The Chief Executive Officer of Consistent Energy Limited, Mr. Segun Adaju, has disclosed that no fewer than 70 million generating sets have been imported into the country
Adaju attributed the shortage of gas, which is the feedstock for power plants across the country, as the reason behind the high rate of importation of generation units into the country.
He revealed that a research by Consistent Energy showed that Nigeria is the net importer of generators with about 70 million generators brought into the country in the past few years.
He blamed the situation on the worsening electricity situation in the country, which he said was making Nigerians to seek solace in alternative energy supply, insisting that the development had depleted many individuals and organisations’ savings.
He said, “Between 60 and 70 million generators of different brands and sizes have been imported into the country, in the past few years. The generators are of lower and higher voltages, depending on the needs of the owners. Besides, the generators range from the smallest to the biggest, such as Perkins and Caterpillar brand. The generators are worth billions of naira, which means that Nigerians are repatriating funds to access power.”
Saying that there are so many life-threatening hazards, like inhaling carbon-monoxide, inherent in the fumes from the generators, Adaju said, “Many people have died through the inhalation of carbon monoxide arising from the use of generators. Aside this, generators cause air pollution and other environmental hazards.”
Adaju, whose Consistent Energy specialises in generation and provision of solar energy for individuals and communities nationwide, said Nigerians could replace their generators with solar energy and other renewables, and in return, get better and safer services, even as he urged the Federal and state governments to invest in solar energy and other methods of off-grid electricity for growth.
