By Cross Udo, Abuja
Experts in the energy sector have identified infrastructure and transmission bottlenecks as the primary constraints in the industry, calling for the upgrade of the grid and the decentralisation of grid and mini-grids across regions in Nigeria.
The experts noted that upgrading the grid infrastructure and setting grids at the subnational level is expensive.
This position was canvassed at Nextier’s 106th Power Dialogue, where stakeholders in the energy sector underscored the transformative role of the National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) and the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan (NIEP-SIP) in reshaping Nigeria’s power landscape through strategic, data-driven, and least-cost planning.
The session, hosted by The Electricity Hub and titled “Power in Pages: Future Outlook of NIRP/NIEP-SIP,” was moderated by Ani Nkem Nnenne, Legal Consultant and Nextier Associate.
The Power Dialogue featured a panel of experts, including Adedayo Olowoniyi, Chief Technical Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Power; Frank Edozie, Team Lead, United Kingdom-Nigeria Infrastructure Advisory Facility (UKNIAF); and Ezuma Okoronkwo, Head of Gas Business, STATA Power Utility Ltd.
In his opening remarks, Olowoniyi stated that the NIRP is a comprehensive document designed to facilitate end-to-end energy planning.
He emphasised that one of its core objectives is to ensure electricity generation at the lowest possible cost, making power more affordable.
Olowoniyi explained that the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) provides a framework for effectively planning the energy mix and last-mile electricity delivery.
He credited Frank Edozie and the UKNIAF team for initiating the IRP, noting that the project began before the current administration took office.
As Chief Technical Adviser, Olowoniyi evaluated the document, programme, and supporting software and expressed confidence in the IRP’s direction and content, stating that it aligned closely with his strategic vision.
Olowoniyi emphasised the importance of adapting the IRP in the subnational electricity market. He cautioned that state-level electricity markets should avoid replicating the development model of the national market, where planning for generation, transmission, and distribution has often lacked coordination and clarity.
The CTA stated that the IRP should enable the least-cost generation, transmission, and distribution at the state level.
He further explained that the NIEP-SIP is a foundational document mandated by the Electricity Act of 2023, with its development process commencing one year after the Act was enacted.
He noted that a key principle of the policy is that the government recognises it cannot single-handedly drive the electricity sector, calling for private sector participation.
He emphasised the need for active private sector involvement to catalyse investment and support the efforts required to achieve 100 per cent energy access for Nigerians.
He added that the IRP includes an implementation plan; however, there have been some delays due to the need for system planning on the transmission segment.
