Looming National Blackout as Power Generation in Nigeria Suffers Free Fall in Mega Watts

Posted by George on Tue 21st Jun, 2016 - tori.ng

More pressure has mounted on the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola as he has continued to fail in providing adequate power supply for Nigerians despite the 45% increment in tariffs.

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola

The Nigerian masses have been groaning and moaning in pains following the crisis of power supply that has worsened since the advent of the All Progressives Congress-led administration of change.

Emanating reports from the Guardian newspaper revealed the megawatts of the country yesterday was reduced further to an appalling figure of 1075 Mega Watts which will be rationed insufficiently among a population of over 170 million people.

The generation statistics obtained yesterday showed that the generation level assumed a dwindling trend from 2,903MW recorded last week Thursday. It dropped to 1624MW on Sunday and further to 1075MW yesterday.

However, the daily operational report of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) issued at the weekend showed that many of the power plants are currently affected by gas shortage, water management and transmission problems.

No fewer than 16 thermal plants were affected by lack of gas supply, as the Niger Delta militants continued to attack gas facilities in the region. Among the thermal plants that have suffered from sabotage attacks were Olorunshogo NIPP which lost 480MW; Omotosho (228MW); Geregu (435MW); Delta lost 410MW; Olorunsogo Gas (228MW); Sapele (258MW) and Egbing lost 717MW among others.

This situation has triggered concerns from the consumers who believed that the privatisation of the power sector would have done more good to the nation, if proper planning was in place.