The Senate has expressed deep dissatisfaction with the performance of Nigeria’s electricity distribution companies, popularly known as DisCos, and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).
During a heated session in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly, lawmakers described the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector as a colossal failure.
The Senate threatened to explore legislative measures to reverse the policy that handed control of the sector to private entities in 2013.
This position emerged during the presentation of a report by Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, chairman of the Senate Committee on Power.
Abaribe painted a grim picture of the current state of electricity distribution in the country, highlighting the inability of DisCos to deliver reliable power to Nigerians.
He raised concerns about the effectiveness of the privatisation program, which was designed to improve electricity supply through private sector involvement.
“The DisCos have largely failed to meet their obligations,” Abaribe stated.
He further revealed the staggering costs associated with frequent national grid collapses.
“Restarting a power plant costs approximately $7.5 million,” he said.
“With three plants in operation, the total cost per grid collapse amounts to $25 million.”
This revelation triggered an intense debate among senators, who voiced frustration over the continuous failures of the country’s electricity infrastructure.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio did not hold back in his criticism of the privatisation exercise.
He questioned the rationale behind a system where electricity consumers are still burdened with additional costs.
“Why do governors and individuals have to buy transformers and then hand them over to DisCos, only to pay again for installation?” Akpabio queried.
His comments were met with nods of agreement from other senators.
Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, expressed regret over his initial support for privatisation.
He described the entire process as poorly conceived and incompetently executed.
“Consumers are being forced to pay for services that are not even rendered,” Oshiomhole lamented.
This criticism underscores the growing dissatisfaction with the privatisation program, which many had hoped would bring relief to Nigeria’s long-standing power woes.
The program, introduced during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan, aimed to increase efficiency and investment in the power sector.
However, more than a decade later, Nigerians continue to grapple with erratic power supply and exorbitant bills.
Senator Abaribe’s report highlighted not only the financial losses but also the socio-economic consequences of Nigeria’s unreliable electricity system.
He argued that the poor state of power infrastructure is stifling businesses and discouraging foreign investment.
“The private sector involvement was supposed to transform the industry, but instead, we are still stuck in darkness,” he said.
To address these challenges, the Senate resolved to mandate the Committee on Power to develop actionable recommendations within six weeks.
The recommendations will focus on addressing the inefficiencies of DisCos and TCN, as well as preventing future grid collapses.
While the motion was eventually withdrawn to allow for further deliberation, the debate highlighted the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s power sector.
Stakeholders and citizens alike are calling for accountability and transparency in the management of the nation’s electricity system.
As the Senate deliberates on the next steps, many Nigerians are left wondering whether these discussions will lead to tangible improvements or if they will remain empty promises.
The stakes are high, as the state of the power sector remains a critical factor in Nigeria’s economic growth and quality of life.
For now, the spotlight is on the Senate and its ability to drive meaningful change in a sector that has consistently failed its people.
