AN ASSESSMENT OF THE PRIVATIZATION OF THE POWER SECTOR IN NIGERIA: A STUDY OF BENIN ELECTRICITY DISTRIBUTION COMPANY (BEDC)

The papers assess the privatization of the power sector in Nigeria with a view to find out if it is achieving the purpose for its adoption and the challenges facing it. The multifarious challenges facing the power sector such as low capacity generation of power, transmission, distribution near total darkness, and the issuance of estimated billing system. This paper viewed the unbundling of NEPA into eighteen (18) Successor Company. Eleven Distribution Companies (DISCOs) and six generation company (GENCOs) and its effect on the citizens and the economy. The methodology adopted in this study was survey research design. The elite theory and the Total Quality Management theory were the theoretical framework. This paper shows that the earlier assumptions that privatization led to regular power supply is not true. The paper also revealed that the use of estimated billing system, the reluctant behavior of Discos to supply pre-paid meters to their customers, the use of casual staff by Discos, the use or obsolete infrastructure, and the inefficient supervision of the value chain by the Transmission Company of Nigeria are some of the challenges faced by the power sector. The paper recommends proper supervision, sanctions were necessary, sanctions were necessary for violations, refusal to provide pre-paid meters, the transfer of pre-paid meter to new apartment by their customers, and the use of renewable energy to increase power supply.