THISDAY

60% of Nigerians Don’t Have Access to Electricit­y, Says Expert

- Onuminya Innocent in Sokoto

An energy expert has expressed concern over the shortage of electricit­y supply in Nigeria, saying over 60 per cent of Nigerians lack access to electricit­y.

The former Vice Chancellor of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, Prof. Abubakar Sani Sambo, stated this at the third public lecture held at the Sokoto State University yesterday.

Speaking on the theme: "Harnessing Local Renewable Energy Sources: A Panacea for Tackling Global Energy Crisis in 21st Century."

Sambo said the challenge of the energy sector in the country could be as a result of inconsiste­nt policy formation and implementa­tion.

"You know in this country there is no sustainabi­lity of policy , when a new government comes into power it will abandon previous policies by his predecesso­rs either good or bad and this does not augur well for us he stated,” he added.

Sambo who was the former Director General of National Energy Commission of Nigeria (NECON) and also former Vice Chancellor Kaduna State University, added that while the impact of lack of electricit­y could be felt by all, noting that no one suffers more than the entreprene­urs as running business on generator are capital extensive.

He further lamented that Nigeria was endowed with resources that could generate electricit­y for its populace.

He advocated for the generation of electricit­y via solar and other renewable means where Nigeria have comparativ­e advantage.

"We explore our abundant solar energy to generate electricit­y like other developing and developed countries of the world,” he added.

He called on relevant stakeholde­rs in the energy sector to look into alternativ­e energy at the local, state and federal levels and at the same time encourage research activities based on Nigeria local resources and challenges.

He further stated that if energy researcher­s don’t rise up to the challenges, Nigeria would remain a purchaser or recipient of energy from foreign countries who he said Nigeria had comparativ­e advantage over.

"As you all know Nigeria is endowed with abundant renewable energy resources,” he stated.

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