Living Without Reliable Power: How Nigerians Have Normalised the Electricity Crisis

Published

3 weeks ago

July 26, 2026

By Jude Umunu

In Nigeria, darkness has become so familiar that many households have developed routines around it. When electricity disappears, someone reaches for the generator. The trader calculates how much fuel remains. The student moves closer to a rechargeable lamp. The business owner worries about spoiled goods. The barber stops work. The phone charger becomes a prized possession.

For millions of Nigerians, unreliable electricity is not an occasional inconvenience. It is a way of life. The consequences are enormous. Small businesses depend heavily on electricity for production, refrigeration, communication and basic operations. When public power supply fails, many turn to generators.

But generators require fuel. Fuel costs money, and the expense ultimately becomes part of the price consumers pay. A barber who spends money on fuel must factor that expense into the cost of a haircut. A restaurant must consider the cost of powering freezers and cooking equipment. A tailor requires electricity to operate sewing machines.

Electricity therefore affects almost every part of the Nigerian economy. For students, unreliable power can interfere with learning. A student preparing for an examination may be forced to study in uncomfortable conditions or depend on rechargeable lamps and alternative power sources.

For workers operating from home, power outages can interrupt online meetings, internet access and productivity. The situation is particularly difficult for businesses that require constant electricity. Cold-room operators, pharmacies, restaurants and other enterprises may suffer financial losses when electricity fails for extended periods.

The generator has consequently become one of Nigeria’s most recognisable symbols of adaptation. From small household generators to large industrial machines, Nigerians have invested heavily in private power generation.

But this comes at a cost beyond money. Generators produce noise and exhaust fumes. In densely populated communities, the sound of generators can become a permanent part of the urban environment. Businesses and households are also exposed to the risks associated with fuel storage and generator operation.

Increasingly, Nigerians are turning to solar power and other alternative energy solutions. Solar panels, inverters and batteries have become more visible in homes, offices and businesses. The growth of alternative energy reflects both technological progress and frustration with the reliability of conventional electricity supply. But these technologies are not equally affordable. A low-income household may not be able to finance a complete solar system.

This means that energy insecurity can deepen existing inequality. Those who can afford alternative power can shield themselves from some of the consequences of electricity failure. Those who cannot remain dependent on an unreliable public supply. The electricity crisis is therefore more than a technical problem.

It is an economic and social problem. Reliable electricity can improve productivity, support businesses, reduce operating costs and strengthen education and healthcare. Nigeria needs a power sector capable of supporting the size and ambitions of its population. That requires investment in generation, transmission and distribution, but also effective regulation, maintenance, accountability and long-term planning.

There must also be greater attention to decentralised energy solutions, renewable energy and technologies that can provide reliable power to communities and businesses. The country has spent years discussing electricity. What Nigerians increasingly need is not another promise but measurable improvement.

The tragedy is that Nigerians have become so accustomed to unreliable power that functioning electricity can sometimes feel like a privilege rather than a basic public service. That mindset must change. Electricity should not be treated as a luxury. A country aspiring to industrialise, create jobs and compete in a digital economy cannot afford to leave businesses, schools and homes uncertain about whether the lights will remain on.

Nigeria’s power problem has lasted long enough to become normal. It should not be allowed to remain normal. The day Nigerians stop planning their lives around power outages will be more than a day when the lights come on. It will be a sign that the country has finally begun to unlock a significant part of its economic potential.

Politics

INEC Declares Dancing Gov. Adeleke Winner Of Osun Guber Polls

Published

10 hours ago

August 16, 2026

Media Conversation

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord as the winner of Saturday’s Osun governorship election.

The Returning Officer for the governorship election, Prof. Joshua Ogunwole, declared Adeleke the winner after polling a total of 511,067 votes.

Ogunwole stated that a total of 1,005,800 votes were cast during the election, with 985,079 being valid votes and 20,721 being rejected votes.

He said out of the valid votes, Accord party scored the highest number of votes.

“I, Professor Joshua Ogunwole, hereby certify that I am the returning officer for the 2026 Osun governorship election held on Aug. 15, and declare that Ademola Jackson Adeleke of the Accord Party, having satisfied the requirements of the law, is hereby declared the winner,” Ogunwole said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Adeleke scored 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressive Congress (APC) who garnered 444,815 votes.

The candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, came a distant third with 17,180 votes.

Adeleke, in total,won in 19 local government areas while Oyebamiji won in 11 local government areas.

He is expected to be sworn-in for another four year term on Nov. 27

Education

DELSU Exam Monitors Apprehend Student With Allegedly Stolen Phones, Wig

Published

2 days ago

August 14, 2026

Media Conversation

By Chidinma Okeibunor

A 300-level student of the Department of English and Literary Studies at Delta State University (DELSU), Abraka was on Wednesday apprehended after she was allegedly caught with seven stolen mobile phones and a wig while writing a carryover course in the Faculty of Arts.

The incident occurred during the ongoing 2025/2026 second semester examinations at the university’s Faculty of Arts, when the student, whose name is yet to be officially released, was reportedly found in possession of the items.

According to an eyewitness who spoke on condition of anonymity, the exact details of how she was caught remain unclear. However, upon a search, seven phones and a wig were allegedly recovered from her.

“She came to write [a] carryover [course] and when she was caught; students immediately brought out their phones to record her,” the witness said.

Campus security and faculty officials were said to have been alerted immediately, and the suspect was taken in for questioning.

As of the time of filing this report, the university management was yet to release an official statement on the matter. Efforts to reach the Head of Department and the Dean of Faculty of Arts proved abortive.

The incident has sparked reactions among students on campus, with many calling for tighter security during examinations.

Media Conversation reports that DELSU maintains a strong stance against stealing and other inappropriate behaviours among students.

If found guilty, the suspect could face multiple sanctions ranging from rustication to expulsion.

Meanwhile, a young lady has gone public with allegations that she was assaulted and nearly gang-raped by a group of men in Otor-Iyeded community in Isoko North Local Government Area of Delta State, during a local festival.

In a video shared on TikTok under the handle @dge_redoii, the lady, who appeared distressed and was speaking from what she said was a hospital, recounted that the incident occurred on the day she went out to get kegs for her business in Ugele.

Education

Opone, Others Secure Second Term As DELSU-ASUU Holds Elections

Published

4 days ago

August 12, 2026

Media Conversation

By Christabel Adigbo

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Delta State University, Abraka Branch, has elected new executives to run the affairs of the Union for the next two years.

The elections which took place on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at the Large Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Education, Site III of the University saw the emergence of Comrade Paul Oshagwu Opone as the Branch Chairman for a second term after polling 90% of the total votes.

Other elected executives were Comrade Emmanuel Oghenekparobor Emama who emerged as Vice Chairman after polling 100% of the total votes, Comrade Festus Omosor who emerged as Secretary after polling 97% of the total votes, Comrade Frank Oris Ebiaghan who emerged as Treasurer after polling 99% of the total votes, as well as Comrade Nicholas Onyemechi Alumona who emerged as Financial Secretary after polling 97% of the total votes.

The remaining elected executives were Comrade Paul Otujevwe Ogbe who emerged as Investment Secretary after polling 99% of the total votes, Comrade Abigail Oghenekevwe Ohwo who emerged as Internal Auditor after polling 94% of the total votes and Comrade Onome Norah Ekoko who emerged as Welfare Officer after polling 100% of the votes.

Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Professor Emmanuel Mitaire Tarurhor, while speaking prior to the elections told members of Congress that the electoral process had been fair and transparent acknowledging the peaceful conduct of members throughout the process.

Professor Tarurhor, then read out the guidelines of the voting exercise.

Also, Coordinator of Benin Zone of ASUU, Comrade Monday Igbafen, who led the ASUU National Delegation, appreciated ASUU-DELSU members for the manner the electoral process went as they was no petition against the process or any aspirant.

Comrade Igbafen thereafter informed Congress that their role as national delegation was to monitor the elections and report to ASUU’s national secretariat the outcome of the elections.

Speaking after the elections on behalf of the elected executives, the newly elected Chairman of ASUU-DELSU, Comrade Paul Oshagwu Opone, expressed appreciation to members of Congress for the peaceful elections.

He also told Congress members that his second tenure would consolidate on the gains of his first tenure.

Comrade Opone in conclusion pledged to continue to work for the welfare of members and promote the ideals of ASUU.

In another development, the management of Delta State University, Abraka has approved an extension of the sales of 2026/2027 Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening forms.

The university also extended the deadline for change of course on the university portal.