In the absence of both and given the huge human capital Nigeria has at her disposal, the question is, which of these two, if properly addressed will expedite development?
Fundamentally, everything runs on power. It is said that without it, we can not get very much done. The power situation in Nigeria has been in a coma for a long period and incessant power cuts or lack of power has led to huge overheads in both homes and businesses.A nation that ranks amongst the world’s largest energy producers and on which a large number of energy consuming states rely, should be able to cater for its domestic energy needs. So the theory goes.
Nigeria may nee to refocus her attention on the redevelopment of its power generation primarily for domestic use over the next few years before playing to the gallery as an energy producer.
There are vast natural resources to harness, both in oil and gas, however there has been a chokehold on the industry sector by a few preferred players. These selected few had determined the growth of the industry and the major ones amongst them are seemingly more concerned with the export market than domestic consumption.
The Government has been overburden for years with the attempt to be the only player with an objective to provide domestic power in Nigeria. In the time it has taken for government to attempt meeting the needs of the domestic market, word on the street says that a group have since emerged to provide alternative sources of power and do not desire further development of the power sector lest it cuts down or extinguishes their business.
Nigeria is reputed to be the world’s largest consumer of domestic generators. A sign of the times that points to the constant noise-pollution and environmental pollution caused by emissions from the millions of generators used o run homes and businesses across the country.
Does Nigeria have the capacity to establish, maintain and run new and existing power generation facilities for the domestic market?
If indeed there is a cartel of players with a preference for the status quo, can this stranglehold be eased or broken?
There is no doubt about the capacity within the population of Nigerians at home and abroad to broach the issue of domestic power generation and consumption. Where then lies the bridge the country needs to cross?
Investment, foreign and otherwise, should not be the issue as there is a ready market of consumers of power to make it an attractive venture for any investor.
Political will may be another issue or as many would say, is the main issue.
Considering the overwhelming impact on the nation and her people, it is immeasurable the amount of comfort, reliability and increased productivity that the nation can see with improved provision of power.
On the other hand and letting the power situation remains as is, for a moment, what would an enhanced and increased uptake of technology provide Nigeria with?
There is greater understanding and familiarity amongst a larger number of Nigerians about technology. The use of technology across the country has been enhanced by sectors such as telecommunications, education, the internet and television.
While many may argue that without consistent power technology can not move forward, it is imperative to note that the term required to develop a large and competent workforce in energy is much greater than would be required for technology in Nigeria.
Poorer communications in the past had compelled us to adopt the various areas of technology for survival. Technology, despite the power situation, has become an integral part of our daily lives and its use is far greater today than the use of power by the population.
The questions will arise regarding the overall benefit of a technologically-improved population against a poorer state of energy provision.
Manufacturing will suffer as the cost of products will rise, without energy. Industrialization will be slow and uncompetitive. There will still be a great reliance on importation of goods and inflation may have its way and at will.
Technical manpower will grow rapidly with technology. Processes will be faster and productivity will improve while the nation, still using the current means of power generation, will have the opportunities technical advancement and a skilled manpower base in other areas.
While the issues hampering an effective policy or program for energy provision are still being dealt with and with the use of generators as alternative energy sources, remaining constant, would Nigeria be better served with improved mobile and fixed technology?
What do you think?
