Nigeria’s electricity sector has remained one of the most troubling examples of institutional failure, corruption and policy inconsistency in the country. Despite successive governments spending enormous sums of public money on power sector reforms, the country continues to grapple with epileptic electricity supply, frequent grid collapses, inflated electricity bills, poor service delivery and the persistent exploitation of consumers. This unfortunate situation raises fundamental questions about the management, accountability and integrity of the sector.

For a country with a population exceeding 200 million people and enormous economic potential, Nigeria’s inability to provide stable and affordable electricity is not only embarrassing but also economically damaging. Industries are shutting down or relocating, small businesses are struggling to survive, hospitals are forced to depend on alternative power sources, and households are spending an increasing proportion of their incomes on petrol and diesel to generate electricity. The power sector, which should be a catalyst for economic development, has instead become a major obstacle to national productivity.

There is, therefore, an urgent need to sanitise the sector and address the deep-rooted problems undermining its performance.

One of the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria’s electricity industry is the apparent lack of transparency and accountability among some of its operators. Since the privatisation of the power sector in 2013, expectations were high that private-sector participation would improve efficiency, attract investment and guarantee reliable electricity supply. Unfortunately, more than a decade after the exercise, the expected transformation remains largely elusive.

The privatisation process itself has continued to attract criticism over the capacity, competence and financial preparedness of some investors who acquired electricity distribution and generation companies. While it would be unfair to blame every failure in the sector on the private operators, the government must critically examine whether the objectives of privatisation have been achieved.

It is unacceptable that electricity distribution companies (DisCos) continue to demand higher tariffs from consumers while failing to provide electricity commensurate with the payments demanded. Consumers are regularly confronted with estimated billing, arbitrary charges, poor metering arrangements and inadequate responses to complaints. This practice must not be allowed to continue.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) must demonstrate greater determination in enforcing regulations and protecting consumers. Regulatory institutions should not exist merely to issue licences, announce tariff adjustments and make policy statements. Their primary responsibility must include ensuring that electricity operators deliver quality services, maintain transparency and account for their operations.

Furthermore, the activities of electricity generation companies (GenCos), transmission operators and distribution companies must be subjected to regular independent performance assessments. Operators that consistently fail to meet their contractual obligations should face appropriate sanctions, while those demonstrating efficiency and improved service delivery should receive the necessary incentives.

Another critical issue requiring urgent attention is the persistent collapse of the national electricity grid. Repeated grid disturbances expose the weaknesses of Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure and the failure to make adequate investments in modern equipment. Government must prioritise the rehabilitation and expansion of transmission facilities, strengthen the national grid and accelerate the development of alternative electricity distribution arrangements.

The problem of corruption and financial mismanagement must also be confronted. The power sector has consumed enormous public resources through interventions, bailouts, subsidies and other financial commitments. Yet, Nigerians continue to experience inadequate electricity supply. Government must commission comprehensive independent audits of public funds allocated to the sector and ensure that every naira spent produces measurable results.

Equally disturbing is the problem of electricity theft, illegal connections and vandalism of power infrastructure. These activities contribute to revenue losses and undermine the financial sustainability of the industry. However, enforcement must be balanced with public education, affordable access and improved customer service. Consumers cannot reasonably be expected to fulfil their financial obligations when operators fail to provide reliable services.

The ongoing electricity reforms under the Electricity Act 2023 also present an opportunity to address some of these challenges. The law provides a framework for greater participation by state governments in electricity generation, transmission and distribution within their jurisdictions. This decentralisation should be properly implemented to encourage investment, competition and innovative solutions to Nigeria’s electricity crisis.

Nevertheless, decentralisation must not become another avenue for political patronage, regulatory confusion and financial exploitation. State governments seeking to participate in the electricity market must demonstrate the technical and financial capacity to manage their responsibilities effectively.
There is also an urgent need to encourage renewable energy investment, particularly solar power, mini-grids and other alternative sources. Nigeria cannot continue to depend excessively on an unreliable national grid when millions of citizens remain without access to dependable electricity. A diversified energy mix would help improve electricity access, particularly in rural communities and underserved areas.
However, the most important requirement for sanitising the sector is political will. Successive administrations have announced ambitious electricity reforms without demonstrating sufficient commitment to addressing the fundamental problems. Government must be prepared to confront powerful interests, expose financial irregularities and hold influential individuals and institutions accountable, irrespective of their political connections.

The National Assembly also has an important responsibility to strengthen legislative oversight of the sector. Public hearings, independent investigations and regular reviews of the activities of electricity operators should become meaningful instruments for ensuring accountability rather than political exercises.

Above all, consumers must be treated as important stakeholders rather than helpless sources of revenue. There should be transparent billing systems, adequate metering, effective complaint-resolution mechanisms and compensation for consumers who suffer prolonged service failures in accordance with applicable regulations.
Nigeria’s power sector cannot be sanitised through cosmetic reforms, tariff increases or political declarations. It requires a fundamental restructuring of the industry’s governance, financial management and operational standards.
The Federal Government must therefore rise to the challenge by initiating a comprehensive review of the sector, strengthening regulatory institutions, investigating allegations of corruption, enforcing contractual obligations and ensuring that electricity operators are held accountable for their performance.
Nigerians have endured years of darkness, economic hardship and unfulfilled promises. They deserve an electricity system that works, not one that continuously demands more money while delivering less service.
The time has come to end the culture of impunity, inefficiency and exploitation in the power sector. Until transparency, accountability and competence become the guiding principles of the industry, Nigeria’s quest for stable electricity will remain an elusive dream.

A functional power sector is not a luxury; it is the foundation of industrial growth, economic prosperity and national development. Government must act decisively before the crisis inflicts even greater damage on the nation’s economy.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration must demonstrate the political courage to confront the powerful interests that have held Nigeria’s electricity sector hostage for decades. The Federal Government cannot continue to spend public funds on interventions, announce new reforms and increase electricity tariffs without demanding corresponding improvements in service delivery.

Nigerians deserve to know how much public money has been committed to the sector, what results have been achieved and who should be held accountable for persistent failures.

NERC must also rise above regulatory complacency and demonstrate that it has the authority, independence and determination to discipline erring operators. Electricity distribution companies that consistently fail to meet their obligations should not be allowed to hide behind excuses while imposing questionable bills and demanding higher payments from frustrated consumers. Where necessary, government must review the ownership, management and operational arrangements of companies that have demonstrated persistent incapacity.

The National Assembly, on its part, must intensify its oversight responsibilities and ensure that investigations into the sector’s financial and operational failures produce concrete consequences. Those found culpable of corruption, financial recklessness or abuse of public resources must be made to face the law, regardless of their political or economic influence.

More importantly, government must stop treating electricity as a privilege that Nigerians should struggle to purchase at exorbitant costs. Reliable electricity is fundamental to economic development and the welfare of citizens. A country that cannot guarantee stable power cannot realistically aspire to industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

The Tinubu administration must therefore make the sanitisation of the power sector a national priority. It must move beyond rhetoric and embark on a transparent, measurable and uncompromising reform programme that restores public confidence in the industry.

Nigeria cannot continue to operate in darkness while those entrusted with managing its electricity sector enjoy the benefits of a system that has failed millions of citizens. The time for excuses is over. The time for accountability, genuine reforms and reliable electricity is now.

The gradual disappearance of reading culture among Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, is a disturbing development that deserves urgent national attention. In a society where knowledge is increasingly becoming the most valuable resource for individual advancement and national development, the declining interest in reading books and other educational materials represents a serious threat to Nigeria’s intellectual growth and future prosperity.
Reading is not merely an academic exercise or an activity reserved for students preparing for examinations. It is a fundamental instrument of enlightenment, critical thinking, creativity, innovation and responsible citizenship. Nations that have made remarkable progress in science, technology, education and economic development have consistently invested in promoting literacy and cultivating a society that values knowledge. Nigeria cannot afford to be an exception.
Unfortunately, the reading habit that once characterised many Nigerian homes, schools and communities appears to be disappearing. Many young Nigerians now devote considerably more time to social media, entertainment platforms and other digital distractions than to reading books, newspapers, journals and other informative publications. While technology has created unprecedented opportunities for accessing information, its misuse has also contributed to shortening attention spans and encouraging superficial engagement with knowledge.

The situation is particularly troubling among schoolchildren and university students. For some students, reading has become an activity undertaken only when examinations are approaching. Rather than developing a genuine appetite for knowledge, many have embraced the culture of memorising information simply to pass examinations. This approach undermines the essence of education, which should equip individuals with the capacity to think independently, analyse issues and contribute meaningfully to society.

Several factors are responsible for this unfortunate trend. The high cost of books and educational materials, inadequate public libraries, poorly equipped school libraries, poverty and the declining quality of education have all contributed to the problem. In many communities, access to functional libraries is either limited or completely unavailable. Even where libraries exist, outdated collections, inadequate facilities and insufficient funding discourage potential readers.
The growing economic hardship facing Nigerian households has further complicated matters. For families struggling to afford food, accommodation, transportation and other basic necessities, purchasing books may understandably occupy a low position on their priority list. This is why promoting reading culture cannot be separated from addressing the broader challenges of poverty and educational inequality.

Another disturbing dimension is the declining interest in newspapers and other credible publications. Beyond providing information about current affairs, newspapers expose readers to diverse opinions, strengthen their understanding of public policy and encourage informed participation in democratic governance. A society that abandons serious reading risks becoming vulnerable to misinformation, propaganda, political manipulation and intolerance.

The implications for Nigeria are enormous. A generation that does not read sufficiently may struggle with effective communication, problem-solving, research and innovation. The country’s ambition to compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy could also be undermined by an education system that produces certificate holders without adequate intellectual depth.
It is therefore imperative that the Federal Government, state governments and local authorities treat the revival of reading culture as a national development priority.

First, government must invest substantially in establishing and rehabilitating public libraries across the country. Such libraries should be accessible, adequately equipped and stocked with relevant books, newspapers, journals and digital learning resources. Rural communities, which are often neglected in educational infrastructure development, should receive particular attention.

Second, schools must become the foundation of a renewed reading culture. Reading periods should be incorporated into school timetables, while debates, literary competitions, book clubs and spelling contests should be encouraged. Teachers must also be empowered to inspire students to read beyond prescribed textbooks and examination materials.

Third, government should collaborate with publishers, authors, booksellers, private organisations and development partners to make books more affordable. Tax incentives and other supportive policies could help reduce the cost of publishing and distributing educational materials. Community libraries and mobile library programmes should also be encouraged to reach underserved populations.

Parents equally have an important responsibility. Reading culture begins at home. Parents should encourage their children to read, provide access to age-appropriate books and demonstrate good reading habits themselves. A child who grows up in an environment where books are valued is more likely to develop a lifelong interest in learning.
Furthermore, the digital revolution should be harnessed rather than condemned. Government and private organisations should promote digital libraries, affordable e-books, educational applications and online reading platforms. Social media influencers, celebrities and public figures should also be encouraged to champion reading by promoting books and intellectual engagement among their followers.
The media must not be left out of this national assignment. Newspapers, radio and television stations should devote more attention to literary programmes, book reviews, discussions and campaigns that encourage Nigerians, especially young people, to embrace reading.

Ultimately, reviving reading culture in Nigeria requires more than occasional campaigns or government declarations. It demands sustained investment, effective educational policies and a fundamental change in societal attitudes towards knowledge.

Nigeria cannot aspire to become a prosperous, technologically advanced and globally competitive nation while neglecting the intellectual development of its citizens. The quality of a nation’s future is inseparable from the quality of knowledge acquired by its people.
The time has therefore come for government at all levels, educational institutions, parents, the private sector and civil society to join forces in restoring the country’s reading culture. Every school should have a functional library, every community should have access to books, and every child should be encouraged to develop the habit of reading.

A nation that reads is a nation that thinks, questions, innovates and progresses. Nigeria must therefore rediscover the power of books before the consequences of an increasingly uninformed society become even more difficult to reverse.

The gradual disappearance of reading culture among Nigerians, particularly the younger generation, is a disturbing development that deserves urgent national attention. In a society where knowledge is increasingly becoming the most valuable resource for individual advancement and national development, the declining interest in reading books and other educational materials represents a serious threat to Nigeria’s intellectual growth and future prosperity.
Reading is not merely an academic exercise or an activity reserved for students preparing for examinations. It is a fundamental instrument of enlightenment, critical thinking, creativity, innovation and responsible citizenship. Nations that have made remarkable progress in science, technology, education and economic development have consistently invested in promoting literacy and cultivating a society that values knowledge. Nigeria cannot afford to be an exception.
Unfortunately, the reading habit that once characterised many Nigerian homes, schools and communities appears to be disappearing. Many young Nigerians now devote considerably more time to social media, entertainment platforms and other digital distractions than to reading books, newspapers, journals and other informative publications. While technology has created unprecedented opportunities for accessing information, its misuse has also contributed to shortening attention spans and encouraging superficial engagement with knowledge.

The situation is particularly troubling among schoolchildren and university students. For some students, reading has become an activity undertaken only when examinations are approaching. Rather than developing a genuine appetite for knowledge, many have embraced the culture of memorising information simply to pass examinations. This approach undermines the essence of education, which should equip individuals with the capacity to think independently, analyse issues and contribute meaningfully to society.

Several factors are responsible for this unfortunate trend. The high cost of books and educational materials, inadequate public libraries, poorly equipped school libraries, poverty and the declining quality of education have all contributed to the problem. In many communities, access to functional libraries is either limited or completely unavailable. Even where libraries exist, outdated collections, inadequate facilities and insufficient funding discourage potential readers.
The growing economic hardship facing Nigerian households has further complicated matters. For families struggling to afford food, accommodation, transportation and other basic necessities, purchasing books may understandably occupy a low position on their priority list. This is why promoting reading culture cannot be separated from addressing the broader challenges of poverty and educational inequality.

Another disturbing dimension is the declining interest in newspapers and other credible publications. Beyond providing information about current affairs, newspapers expose readers to diverse opinions, strengthen their understanding of public policy and encourage informed participation in democratic governance. A society that abandons serious reading risks becoming vulnerable to misinformation, propaganda, political manipulation and intolerance.

The implications for Nigeria are enormous. A generation that does not read sufficiently may struggle with effective communication, problem-solving, research and innovation. The country’s ambition to compete in an increasingly knowledge-driven global economy could also be undermined by an education system that produces certificate holders without adequate intellectual depth.
It is therefore imperative that the Federal Government, state governments and local authorities treat the revival of reading culture as a national development priority.

First, government must invest substantially in establishing and rehabilitating public libraries across the country. Such libraries should be accessible, adequately equipped and stocked with relevant books, newspapers, journals and digital learning resources. Rural communities, which are often neglected in educational infrastructure development, should receive particular attention.

Second, schools must become the foundation of a renewed reading culture. Reading periods should be incorporated into school timetables, while debates, literary competitions, book clubs and spelling contests should be encouraged. Teachers must also be empowered to inspire students to read beyond prescribed textbooks and examination materials.

Third, government should collaborate with publishers, authors, booksellers, private organisations and development partners to make books more affordable. Tax incentives and other supportive policies could help reduce the cost of publishing and distributing educational materials. Community libraries and mobile library programmes should also be encouraged to reach underserved populations.

Parents equally have an important responsibility. Reading culture begins at home. Parents should encourage their children to read, provide access to age-appropriate books and demonstrate good reading habits themselves. A child who grows up in an environment where books are valued is more likely to develop a lifelong interest in learning.
Furthermore, the digital revolution should be harnessed rather than condemned. Government and private organisations should promote digital libraries, affordable e-books, educational applications and online reading platforms. Social media influencers, celebrities and public figures should also be encouraged to champion reading by promoting books and intellectual engagement among their followers.
The media must not be left out of this national assignment. Newspapers, radio and television stations should devote more attention to literary programmes, book reviews, discussions and campaigns that encourage Nigerians, especially young people, to embrace reading.

Ultimately, reviving reading culture in Nigeria requires more than occasional campaigns or government declarations. It demands sustained investment, effective educational policies and a fundamental change in societal attitudes towards knowledge.

Nigeria cannot aspire to become a prosperous, technologically advanced and globally competitive nation while neglecting the intellectual development of its citizens. The quality of a nation’s future is inseparable from the quality of knowledge acquired by its people.
The time has therefore come for government at all levels, educational institutions, parents, the private sector and civil society to join forces in restoring the country’s reading culture. Every school should have a functional library, every community should have access to books, and every child should be encouraged to develop the habit of reading.

A nation that reads is a nation that thinks, questions, innovates and progresses. Nigeria must therefore rediscover the power of books before the consequences of an increasingly uninformed society become even more difficult to reverse.