Electricity consumers in parts of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have called on the Federal Government to review the privatisation of Nigeria’s power sector, saying the reform has failed to deliver improved electricity supply more than a decade after its implementation.
The consumers, who spoke to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, acknowledged that privatisation was a sound policy in principle but argued that it had not achieved its intended objectives.
They urged the government to conduct a comprehensive audit and sector-wide review to address persistent challenges affecting electricity generation and distribution.
Nigeria’s power sector was privatised in November 2013, with the Federal Government transferring ownership and management of generation and distribution assets to private investors. Eleven electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) and six Generation Companies (GenCos) emerged from the process, while the transmission arm remained under government control.
Mr. Tunde Omoregie, an engineer residing in Kuje, said power supply had not improved since the reform.
“Since the privatisation in 2013, nothing seems to be working. Power supply was more stable when it was handled by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria. Government should either fix the process or reconsider it,” he said.
Mrs. Irene Deji, also based in Kuje, said the primary objective of privatisation was to attract private investment and ensure steady electricity supply.
“Thirteen years later, the situation has not improved. If the policy is not working, government should revisit it. Many Nigerians are struggling to cope without reliable power,” she said.
In Lugbe, Mrs. Angela Okorie, a nurse, said the expected competition in the market had not translated into better service delivery.
“We are still experiencing prolonged outages. The government should review the privatisation process and find alternative measures to ensure stable electricity,” she said.
Mr. Amos Osuji, a resident of Zone 6, Lugbe, argued that the sector performed better under full government control, alleging that consumers now face high tariffs without commensurate service.
“The Federal Government should examine the privatisation framework and amend necessary clauses to guarantee steady electricity supply,” he said.
Similarly, Mr. Samuel Odey of Gwagwalada described the current structure as ineffective.
“The present arrangement is not working. Government must find a better way to make the sector function efficiently so Nigerians are not left to suffer poor supply,” he said.
The consumers maintained that while privatisation aimed to improve efficiency and service delivery, tangible gains in power stability remain elusive for many households in the FCT.
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