Nigeria Power Company Promises 24/7 Electricity in Months

Residents of Anambra State, Nigeria could soon experience something many have waited years for: electricity that doesn't cut out multiple times a day.

FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company announced plans to supply 24-hour power to several communities and major manufacturers in the state. The project targets Udoka Estate, Ngozika Estate in Awka, and industrial areas in Nnewi, including major companies like Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing.

Chief Technical Officer Emeka Egbujor shared the timeline during the company's annual customer meeting in Awka. "We have concluded arrangements to supply 10 megawatts of electricity for 24 hours," he said. The project uses a Compressed Natural Gas plant and should be complete within six to eight months starting from March.

The timing matters. Frustrated customers had planned protests over frequent blackouts and billing disputes before the company called this engagement meeting. Many residents reported paying estimated bills that didn't match their actual usage, while others complained about staff corruption.

Managing Director Okechukwu Okafor acknowledged the recent drop in power supply, with energy received falling to 45 percent of normal levels. He blamed gas shortages at power plants and underfunding across Nigeria's electricity sector. Federal officials are now working with industry stakeholders to address these challenges.

The company is encouraging customers to apply for prepaid meters, which take just three weeks to receive after application. These meters would eliminate billing disputes and give residents direct control over their electricity spending.

The Ripple Effect

Reliable electricity could transform Anambra's economy in ways that extend far beyond keeping the lights on. The state serves as the economic hub of southeastern Nigeria and West Africa, home to major manufacturers and countless small businesses.

Twenty-four-hour power means factories can run full shifts without expensive diesel generators. Small business owners can refrigerate products without losses. Students can study after dark. Medical clinics can safely store vaccines and medications.

For the industrial companies getting guaranteed power, the change could mean hiring more workers and increasing production. That ripples through supply chains, creates jobs, and strengthens the entire regional economy.

The compressed natural gas approach also offers a cleaner alternative to diesel generators, reducing air pollution in densely populated areas.

Anambra's success could become a model for other Nigerian states struggling with similar power challenges, showing how targeted infrastructure investments and customer engagement can rebuild trust and deliver results.

Okafor summed up the opportunity simply: "The future is bright in power supply."