Yunus Akintunde, the lawmaker representing Oyo Central in the Nigerian Senate, has thrown down the gauntlet regarding the glaring inequities in energy distribution across the nation. Speaking at the Prof Nyaudoh U. Ndaeyo Public Lecture at the University of Uyo, he underscored a crucial point: prioritizing urban centers over rural areas has failed to create the developmental balance Nigeria desperately needs. With over 81 million Nigerians lacking adequate electricity access—most of them in rural areas—Akintunde’s insights resonate with urgency.
He argued that clustering agribusiness in rural areas could be a game-changer for energy distribution. If policies incentivizing such clustering are put into place, electricity companies might finally be compelled to expand their operations into these under-served regions. Akintunde’s background as chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and his expertise in energy and environment lend weight to his assertions. He highlighted that political interference, sub-par off-grid technology, economic factors, and corruption are significant barriers to reducing energy poverty in rural Nigeria.
The statistics are staggering: Nigeria’s installed capacity stands at 12,522 MW, yet actual generation hovers around a dismal 4,000 MW. This stark discrepancy reveals a system in dire need of overhaul. Akintunde pointed out that most off-grid equipment imported into the country is not only sub-standard but also lacks durability, further complicating efforts to electrify rural areas. The high costs of infrastructure and insufficient investments compound the problem, leaving many communities in the dark.
Akintunde’s message is clear: Nigeria is rich in energy resources, boasting a potential of 207,000 GWh from solar and 50,800 GWh from hydro. Despite this bounty, the country continues to struggle with inadequate electricity generation, poor transmission infrastructure, and a culture of corruption that stifles progress. He poignantly noted the gendered impacts of energy poverty, emphasizing that women in rural areas often spend 4-6 hours daily collecting firewood, exposing them to harmful fumes in poorly ventilated kitchens.
To tackle these multifaceted issues, Akintunde advocates for institutional reforms that would decentralize the Rural Electrification Agency (REA). He believes that public policies must be aligned with macroeconomic strategies to enhance both the quantity and quality of electricity services. The private sector should be incentivized to venture into areas lacking electricity, and a strong focus on renewable energy technologies is essential.
Moreover, he called for the development of mobile infrastructure, microloans, and payment solutions tailored for low-income individuals. He envisions a collaborative effort between the government and multilateral institutions to create a fund that could finance innovative off-grid power generation solutions.
The implications of Akintunde’s proposals could be transformative. If implemented effectively, they may not only bridge the energy divide but also drive economic growth in rural areas, ultimately fostering a more equitable Nigeria. As the energy landscape evolves, the call for action is loud and clear: it’s time to shift the focus from urban-centric energy solutions to a more inclusive approach that empowers every Nigerian, regardless of where they live.
