Despite the ongoing nationwide blackout and the worsening electricity supply in Nigeria, recent data on the daily load summary of power distribution companies shows a concerning trend. Between February 1 and 14, 2024, these companies were unable to distribute around 1,769.91 megawatts (MW) of electricity.
Information obtained from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Abuja indicates that while some power firms received an excess allocation of electricity during this period, the majority failed to use their entire quota of energy from TCN.
Nigeria’s power situation has significantly worsened since the start of the year, prompting Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, to summon some power firms and TCN to account for the declining electricity supply in their respective regions.
Adelabu’s concerns were substantiated by investigations revealing deliberate rejection of electricity by some distribution companies, coupled with incidents of vandalism affecting power lines in Abuja, Benin, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan regions.
An analysis of the daily load summary reveals that Discos failed to distribute approximately 1,769.91MW of power in the first two weeks of February. These Discos include Abuja, Benin, Eko, Enugu, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Yola.
On February 1, seven Discos failed to utilize 128.62MW of electricity, while four others received an excess load allocation of 61.91MW. Similar trends continued in the following days, with Discos consistently failing to distribute allocated electricity while some received excess loads.
Adelabu has taken proactive measures by summoning the CEOs of Abuja and Ibadan Discos, along with TCN representatives, to address the worsening power supply situation. Other non-performing Discos will also face scrutiny, with Adelabu emphasizing the need for improved performance and accountability.
Despite gas shortages, efforts to ramp up power generation have been made, with output surpassing 4,000MW in recent days. Adelabu expects these measures to lead to an improvement in power supply nationwide, addressing the current challenges faced by various regions.
