Report from Nairametrics

• “In 2022, 73% of Nigeria’s population had access to electricity, an increase of more than 70 million people during the past decade.

• “Although the country has a total installed capacity of about 13 GW, average available capacity remained around 4.5 GW in 2023 due to a combination of factors such as deteriorating units, poor maintenance, and liquidity constraints.

• “Unreliable power supply due to limited grid infrastructure, underinvestment, and ineffective regulatory frameworks have resulted in an estimated 40% of all the electricity consumed in the country being produced from backup generators.”

Nigeria's power crisis is a significant obstacle for tech professionals, with grid instability forcing many to rely on costly and unsustainable alternatives. With over $26 billion lost annually due to electricity challenges​, navigating these issues is essential for maintaining productivity and contributing to national development. Here’s a comprehensive guide that could help you overcome these challenges while fostering growth in your community.

Leverage Renewable Energy Systems

Solar energy provides a sustainable solution for tech professionals seeking independence from Nigeria’s unreliable power supply.

• Costs: A 1.5 kVA solar system to run laptops and lights costs ₦800,000–₦1,000,000 or less in some companies, while larger setups (e.g., 5 kVA for air conditioning and heavy appliances) range from ₦4 million to ₦6 million.
• Financing Options: Companies like Lumos and Daystar Power offer pay-as-you-go systems, starting at ₦15,000 monthly.

These systems are environmentally friendly and reduce long-term reliance on expensive fuel-powered generators.

Adopt Portable and Efficient Generators

Generators are a fallback option for many professionals, though they come with financial and environmental costs.

• Recommendation: Invest in inverter generators, which are quieter and more fuel-efficient, such as the Honda EU22i (₦250,000–₦350,000).
• Maintenance and Fuel Costs: Running a generator for five hours daily can cost ₦40,000–₦60,000 monthly in fuel. Regular maintenance (₦5,000–₦10,000 per session) ensures durability.

While generators are not a long-term solution, they remain critical during emergencies or extended outages.

Relocate to Energy-Reliable Areas or Utilize Co-Working Spaces

Some urban centres, like Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, have relatively more stable power due to increased private sector involvement in electricity distribution.

• Co-Working Spaces: Facilities like Leadspace and Workstation provide reliable power, internet, and collaborative environments. Costs range from ₦20,000–₦50,000 for shared spaces and ₦75,000–₦150,000 for private offices.

Relocating or using such facilities ensures uninterrupted work while fostering professional networking.

Optimise Your Gadget Choices

Energy-efficient devices are critical for maximizing uptime during power interruptions.

• Laptops: Models like the MacBook Air M2 (₦700,000–₦1 million) or HP Spectre x360 are highly efficient, offering long battery life.
• Rechargeable Gadgets: Invest in rechargeable LED bulbs (₦2,500–₦5,000) and high-capacity power banks like the Romoss 20,000mAh (₦15,000–₦25,000).

Maximize Productivity with Smart Planning

Managing time and tasks effectively can help mitigate disruptions.

• Tools: Use offline-friendly platforms like Notion for task management. Download resources from Coursera or Udemy to continue learning during outages (₦20,000–₦100,000 per course).
• Task Prioritization: Focus on energy-intensive tasks when power is available, and reserve lighter tasks, like research or drafting, for periods reliant on backup systems.

Join and Advocate for Energy Solutions in Tech

The tech community must be proactive in Nigeria’s energy transformation. By engaging in advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, tech professionals can drive long-term change.

• Innovate Solutions: Create apps, software, or IoT devices that monitor power consumption, optimize renewable energy usage, or streamline energy-saving practices.
• Community Engagement: Work with startups, NGOs, and policy groups to lobby for incentives promoting renewable energy adoption, such as reduced tariffs on solar equipment.
• Mentorship and Education: Share knowledge and resources with younger tech enthusiasts, inspiring them to tackle national issues like the energy crisis.

The Nigerian tech industry cannot operate in isolation—power challenges affect everyone. By contributing to solutions, you not only ensure your own productivity but also play a role in national development.

Why This Matters

The Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) community is a testament to how collaboration and shared goals drive productivity. Its decentralized approach empowers members to overcome challenges and thrive collectively. This article aligns with ICP’s vision of fostering growth, resilience, and success within its community.

Adopting these strategies and embracing inclusivity enables Nigerian tech professionals to navigate power challenges, stay productive, and contribute meaningfully to the nation's progress.

Article by: Mana Lamja