Feature/OPED
Tinubu Must Solve That Power Problem
By Prince Charles Dickson PhD
Quickly last week, my office premises and environs did not have electricity, and a few steps from my office is the Jos Electricity Distribution Company. The company is one I did rate a four out 0f 10 which by any standards is fair enough. So, they were powering the office with a generator, yes, you heard me, generator.
And I have seen this scenario once or twice, but it just occurred to me that we are not well as a people. However, truth be told, worse things have happened.
A few years ago, the Bureau for Public Enterprise BPE sold NITEL, the nation’s elephant telecom company, to a building in Switzerland; it was a building housing a church, all the dance and drama. We soon let go. Just a reminder, it was called PENTASCOPE. Years later, the father of a white cloth-wearing former Honourable bought the NITEL House…The NITEL story remains a tale by moonlight, plenty of lies, half-truths, misinformation, propaganda, a potpourri of sorts.
How about the Steel Rolling Mill in Jos, Plateau, it was ‘racketered’ in that sweet-sounding word privatization. Some journeymen bought all the assets and renamed it Zuma. Today, the only functional thing is the housing estate. The factory and machines have long been vandalized.
There was that drama of the Daily Times, publishers of that old-time newspaper. Before I go far, a former Managing Director of the once pride of publishing told me, “Charlie, Daily Times is like a big elephant; everybody comes and cuts his/her own and goes away.”
You need to appreciate that statement in context; at a time in point, Daily Times had properties virtually everywhere Nigeria had a presence in the world. All that changed; what is left of the elephant was sold to some clowns, and the rest is history…the elephant eventually slumped.
Let me spare us the story according to Nigerian Airways, the Nigerian Shipping Lines, or our textile industry in Kaduna state!
Anyway, my admonition is on our power sector, the Buhari administration is leaving a sector comatose after promises that the power supply would get better, and indeed on some odd occasions, I and many Nigerians have enjoyed more than 8 hours of electricity. But don’t forget; it was not the norm; it was an exception. The President, his aides, and ministers made pledges but delivered very little in this respect.
I will put it in context, almost 200% increase in tariffs in 8 years, with more than 100 nations still paying cheaper for electricity, and depending on who’s statistics you are looking at, we have spent over N7 trillion on our power sector since 1999, with the bulk of that finding itself in private pockets.
We don’t have enough electricity but under the WAPP initiative to promote and develop power generation and transmission infrastructures as well as to coordinate power exchange among the ECOWAS member states. Nigeria currently supplies electricity to the Republic of Benin, Togo, and Niger.
The economic loss due to grid collapse is almost 3% of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
I recall the drama of Enron, a failed American company that was reckless in its use of derivatives and special purpose entities. Mr Tinubu, the incoming President, started the IPP project in Nigeria with Enron, then in Lagos. It is noteworthy that he was the first to challenge the monopoly of NEPA. He conceptualised the bulk purchase agreement. Obasanjo stopped the implementation. We wait to see what lies in wait and fate…
Put in perspective, with 12 Turbines, the Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Station is a 3,050 MW hydroelectric power project under development in Nigeria. When completed, it will be the largest power-generating installation in the country and one of the largest hydroelectric power stations in Africa. It is still 6 years away from the expected completion date of 2030 and costs $5.8 billion.
For those that did not know, the Mambilla hydroelectric project was originally conceived in 1972; it could advance only after 35 years when China’s Gezhouba Group awarded a contract to develop the project with 2,600MW installed capacity in 2007, all still na voicemail.
At 50 years old, Kainji hydroelectric dam is the oldest functioning power plant in Nigeria. Kainji is one of 3 major dams in Niger state. The others are the Jebba Dam (1985) and the Shiroro Dam (1990). A fourth dam is currently under construction at Zungeru.
The Federal Government, in February 2023, announced the preferred bidder for the concession of the 700 megawatts Zungeru Hydroelectric Power Plant for a fee of $70,000,251 per year for 30 years
We have blamed witches for power outages. We have since forgotten the Minister who resigned and the controversies surrounding all that power scams.
And then the many Chinese loans taken, yet we are on the same track; the Power Holding Company of Nigeria has been sold, and the drama continues. But if you know Nigerians and Nigeria, it is only a repeat episode, nothing new.
Most of the owners bought PHCN properties for peanuts. Owners that have no required expertise, distribution companies aptly called DISCOs that see the venture as new ‘oil wells’ dancing around our collective psyche.
Looking at the best efforts of the government or the DISCOs, I recall those days when we read the novel by Adaora Ulasi, many things we don’t understand. What captivated me then was not just the story but that title.
Yet, from PHCN to NEPA, one-time ECN for those old enough to remember. Now Distribution Companies, the power sector and these Discos repeat episodes of things we never may understand.
Why can’t we get 22 hours of electricity in a nation with so many resources both human and financial? Like how do we expect to get the desired megawatts with generating and transmission points that are run like Lugard lamps?
Only last year, a handful of men put the whole nation in darkness in the name of a power strike. No one cared about the loss of those hours that the nation was left in the dark. We still suffer high voltage—electric gadgets bear the brunt; no one is held liable, and then low current—you can barely see, so there is electricity, but it cannot power a bulb.
The transmission company people are doing loads of hard work, but truly it amounts to nothing when there are many questions and no answers; I agree that we are a difficult people; it is probably only in Nigeria that PHCN owes NNPC for fuel supplied, and NNPC has not paid for electricity supplied and state houses owe utility bills, while citizens that have not paid bills in years have power as long as there is the power to spare.
I do not need to lecture us on the benefits derivable to the Nigerian economy if we sort out our electricity palaver. I must state the solution does not lie in Chinese, World Bank loans or Private Partnerships but in a strong political will by leadership.
If and if only Mr Tinubu can lay the groundwork for solving the power problem, to address the energy palaver, to direct his energy to the octopus-like the Ajaokuta Steel Rolling Mills, just solve the power problem, posterity will judge him fair, but as it is—only time will tell.
Nigeria is intensifying its efforts to combat content piracy through strengthened partnerships and the adoption of advanced technologies. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, law enforcement professionals, cybersecurity experts, and civil society organisations are crucial in dismantling the networks responsible for the illegal distribution of creative content across the continent.
Piracy continues to pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of African creators and rights-holders. From financial losses to cultural erosion, its impact is far-reaching. However, the landscape is beginning to shift. In Nigeria and across neighbouring countries, raids and arrests are becoming increasingly common, as illegal streaming platforms are shut down and major piracy syndicates are disrupted.
Technology is proving to be both a challenge and a solution. While it enables the rapid spread of pirated content, it also offers powerful tools for enforcement. Innovations such as forensic watermarking and AI-powered content monitoring are being deployed to trace pirated materials back to their sources and end users. These tools are making it possible to issue swift takedown notices and initiate enforcement actions with greater precision.
“Technology may make it easy to pirate content, but it also makes it easier to track down and prosecute those involved,” says Frikkie Jonker, Director of Anti-Piracy Cybersecurity Services at MultiChoice Group. “Forensic watermarking, proactive monitoring, and strong partnerships allow us to issue immediate takedown notices and initiate enforcement operations when necessary.”
In Nigeria, MultiChoice has signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with key government bodies to bolster support for the creative industry and protect intellectual property rights. Its collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) and law enforcement agencies underscores a firm commitment to upholding the rights of content creators and holding illegal operators accountable.
Recent efforts have yielded significant results. In Nigeria, the arrest of the operator behind a well-known sports piracy website using a local domain marked a major step forward in disrupting digital piracy networks. Elsewhere, shops selling illegal decoders have been raided and members of piracy syndicates prosecuted, reflecting coordinated regional action similar to that spearheaded by the NCC and the Nigerian Police Force.
Artificial intelligence is being adopted in several African countries to detect and remove pirated content from digital platforms, a model Nigeria is also actively exploring. Alongside enforcement, education plays a key role. Awareness campaigns and training workshops are being carried out in collaboration with copyright boards to inform the public and stakeholders, echoing the NCC’s own sensitisation initiatives on the home front.
The impact of coordinated action is becoming evident. Over the past year alone, the Partners Against Piracy (PAP) initiative has facilitated more than 155 successful raids across Africa, resulting in the shutdown of over 4,300 pirate networks and the arrest of more than 100 individuals involved in illegal operations.
As Nigeria’s creative economy continues to rise on the global stage, fuelled by its vibrant music, film, and digital industries, protecting intellectual property has never been more critical. By strengthening enforcement, increasing public awareness, and embracing innovative technologies, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a more secure, equitable, and sustainable content ecosystem for Africa’s storytellers and cultural creators.
By Victor Benjamin
Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its journey towards providing adequate shelter for its burgeoning population. The stark reality of a 20 million unit housing deficit casts a long shadow, impacting not just individual well-being but also the nation’s socio-economic progress. Recognising the urgency and scale of this challenge, the administration of President Bola Tinubu has unveiled a comprehensive and ambitious strategy under the Renewed Hope Agenda, placing affordable housing within reach for millions of Nigerians. This multi-pronged approach, spearheaded by the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative and bolstered by innovative financing mechanisms, offers a beacon of optimism in a sector long plagued by systemic obstacles.
For too long, the dream of homeownership has remained elusive for a significant portion of the Nigerian populace. Several interconnected challenges have contributed to this protracted crisis. Sky-high property prices, often driven by land speculation and exorbitant construction costs, place housing far beyond the reach of average citizens. Compounding this issue is the underdeveloped state of the mortgage market. Access to long-term, affordable financing remains limited, with high interest rates and stringent eligibility criteria effectively excluding a vast majority of potential homeowners. The informal nature of a significant portion of the economy further complicates matters, as many individuals lack the formal employment and consistent income streams often required by traditional mortgage lenders.
Furthermore, infrastructural deficits across the country exacerbate the housing problem. Inadequate road networks, unreliable power supply, and limited access to clean water and sanitation not only make new developments more expensive but also detract from the quality of life in existing residential areas. The bureaucratic hurdles and complexities associated with land titling and approvals also contribute to delays and increased costs for developers, ultimately impacting affordability for buyers.
Against this backdrop of formidable challenges, the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative emerges as a significant and potentially transformative intervention. Its three core components – the Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, the Renewed Hope Housing Estates, and the Renewed Hope Cities – are strategically designed to cater to different segments of the population and leverage diverse funding models.
The Renewed Hope Social Housing Programme, with its ambitious goal of constructing 100 units in each of the 774 local government areas within a year of launch, directly addresses the needs of the most vulnerable. By earmarking 80% of these homes for local residents earning a living wage, with monthly contributions capped at a third of their income, the program prioritises affordability and accessibility for low-income earners. The allocation of the remaining 20% to the most vulnerable citizens, free of charge, underscores a commitment to social inclusion and providing a safety net for those most in need. The inclusion of essential amenities like schools, clinics, and security outposts within these estates further enhances their liveability and fosters community development.
The Renewed Hope Housing Estates, targeting state capitals with a plan to build 250 units in each of the 30 states, represent a crucial step towards providing more affordable housing options in urban centers. Leveraging government budgetary allocations, infrastructure subsidies, and free land from state governments allows for significantly lower pricing, with one-bedroom apartments ranging between N8 million and N9 million. This initiative aims to bridge the gap for individuals and families with modest incomes who aspire to homeownership in urban areas.
The Renewed Hope Cities, developed through Public-Private Partnerships in seven strategic locations, tap into private sector expertise and capital to deliver large-scale housing projects. While the resulting prices are higher, reflecting the private developers’ investment in land and infrastructure, these cities are expected to offer a wider range of housing options and contribute significantly to reducing the overall housing deficit. The ongoing construction of 3,500 units in Lagos and Kano demonstrates the tangible progress being made under this component.
Complementing these direct housing programs is the Ministry of Finance Incorporated Real Estate Investment Fund (MREIF), a critical enabler for sustainable and affordable housing finance. The successful pilot fundraising, securing N250 billion, underscores the confidence of institutional investors in this innovative approach. MREIF’s ability to provide long-term, low-cost mortgage financing at interest rates as low as 12% with extended repayment tenors up to 20 years directly tackles one of the most significant barriers to homeownership in Nigeria. Furthermore, by offering off-take guarantees to developers, MREIF helps de-risk large-scale projects and unlock crucial financing. The integration of MREIF with commercial banks, mortgage providers, and developers promises to create a more robust and efficient housing finance ecosystem.
The vision underpinning the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative is one of a Nigeria where decent and affordable housing is not a privilege but a right accessible to all citizens. By adopting a multi-pronged approach that addresses the diverse needs of the population and leverages both public and private sector resources, the government aims to not only bridge the housing deficit but also stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and foster social stability. Empowering low-income earners with affordable housing options can improve their quality of life, provide a foundation for wealth building, and contribute to a more equitable society. Similarly, enabling middle-income families to access affordable mortgages can unlock their economic potential and contribute to overall national development.
While the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative holds immense promise, its success will hinge on effective implementation, transparency, and sustained commitment. Addressing the underlying challenges of land administration, infrastructure development, and bureaucratic efficiency will be crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and impact of these programs. Nevertheless, the bold vision and the comprehensive strategy embodied in the Renewed Hope Agenda offer a renewed sense of optimism that Nigeria is finally embarking on a transformative journey towards housing its citizens and building a more prosperous and inclusive future.
Victor Benjamin is the West/South South Director for YP4T
By Diana Tenebe
Nigeria stands at the cusp of an agricultural revolution with the ambitious plan to significantly transform its food and agriculture sector through the launch of the $510 million Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), financed by the African Development Bank and development partners. Fueled by the integration of cutting-edge technologies aimed at boosting food production and ensuring national food security.
However, as yields increase, a formidable hurdle remains: the efficient and scalable distribution of this bounty across the nation’s diverse landscapes, often hampered by infrastructural limitations and logistical complexities.
Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communication, Innovation, and Digital Economy, recently called on Nigerian farmers to prepare for digital and technologically advanced farming methods, emphasising their crucial role in boosting food production and security.
Building upon this call for technological integration, and to truly unlock the full potential of Nigerian agriculture and ensure increased harvests translate to accessible and affordable food for all, the sector can draw invaluable lessons from the operational prowess of e-commerce giants like Amazon. Their success in navigating complex logistics and reaching vast customer bases offers a compelling blueprint for transforming Nigeria’s food distribution network.
Amazon’s dominance in the e-commerce realm is underpinned by a meticulously crafted logistics and supply chain system. Their significant investments in sprawling fulfillment networks, coupled with the strategic deployment of technology for route optimisation and real-time inventory tracking, have created an unparalleled engine for moving goods swiftly and efficiently.
Furthermore, their optimisation of last-mile delivery, integration of automation within warehouses, and a hybrid approach blending in-house capabilities with shrewd partnerships underscore their commitment to scalability. This intricate ecosystem is designed to handle massive volumes and adapt to fluctuating demands – a crucial capability that Nigeria’s agricultural sector desperately needs.
Translating these principles to the Nigerian context requires a fundamental shift towards building a resilient delivery infrastructure specifically tailored for agricultural produce. This necessitates moving beyond traditional, often inefficient methods and embracing hybrid transportation models that account for varying road conditions and geographical challenges.
Imagine a network that leverages a combination of refrigerated trucks for long-haul transport, smaller vehicles for navigating local terrains, and even innovative solutions like riverine transport where feasible. Integrating technologies like GPS tracking for real-time visibility of produce movement and strategically establishing a network of collection and distribution hubs across key agricultural zones can significantly streamline the flow of goods.
Implementing robust systems for real-time tracking of harvests and produce, mirroring Amazon’s inventory management, will be crucial in minimising spoilage and maximizing freshness as food travels from farm to consumer. Moreover, forging strategic alliances with existing local logistics providers, leveraging their on-the-ground knowledge and infrastructure, can provide a vital springboard for building a comprehensive network without starting entirely from scratch.
Beyond the physical movement of goods, the power of data, a cornerstone of Amazon’s success, holds immense potential for revolutionising Nigerian food distribution. Leveraging data analytics can provide invaluable insights into regional demand patterns, allowing for more accurate forecasting of optimal harvest and distribution times.
This data-driven approach can help match agricultural supply with consumer needs with greater precision, reducing waste and ensuring that the right produce reaches the right markets at the right time – much like Amazon utilizes data for personalized recommendations and understanding customer purchase behavior. Imagine farmers making informed decisions about planting based on predicted market demands or logistics providers optimizing routes based on real-time demand fluctuations.
Furthermore, adopting Amazon’s unwavering focus on customer convenience and trust is paramount, especially when dealing with perishable goods. Establishing reliable delivery schedules, ensuring the quality and freshness of produce upon arrival, and implementing transparent processes throughout the supply chain are crucial for building confidence among both farmers and consumers. This might involve implementing quality control measures at various stages, providing clear communication about delivery timelines, and potentially even exploring traceability systems that allow consumers to understand the journey of their food.
Finally, navigating the complexities and dynamism of the Nigerian market demands a long-term vision and a high degree of adaptability, mirroring Amazon’s sustained focus and agility in the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape.
The Nigerian agricultural sector must be prepared to iterate, learn from its experiences, and continuously refine its distribution strategies in response to local challenges and opportunities. This requires a collaborative approach involving government agencies, agricultural organisations, technology providers, and logistics companies working together to build a sustainable and efficient food distribution ecosystem.
By strategically adapting these e-commerce-inspired lessons in logistics, technology adoption, data-driven decision-making, and customer focus to the unique context of Nigerian agriculture, the nation can forge a distribution system capable of efficiently handling increased production. This transformative approach is not merely about moving food; it’s about ensuring that the fruits of Nigeria’s agricultural advancements reach every corner of the country, contributing significantly to food security, mitigating the rising cost of food, and ultimately cultivating a thriving and efficient agricultural future for all Nigerians.
Diana Tenebe is the Chief Operating Officer of Foodstuff Store
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