The highest source of power in the Nigeria power sector is thermal power, also known as gas-fired power. Nigeria relies heavily on natural gas to generate electricity, accounting for the majority of its power generation. Thermal power plants use natural gas as fuel to produce steam, which drives turbines to generate electricity.
Hydroelectric power is also a significant source of power in Nigeria, but it is not as dominant as thermal power. Nigeria has several hydroelectric power plants, including the Kainji, Jebba, and Shiroro dams, which contribute to the country’s power generation. However, due to factors such as inconsistent rainfall patterns and inadequate maintenance of hydroelectric infrastructure, the contribution of hydroelectric power to Nigeria’s overall power supply is relatively lower compared to thermal power. As of the end of last year, the percentage of power generation between thermal and hydro power in Nigeria was approximately 85% Thermoelectric and 15% Hydroelectric.
Nigeria has several thermal power generation plants across the country. The exact number may vary as new plants are constructed and existing ones undergo changes. However, some of the major thermal power plants in Nigeria include:
Egbin Power Plc: Located in Lagos State, Egbin Power Plc is the largest thermal power plant in Nigeria, with a capacity of 1,320 megawatts (MW).
Olorunsogo Power Plant: Situated in Ogun State, the Olorunsogo Power Plant has a capacity of 750 MW.
Geregu Power Plant: Located in Kogi State, the Geregu Power Plant has a capacity of 434 MW.
Omotosho Power Plant: Situated in Ondo State, the Omotosho Power Plant has a capacity of 335 MW.
Sapele Power Plant: Located in Delta State, the Sapele Power Plant has a capacity of 1,020 MW.
Afam Power Plant: Situated in Rivers State, the Afam Power Plant has a capacity of 776 MW.
In the hypothetical scenario where the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger Republic become strained due to ECOWAS’ stance on the military takeover, in Niger Republic, the country may decide to expedite the development of its dam to reduce its dependence on Nigeria for electricity supply through the West African Power Pool, whose Board of Directors is always chaired by the Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). However, I believe that this would not significantly impact Nigeria’s power supply. The challenges faced by Nigeria in terms of power supply are not related to the potential threat of Niger Republic developing its own hydropower, but rather stem from the inefficiencies that have long plagued the Nigerian power sector in this modern era.
I have published several articles and granted interviews where the challenges beleaguering the Nigerian power sector and proffered how to address and ameliorate them.
NB: Sonny Iroche, 2022-2023 Senior Academic Fellow, African Studies Centre of the University of Oxford. He is also an Investment Banker of 30 years experience. He was an Executive Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), 2013-2017)
Twitter (X): @IrocheSonny
