Power Crises Deepen: Nigeria Needs Bold 100,000MW Fix Now

Power Crises Deepen: Nigeria Needs Bold 100,000MW Fix Now

Power crises in Nigeria have reached a critical point, and former Power Minister, Professor Barth Nnaji, has warned that the country must generate at least 100,000 megawatts of installed electricity to meet its energy needs and avoid long-term blackouts.

Nnaji, who served as Minister during a key reform era, said Nigeria cannot afford to delay bold investments in power generation and infrastructure. In a recent appearance on Arise TV’s The Morning Show, he urged the country to rethink its approach to electricity.

He explained that with a population of over 200 million, Nigeria’s current energy supply falls far below demand. On most days, less than 5,000MW is transmitted to homes and businesses, despite having around 13,000MW of installed capacity.

“We need at least 100,000 megawatts of power, not just available but installed,” Nnaji stated firmly.

He stressed that without this major leap, Nigeria will remain trapped in a cycle of power shortages that continue to hurt schools, hospitals, factories, and families across the nation.

Nnaji outlined a clear path forward—aggressively build new power plants, overhaul old infrastructure, and develop a better energy mix using natural gas, hydropower, and solar energy.

He noted that if Nigeria does not act quickly, the current load shedding pattern will worsen, making life harder for ordinary citizens and discouraging investors.

The lack of clear planning, he said, has allowed the crisis to stretch on for decades. He believes a solid energy policy backed by action is the only way to end the darkness.

While discussing practical solutions, Nnaji highlighted successful efforts made in the city of Aba, where 90 electrical substations were built to improve supply reliability. He said this model should be copied across Nigeria.

“Our problem isn’t just about generation. Even when we produce power, it doesn’t get to people because the distribution network is broken,” Nnaji said.

He criticized the current structure of power distribution companies (Discos), saying many of them cover too many states—sometimes four or five at once. This makes it hard for them to focus on specific areas or respond quickly to breakdowns.

According to Nnaji, breaking these large Discos into smaller, regional franchises could attract more investment and improve service delivery.

“When companies are too big, they lose focus. Small regional operators can manage their zones better and be more accountable,” he said.

He also addressed the recent move by the Federal Government to ban solar panel imports, a decision that has raised concern across the sector.

While Nnaji said he supports growing Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, he warned that banning imports without local capacity could worsen the energy crisis.

“We don’t yet produce solar panels at scale. A sudden ban will cut off access to clean power for homes and small businesses,” he explained.

Instead of an outright ban, Nnaji proposed a transition period—during which Nigeria can support local producers while still allowing imports to meet immediate needs.

He emphasized that Nigeria should use its abundant natural gas reserves as a major part of its energy mix. Alongside solar and hydropower, gas can fill the large gaps in supply more quickly than wind energy, which he said is less viable for Nigeria’s geography.

Wind power, he explained, has a role in other countries but may not be as effective within Nigeria’s current environmental and technical limitations.

Nnaji believes that unless Discos become more financially stable and are able to pay for the power they receive, new power generation projects will remain unviable.

“No company will build a power plant if they know they won’t get paid,” he said.

He made it clear that fixing the financial side of distribution is as important as building more plants or installing new lines.

His comments came just weeks after the Federal Government unveiled the National Integrated Electricity Policy (NIEP)—a new framework designed to overhaul Nigeria’s power sector and attract investment.

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While the policy outlines goals for reform, Nnaji stressed that clear execution and strict timelines are what will make the difference.

His concerns echoed warnings by Dr. Muda Yusuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE). Yusuf has also urged caution over the solar panel ban, saying it could backfire.

“A ban now, when we lack the production capacity, will only make life harder for millions of people,” Yusuf warned.

In urban and rural areas alike, solar panels have become essential for homes, small shops, and health clinics. For many families, they are the only source of electricity.

Nnaji emphasized that these everyday realities must guide policy decisions. Rather than punishing consumers with restrictions, government should provide incentives to encourage growth in domestic production.

He also reminded stakeholders that stable electricity isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Countries that power their industries, schools, and hospitals consistently enjoy better social outcomes and economic growth.

Power crises have a human cost. Children can’t read at night. Hospital machines shut down. Small businesses close. People suffer every day when the grid fails.

That is why Nnaji’s appeal for 100,000MW isn’t just technical—it’s personal. He urged policymakers to understand that real lives hang in the balance.

For a country with enormous natural resources, the crisis feels especially frustrating. But he believes with the right decisions, Nigeria can fix it.

More power means more jobs, stronger businesses, and brighter futures. With enough electricity, the country can build more schools, reduce poverty, and compete globally.

But as Nnaji warns, time is running out. If Nigeria does not act boldly now, its power crises will only grow worse.