By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
The worsening power supply across Nigeria has fuelled rapid expansion in the power bank charging and rental market, as millions of citizens contend with daily electricity outages of over 20 hours.
Investigations by ThisNigeria reveal that the boom is concentrated in state capitals and major urban centres, where demand for charging smartphones, laptops, and other electronic devices is highest.
Small business owners have seized the opportunity, establishing charging points at market stalls, shops, street corners, and transport hubs to meet the growing demand.
Many Nigerians now spend between N28,000 and N30,000 over six months to keep their devices operational.
*Entrepreneurs cash in on energy crisis across Nigeria
Some operators have introduced high-capacity power banks ranging from 15,000 mAh to 30,000 mAh, offering “pay-as-you-go” services to customers who cannot afford permanent electricity solutions.
While this surge has created temporary employment, experts warn that the subsector contributes minimally to the national economy.
Prof Sheriffdeen Tella, former Vice Chancellor of Onabisi Onabanjo University, said, “As soon as improvement occurs in the electricity supply, the subsector’s activities and contributions will decline significantly. In the meantime, it is providing temporary employment and income.”
The crisis prompted Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, to issue a public apology on March 14, 2026, acknowledging nationwide outages. He assured citizens that measures were being implemented to stabilise supply and promised noticeable improvements within the coming weeks.
However, these measures may not be sufficient. Godwin Ighedosa, President of the Institute of Fiscal Studies, called for urgent intervention:
“The government should declare a State of Emergency in the power sector. Heavy investment is needed, alongside legal and regulatory frameworks that attract private capital. Citizens should not be forced to survive on temporary charging services.”
Ighedosa also warned that the proliferation of power banks comes with significant security risks:
“These centres have become hotspots for criminal activity, including theft, phone hacking, and fraudulent transactions. The epileptic electricity supply has created avenues for survival that are not always safe or legal.”
The inadequate power supply has also impacted Nigeria’s broader economy. Several SMEs have folded due to the cost of operating without reliable electricity, contributing to rising unemployment. Ighedosa compared Nigeria’s situation with that of other African nations, such as Egypt, Rwanda, and South Africa, which are actively pursuing nuclear and large-scale power projects in collaboration with international partners.
Despite the economic and security risks, the power bank industry continues to grow, highlighting citizens’ resilience and entrepreneurial creativity. Experts agree, however, that without decisive government intervention and long-term infrastructure investment, the boom remains a temporary solution to a systemic problem.
