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Powering Nigeria

Can Nigeria solve its electricity crisis and deliver reliable power to homes, hospitals, and businesses鈥攐r will poor infrastructure continue to limit progress across the country?

According to the World Bank, more than 85 million people in Nigeria still lack access to electricity - making it the country with the largest energy access deficit in the world. But even among those connected to the grid, many struggle daily to keep the power going. Blackouts are frequent, infrastructure is fragile, and generators have become a lifeline for homes and businesses alike.

Journalist Samuel Okocha hears from Nigerians across sectors about how unreliable electricity affects their lives. He speaks to economists, politicians, and renewable energy experts to understand the roots of the crisis.

In Abuja, Samuel visits his local barber and other business people to see how they are coping with constant outages. These personal encounters reveal the everyday toll of the crisis - not just on livelihoods, but on dignity and routine. Samuel also reflects on how the power situation affects his own work and daily life.

Amid the frustration, Samuel also finds resilience. Across Nigeria, people are turning to solar energy and small-scale solutions, building their own systems to meet their needs.

Presenter: Samuel Okocha
Producer: Ashley Byrne
A Made in Manchester production for 成人快手 World Service

(Photo: Presenter Samuel Okocha is shown the generator powering Isaac Shedrack's barbers shop in Karu on the outskirts of Abuja. Credit: Samuel Okocha/Made in Manchester)

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27 minutes

Last on

Sun 5 Oct 2025 22:32GMT

Broadcasts

  • Thu 2 Oct 2025 01:32GMT
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  • Thu 2 Oct 2025 19:06GMT
  • Sat 4 Oct 2025 16:32GMT
  • Sat 4 Oct 2025 23:32GMT
  • Sun 5 Oct 2025 04:32GMT
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  • Sun 5 Oct 2025 22:32GMT