The power sector is the fulcrum of every economy. The vintage position of power in the economy is underscored by the fact that optimal performance by other sectors depend on the sector. It is not surprising that the sector is referred to as the signal director of the economy, as its performance or otherwise serves as the performance indicator for the larger economy.In the early 1970s and late 80s, the countrys power sector lived up to expectations before the progressive decline in the 90s. The situation was made worse owing to the major neglect witnessed in the turnaround maintenance of the various power plants and stations. These problems, over time, led to output reduction, which culminated later in the general performance decline that has bedevilled the sector.Some of the problems noticed in the power sector include vandalism, theft of electrical equipment, poor performance of the power station and the political and economic crises that have led to the general decline in the sector.Before the power sector crisis, generators were either seen as a household luxury, which basically separated the rich from the poor, or as a major business equipment used as backup during power outage.However, the power sector crisis has made companies operating in the country to spend huge amounts on diesel and petrol to keep their operations going.For instance, a 2009 report of the sector by the National Electricity Regulatory Commission said that about N796.4bn was spent by Nigerians on fuel to power their generators.The implication of this huge expenditure, according to experts, is that there are huge business opportunities in the repair, servicing and maintenance of generators in the country.An Abuja-based generator engineer, Mr. Kingsley Etochie, says that since the importation of generators is on the increase, there will always be a rise in the demand for those who repair them.He notes that the downward trend in electricity supply in the country has created a huge market for the importation of generators, adding that going by governments delay in resolving the problem in the power sector, opportunities still abound for those who want to learn how to repair generators.Etochie, who has been in the business for several years, explains that the viability of the business depends on the location of the repairer. However, he stresses that one needs to acquire the needed skills to excel.On the length of training, he says depending on ones availability, it takes between one and two years to acquire the required skills. He adds that with about N10,000, one can get all the needed tools to begin operation.He says, It took me only eight months to learn the art of generator repair. The reason is that I already had some experience in engineering. But anyone who does not have such a background knowledge in engineering would need between one and two years to effectively grasp the skills.He also says that the business is very profitable.He says, Repairing generators has been rewarding because of the huge demand for generator repairers. Depending on the day of the week, I make between N5, 000 and N8, 000 per day.On the challenges of the business, he says that the business has no major hazard other than the misfortune of buying fake parts for major repairs.This, according to him, can lead to major face-off between the repairer and customers.On how he has been able to retain his customers despite the competitive business terrain, Etochie says he employs some techniques, which include the provision of guarantee and feedback mechanisms.He says, I think the major success point of my business is that I always listen to my customers. I think it is important for one to recognise the fact that when one satisfies his customers and gain their trust, they will not only recommend you to their friends and colleagues, they will also remain loyal to you.On his guarantee scheme, he says, A guarantee is an important tool for keeping your customers, when they may otherwise go elsewhere. With a good guarantee, you tell your customers where and how to complain, and that complaining is worth their time and effort. A good guarantee is unconditional, easy to understand and meaningful.People will endorse your business, if they know it is good. So, I have a process in place, where I regularly ask them for feedback. This makes them feel involved in my business, and the customers are more likely to send other people my way through this.To set up the business, another engineer, Mr. Peter Eze, says once the newly graduated engineer has acquired the needed tools, he is free to start his own business. The major tools, according to him, are spanners, files and pullers, among others.
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