By Onozure Dania

Managing Director, Folub Eletrik, Mr Bode Adefolu has called for the quick development of alternative power solutions in Nigeria to mitigate the inadequate power situation in the country.

Speaking ahead of its forthcoming Alternative Power Exhibition to be co-hosted by Lagos Television, Adefolu said that the transition to alternative power solutions will bring down the cost doing business in Nigeria, providing businesses with opportunities to grow their business.

He said, “There is no need for businesses and individuals to sit around waiting for the Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, with its erratic power supply, it will be better if people shift their focus to other alternatives, such as solar power solution, inverters, wind power system, power packs among others.

“The energy consumption of this country is high and the production is slow. Currently, South Africa produces about 40,000 mega watts and their consumption is just about 24,000 mega watt.

“Compare South Africa with Nigeria, look at their population and look at our population. At least we are about 150 million and our power situation has degenerated.

We are producing less than 3,000 mega watts, leaving people to scramble for the little that is available.

“Let us even say we are producing 6,000 mega watts, divide 6,000 mega watts by the last result of our censors, that will leave each of us with at least 50 watts.

However, Nigerians use more than 50 watts per day, if you want to charge your phone, you want to light up your system, you want to iron your clothes, and you want to do so many things. So how many times are we going to continue to be waiting for the 50 watts that is not even available?

He said that the exhibition, the third in the series, which is scheduled to hold July 11 to July 16, 2011, will be showcasing different products in the alternative power sector and will feature the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, BOI, Mrs. Evelyn Oputu, as special guest.

Adefolu, said that the exhibition was borne out of the need for Nigerians to be proactive, not waiting for power that is unavailable, adding that the last two exhibitions have been very encouraging, because a lot of Nigerians came out with different products in the alternative power sector.

He said that the past exhibitions have featured top companies and major distributors of alternative power solutions in Nigeria, adding that more companies are expected to feature in the forthcoming edition.

Adefolu further stated that programme is designed in such a maner that will help Nigerians see the various ways they can produce power on their own, enabling them to run their businesses, without waiting for the PHCN.