In Imo State, a persistent and exasperating darkness threatens livelihoods and progress, exposing the glaring failure of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Owerri and its environs are a stark representation of how systemic neglect and inefficiency have left millions in despair. Despite the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s (TCN) boast of generating over 5,000 megawatts of power nationwide, Imo residents are left wondering: where is the evidence?
Consider Egbu community, home to TCN facilities, yet ironically bereft of reliable electricity. This glaring contradiction is replicated across the state, where power outages are the norm and functional electricity is a privilege.
Meanwhile, residents are burdened with exorbitant, often estimated, electricity bills that are both unjustifiable and insulting. How does one reconcile paying for power never received? Small businesses, the lifeblood of the state’s economy, are being choked by this incompetence, with many on the verge of collapse. This is not merely inconvenient; it is economic sabotage.
The 15-day blackout, last year, caused by a strike by electricity workers protesting the alleged assault of Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero by agents of the Imo State government, underscored the fragility of the power situation. It exposed a state at the mercy of political clashes and labour disputes, with ordinary residents bearing the brunt of the fallout.
The economic cost of irregular power supply is staggering. Imo’s small and medium-scale enterprises are struggling to survive under the weight of operating generators at exorbitant costs. Families are forced to endure sleepless nights and the psychological toll of living without power, while students grapple with studying by candlelight in an era where technological advancement should render such hardships obsolete. The ripple effects of this dysfunction extend to every facet of life, stifling productivity, and innovation.
However, amidst the gloom, the Imo State government appears to be making efforts to reclaim control of its power future. Governor Hope Uzodimma had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Orashi Electricity Company Limited to supply power to all 27 local government areas of the state. The agreement, termed the “Light Up Imo Project,” encompasses the rehabilitation, expansion, operation, and maintenance of the state’s electricity generation, transmission, and distribution assets. This historic pact underscores the government’s commitment to achieving steady and permanent electricity supply in both urban and rural areas.
The government’s assurance that all 27 local government areas will enjoy reliable electricity by next year is ambitious but raises a critical question: can it deliver? Promises are cheap; implementation is the true measure of commitment.
Beyond rhetoric, the government must invest in modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure. Outdated transmission lines, inefficient transformers, and a lack of maintenance continue to undermine the system’s capacity to deliver power. If Imo is serious about achieving its energy goals, these structural deficiencies must be addressed as a matter of urgency. Collaboration with private investors and leveraging renewable energy sources could provide viable solutions for sustainable power generation.
Moreover, there is a pressing need to end the exploitative practice of estimated billing. Residents should not be made to pay for services they do not receive. The introduction of prepaid meters across the state would ensure fairness and accountability while fostering trust between electricity providers and consumers. This simple but effective measure could transform the relationship between providers and users, promoting a culture of responsibility and transparency.
Reliable electricity is not just a utility; it is the foundation of modern civilization. It powers industries, drives innovation, and uplifts communities. The people of Imo State deserve better than this unending inconsistent power outages.
This is a call to action. The Imo State government must move with urgency, transparency, and purpose. The revival of Egbema Power Station must not languish in bureaucratic inertia. The Orashi Electricity Company must be more than a name; it must be a catalyst for change. The darkness suffocating Imo State must end. It is not merely about turning on the lights; it is about igniting hope, opportunity, and progress.
“The government’s assurance that all 27 local government areas will enjoy reliable electricity by next year is ambitious but raises a critical question: can it deliver? Promises are cheap; implementation is the true measure of commitment”
