THE ROLE ERRATIC POWER SUPPLY IN THE ECONOMIC PRODUCTIVITY OF YOUTHS IN THE TOURISM AND HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY OF NIGERIA 19 3

Abstract

This paper examined the implications of erratic electricity supply on the socio-economic productivity of Nigerian youths within the area of hospitality and tourism sub-sector. The study assessed how unstable electricity supply affects productivity, operational cost, service delivery, customer satisfaction and coping strategies of hospitality and tourism entrepreneurs. The study adopted a descriptive survey research method. Structured questionnaires were used to collect primary data for the study. Simple random sampling was used to select 384 respondents from hotels, restaurants, catering, lounges, event centres, and tourism business operators across Nigeria. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and One-Sample t- test using SPSS. The study established that power outage has negative effects on productivity, operational cost, service delivery and customer satisfaction. It also induces the production operators to heavily depend on generator and other alternative sources of energy for operational purpose. The study further confirmed the relationship existing between erratic power supply and economic productivity of the respondents using t (44.72); p<0.05. It was concluded that efficient and stable power supply facilitates the development of tourism and hospitality sub- sector in Nigeria. The government is recommended to provide low-interest loans, tax incentives, renewable energy support schemes to facilitate the development of youth owned tourism and hospitality enterprises.