“In the quest to advance Nigeria, there are those who have asked questions not just for the sake of inquiry but with a deliberate intention to seek answers. From the falling grid to inconsistent distribution, Nigeria has struggled with electricity supply for decades. The National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) was established in 1972 to address these issues. However, the country’s misery continued, and the phrase “Up NEPA,” meant to signify a solution, became synonymous with the frustration and hope associated with erratic power supply. This slogan has been passed down through generations, encapsulating over 50 years of ongoing struggles with Nigeria’s electrical infrastructure.
Using this as a medium of expression and exploration, the “Up NEPA!” documentary serves as a compelling dive into the heart of Nigeria’s electricity challenges. It highlights this major issue with an adamant quest to move forward from the appalling reality. The documentary asks the important questions: Why do we struggle so much with electricity, and how can we overcome it?
To find solutions, the documentary emphasizes the importance of electricity in Nigeria. It affects the well-being, productivity, and daily lives of every Nigerian. From something as simple as charging a phone or getting a cold drink to running a business, electricity impacts everyone. The documentary discusses the problems with alternatives like generators, which pose risks of air and noise pollution. As stated in the documentary, “The cost of darkness is infinite.” Electricity affects life’s productivity, and its constant lack is not normal.
“Up NEPA!” delves into the history of power and power outages in Nigeria, featuring interviews with several concerned and knowledgeable Nigerians. To investigate the root causes of unreliable power supply, the documentary includes insights from industry experts who have been at the forefront of Nigeria’s power sector, such as Patrick Okigbo, Ernest Mupwaya, Bart Nnaji, Alex Okoh, and Rahila Thomas.
However, no story about Nigeria’s power sector is complete without including those directly impacted. Therefore, “Up NEPA!” features interviews with everyday people—cold store owners in Ibadan, plastics manufacturers in Aba and Kano, and healthcare workers in Lagos. By including a diverse range of voices, from everyday citizens to industry experts and special guests like Kate Henshaw and MI Abaga, the documentary not only highlights the impact of electricity woes on personal, professional, and economic fronts but also offers insights into historical shifts, governmental reforms, and future developments.
The documentary also explains the major components of each electrical power system—generation, transmission, and distribution—using the food chain supply as an analogy.
The key players behind this documentary are Ishaya Bako (Writer and Director), Ummi A. Yakubu (Executive Producer), Nenrot Goyoi Akinrowo (Producer), Ajifa Atuluku (Producer), and Steve Terungwa Lordye (Editor). They work with Griot Studios, a multimedia company specializing in producing and distributing content with socio-cultural relevance. Journalists and the public are welcome to engage with the “Up NEPA!” documentary and Griot Studios through media contacts, the Up NEPA film website, and other digital platforms.