Privatisation of power infrastructure in Nigeria: Consumer perception

Abstract

There has been a hot debate both in the academia and in the manufacturing sector as to whether the success recorded in the privatisation of the Nigerian telecommunication sector can be replicated in the power sector. This paper therefore sets out to determine the consumer perception of the electric power infrastructure in Nigeria. Two sets of questionnaire totalling 500 were administered, the method of administration being by hand delivery. The questions posed were to elicit the perception of electric power consumers in the selected states on the current state of electric power infrastructure, as well as their disposition to the sector being privatised. The results showed that electric power workers and consumers support privatisation of the sector and believe it could lead to better service delivery with the former recording a greater percentage of non-supporters. Their fear is premised on fear of job loss, underpayment of severance package, and inadequacy of remuneration from new owners. The study recommends that the government should go ahead with her privatisation of the electric power sector as the move enjoys the support of electricity consumers. However, policies should be crafted to regulate the operation of the sector to cater for consumers' and employees' interests.