Privatisation Policy and Public Service Delivery in the Nigerian Electricity Sector

This study evaluates the impact of privatisation policy on public service delivery in Nigeria's electricity sector following the unbundling and privatisation of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) in 2013. A decade after privatisation, electricity access and reliability remain significantly below pre-privatisation expectations, prompting widespread public dissatisfaction. The study employs a descriptive survey design, collecting data from 310 electricity consumers, distribution company staff, and regulatory officers across Lagos (South West), Abuja (North Central), and Port Harcourt (South South). Chi-square and regression analysis are used to test hypotheses relating privatisation outcomes to service delivery quality. The Public Interest Theory of Regulation and the New Institutional Economics framework guide the theoretical analysis. Findings reveal that metered billing, distribution infrastructure investment, and customer complaint response times have not significantly improved since privatisation, and that distribution companies have prioritised profit extraction over capital reinvestment. Regulatory capture of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) is also documented. Recommendations include mandatory performance benchmarks for distribution companies, transparent reporting of investment commitments, and a re-examination of the concession agreements to align private sector incentives with public interest outcomes. Keywords: privatisation, electricity sector, service delivery, public interest, regulation.