Experts say Nigeria’s worsening electricity crisis is being driven by mounting debt, weak infrastructure, policy failures and global energy pressures.
Speaking to Nigeria Info FM, economist Muda Yusuf said the sector is facing a severe liquidity crisis, worsened by global tensions involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
He said rising energy costs are increasing operational expenses for businesses already struggling with unreliable power supply and heavy reliance on generators.
Yusuf disclosed that the power sector is burdened by about six trillion naira in debt across the value chain, warning that without government intervention, the situation may worsen.
He added that inefficiencies in transmission and challenges facing distribution companies, including poor privatization outcomes, are further limiting progress.
Also speaking, policy analyst Aniekan Joseph said the crisis is largely due to decades of poor planning and underinvestment.
He noted that although Nigeria has an installed capacity of about 13,000 megawatts, actual generation hovers around 4,000 megawatts, reflecting deep structural issues.
Both experts called for urgent reforms, including better funding, improved policy direction and greater involvement of state governments in electricity generation and distribution.
They also urged support for renewable energy options, warning that without decisive action, Nigerians will continue to face unreliable power and rising costs.
