By Peter Omopo
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has revealed that Nigeria suffers losses exceeding N2 billion annually due to inadequate and unreliable electricity supply, with significant consequences for key sectors of the economy.
UNDP Resident Representative, Elsie Attafuah, disclosed this on Monday at the ‘First National Legislative Conference and Expo on Renewable Energy’ held in Lagos. The event was organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Renewable Energy in partnership with the UNDP’s Parliamentary Development Programme.
Attafuah highlighted the devastating impact of power shortages on the agricultural sector, noting that perishable produce such as yam, fruits, and vegetables often go to waste due to the lack of stable electricity.
“The poor state of electricity supply is not only costing the nation billions but is also deepening unemployment, especially in rural areas,” she said.
She added that UNDP’s provision of power-generating facilities to farmers in parts of northern Nigeria has already started yielding positive outcomes, including increased productivity and profitability.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, who also addressed participants at the conference, said the shift to renewable energy is no longer optional for Nigeria.
“This conference is a critical step for lawmakers to engage with the global energy transition. Embracing renewable energy is essential for economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability,” Abbas stated.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to drive legislative reforms that support the development and adoption of sustainable energy systems in Nigeria.
