About 75 percent of electricity consumed in Nigeria comes from diesel and petrol‑powered generators, according to a report released on Monday by the Society for Planet and Prosperity, GCA Capital Partners, and Climate Advisers Network. The coalition’s findings show that roughly 25,000 megawatts (MW) of power in Nigeria are generated by these generators, while the national electricity grid supplies less than 5,000 MW. The groups presented these results at a press briefing in Abuja, where they also unveiled eleven key measures needed to accelerate decision‑making and implement smart solutions for achieving Nigeria’s net‑zero target.
Speaking about the measures, Prof. Chukwumerije Okereke, President of the Society for Planet and Prosperity, emphasized that the top priority is to increase electricity generation, both on‑grid and off‑grid. “Nigeria currently generates about 5,000 MW for a population of over 200 million people,” he said. “That amount of electricity is comparable to what powers Heathrow Airport in London. By contrast, South Africa generates 40 GW (40,000 MW) and India, a country we should be competing with, generates over 80 GW (80,000 MW). The lack of power is a major factor crippling Nigeria’s economy.” Okereke added that this shortfall discourages investment, contributing to high unemployment across the country. He argued that investing in both on‑grid and off‑grid power is essential not only for addressing climate change but also for stimulating economic growth.
The second measure identified is the elimination of diesel and petrol‑powered generators nationwide. “These generators account for about 25 GW (25,000 MW) of electricity, while the national grid provides roughly 4 GW (4,000 MW),” Okereke explained. “Thus, nearly 75 percent of our electricity comes from generators, which are among the most polluting sources of power generation. Removing them is therefore a priority on our list.”
Obi Ugochukwu, Chief Executive of GCA Capital Partners, outlined how this could be achieved: by massively expanding electricity generation from solar, hydro, and other renewable energy sources.
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