Nigeria'S Quest for Industrialization: An Inquest on the Nexus between Electricity Provision and Industrial Drive

Abstract

In examining Nigeria’s quest for industrialisation and the nexus it has with electricity provision, we took a brief look at Nigeria’s journey, and various attempts at industrialising the country. Starting our analysis from the colonial era, it was found that, some initial significant progress such as the construction of the first rail transport system, discovery of coal and the building of the first coal powered electricity station commissioned in 1923; were made before independence. These were followed by the discovery of crude oil and the improvement of the electricity infrastructure which started from 1898. Though the first power failure was experienced in 1918 in Lagos streets, major developments continued when power stations were constructed in Enugu and other cities starting from 1925. The study also examined, how sustainable, energy provision in Nigeria is and what factor characterises a sustainable energy. Though Nigeria has the intention to develop industrially, lack of an accessible energy makes industrial development in the country difficult. In considering the effects of poor electricity provision in Nigeria, and its effect on industrial activities; the study highlighted effects such as: ‘entrepreneurial migration, relocation of multinational firms, loss of foreign direct investment to other countries, premature death of infant and indigenous industries, youth unemployment and migration’ as some pains that are associated with poor energy provision; which in turn culminate into industrial underdevelopment. Finally, possible solutions on how Nigeria can re-trace its steps and walk a new route to attaining industrial development were suggested.