Following the significant rise in petrol prices in Nigeria, with some regions witnessing prices reaching N1000 per litre, has been a source of major concern under the administration of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

However, the expected widespread protests or backlash haven't materialized, which has raised questions. 

According to Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the relative calm is largely due to improvements in power supply. 

He posits that reliable electricity is helping to offset some of the public's reliance on petrol for generators and other energy needs, reducing the impact of the price hikes on daily life. 

But is this the only reason? Let's explore the broader context of energy, the economy, and public perception.

Petrol prices have surged since the removal of subsidies in May 2023. 

Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the subsidy removal was a bold move aimed at reducing the strain on Nigeria's economy. 

However, this shift left fuel prices vulnerable to international market dynamics, especially as Nigeria imports a significant portion of its refined fuel despite being an oil-producing country. 

The price hikes have been attributed to global oil price volatility and the depreciation of the Naira, leading to the current petrol rates that hover between N850 and N1000 per litre across various states.

While some regions are experiencing prices as low as N617 per litre at certain government-run filling stations, private sellers are pegging the price much higher, particularly in rural areas where transportation costs contribute to the increase.

The uneven distribution of fuel and the financial constraints of Nigeria’s National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) have further exacerbated the issue.

Improved Power Supply: A Key Factor

Minister Adebayo Adelabu's claim highlights one of the reasons Nigerians may not be protesting en masse. 

The government has been working on enhancing the nation's electricity grid, and according to recent reports, power supply in many areas has improved in terms of both consistency and availability. 

This improvement is alleviating some of the pressure on Nigerians who previously relied heavily on fuel-powered generators for electricity due to the notorious instability of the national grid.

Moreover, increased investment in renewable energy, especially solar power, has also played a part in shifting energy consumption patterns. 

Nigeria has abundant sunlight, making solar power an attractive and feasible alternative, especially in areas where grid electricity remains unreliable. 

The Nigerian government, along with international partners like the World Bank, has been ramping up efforts to boost the country's renewable energy capabilities, further easing the burden on fuel consumption.

The Economic Context: Inflation and Public Fatigue

The economic landscape in Nigeria plays a crucial role in shaping public reactions. 

Since the subsidy removal, inflation has surged, making daily essentials such as food and transportation more expensive. 

According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, a staggering 63% of Nigerians live in multidimensional poverty, meaning they lack access to basic necessities like healthcare, education, and housing. 

The poverty level creates a situation where fuel price increases, though painful, are often just one among many hardships.

Additionally, there’s a sense of fatigue among the populace. 

Nigerians have dealt with years of fuel price volatility, power outages, and economic hardship, and this repeated cycle has led to a degree of resignation. 

The ongoing fuel crisis is just another chapter in the long history of economic challenges that have made protests less likely, even when fuel prices are at record highs.

Many Nigerians, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), are increasingly turning to alternative energy sources such as solar power to avoid the high costs associated with petrol and diesel generators. 

The growth of the renewable energy sector has been accelerated by government policies, such as the Renewable Energy Master Plan, and international partnerships that aim to increase Nigeria’s reliance on solar and wind power.

This shift towards alternative energy sources has lessened the immediate impact of high fuel prices, particularly for businesses that rely heavily on electricity.

The shift to alternative energy is not just about cost savings. 

For many businesses and households, renewable energy offers a more reliable and environmentally sustainable solution than petrol generators. 

With investments in the renewable sector, including a $750 million credit from the International Development Association, Nigeria is laying the groundwork for a future where solar and wind energy play a crucial role in meeting the country's energy needs. 

While improved power supply is one factor helping to cushion the blow of high fuel prices, it is not the only reason Nigerians are not protesting en masse. 

The broader economic context, including poverty, inflation, and public fatigue, plays a significant role. 

Additionally, the growing adoption of renewable energy solutions has given businesses and households alternative options, reducing their reliance on petrol. 

The government's ongoing reforms in the power sector, including the push for solar energy, are also contributing to a more diversified energy landscape.

The future of fuel prices in Nigeria remains uncertain, but the current relative calm is a reflection of a complex interplay between improved power supply, economic realities, and energy diversification efforts. 

As the government continues to navigate the challenges in the energy sector, the hope is that renewable energy will provide a long-term solution to both the fuel price volatility and the country's broader energy needs.