I lived almost half of my life in Nigeria, and in that part of the world, learning to adapt, especially as it regards power supply, is essential. I wrote this piece to share how I and my family were surviving the poor and epileptic electricity supply in Nigeria, where power can go off at any moment and stay that way for hours, days, weeks and even months, depending on the area and the issues behind the outage. If you are new to the country, managing the poor electricity supply in Nigeria can be quite frustrating to deal with.
Managing the Poor Electricity Supply in Nigeria
It might take you quite some time to adapt to survive the norm and remain productive even. Learning to juggle the poor power supply in the country is a survival skill in Nigeria and is a part of the daily routine of those who have risen and conquered amidst the challenge.
When the Rickety Power Reality Hits You
Those that were able to adapt well to this situation learnt to get in touch with the reality on the ground as quickly as possible. I had a friend that accepts whatever the power supply companies ration to us and never complains. Once you accept the fact that nothing is guaranteed in that sense, that electricity will never be in constant supply, you find yourself making better decisions on how you use it if/when you see it. You see yourself planning ahead, making backup arrangements, and adjusting your lifestyle to get the most out of your days.
These plans can differ depending on your location. Some areas get more supply than the others and less than others, as the case may be. Having an awareness of these differences and the patterns that they create can go a long way to help you. The table below shows an example of what I used to do in such situations.
| Time of Day | Average Power Supply | My Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Morning (6 am – 10 am) | Low or none | Use stored battery power |
| Afternoon (10 am – 4 pm) | Often available | Charge devices and work |
| Evening (4 pm – 10 pm) | Unstable | Use solar or a generator. |
| Night (10 pm – 6 am) | Varies | Switch to inverters or power banks |
Learn it, master it, and apply it, and you will never regret doing so.
Having Back-Up Power Plans
Experiencing multiple blackouts can mess up your workflow; it was for this reason that I decided to bring in power alternatives and make contingency plans. One of the first vital things I spent money on was an affordable petrol-powered power generator for my work. If you can deal with the noise disturbance, then you have defeated half of your problems. As soon as I turn it on, I’m activated; I make sure that everything that needs to be charged is plugged in and charging, then I proceed to make the most of the temporary electricity, considering that the price of petrol is steadily going on the high side.
If you come outside in my area, you could see households that have successfully installed solar panels and batteries and their plan B. That is a different ballgame if you can afford it. In that case you beat the noise that comes with using petrol- and diesel-powered generators.
Take a look at this practical table:
| Option | Cost Range | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small generator (I-pass-my-neighbor) | ₦90,000 – ₦170,000 | Affordable and easy to maintain | Noisy and needs fuel |
| Medium generator | ₦200,000 – ₦500,000 | Can power more appliances | Consumes more fuel |
| Inverter (battery + solar panel) | ₦500,000 – ₦1,500,000 | Quiet, renewable, long-term solution | High initial cost |
| Power bank | ₦15,000 – ₦70,000 | Portable and easy to recharge | Limited power capacity |
Get what your pocket can afford and pattern your schedule and workflow according to it.
My Power Generator Maintenance Routine
Running a generator comes with extra work. Fuel prices go up often, and buying fuel in small quantities costs more. To save money, I started planning my usage. I only run the generator when necessary. For example, I power it for two hours at night to charge everything and cool my room.
I also maintain my generator regularly. Cleaning the spark plug, checking the oil level, and servicing it after every 100 hours of use helps it last longer. Many people ignore this and end up spending more on repairs.
Here’s my simple generator care checklist:
- Clean the air filter every two weeks.
- Change oil every 100 hours of use.
- Don’t overload the generator.
- Use clean, fresh petrol.
- Turn it off before refuelling.
These steps sound small, but they keep my generator reliable when I need it most.
Rationing Power in the Home
Managing the poor electricity supply in Nigeria means learning to prioritize. I stopped running all my appliances at once. Instead, I use only what’s necessary. When I have power, I charge everything—phones, power banks, rechargeable lamps, and fans.
At night, I use energy-saving bulbs and rechargeable fans. During the day, I open windows and use natural light as much as possible. This approach reduces my dependency on electricity.
Here are a few habits that help me save power:
- Charge multiple devices at the same time when there’s light.
- Unplug chargers and appliances when not in use.
- Use LED bulbs—they consume less energy.
- Cook in batches when electricity is available.
- Freeze water and drinks to keep them cold during blackouts.
Small habits like these stretch every bit of available power.
Making the Most of Daylight
The best friend I have is the light of the day. The certainty that the light is not a guarantee teaches you to maximise the power whenever it is available. From laundry to cooking and even entertainment, you learn to strategise and get the most you can from every situation.
When the power is out, I open curtains and windows to let in light and air. Natural ventilation helps reduce heat, especially in the afternoon. When it’s dark, I switch to rechargeable lamps or candles.
Purchasing Rechargeable Appliances
Rechargeable devices are a lifesaver in Nigeria. I’ve bought rechargeable lamps, fans, and even a mini blender. They run for hours without electricity and recharge quickly when power returns.
Here are my top rechargeable items and how long they last:
| Device | Battery Life | Charging Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rechargeable fan | 6–8 hours | 3–5 hours |
| Rechargeable lamp | 10–12 hours | 3 hours |
| Power bank (20,000 mAh) | 2–3 full phone charges | 4–5 hours |
| Mini rechargeable blender | 10–12 uses | 3 hours |
These items make life bearable during long outages. They’re also portable, so I can use them anywhere.
Balancing Work and Power Shortages
Working from home in Nigeria can be tough without stable power. I’ve missed deadlines before because my laptop battery died during a blackout. To avoid that, I now plan ahead. I charge all my devices fully and keep a power bank for my Wi-Fi router.
Sometimes, I move to cafés or co-working spaces when the outage is too long. Many of these places have solar power or standby generators. It’s a good way to stay productive and meet people while avoiding the heat and frustration at home.
Storing Water and Managing Household Chores
Power outages often affect more than just light. The water also goes with it as well. Most water pumps work with electricity, so when there’s no power, your tanks are going to go dry in no time. This is why you should store water in advance.
I keep big containers filled at all times. Whenever power comes on, the first thing I do is pump water. It’s one of my top priorities. I also wash clothes, charge devices, and iron during those few hours of light.
Planning chores around electricity availability reduces stress. It also keeps the household running smoothly even during blackouts.
Staying Cool and Comfortable
The heat can be unbearable in this part of the world when there’s no power to use your air conditioners and fans. The weather does not help matters at all either.
- Sleep near open windows for better airflow.
- Use rechargeable or battery-powered fans.
- Take a shower before bed to cool your body.
- Wear light cotton clothes.
- Store bottled water in the freezer so it stays cold longer.
These tricks don’t eliminate the discomfort completely, but they make it manageable.
Budgeting for Power Expenses
Learning to juggle the epileptic power supply in the country involves, among many other things, budgeting and planning. From petrol and maintenance to solar upgrades, all cost money. The table below will explain better.
| Expense | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel for generator | ₦15,000 – ₦25,000 |
| Solar maintenance | ₦5,000 – ₦10,000 |
| Rechargeable device replacement | ₦3,000 – ₦7,000 |
| Power bank charging | Minimal |
| Miscellaneous (candles, batteries) | ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 |
This budgeting habit keeps me prepared for sudden expenses and helps me avoid surprises.
Learning to Find Your Peace in the Darkness
For most of us that have lived this experience of managing the poor electricity supply in Nigeria, although it is not the most ideal way to live in this 21st century, we have come to accept the reality and get our happiness and satisfaction from other things instead of focusing on the negativities and the power handicap our country handed us from birth.
