Former presidential candidate of Labour Party Mr. Peter Obi, said the frequent collapse of the national grid that has always plunge a huge part of the nation into darkness, is a testament of leadership failure.
Obi in a statement on his X platform on Tuesday, wondered how long Nigerians would endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society.
“This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels,” he stated.
The former Anambra State governor blamed the frequent collapse on the failure of government to prioritise the welfare and economic well-being of the people.
“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,” he said.
He regretted that Nigeria has fallen from being number largest economy in Africa to the fourth position, “due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies.”
According to him, South Africa, which is now the largest economy in Africa with a gross domestic product (GDP) of about $400 billion and 30 percent of Nigeria’s population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity.
Obi noted that Egypt which occupies the second position with a GDP of about $350 billion and half of Nigeria’s population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts.
“Algeria, the third largest economy, with about $300 billion GDP and 20 percent of our population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts of electricity.
“Nigeria, with less GDP but with more population than the three countries combined, generates and distributes less than 10,000 megawatts, and even that is riddled with frequent collapses and crises of failure.
“This disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continue to hold back our growth and potential,” he added.
Obi called for urgent comprehensive reform, adding Nigerians deserve a government that prioritises measurable indices of development.
