Effects of Incessant Electric Power Outages on Physical Development in Akure, Nigeria

Abstract

Electricity is a necessity in modern life, on which human work, healthcare, leisure, economy, and livelihood depend. Hence, incessant electric power outages can lead to relative chaos, financial setbacks, and loss of life. This paper examines the effect of incessant electric power outages on the physical development and livelihood of residents in Akure, Nigeria, with a view to improving the reliability and accessibility of electricity supply in the region. The study annexed both primary and secondary sources of data gathering. The primary data were retrieved directly from residents within the metropolis of Akure while the secondary data were retrieved from related organizations in charge of power generation and distribution to the study area such as National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Benin Electricity Distribution Company of Nigeria (BEDC), and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) among others. The study area was categorized into core, periphery, and suburban areas. Systematic Random sampling was used to administer the questionnaire to sampled residents in the selected communities across the three zones. The data obtained were analyzed using SPSS, and the results of the findings revealed that incessant power supply has significant effects on the construction and completion of amenities within the area. It was also affirmed that frequent electric power outages in the area negatively impacted the operation of local businesses and industries, thereby affecting the overall economic growth. This has discouraged new investments, development projects, as well as the quality of life and standard of living of residents in the study area. The study concluded to affirm that these impacts created a challenging environment for physical development, which has possibly trapped the area in a low-development equilibrium. Therefore, infrastructure modernization, capacity enhancement, and implementation of a robust maintenance programme were recommended as strategies towards the improvement of power supply within the metropolis.