ERA/FOEN laments use of over 22m generators in Nigeria due to poor power generation

Environmental Rights Action/friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/ FOEN) has lamented that over 22 million petrol generators are littered across the country due to government’s inability to generate and distribute 12,522 mega watts of electricity.

Godwin Ojo, executive director of the group, spoke during a media briefing on the ‘ Impacts of Export Credit Agencies’ (ECAS) Investments in Fossil Fuels in Nigeria’ in Benin City.

Ojo, who said the country was currently able to generate about 4000 mega watts on most days, noted that the figure is wholly insufficient given that the country’s demand is estimated to be well over the installed capacity.

He posited that the poor power generation and distribution has compelled Nigerians to fill the demand gap through the use of generators.

The ERA executive director, however, called on African government to stop the acceptance of fossil fuel projects driven by European countries through their Export Credit Agencies (ECAS).

He remarked that the fossil industry developments are further contributing to climate change through the emission of greenhouse gases.

“About 20 of the 123 gas flaring sites in Nigeria are located on Bonny Island, which makes this fossil enclave one of the chief emitters of greenhouse gases in Africa,” he said.

“The dams are often promoted as a recipe for lowcarbon emissions, but in reality are contributing to climate change by emitting methane.

“Like fossi ls - related projects, hydro dams also generate negative impacts on local communities, in terms of their socio-economic rights and their environment.

“With a total installed capacity of 2,064 mega watts, Nigeria is the 8th largest hydro power generator in Africa. China plays a major role in Nigeria’s hydro power sector.

“The report also revealed that in spite of the Paris agreement to cut back on carbon emissions, the rich countries insured dirty energy projects with a total value of 11 billion US dollars through their Export Credit Agencies (ECAS).

“More than half of this export support is related to fossil fuels. Only 1 percent went to sustainable renewable energy,” he added.