By Bose Adelaja

One major factor that cripples business activities is inadequate power  supply. No wonder the hopes of many Nigerians were raised when the Federal Government recently announced plans to raise electricity output from 4,300 megawats to N9,000 megawatts by the end of the year.

Most Nigerians depend solely on electricity to power their source of livelihood. This was the view in the Nigerian manufacturing sector some years back when the problem of power supply became worrisome such that some manufacturers shifted their base to Ghana and other parts of the world to stabilise their businesses which was almost crippled by inadequate power supply.

On the other hand, many of them who could not relocate abroad found solace in solar energy and generating sets as an alternative power supply to keep their business moving not minding additional expenses  that are associated with this.

A cross section of Nigerians, especially salon operators, frozen food dealers, cyber cafe operators; hospitals and hotels managers,  told Sunday Vanguard about the losses they have incurred due to inadequate power supply.

Chief executive officer of Blessing Business Centre, Ebute-metta, Lagos, Mr. Okunola Alabi, said the most tangible part of his income goes to diesel and fuel to power the alternative power supply. ‘’We have resorted to alternative power supply to retain our customers although this does not come on a platter of gold,’’ he said.

In 2011, a website was opened to showcase and appraise the performance of Nigerian leaders by stakeholders in diaspora to showcase and appraise Nigerian leaders from the best to the least performed by all stakeholders across the globe. In view of the above, an award ceremony is  slated for November 2012 as a reward for excellence. Via the website, nominations have been ongoing for the award and the news now is that the site is showcasing 10 states power projects with more coming, according to the national co-ordinator of Project Light-Up Nigeria, Mr. Frank  Ukpabi.  ‘’Out of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria, about 10 have submitted their various power projects which are currently under review on the website, others will join the race soon.’’

Apart from the annual award, the co-ordinator said the project includes a magazine showing the power projects on the website to guide Nigerians in nominations for the awards. He called on corporate organisations in Nigeria to imbibe the culture of light and improve on their corporate social responsibility, especially in the area of electrification.

Ukpabi said the project is designed to recognise, appreciate and encourage the three tiers of government in their efforts towards steady power supply and electrification. He said the project is taking up the challenge to appraise public office holders before hand.