Nigerians across the country are grappling with persistent power outages, and an MDB investigation reveals the culprit: a critical shortage of gas, the fuel powering many of the nation’s electricity generating plants.
Findings indicate that gas-fired grids nationwide are starved of sufficient supply, leading to meager allocations for electricity distribution companies (Discos). This domino effect ultimately deprives Nigerians of regular access to power, plunging homes and businesses into darkness.
Adding weight to this explanation, Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), a major Disco, issued a statement to its customers acknowledging the dire situation. They admitted insufficient allocation from generating companies, pointing directly to gas shortages and related problems as the primary reason for the power cuts.
“Kindly be informed that the present reduction in power supply across our network is due to gas shortages and other related issues arising from the generating companies.
“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this has caused even as we work with our partners for a speedy resolution,” the EKEDC said this in a post on its social media handles Tuesday.
Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Power reposted the EKEDC update on its X handle, lending credence to the fact that the grids are not getting the required gas supply to generate enough power.
Replying to outcries from its customers, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company recently said DisCos were not getting enough allocation to serve them.
IBEDC’s spokesperson, Busola Tunwase, said the erratic power supply was a result of load shedding and reduced allocation.
“If we get the supply, we have to give it out. If we don’t get it, we cannot give it. Electricity is to our benefit. If we give you a 24-hour supply, you will pay us our money. It is an allocation issue. DisCos are not getting enough allocation” she clarified.
Amid complaints of constant power outages, the Transmission Company of Nigeria said, “TCN does not generate power! TCN does not distribute power to electricity consumers! TCN transports bulk power from generating stations to distribution load centres nationwide!”
This revelation sheds light on the complex challenges contributing to Nigeria’s chronic power woes. While inadequate infrastructure and transmission losses play a role, the stark reality of dwindling gas supplies emerges as a major bottleneck hindering consistent electricity generation.
The implications of this gas shortage are far-reaching. Businesses struggle to operate efficiently, impacting productivity and economic growth. Homes suffer the consequences of heat and disrupted routines, while essential services like healthcare and education face disruptions.
Addressing this gas shortage will be crucial to tackling Nigeria’s power crisis. Whether through increased exploration and production, improved pipeline infrastructure, or diversification of energy sources, finding solutions to ensure adequate gas supply for power generation is a pressing priority for the government and energy sector stakeholders.
Only by effectively addressing this gas shortage can Nigerians hope for a future illuminated by reliable and sustainable electricity, unlocking the nation’s full economic potential and improving the quality of life for its citizens.