UP NEPA!!!!

Hello compatriot!!

In the evening on my way home from work, whenever I see this yellow-light-bulb lit in a shop not far from my house, it brightens my day, even though its already wrapping up.  And on days when I’m home, the harmonious shout of Up NEPA!!! roared by teeny weenies and even adults as though rehearsed, echoes into the moments-ago quiet atmosphere; the vibration of that crude musical brings this vigorous chill down my spine and feeling of ecstasy in my heart.

So, I was wondering, how did the slang UP NEPA come to be? When was NEPA established? What magic do these NEPA people concoct for several communities to have light at the same time? Ready for an ecstasy ride? You won’t be needing your seat belt ehn (smile). 

The history of electricity in Nigeria can be traced to when a generating power plant was installed at Marina in Lagos in 1898, a time when several power undertakings were owned by the federal government under the department of Public works, Native Authorities, and a few other individuals. But in 1929, the first electric utility company named Nigerian Electric Supply Company (NESC), a private company, was established and situated near Jos to power the mining industry situated there.

       The legislative arm of the government of Nigeria then passed into law the establishment of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN), in 1950 and saddled it with the responsibility of developing and supplying electricity. During that period, ECN was able to create coal powered turbines and also linked its power generating sites with the country’s most economic centres, especially in parts of the western region (Lagos and Ibadan), through Sagamu then Osogbo, Ughelli and Benin. Later on, the Niger Dams Authority (NDA) was formed in order to build and maintain dams along the River Niger and Kaduna River in 1962. It was NDA that built the popular Kainji dam in 1969.

On April 1, 1972 the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was created through the merging of Electricity Corporation of Nigeria (ECN) and Niger Dams Authority (NDA) according to decree 24 of 1972. At its commencement, NEPA enjoyed a form of partial autonomy through commercialization.

kainji dam

However, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s democratic regime, NEPA was changed to PHCN as a result of electric power sector reforms in 2005.

The National Electric Power Authority was divided into four major sections namely Generation and transmission, Distribution and sales, Engineering, and Finance and administration.

Presently, there are 23 generating companies in Nigeria also known as GenCo and 11 distribution companies.

Electricity in Nigeria is generated through thermal and hydro power sources and has 23 power plants in the country with the capacity of generating 12, 500 Megawatts (MW) of electricity. Unfortunately, they only generate 4000 MW which is highly insufficient for the growing populace, economy and industrial activities.

              On a final note, electricity was brought to Nigeria, mainly for industrial reasons during the colonial era, to ensure the continuity of coal mines. 

But in case you don’t know, whenever you pay your NEPA bills what you actually pay for is the cost of power used, the distribution of power and  tax.

You honestly don’t want to hear me hiss whenever "they take light". I literally feel tears burning in my eyes. And just there in my heart I say down NEPA and simply obey the slang  “please hold your candles now”

refrences

socialist nigeri.org/from NEPA to PHCN

nerc.gov