By Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua
Northern Nigeria is blessed with favourable weather conditions that can help the region to provide alternative sources of energy. For example, Katsina state can capitalise on wind to power its energy deficit. In Kano State, there are Tiga and Bagauda dams. The state can leverage on these dams to build hydro-power station and complement national grid. Besides, solar energy has proven to be cheap and safe. The northern governors should invest heavily on solar energy. If there is anything that has been learnt from the recent ten day power outage that rocked some states of the north, paralyzed business activities and disrupted households comfort, is unreliable national grid and the need to build more independent power stations or provide an alternative sources of energy by the northern governors.
The ten day power outage experienced in some states of Northwest and northeast, thrown millions people into darkness and led to the lost of billions of naira are stark reminder of under investment in the energy sector by the northern state governors. The power outage which hit the region came at a wrong time when Nigerians are battling with increased pump price of petroleum product that sparked inflation and excruciating cost of living crises in the country. Though, Mr. president disturbed by the unfortunate incidence, gave a matching order to the ministry of power to quickly fix the problems and restore power to the affected states, Nigerian energy sector crises has continued to manifest despite gulping billions of dollars from different governments. Even before the power outage that eclipsed the northern part of Nigeria, incessant grid collapse early recorded pointed a gloomy picture. Many Nigerians saw the power outage coming. Beginning from last month, the National grid has collapsed more than three times, sending a warning signal to power distribution companies (Disco),to brace up for the looming power disruption.
While Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN )has continued to blame outdated power equipment for the recurring collapse of national grid, corruption and mismanagement of funds running into billions of dollars earmarked for power project in the country must have contributed. For instance, between 1999 and 2007 when President Obasanjo held sway, it was estimated that ,billions of naira were sunk into the power sector, including award of mambilla Hydro power project which was abandon and became a subject of litigation. Besides, successive administrations had done little or nothing to address the power problems bedevil the country. The partial privatisation of the sector has neither solve the perennial power blackout nor cure the inefficiency and other bottlenecks militating against the improved power supply in the country. Lack of reliable or dependable national grid had forced some states governor to construct independent power supply. In 2003 precisely, Gbenga Daniel, the former governor of Ogun State, built an independent power station. The independent power station generated and provided uninterrupted power supply for domestic and industrial consumption in the state. With the constant power supply across the state, Ogun became an industrial hub boosting many flourishing companies.
Until the late 90s,Kano and Kaduna state boosted a burbling textile and dyeing industries. Kano was referred to commercial nerve centre of the north. The two popular northern states were home to hundreds of companies. Those companies provided millions of jobs and taxes to the state government. Sadly, government unfavourable policies coupled with erratic power supply forced many companies to close down. One recalls with nostalgia the success story of United textile company which produced and marketed local fabrics in Kaduna State. Today, Kaduna and Kano are shadow of former selves boost up only handful companies which are providing skeletal services. With independent power supply which catapulted Ogun into industrial state, one had expected Kano and other Northern states to take a cue and build their own independent power stations. Kano State has all what it takes to generate and distribute power not only for domestic purpose but industrial uses.
Northern Nigeria is blessed with favourable weather conditions that can help the region to provide alternative sources of energy. For example, Katsina state can capitalise on wind to power its energy deficit. In Kano State, there are Tiga and Bagauda dams. The state can leverage on these dams to build hydro-power station and complement national grid. Besides, solar energy has proven to be cheap and safe. The northern governors should invest heavily on solar energy. If there is anything that has been learnt from the recent ten day power outage that rocked some states of the north, paralyzed business activities and disrupted households comfort, is unreliable national grid and the need to build more independent power stations or provide an alternative sources of energy by the northern governors. It may interest you to know, Lagos State has eight power stations while the entire north has three. Three power stations for 19 Northern states are inadequate to power the region. There is no doubt, stable power supply can attract investors, provide job opportunities and alleviate poverty. At 21 century when power energy drives industrialisation and accelerate socioeconomic development, northern governors should make it a top priority.
Ibrahim Mustapha Pambegua wrote in from Kaduna State.
