By Benson Daniel
A German electrical engineering expert, Professor Ralf-Dieter Rogler, has urged the Federal Government to increase investment in electricity infrastructure as part of efforts to address Nigeria’s persistent power supply challenges.
Rogler made the call while speaking on Nigeria’s electricity sector, stressing that improving the country’s power infrastructure would be critical to expanding reliable electricity supply and supporting economic development.
He said Nigeria’s electricity challenges cannot be resolved solely by increasing generation, noting that greater attention must also be given to transmission and distribution infrastructure.
The expert’s position highlights one of the major difficulties confronting Nigeria’s power sector, where available generation capacity has frequently been constrained by weaknesses across the transmission and distribution networks.
For businesses and households, unreliable electricity continues to increase operating costs as consumers and companies depend on alternative sources of power. Manufacturers and other energy-intensive businesses are particularly affected by the cost of running diesel and petrol-powered generators.
Rogler’s recommendation therefore places infrastructure investment at the centre of efforts to close the electricity gap, improve reliability and create conditions for greater private-sector activity.
Beyond increasing the quantity of electricity available, investment in the transmission network would help move power from generating plants to areas where it is needed, while stronger distribution systems could reduce losses and improve supply to consumers.
Nigeria has made several efforts to reform the electricity sector, including greater private-sector participation and measures aimed at attracting investment into generation and distribution. However, financing constraints, infrastructure deficits and other structural challenges have continued to limit improvements in supply.
A more reliable electricity system could also support broader economic activity by reducing the cost of production for businesses and improving productivity across sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, telecommunications and services.
The call comes as the Federal Government continues to pursue measures aimed at increasing power generation and improving electricity access across the country.
Experts have repeatedly argued that sustained investment, stronger sector regulation and efficient management of existing infrastructure will be necessary to achieve a dependable electricity system capable of supporting Nigeria’s growing population and economy.
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