The Head of Corporate Communications for Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Dr. Elijah Adakole the recurring collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid is severely impacting the revenue of distribution companies and the livelihoods of small business owners who depend on electricity to operate.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Adakole said the grid’s repeated failures have left JEDC customers, most of whom are on pre-paid meters, unable to purchase power when it isn’t available.
This situation, he added, has led to significant financial losses for the distribution company.
“When there is no power to distribute, there is no revenue to collect, leading to serious financial setbacks for us,” Dr. Adakole stated.
“The frequent collapse of the grid not only affects us but has a devastating impact on the economy, as both large and small businesses depend heavily on electricity.”
Dr. Adakole urged the Federal Government to address the issue with long-lasting solutions to stabilize the grid and reduce the economic burden on citizens and businesses alike.
The impact of the grid’s failures extends beyond the DisCos. Civil society activist Steve Aluko expressed concern, saying, “This recurring collapse should be a major worry for everyone because it cripples economic activities and affects the well-being of citizens.”
Small business owners, such as welders and salon operators, have reported severe disruptions. Samson Benson, a welder, said the lack of consistent power has forced him to rely on costly diesel for his generator, impacting his profits and ability to meet customer deadlines.
“Most of the profit I would have made goes into buying diesel so I can keep working,” Benson said. “But even with that, I still struggle to deliver my clients’ orders on time due to the unreliable electricity.”
Similarly, salon operator Alice Dung shared her frustrations, saying, “With no power, I can’t provide all the services my clients want. It’s affecting my business badly.”
Business owners and advocates alike are calling on the government to take immediate steps to prevent further grid collapses, emphasizing that a stable power supply is essential for sustaining Nigeria’s economy and supporting the daily lives of its citizens.
