Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has issued a statement expressing deep concern over the persistent power outages plaguing numerous regions in Nigeria, especially in the Northern and Eastern states, as well as in the South-South.
Obi lamented the severe blackouts affecting many Northern states, where residents have faced extended periods without electricity. He highlighted the devastating impact these outages have on small businesses that rely on a stable power supply for their operations and livelihoods.
“The consequences of this power crisis, compounded by soaring fuel prices and a challenging business environment, pose a significant threat to the survival of businesses and contribute to rising poverty levels in the country,” Obi stated.
He emphasized that resolving Nigeria’s power and energy issues is achievable, citing successful models from comparable nations. For instance, Egypt has made substantial investments in its power sector, leading to the establishment of a robust energy infrastructure. This has resulted in reliable power supply for millions of small businesses, which play a crucial role in the country’s economy, contributing over 80% to its GDP.
“My heartfelt thoughts are with all those enduring these challenging times in Nigeria,” Obi added. He urged the government to accelerate efforts in implementing both immediate and long-term solutions to this ongoing crisis.
“With reliable power supply, a New Nigeria is possible,” Obi concluded.
