How Nigeria's Electricity is Produced: Your Primary School Lied to You
Time to read: 5mins
We are not sure whose brilliant idea it was to spread lies to every Nigerian child in primary schools. But did you know that about 77% of Nigeria's power comes from natural gas? And about 20% comes from hydropower.
Kainji Dam is one of a few hydropower plants in Nigeria. Now, let’s go back to your primary school days for a second, however long ago that might have been. There you are, closely watching the time for the bell to ring so you can finally go home. Then your teacher starts shoving down your throat the idea that Kanji Dam is the source of Nigeria's electricity. They tell you to read the passage in your textbook that talks about Kanji Dam over and over again. The same textbook you forgot to bring to school.
Innocently, you took that to memory and walked around misinformed after your parents paid 2M Naira for your primary school education. Luckily for you, we are here to fix that.
By spending 5 minutes with us in this article, you’ll learn how
Nigeria's power is actually produced.
How it gets to your house or office.
Challenges faced to supply the required power.
This will give you the ammunition to prove to your Gen Z sibling, cousin, niece, or nephew they aren't as all-knowing as they pride themselves to be.
The Real Story of Nigeria's Power Generation
Natural Gas: The Dominant Source
Despite all the cruise on Twitter, Nigeria is blessed with vast natural gas reserves, making it the cornerstone of the country's power generation strategy. Approximately 77% of Nigeria's electricity is generated from natural gas-fired power plants. These plants are strategically located across the country to optimize resource availability and distribution efficiency.
Key natural gas power plants include:
Egbin Power Plant: Located in Lagos State, it is one of the largest power plants in Sub-Saharan Africa with an installed capacity of 1,320 MW .
Geregu Power Plant: Situated in Kogi State, it has a capacity of about 434 MW .
Afam Power Plant: Located in Rivers State, it contributes around 776 MW to the national grid.
Alaoji Power Plant: Found in Abia State, it has a capacity of 1,074 MW.
Natural gas power plants convert the chemical energy of natural gas into electrical energy through combustion and turbine-driven generators. We know, we know, Nerdy words.
Hydropower: A Significant, Yet Secondary Source
Hydropower contributes about 20% to Nigeria's electricity generation. While not the primary source, it plays a crucial role in diversifying the energy mix and providing renewable energy. The major hydropower plants are:
Kainji Dam: Located in Niger State with an installed capacity of 760 MW. It was commissioned in 1968 and remains a symbol of Nigeria's early industrial ambitions.
Jebba Dam: Also in Niger State, downstream of Kanji Dam, with a capacity of 578 MW.
Shiroro Dam: Situated in Niger State, it has an installed capacity of 600 MW.
These hydropower plants leverage the natural water flow of the Niger River to generate electricity, particularly during the rainy season when water levels are high.
Transmission and Distribution: Bringing Power to Homes and Businesses
Once electricity is generated, it must be transmitted and distributed to consumers. This process involves several key stages:
Transmission: High-voltage transmission lines carry electricity over long distances from power plants to substations. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) manages the national grid, ensuring efficient and reliable transmission of power across the country. The TCN operates a network of over 20,000 kilometers of transmission lines, connecting power stations to various regions.
Substations: At substations, high-voltage electricity is stepped down to lower voltages suitable for distribution. These substations are strategically located to serve urban and rural areas.
Distribution: Distribution companies (DisCos) take over from substations, delivering electricity to end-users, including households, businesses, and industries. There are 11 DisCos in Nigeria, each responsible for a specific geographic area. Major DisCos include:some text
Eko Distribution Company: Serving parts of Lagos and Ogun states.
Ikeja Electric: Covering areas in Lagos State.
Abuja Electricity Distribution Company: Serving the Federal Capital Territory and neighboring states.
End Users: Finally, electricity reaches end-users through a network of transformers and distribution lines. Consumers pay for the electricity they use through tariffs regulated by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite the established infrastructure, Nigeria's power sector faces significant challenges, including:
Infrastructure Deficits: Aging infrastructure and inadequate maintenance often lead to frequent outages and unreliable power supply.
Gas Supply Issues: Inconsistent gas supply due to pipeline vandalism and underinvestment affects the performance of gas-fired power plants.
Financial Viability: The power sector struggles with financial sustainability due to low tariffs, high losses, and poor revenue collection.
Conclusion
The story you were told about Kanji Dam being the primary source of Nigeria's electricity is only a small part of a much larger picture. Nigeria's power generation is mostly driven by natural gas, supplemented by hydropower and, increasingly, other renewable sources. Understanding the true dynamics of Nigeria's power sector equips you with the knowledge to navigate discussions about the nation's energy challenges and opportunities.
So, next time you engage in a conversation about Nigeria's electricity, you can confidently share the real facts, dispelling myths and enriching the dialogue with accurate, detailed information.
