Nigerians spend N4.9 Trillion to fuel generators annually
Ene Ikpa
The Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action /Friends of the Earth Nigeria . Dr Godwin Uyi Ojo has revealed that Nigerians spend N4.9 trillion naira annually to fuel generators in their homes and offices.
Speaking during campaign and capacity building workshop on energy transmission for Africa held in Abuja , Dr. Ojo explained that the expenditure of the huge amount was partly responsible for the appalling level of poverty among Nigerians.
Ojo said that findings revealed that 80 percent of Nigerians do not have access to power supply adding that it was incumbent on the government to invest in renewable energy to ensure uninterrupted supply of power in the country.
According to him: “The Nigeria’s economic recovery Growth plan (ER) aims to optimise operational production of 10 GW with increased use of clean energy by 2020 . Clearly ,this plan has already hit the rocks as 2020 is around the corner and electricity supply hovers around 5,000 mw on average.
“Currently about 70% of energy produced in Nigeria is self produced . According to ECN data Nigeria will need 50Gws of power generation to sustain the population by 2030. Hence the urgent need to leapfrog the conventional energy system to renewable energy sources.
“Renewable energy has tremendously boosted the economy of China , the leading country on renewable energy ,and increased their employment rate . According to the international Renewable Energy Agency, Eleven million people were employed in renewable energy sector worldwide in 2018.
“The energy future we want is energy that is easily accessible ,durable and supports healthy environment.The Nigerian government and other African government s should develop a blue print that will gradually move the continent from crude and other non- renewable energy to renewable.
“Establishing decentralized renewable energy system such as mini-grid ,off grid and non- grid systems in ways that individuals and communities participate as producers (producers and consumers) in the energy production and supply chain,as well as shared benefits . A just energy transition will ensure that climate cost and benefits are shared in a fair way between the rich ,poor, citizen’s and firms.
