Electricity plays a very important role in the socio economic and technological development of every nation. The electricity demand in Nigeria far outstrips the supply and the supply also is epileptic in nature. The country is faced with acute electricity problems which are hindering its development, notwithstanding the availability of vast natural resources in the country.
The history of electricity in Nigeria dates back to 1896 where electricity was first produced in Lagos, fifteen years after its introduction in England. Despite the fact that its existence in the country is over a century, its development has been at a slow rate. In 1950, a central body was established by legislative council, which transferred electricity supply and development to the care of the central body known as the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN). Other bodies like the Native Authorities and Nigeria Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) have licenses to produces electricity in some locations in Nigeria.
There was another body known as Niger Dams Authority (NDA) established by an act of parliament. The Authority was responsible for the construction and maintenance of dams and other works on the River Niger and also generating electricity by means of water power, improving, production and promoting fish brims and irrigation. The energy produced by NDA was sold to the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria for distribution and sales at utility voltages.
In 1972 the National Electric Power Authority of Nigeria (NEPA) was established with the amalgamation of Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and the Niger Dam Authority (NDA). NEPA was empowered to maintain an efficient coordinated and economically viable electricity supply in Nigeria (Sambo, 2008, Onwioduokit and Omoigui, 2000, ECN, 2004). In about 2005, the Power Holding of Nigeria gradually took over the functions of NEPA with little or no improvement to the power sector.
TABLE OF CONTENT
1.0 Introduction
2.0 General Analysis
3.0 The institutional set up and the power problems in Nigeria
4.0 Energy Resources in Nigeria
4.1 Coal
4.2 Gas
4.3 Crude Petroleum product
4.4 Hydro electric Generation
4.5 Solar
5.0 Discussion
6.0 Recommendation
7.0 Conclusion
8.0 References
ENERGY SOURCES AND ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN NIGERIA
1.0 INTRODUCTION:
Electricity plays a very important role in the socio economic and technological development of every nation. The electricity demand in Nigeria far outstrips the supply and the supply also is epileptic in nature. The country is faced with acute electricity problems which are hindering its development, notwithstanding the availability of vast natural resources in the country.
The history of electricity in Nigeria dates back to 1896 where electricity was first produced in Lagos, fifteen years after its introduction in England. Despite the fact that its existence in the country is over a century, its development has been at a slow rate. In 1950, a central body was established by legislative council, which transferred electricity supply and development to the care of the central body known as the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN). Other bodies like the Native Authorities and Nigeria Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) have licenses to produces electricity in some locations in Nigeria.
There was another body known as Niger Dams Authority (NDA) established by an act of parliament. The Authority was responsible for the construction and maintenance of dams and other works on the River Niger and also generating electricity by means of water power, improving, production and promoting fish brims and irrigation. The energy produced by NDA was sold to the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria for distribution and sales at utility voltages.
In 1972 the National Electric Power Authority of Nigeria (NEPA) was established with the amalgamation of Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and the Niger Dam Authority (NDA). NEPA was empowered to maintain an efficient coordinated and economically viable electricity supply in Nigeria (Sambo, 2008, Onwioduokit and Omoigui, 2000, ECN, 2004). In about 2005, the Power Holding of Nigeria gradually took over the functions of NEPA with little or no improvement to the power sector.
2.0 GENERAL ANALYSIS:
Within the particular conception of socio-economic processes which underscore every economic system, economic development globally revolves around the issues of the character, structure, pattern and evolution of desirable inter-personal relations of production, allocation and utilization of available resources in the country. In other to optimally develop and efficiently manage such available resources, equitably allocate and effectively utilize them and subsequently put economic development firmly on course, modern operational technologies with respect to production, allocation and utilization are designed and tied strictly to the use of energy in one form or the other. Thus, the quest to rapidly and firmly put the Nigerian economy on the course of economic development is technically, a function of adequate supply and distribution of energy, particularly electricity
In this regard, adequate supply and distribution of electricity constitute a central development issue which cannot be over-emphasized. Apart from serving as the pillar of wealth creation in Nigeria, it is also the nucleus of operations and subsequently the ‘engine of growth’ for all sectors of the economy. In recognition of the consolidating linkage between the energy sector and the other sectors of the economy, electricity development and utilization therefore have pervasive impacts on a range of socio-economic activities and consequently the living standard of citizens in the country.
From available data (Sambo, 2006 Nwankwo, 2000) about 40% only of the nation population of over 130 million have access to grid electricity. At the rural level, where 70 percent of the population lives, the availability of electricity is about 15 percent.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main topic of the text "ENERGY SOURCES AND ELECTRICITY GENERATION IN NIGERIA"?
The text focuses on energy sources and electricity generation in Nigeria, examining the historical context, current challenges, and potential solutions to the country's electricity problems.
What are the key energy resources discussed in the text?
The text discusses coal, gas, crude petroleum products, hydro-electric generation, and solar energy as key energy resources available in Nigeria.
What is the history of electricity in Nigeria according to the text?
Electricity was first produced in Lagos in 1896. The Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) was established in 1950. Later, the Niger Dams Authority (NDA) was formed. In 1972, the National Electric Power Authority of Nigeria (NEPA) was established, incorporating the ECN and NDA. Subsequently, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) took over from NEPA.
What are the main problems facing electricity generation and distribution in Nigeria as described in the text?
The text identifies inadequate generating capacity, insufficient investment in distribution facilities and maintenance, inefficient load distribution, low capacity utilization, shortage of technical manpower, and lack of essential spare parts as key problems. Also the text mentions a significant percentage of the population does not have access to electricity, especially in rural areas.
What percentage of the Nigerian population has access to grid electricity, according to the text?
According to available data mentioned in the text (circa 2000s), only about 40% of the nation's population had access to grid electricity, and only about 15% in rural areas.
What was the state of electricity generation in Nigeria around 2001, as described in the text?
Generation had declined from an installed capacity of approximately 5600MW to an average of 1750MW, compared to a load demand of 6000MW. Also, only 19 out of 79 installed generating units were operational.
What are some of the institutional challenges mentioned in the text?
The text suggests the lack of coordination of power resources and inefficient management within organizations like NEPA are contributing factors.
What is the importance of electricity to Nigeria's socio-economic development according to the text?
The text emphasizes that electricity is crucial for socio-economic and technological development, serving as the 'engine of growth' for all sectors of the economy and impacting the living standards of citizens.
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- John Tarilanyo Afa (Author), 2011, Energy Sources and Electrical Generation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/213049
