Nigeria has many problems when it comes to energy and electricity. Most people in the country do not enjoy stable power supply. Light can go off at any time, and sometimes it may not come back for many hours or even days. Because of this, many homes and businesses depend on generators, which are expensive and cause noise and pollution. In recent times, people have started talking about Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a possible solution to Nigeria’s energy problems. The question, however, is whether AI can really solve these issues.

AI is a type of technology that allows machines and computers to think and learn like humans. In the energy sector, AI can be used to manage electricity better. For example, AI can help power companies predict when electricity demand will be high and when it will be low. With this information, electricity can be shared more properly so that there is less waste. This can help reduce power outages and make supply more stable.

Another way AI can help Nigeria’s energy issues is through fault detection. Many power problems in Nigeria come from damaged equipment, old power lines, and poor maintenance. AI systems can monitor power grids and quickly detect faults or problems before they become serious. This can help engineers fix issues faster and reduce the time people spend without electricity.

AI can also support renewable energy like solar and wind power. Nigeria has a lot of sunlight, but solar energy is not used as much as it should be. AI can help manage solar power by predicting weather conditions and adjusting energy storage. This means solar energy can be used more efficiently, even when the sun is not shining brightly. With better use of renewable energy, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on generators and fossil fuels.

However, AI alone cannot solve Nigeria’s energy problems. One major challenge is poor infrastructure. Many power facilities in Nigeria are old and damaged. Without good infrastructure, even the best AI systems will not work properly. Another issue is lack of funding. Developing and maintaining AI systems requires money, skilled workers, and proper planning, which may be difficult to achieve.

There is also the problem of policy and corruption. Even with advanced technology, poor management and corruption can still affect the energy sector. If government policies are not clear or properly followed, AI solutions may not be successful.

Lastly, AI can help improve Nigeria’s energy sector, but it is not a magic solution. It can help with planning, fault detection, and renewable energy management, but other problems must be addressed first. Nigeria needs better infrastructure, honest leadership, and strong policies alongside AI. If these things are put in place, AI can play an important role in reducing Nigeria’s energy problems and improving the lives of citizens.

By Morenikeji Barakat Akinpelu.