The Nigerian electricity system is close to collapse according to the Minister of Power and Steel. The country’s eight power stations have not been overhauled for the past five to six years, and electricity supplies in the country must be rationed. Private sector participation is now being touted as a possible solution to the problem.
Nigeria’s electricity demand is around 2400 MWe, less than half the installed capacity of around 5879 MWe, Reuters reports. But inadequate funding and maintenance of the thermal and hydro plants has left the country short of power.
Under an economic liberalisation programme put forward by the country’s military ruler, private participation is to be allowed in the electricity sector. The government hopes this will solve its supply problems.