Adewole Adebayo has unveiled plans to tackle Nigeria’s perennial power crisis through thousands of decentralised electricity systems alongside continued expansion and modernisation of the national grid.

Adebayo, whose 2027 presidential candidacy on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is being disputed by a faction of the party, outlined the proposal in his policy blueprint, Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity.

Under the plan, states, local governments, communities, cooperatives, farms, schools, hospitals, markets and businesses would be encouraged to develop electricity systems tailored to their local needs.

The proposed two-track approach would combine investment in the national grid with accelerated development of mini-grids, embedded generation and stand-alone power systems.

Adebayo identified solar, small hydro, wind, biomass, natural gas and hybrid systems as potential sources of decentralised electricity, proposing the development of tens of thousands of such systems within four years.

He argued that the initiative would extend reliable electricity to underserved communities, reduce pressure on the national grid and cut transmission losses.

The blueprint also proposes dedicated power arrangements for industrial parks, manufacturing clusters, agro-processing centres, technology parks, hospitals and universities through embedded generation, captive plants and independent power projects.

Adebayo further proposed the establishment of a Bank of Electricity to provide long-term, single-digit financing for mini-grids, embedded generation and the local manufacture of transformers, meters, cables, solar panels, batteries, inverters and other electricity equipment.

He also wants the National Power Training Institute transformed into a broader electricity and renewable-energy training network for engineers, technicians, artisans and other sector participants.

The proposal does not seek to replace the national grid. Rather, it envisages continued investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure, improved metering, reduction of technical and commercial losses and better grid management.

On electricity billing, Adebayo proposed stronger consumer protection, accurate metering and enforceable service standards, arguing that consumers should not be charged for electricity not supplied.

The electricity programme forms part of the wider economic strategy contained in Farewell to Poverty and Insecurity, which identifies reliable power supply as critical to reducing business costs, raising industrial productivity and creating jobs. ( The Sun)