Nigeria explores electricity zones aimed at round-the-clock supply

The Federal Government has begun discussions with selected electricity distribution companies on a plan to establish Energy Zones that could provide round-the-clock electricity to homes, businesses and industries in major demand centres. The proposed zones would cover the Lagos axis, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and the Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor, according to a statement issued on Wednesday by Adeola Adelabu, media aide to the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe. Tegbe held a closed-door meeting with representatives of Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company and Sahara Energy Group.

The statement described the discussions as part of the government’s effort to improve reliability in areas with high commercial and industrial demand. The minister said the power sector’s difficulties were not confined to generation and transmission. He identified the ability of distribution companies to receive available electricity and deliver it to consumers as another major constraint.

The proposed Energy Zones are intended to address that gap, the statement said. They are also expected to unlock additional commercial and industrial demand and improve the revenue and collection performance of distribution companies. Tegbe reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding electricity infrastructure in areas where demand is high.

He said supply capacity would need to grow alongside Nigeria’s expanding economy, with reliable power important to manufacturing and other productive activities. The statement did not give a timetable for implementation. It also did not specify the capacity planned for the zones or the infrastructure investments required to deliver continuous supply.

The engagement was presented as part of a phased approach to the sector’s longstanding distribution challenges and as consistent with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.