Nigeria’s power problems are more than a national inconvenience—they are a daily economic, emotional, and social burden. In a recent statement, the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) rang the alarm bell, urging for urgent reforms in the country’s power sector to save the economy and uplift millions out of energy poverty.
At Deepshores Energy, we believe it’s time to talk about the real cost of darkness—what it’s doing to small businesses, students, hospitals, and everyday Nigerians—and why tariff reform and targeted investments may be the lifeline the country desperately needs.
NESG’s Call for Action: Power Sector Reform Now or Never
The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) recently made headlines with a bold declaration: “Nigeria cannot achieve economic transformation without fixing its power sector.”
According to the NESG:
- Over 90 million Nigerians live without reliable electricity.
- Over ₦10 trillion is spent annually on self-generated power by households and businesses.
- The current electricity tariff structure is unsustainable, discouraging investment and undermining the growth of independent power providers.
The message is loud and clear: Nigeria is paying a high price for darkness.
How Poor Power Supply Affects SMEs, Students & Hospitals
1. Small Businesses
From cyber cafés to frozen food vendors and hair salons, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are forced to rely on generators to survive. This means:
- Sky-high operational costs
- Reduced profit margins
- Limited working hours
- Unpredictable service delivery
Many business owners now spend a lot on fuel alone, cutting into growth and hiring potential.
Real Talk: If you run a small business in Nigeria, you’re not just an entrepreneur—you’re your own power company.
2. Students and Education
Unstable electricity affects students’ ability to:
- Study at night
- Charge devices for online learning
- Participate in tech or STEM-based educational programs
Rural students are especially disadvantaged, widening the digital and educational divide across the country.
3. Hospitals and Health Centers
Inconsistent electricity disrupts:
- Life-saving surgeries
- Vaccine refrigeration
- Diagnostic equipment functionality
A blackout during an emergency is not just an inconvenience—it can be fatal.
How Tariff Reform Could Be a Game-Changer
Many Nigerians are wary of tariff increases—and understandably so. But experts argue that well-structured tariff reform could:
- Attract private investment in the power sector
- Improve service quality
- Drive faster metering and accountability
- Fund upgrades to grid infrastructure
- Phase out generator dependency over time
Tariff reform isn’t just about paying more—it’s about paying for better power, more consistently, with less reliance on fuel.
Deepshores Energy’s Advocacy Goals
At Deepshores Energy, we’re more than observers—we’re active stakeholders in creating energy access for all. Our goals include:
- Promoting Clean, Decentralized Energy Solutions
- Supporting mini-grid installations in underserved communities
- Encouraging solar adoption for households and SMEs
- Supporting mini-grid installations in underserved communities
- Policy Advocacy
- Collaborating with local governments and partners to push for investment-friendly policies and fair tariff reform
- Collaborating with local governments and partners to push for investment-friendly policies and fair tariff reform
- Educating the Public
- Running awareness campaigns on energy cost breakdowns, energy-saving tips, and access to alternatives
- Running awareness campaigns on energy cost breakdowns, energy-saving tips, and access to alternatives
- Empowering Entrepreneurs
- Offering energy consultancy and customized power solutions to businesses battling high generator costs
- Offering energy consultancy and customized power solutions to businesses battling high generator costs
Final Thoughts
The cost of darkness in Nigeria is real—and we can’t afford to keep paying it. It’s time to reform the power sector, support tariff structures that attract investment, and commit to reliable, accessible energy for all.
At Deepshores, we’re committed to lighting the path forward—for business owners, students, health workers, and every Nigerian tired of running on generators.
Share this post with someone who’s fed up with “No Light” life.
Want to make the switch to smarter energy? Talk to our team today.