Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has voiced his outrage over the recent collapse of Nigeria’s national electricity grid, which left millions in darkness.
The grid failure occurred around 6:48 PM on October 14, 2024, marking yet another significant setback for the country’s power infrastructure.
In a statement shared on his X account, Obi described the incident as a “national shame” and a stark reminder of the “failure of leadership and policy implementation” at the highest levels of government. He emphasized that this recurring disaster highlights the fragility of Nigeria’s power system, which has repeatedly failed to meet the needs of its citizens.
Obi pointed out that the latest collapse is not just a technical issue but also a profound economic concern. He stressed the critical role that reliable power supply plays in supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are essential for job creation and contribute significantly to the nation’s GDP.
He stated, “How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society?” This question underscores the frustration felt by many regarding the persistent power crisis.
The former candidate also drew comparisons between Nigeria’s electricity generation capacity and that of other African nations. He noted that despite being the fourth largest economy on the continent, Nigeria generates significantly less electricity than South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria. For instance:
South Africa: Over 40,000 megawatts with a GDP of approximately $400 billion.
Egypt: Also over 40,000 megawatts with a GDP around $350 billion.
Algeria: Generates over 50,000 megawatts with a GDP close to $300 billion.
Nigeria: Generates less than 10,000 megawatts despite having a larger population than these three countries combined.
Obi attributed this disparity to deep-rooted governance deficits that hinder Nigeria’s growth potential. He called for urgent and comprehensive reforms in the power sector, urging the government to prioritize initiatives that can drive measurable development.
Peter Obi’s remarks reflect a growing demand for accountability and effective governance in Nigeria’s energy sector, emphasizing that citizens deserve better from their leaders.
