An energy specialist has presented a clear and urgent roadmap for Nigeria to transform from a net energy importer into the continent's undisputed energy leader within the next decade.
The Call for Action, Not Another Plan
In a detailed analysis that gained significant attention online, energy expert Canice Emeka argued that Nigeria possesses all the necessary components for success. He stated that the country has "from engineers and entrepreneurs to gas, solar power, and increasingly political will" already within its reach. Emeka stressed that Nigeria does not require another theoretical master plan that ends up unused. Instead, the nation needs decisive leaders in both the public and private sectors who will implement strategies, measure results, and be held accountable for outcomes.
The expert set a clear deadline: by 2035. He believes that if the following seven critical steps are executed, Nigeria can emerge as Africa's largest energy market and its most reliable and prosperous energy powerhouse.
Critical Steps for Energy Dominance
Emeka's blueprint addresses fundamental flaws in Nigeria's current energy sector while proposing aggressive, solution-oriented actions.
Firstly, he demands the closure of the national metering gap within 36 months, not the projected 10 years. He highlighted that over 65% of Nigeria's electricity consumers remain unmetered, leading to estimated billing, theft, distrust, and non-payment. Citing a proven model, Emeka noted that a vendor-financed approach helped a distribution company (DisCo) close a 100,000-meter gap in less than a year at no upfront cost. He advocates scaling this nationally with strict performance-based contracts, where providers failing to meet installation quotas lose their licenses. The target is to have 85% of customers metered by 2028.
Secondly, Emeka called for the enforcement of cost-reflective tariffs with targeted subsidies for the vulnerable. He firmly stated that "no serious energy economy subsidises electricity for everyone." His recommendation is to immediately remove subsidies for the top 20% of consumers (including the now-reliable Band A and high-consumption Band B users) and redirect the savings to improve power infrastructure for sustainable reliability. He argued that reliable power for Band A customers is more cost-effective for them than relying on expensive diesel generators due to unreliable supply.
From Digitization to Regional Leadership
The remaining steps focus on systemic overhaul and strategic positioning.
Emeka's full list of seven essential actions includes:
- Ring-fence and professionalise every distribution licence to ensure accountability and efficiency.
- Close the metering gap in 36 months—not 10 years.
- Enforce cost-reflective tariffs with targeted lifelines for the poor.
- Build 5–7 new embedded power clusters to decentralize generation and enhance grid stability.
- Digitise the entire value chain—now to reduce losses and improve transparency.
- Create a true independent system operator and a liquid power market to foster competition and investment.
- Position Nigeria as West Africa’s energy export hub.
On the final point, Emeka elaborated that a deliberate export strategy backed by sovereign guarantees and take-or-pay clauses could earn Nigeria between $3 billion to $5 billion annually by 2035. This move would also strengthen economic integration within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The expert's analysis, shared in a viral LinkedIn post, lamented the paradox of Nigeria being blessed with abundant energy resources yet remaining a net energy importer in practice. His seven-step plan presents a challenging but actionable framework for the country to claim its potential as Africa's leading energy provider.
