Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, has condemned Nigeria’s electricity crisis, attributing it to a lack of political will. He made this statement while referencing a report on Tanzania’s uninterrupted supply, which has enabled the country to shut down some power supply due to excess production. Obi lamented that Nigeria’s current electricity production is insufficient to power even one major city, let alone the rural areas.
He noted that Tanzania, on the other hand, has successfully powered all its major cities and provided access to 70% of its rural population. He quoted a World Bank report, which attributed Tanzania’s rapid electricity access to strong political will and commitment. Obi expressed concern that 60% of Nigeria’s over 200 million people lack access to electricity, resulting in immense economic losses. He urged the government to take decisive action to address the situation, sanitize the sector, and increase access in both urban and rural areas.
Nigeria can do even better if Tanzania can do it.
Also, the former Anambra governor emphasized that a stable power sector is critical for Nigeria’s development and remains committed to achieving this goal. In his words, “Yesterday, I read a report in the media on how Tanzania, our East African fellow nation, recently shut down five hydroelectric stations to reduce excess electricity in the national grid… In pain, I wondered how our nation, the giant of Africa, could not be able to power even one of the major cities, for example, the capital Abuja, while Tanzania has succeeded in powering all their major cities.”
Further, he stated, “If Tanzania could achieve such a milestone in power generation, then Nigeria can do it even better. With competent and committed leadership, a stable power sector is very critical for the journey to a New Nigeria, to which we remain committed.” Obi’s call to action is a wake-up call for the government to prioritize the electricity sector and address the lingering challenges. Nigeria’s electricity crisis has far-reaching consequences, including economic losses, environmental degradation, and social inequality.
Issues regarding electricity that the government must address.
The lack of access to electricity disproportionately affects rural communities, perpetuating poverty and underdevelopment. To address this crisis, Nigeria needs a comprehensive approach that involves increasing power generation, improving transmission and distribution infrastructure, and promoting renewable energy sources. The government must also address the issue of electricity theft and revenue collection, which has hindered the sector’s growth. Nigeria can as well learn from Tanzania’s success story by adopting similar strategies, such as investing in hydroelectric power and promoting public-private partnerships in the energy sector.
Furthermore, the government must also address the issue of metering and billing, which has been a major challenge in the sector. This will help to reduce the incidence of estimated billing and promote transparency and accountability in the sector. Additionally, the government must also explore alternative sources of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, which are abundant in Nigeria. This will help to reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels and promote a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
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In all, Peter Obi’s call for political will to address Nigeria’s electricity crisis is a timely reminder of the urgent need for action. Nigeria’s development depends on a stable and reliable power sector, and it is the responsibility of the government to ensure that this critical infrastructure is in place. By taking these steps, Nigeria can overcome its electricity crisis and achieve sustainable development. It is time for the government to take decisive action and demonstrate political will to address this critical issue. The future of Nigeria depends on it.
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