Nigerians Staying Quiet on N1,000 per Litre Petrol: Power Minister Explains Why
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, recently shed light on why Nigerians aren’t making a loud outcry over the skyrocketing petrol prices, which have now surpassed N1,000 per litre. Speaking at the 2024 Nigeria Energy Exhibition and Conference in Lagos, he emphasized a surprising shift in the country’s energy consumption habits—many Nigerians are no longer solely dependent on generators for electricity.
The minister pointed out that, in the past, the high cost of petrol would have caused uproar, particularly because it was essential for powering generators. But now, with improved access to electricity, fewer people are relying on these fuel-guzzling machines to keep the lights on.
This transition has dampened the noise around the latest price hikes, even though the rise in fuel costs has driven up transportation expenses, food prices, and other essential household items. The minister attributed this quietness to a noticeable reduction in the need for petrol to power homes and businesses.
Adelabu also highlighted the government’s ambitious plan to phase out generators entirely. He referenced the Lagos State Policy aiming to replace 1 million generators within a year and stressed that this model would be replicated on a national scale. “We must replace all the generators,” he stated firmly.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s power generation history, the minister acknowledged the slow progress made over the last few decades. He noted that it took nearly 40 years to move from generating 2,000MW in 1984 to reaching the current milestone of 5,000MW, peaking at 5,527MW in September 2024. But despite these challenges, Adelabu remains optimistic, believing that now is the time for a renewed focus on breaking barriers in Nigeria’s energy sector.
With the government’s plans to reduce reliance on petrol and replace generators across the country, the future of power generation in Nigeria is set for significant change—one that could eventually silence the need for expensive petrol once and for all.
