It’s no news that Nigeria’s energy sector is bedevilled with a myriad of problems.

According to reports, the nation has one of the world’s largest electricity access deficits, with approximately 85-90 million citizens (43-45%) lacking access to the grid.

The country’s installed capacity of 15,500 MW falls short of the 30,000 MW needed for its over 200 million people. Only 4,000-4,500 MW — a 25.8% utilisation rate — of this installed capacity is delivered, leaving swathes of the population unconnected, and those connected with inconsistent service, often lasting only a few hours a day.

The Generation Companies (GenCos) recently disclosed they face ₦6.2 trillion in unpaid debts, stating they are only paid 35% of energy bills.

To cover this shortfall and to power their homes and businesses, many Nigerians turn to generators as an alternative source of power. However, there’s sometimes a lack of due diligence before purchasing a generator.

To help you make the right choice, we spoke with Adebanjo Wasiu, a Branch Manager and the Head of Dealers Network at Mikano International Limited, who shared some very important tips to consider before investing in a generator.

1. Speak to an expert

An expert is not someone who sells generators, because any Tom, Dick or Harry can do that. You need to consult with experts who know the intricacies of the generator industry and possess the domain knowledge and expertise.

2. Load assessment

Embark on a thorough audit of every device and piece of equipment you own. Find out their input current capacity, as this would aid in your final choice of the size of generator required to power your building.

3. Maintenance

Purchasing a generator is the first step, but proper maintenance keeps the oil flowing and the engine running. It is advisable to engage the services of the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) and not some random “mechanic.”

Watch the full video below for a comprehensive breakdown: