The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi has described the incessant collapse of the nations power grid as a national shame.In a post made on X on Tuesday, October 15, after the grid collapse for the second time in 24 hours, Obi said the recurring disaster is testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.
Querying how long Nigerians need to suffer before the power sector would be improved on, Obi said the latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.
He said, “How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society?
We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable.
Noting that as the fourth largest economy in Africa, Nigeria fallen from the number one position due to lingering leadership failure.
He said, “South Africa, which is now the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of about $400 billion and 30% of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity.
“Secondly, Egypt, the second largest economy with a GDP of about $350 billion and half of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts.
“Algeria, the third largest economy, with about 300B GDP and 20% of our population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts of electricity.
“Nigeria, with less GDP but with more population than the 3 countries combined, generates and distributes less than 10,000 megawatts, and even that is riddled with frequent collapses and crises of failure,” Obi noted.
He said that the disparity in the generation of the needed electricity for the people is a reflection of the governance deficit that has continued to hold back Nigeria’s growth.
“It is time for urgent, comprehensive reform. Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development,” Obi added.