Saving Nigeria’s Electric Power Supply

To save Nigeria’s electric power supply is a task that must be done. It is, and has been, in dire straits. In the context of the world, Nigeria is important. Saving her electric power supply will make her a more dynamic worker for the progress of the country and the world.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, FGN, is doing its best. It is not shy to embrace notions old or new, if they offer a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, given a universe of ideas for saving the industry, it has no clear knowledge of what is wrong and what it has to do to move electric power supply on the right path.

I am Solomon Omorodion Uwaifo, an Electrical Engineer, an Eisenhower Fellow (1969) and a former employee of the Electricity Corporation of Nigeria, ECN, (1954–1974). On a number of major engineering projects, some of which were in collaboration with international engineering firms, notably Preece, Cardew and Rider of Brighton, England, I was a consultant to the National Electric Power Authority, NEPA, successor to the ECN. A prize-winning novelist, poet and playwright, I am the author of several books, including Electric Power Distribution Planning and Development (1994, 1998 and 2010), which was first published by Malthouse Press of Lagos.

I have a new book, CONVERSATIONS IN ELECTRIC UTILITY ENGINEERING of over 730 pages. It tells when the rot in Nigeria’s electric power supply began, and discusses several steps that were not taken to halt the situation. It deals with what must be done now to bring the industry on the right path, and discusses how to do it. It is a treasure trove for the industry, particularly for younger Nigerian engineers, who do not have the opportunities and facilities that I had, for commercial engineering education for electric utilities.

I need $50000 to print the book, and present 5000 hardcover copies to a despairing Nigeria. The country’s cash-strapped electric power supply industry has contributed over $8000. I need about $42000 more. Your help will make my dream to reward the country that made me what I am, a reality. And I will be eternally grateful to you.