By Prince Osuagwu

With the 2015 elections drawing closer, many Nigerians are dreaming of a better future for the country; one where children’s chants of ‘UP NEPA’ aren’t heard or drowned by an onslaught of generator noises. No doubt, some technological innovations made it so much easier to live in this country, but in a better Nigeria, they would have no reason to exist at all.

Generators

According to a 2010 report, Nigerians spend 1.9trn annually, powering generators. Another report published in 2013, put the figure at N 3.5trn. An estimated 60 million Nigerians use generators. This means more fuel consumption, noise pollution and skyrocketing expenditure.

Rechargeable lamps and fans

Considering its relative cheapness and long battery life, the rechargeable lamp is a life-saver from Nigeria’s epileptic power supply. Many families have more than one. Rechargeable fans, though much more expensive, are still gaining popularity because of the country’s hot climate. In a better Nigeria, all that would need recharging would be electricity bills.

Power banks

Nigerians love their gadgets, and power or no power, the gadgets must remain on. Hence the reign of the power bank. These easy to use battery chargers are now a popular item all over the country and except the power situation changes soon, they will be for a long time.

Inverters

Although inverters are quite high priced, they are also becoming more and more popular across the country. Power is at least useful in the sense that it helps charge the inverters.

It goes without saying that the issue of epileptic power supply will be a thing of the past in a better Nigeria. Whether or not it will begin with tomorrow’s elections remains to be seen. But one thing is for sure: these technologies in one way or the other, will help power tomorrow’s elections.