Nigerians Experiencing Difficult February As Gas-To-power Challenge, Heat Wave Worsen Nationwide

As Nigeria’s power supply challenges worsen, there appears to be no respite in the coming days, with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) announcing on Wednesday that the excessive heat being currently experienced in the country  would remain so for a while.

In the last few days, the country’s already bad electricity supply problem, had further degenerated due to gas supply shortages, mainly due to the difficulty of Generation Companies (Gencos) to settle their financial obligations to gas suppliers.

Many Nigerians, who now sleep outside, take their baths several times a day or are dealing with severe heat rashes, have recently taken to various social media platforms to lament the current situation, blaming the authorities for their plight.

On Wednesday, Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc (EKEDP) apologised to its customers, blaming gas supply issues, which it said had hobbled the ability of producers to make the product available.

“Dear valued customer, the current limited supply you are experiencing is due to low allocation from the grid resulting from gas shortages to the generating companies.

“We are working with our partners for a possible resolution soonest whilst we continue to update you as the situation progresses. Do kindly bear with us,” the electricity distributor based in Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, wrote on its X handle.

Also, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), said the poor power supply currently experienced across the South-east was beyond its control, attributing the situation to low energy generation, which has resulted in a drop in power supply availability.

Its Head, Corporate Communications, Mr Emeka Ezeh, appealed to residents of the area to bear with the company for the decline in the quality of service.

“We understand the inconveniences this situation has caused our esteemed customers and appeal for their understanding as it is beyond us. We can only distribute what is allocated to us,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET), which is the official source for weather and climate news in Nigeria, has warned that the excessive heat being experienced in the country at the moment would continue for a while.

On its official X handle, the agency stated that temperatures have now hit 41°C over the North and 39°C over the South, explaining that there are severe health implications of the changing conditions.

“Air temperatures hit 41°C over the North and 39°C over the South with model projections indicating temperatures to remain high in the coming days,” it noted.

NiMET stated that these weather conditions could lead to dehydration and could cause fainting; chicken pox disease, measles, heat rash, weakness of the body, slight fever, and dry lips.

It said it could also induce other heat-related illnesses, respiratory issues and increased vulnerability to chronic conditions.

NIMET advised Nigerians to take adequate fluids, seek shades, use fans, and wear light, breathable clothing to reduce exposure to high temperatures.

They also advised residents to avoid strenuous physical activities during peak heat hours as well as stay indoors as much as possible between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm.

Emmanuel Addeh

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