Nigerians Celebrate Xmas in Darkness Despite Surge in Electricity Generation

As Nigeria ushers in the festive season, the hope for an uninterrupted power supply dims in many households and communities. Despite a reported increase in electricity generation to 4,591 megawatts (MW) – marking a 26.2% surge compared to the previous week’s 3,636MW – significant parts of the country remain engulfed in darkness.

The disruption stems from the shutdown of the Nigerian Gas Company (NGC) pipeline, a crucial supplier of gas to the Egbin Power Plant, the nation’s largest power-generating facility. This incident has resulted in a considerable drop in electricity generation, transmission, and distribution across the country.

While reports from the energy system operator hinted at the restoration of gas supply to the Egbin power plant, verifying the claim on the ground reveals a stark contrast. Multiple regions across Nigeria continue to grapple with the absence of electricity, casting a shadow over their Yuletide celebrations.

In Lagos, specifically in the Makoko area, residents lament the sudden decline in power supply. Tunde Salami, a Makoko resident, shared insights into the situation, stating, “Before the total power outage notice on December 18, 2023, we at least had six hours of intermittent power supply. However, post the three-day notice, power availability has been non-existent.”

Salami highlighted the distressing circumstances, adding, “Since Thursday, after the outage notice ended, there has been no public power supply. The rising heat has become unbearable, especially for children. Sleeping at night has become a challenge, and frequent baths are necessary due to the intense heat. The lack of communication from the electricity distribution officials exacerbates our concerns.”

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The absence of electricity in Makoko, as in many other areas, significantly impacts daily life, as basic amenities like water supply rely on power. Salami emphasized the deep-rooted dependency on electricity for livelihoods, underscoring the severe consequences of the ongoing blackout.

The blackout affecting various parts of Nigeria during this festive period highlights the persistent struggle for consistent and reliable power supply in the country. As the holiday season unfolds, many Nigerians hope for a swift resolution to the electricity crisis, allowing them to partake in the festivities without the burden of perpetual darkness.