Blackouts: FG pushes states to establish power firms

By: Abudu Olalekan

Nigeria’s endless power crisis sparks a radical shift: Abuja tells governors, “Fix it yourselves.” Inside the scramble to keep lights on—and who’s actually stepping up.

Alright. Let’s talk about the lights. Or lack thereof. Because if you’re reading this in Nigeria right now? Chances are, you’re either sweating in the dark or your generator’s gulping diesel like water. Again. And honestly? The Federal Government’s throwing up its hands. “We can’t fix this alone,” they’re saying. “You governors? Time to step up.”

Here’s the deal. The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, dropped a truth bomb at the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit in Lagos. Centralized power? From Abuja? For 200 million people? Across 36 states? Yeah. It’s a fantasy. “We can’t guarantee stable power from one office,” he admitted. “It’s impossible.” So what’s the fix? The shiny new Electricity Act 2023. It basically shouts, “States, you’re in charge now!” Generate your own power. Transmit it. Distribute it. Even set your own rules.

But here’s the kicker. Only 15 states have actually grabbed this autonomy. Enugu’s leading the pack—they’ve got their own regulatory commission, shiny and official. Others? They’re dragging their feet. “Talk is cheap,” Adelabu snapped. “You’ve got the power now. Use it.”

So what does “stepping up” actually look like?
First up: Challenge the big guys. Adelabu’s telling governors to get in the faces of DisCos and TCN. “You’re closer to the people,” he said. “If they’re failing your state? Call them out. Demand better.”

Then? Start building. Solar farms. Mini-grids. Whatever gets the job done. “Your state’s bigger than some countries,” Adelabu pointed out. “Run it like one.” Enugu’s already waving investors in—”Come build here!” their boss, Chijioke Okonkwo, said. Lagos and Katsina? They’re nodding too. “We’re open for business,” Sanwo-Olu’s crew promised.

But let’s be real. This isn’t just about streetlights. It’s about economics. Factories can’t run. Hospitals can’t function. And the government’s losing cash—N1.7 trillion in 2024 alone from an industry that’s basically leaking money. “We need private cash,” Adelabu stressed. “Lots of it.” There’s 10 gigawatts of power just… sitting there. Stranded. Imagine if that actually reached homes.

The big question: Will governors actually deliver?
Some are trying. Enugu’s commission is live. Others? They’re still staring at the rulebook. But here’s the thing—if states don’t act? The blackouts win. And Nigeria’s democracy? It needs more than one party at the table. Political analysts are already sweating. “If the opposition vanishes,” one warned, “who checks the ruling party?”

But let’s not sugarcoat. This is huge. States finally have the keys. They can light up markets, schools, farms. They can say, “No more waiting on Abuja.” But will they? Or will this just be another file gathering dust?

Time’s ticking. The heat’s rising. And honestly? We’re all tired of sitting in the dark.