Actionaid calls for the review of power sector privatisation

ActionAid, a global anti-poverty organization, has called for a review of the power sector privatization in Nigeria. Here are some key points from their statement:

Reasons for the call:

  1. Lack of access to electricity: Despite the privatization of the power sector, many Nigerians still lack access to electricity, with an estimated 40% of the population living without electricity.
  2. High tariffs: The privatization of the power sector has led to high tariffs, making electricity unaffordable for many Nigerians.
  3. Poor service delivery: The privatization of the power sector has not led to improved service delivery, with frequent power outages and poor maintenance of infrastructure.
  4. Lack of transparency and accountability: The privatization process has been marred by allegations of corruption and lack of transparency, with many Nigerians feeling that the process was not fair and transparent.

Recommendations:

  1. Review of the privatization process: ActionAid is calling for a review of the privatization process to ensure that it is transparent, accountable, and benefits the majority of Nigerians.
  2. Increased access to electricity: The organization is calling for increased efforts to ensure that all Nigerians have access to electricity, including through the development of alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power.
  3. Affordable tariffs: ActionAid is calling for affordable tariffs that are within the reach of ordinary Nigerians, to ensure that electricity is a basic right and not a luxury.
  4. Improved service delivery: The organization is calling for improved service delivery, including regular maintenance of infrastructure and prompt response to power outages.

Quotes:

Overall, ActionAid's call for a review of the power sector privatization in Nigeria highlights the need for a more transparent, accountable, and equitable approach to managing the sector, with a focus on increasing access to electricity and improving service delivery for all Nigerians.