By Ismael Taiwo
Ibadan, Nigeria — Energy experts have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges, calling for urgent and effective policy implementation to address the sector’s shortcomings. The call was made during the Distinguished Personality Lecture Series hosted by the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law (CPEEL) at the University of Ibadan in honour of Professor Akin Iwayemi.
The annual lecture, held on July 8, celebrates Professor Iwayemi’s decades-long contributions to energy economics, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa. The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players, and students to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s electricity sector.
In his opening remarks, Professor Olugbenga Falode, Director of CPEEL, described the lecture as a tribute to Professor Iwayemi’s pioneering legacy and a platform for bridging academic research with energy policy and practice. He emphasized that Nigeria’s per capita energy consumption—about 180 kilowatt-hours—remains far below global standards, crippling key sectors like agriculture, education, and industry.
Highlighting CPEEL’s recent innovations, Falode showcased a solar-powered, IoT-enabled irrigation system and a solar dryer designed to support post-harvest processing in rural communities—solutions already gaining traction among local farmers.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Ademola Adewumi, Chief Commercial Officer of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company IBEDC called for collaborative national action to revitalize the power sector.
Titled “Let There Be Light: Pathway to a Sustainable Electricity Future in Nigeria,” the lecture underscored the need for stronger partnerships among government, academia, private investors, and financial institutions. Dr. Adewumi warned against over-reliance on foreign models, advocating for context-specific strategies rooted in Nigeria’s realities.
He stressed the importance of tapping into alternative energy sources such as solar, wind, and wave power, noting that political will, policy coherence, and the implementation of research findings are critical to unlocking this potential. Adewumi lamented the sector’s unattractiveness to investors due to regulatory uncertainty, infrastructure costs, and foreign exchange volatility.
“There must be a stable policy environment and a long-term vision,” Adewumi said. “Electricity must be treated as a national priority, beyond political cycles.”
Professor Akin Iwayemi, the honouree, offered a sobering reflection on decades of failed reforms. Citing the efforts of past power ministers—Bola Ige, Barth Nnaji, and Babatunde Fashola—he noted that Nigeria’s energy crisis stems not from a lack of ideas or policies but from poor implementation and political inertia.
“It’s not magic,” Iwayemi remarked. “The policies exist. What’s missing is accountability and the will to act.” He argued that without consequences for failure—whether through electoral processes or administrative sanctions—reforms will continue to falter.
“There is no free lunch,” he added. “Ineffective leadership must be held accountable if we are to break the cycle.”
The event was attended by notable figures including former University of Ibadan Vice Chancellor, Professor O. A. Bamiro; former Oyo State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Professor Rahman Raphael Afonja; former Head, Metering, IBEDC, Engr. Adewale Obajemu; Lead, Revenue Protection & Assurance, IBEDC, Engr. Jude Ugwuoke other, energy experts; stakeholders; and students from across academic levels.
