THINGS REMEMBERED: The Waning Fortune Of ‘I Pass My Neighbour Generator’

For decades, the small petrol-powered generating set, popularly called “I Pass My Neighbour” in Nigeria, made everyday life, business and social activities easier for poor residents in several parts of the country.

It was a constant companion in homes and shops. Its mobility and affordability fill the gap caused by epileptic electricity supply from the distribution companies (DisCos), which replaced the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), formerly the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA).

Today, its once-familiar rattling sound is gradually ceasing from streets and markets across Nigeria.

Investigation reveals a gradual decline in the use of this lightweight generating set, which once served as an instrument of oppression by neighbours who could afford it against their colleagues in clustered and overcrowded residences.

It is from these oppressive tendencies that it derived its name of “I Pass My Neighbour”, meaning “I am better than my neighbour.”

Despite its popularity and widespread use, it is tilting towards becoming a relic in many homes and small businesses. The first knock came from the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy in 2023 at the inauguration of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. This made petrol prices out of reach of the downtrodden and a significant drop in the use of the generating set for domestic purposes.

Now, households and small business owners regard it as costly, noisy and environmentally unfriendly. Its frequent breakdown and scarcity of spare parts have not helped matters.

Another major factor driving the decline is the growing adoption of alternative energy sources. In the last five years, solar power systems, inverters and rechargeable power stations have become more widely used. Though relatively expensive at the point of acquisition, Nigerians say they are cheaper to maintain and more reliable.

Health and safety concerns have contributed to the device’s waning popularity. The generating set has a notoriety for emitting fumes and excessive noise, often causing disputes in crowded neighbourhoods.

In fact, families have died in their sleep at night from carbon monoxide poisoning linked to indoor generator use. These have discouraged the continued adoption of the device.