupted power supply. It will have an adverse influence on private generator business, but you cannot favor the micro over the macro population. The people need a safe and uninterrupted means of power supply; and deserve the best services.
“ Electric power supply is the most important commodity for national development, with the electrical energy the people are empowered to work from the domestic level and the cottage industries to employment in the large scale and medium industries, through the small scale and medium industries to employment in the large scale manufacturing complexes. In these days, depriving people of electricity power is tantamount to castration” – Musa D. Abdullahi.
Electricity power supply is the bedrock of national development; its economic impact is enormous. It reduces the cost of production for manufacturing industries.
A reduction in the cost of production implies reduction in prices of goods and services. There will be an increase in investments from multinational companies. More so, stable power supply provides job for the unemployed both skilled and unskilled labours. Also, it will reduce the demand of petrol thus reducing the price of petrol in ther market. The list is endless. Hence, regular power supply is very vital. The government needs to focus on how to restore market equillbrium of power. This will ensure the demands of people are met, and the supply is constant.
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