Rivers state occupies the extreme southeast of Nigeria and is one of the least-developed regions in the country. The region is also one of the most oil-rich, with deposits ranging from offshore to onshore. This has led to high levels of corruption and poverty, making it one of the most unstable regions in the country. Rivers state’s lack of infrastructure, including electricity, has made it difficult for the region to develop. In 2023, Rivers state will hold elections. If you are interested in understanding how this election will play out, read on.
This tailoring shop in the center of Nigeria’s oil zone’s bustle has a rhythm to it.
The bustle of the tailor shop in central Nigeria’s oil zone is a rhythm all its own. Here, men in suits and skirts sew and chat while children run around. This bustling corner store has been here for generations, and it’s where the locals come to get their clothes tailored – no matter what size they are.
But times have changed since the shop first opened its doors. Now, there’s barely any electricity here in the region – making it hard to keep things running. The tailor shop has had to adapt by getting creative with supplies – like using gas lamps instead of electric ones. But even with these limited resources, the shop’s owner says it carries on as usual, because there’s a certain feeling of community here that can’t be replaced.
It seems that in this oil-rich part of Nigeria, tradition is still very much alive. Even though the region is slowly losing its traditional ways due to lack of electricity and other basic needs, these small moments of community are holding on strong – despite the challenges.
The majority of Nigeria’s 210 million inhabitants must provide their own electricity; Africa’s largest economy is powered by generators made in China and Lebanon.
The Rivers state elections in Nigeria are scheduled for Saturday, March 8. This is the first time that an election in this oil-rich region has been held without the use of generators powered by gasoline or diesel. The elections will be held using biometric voter registration system, a first in Africa.
Rivers state, home to about 210 million inhabitants, is the largest economy in Nigeria and one of the most diverse regions in Africa. Its population encompasses people from all over Nigeria and from different parts of the world: There are more than 130 languages spoken here. Rivers state also has a large Muslim population (about 40 percent), as well as Christian and traditional believers.
The lack of reliable electricity is a major obstacle to development in Rivers state. Most households in the region lack access to electricity and rely on generators to provide light and power during off-hours. These generators are usually made in China or Lebanon, and their lifespans are often short due to frequent breakdowns.
The authorities have tried various solutions to address this problem, but they have not been successful so far. They have installed solar panels and batteries, set up mini hydroelectric plants, opened fuel stations for motorcycles and cars, and built transmission lines linking different parts of the state. But none of these measures has been able to completely solve the problem…
Since independence in 1960, successive governments have failed to achieve a stable electricity supply, despite having abundant oil and gas reserves, hydropower, and solar power.
Since independence in 1960, successive governments have failed to achieve a stable electricity supply, despite having abundant oil and gas reserves, hydropower, and solar power.
Nigeria’s power sector is plagued by chronic underinvestment and poor management. The country has only 8 percent of the total installed capacity of the African Union (AU) but uses 30 percent of the continent’s electricity. In 2013, Nigeria’s power sector was estimated to be worth $30 billion but generated only $4.5 billion in revenue.
Nigeria’s biggest problem is its lack of experience in running a power sector. The government has been unable to attract private investors due to political instability and endemic corruption. It has also been hampered by weak institutional mechanisms and a lack of regulations governing the sector. This has led to wasteful energy consumption and an inability to manage grid assets efficiently.
In September 2014, the Nigerian government signed a US$800 million deal with French engineering company Alstom to build 10 new nuclear reactors over ten years. However, this project has been dogged by cost overruns and delays, raising doubts about whether it will ever be completed.
Instead of relying on unstable sources of energy such as nuclear or hydroelectric power, Nigeria should focus on developing renewable resources such as solar and wind power. These sources are much more reliable than traditional energy sources and can be quickly switched on if necessary. Nigeria also needs to improve its infrastructure so that electricity can be transported from remote areas
