Summary: While Nigeria’s leaders have cycled through bold promises and billion-dollar interventions since 1999, the power sector remains a national shame—barely generating 4,000 megawatts for over 200 million people. Across the border, peer nations like Egypt, South Africa, and even Algeria have flipped the switch, lighting up homes and powering industries with capacities that dwarf Nigeria’s output. In real terms, Nigerians get just 20 watts per person—less than a light bulb—compared to 750 watts for South Africans.