By Dare Akogun
A multidimensional energy expert and policy analyst, Abdulrazaq Hamzat, has called for improved energy accounting in Nigeria, emphasizing the need for a transparent and comprehensive reporting system that captures electricity generation beyond the national grid.
Hamzat, who is also the Executive Director of the Foundation for Peace Professionals (PeacePro), faulted the recent announcement by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on a new peak generation of 5,713.60 megawatts (MW), describing it as misleading and incomplete.
According to him, Nigeria’s electricity generation should not be assessed solely on grid transmission data, as this presents an inaccurate picture of the country’s actual power capacity.
Hamzat noted that over 12,000MW of electricity is excluded from the national accounting system explaining that while TCN celebrates a new peak generation for 2025, its reports fail to recognize the significant role of captive power generation, which supplies power to industries, businesses, and residential areas outside the national grid.
He stressed that accurate and transparent energy accounting is essential for realistic planning and Nigeria’s energy future.
The energy analyst also called for better coordination among regulatory agencies, urging institutions such as, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Company (NBET) to collaborate in accounting for investments in captive power and embedded generation when assessing Nigeria’s overall power sector.
Hamzat proposed the establishment of a unified national energy database that would capture all forms of power generation in the country. He also urged regulatory agencies to recognize and account for private sector investments in captive power and embedded generation.
The energy expert further criticized the trend of celebrating marginal grid peak increments, describing it as counterproductive without addressing core issues such as underutilized capacity, transmission failures, and unaccounted energy sources.
“Nigeria’s energy future depends on accurate data, strategic planning, and a commitment to systemic reforms,” he said.
Hamzat emphasized the need for a shift from mere announcements to real progress, stating that systemic energy reforms would drive sustainable power development in Nigeria.
