POWER SECTOR PERFORMANCE AND DEVELOPMENT OF OWERRI MUNICIPAL, IMO STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study has examined power sector performance and development of Owerri Municipal, Imo State, Nigeria. The study was carried out to identify the extent to which deregulation of the power sector has enhanced its performance. The researcher used structural functional theory. The researcher used descriptive approach. Only published articles from books, journals and other secondary information were used. The data collected were discussed qualitatively. From the study, it was found that the major factors affecting the performance of Nigeria's power sector include poor funding, high levels of political interference, non-cooperative attitudes of the people (host communities) and issues of corruption. It was concluded that effective performance of power sector in service delivery is dependent on government contribution through positive political interference, community positive contribution to the distribution companies and provision of the funding for positive performance of the power sector distribution companies. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the government and non-governmental organizations should contribute significantly to the funding of electricity services. Also, the Government and politicians should avoid unnecessary interference in the distribution and acquisition of power equipment like transformers and high-tension cables.