Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has condemned the frequent national grid collapses, calling them a clear indication of failed leadership and poor policy execution at the highest levels.
The New Daily Prime reported that the national grid collapsed on Monday, with relevant agencies now working to restore normalcy.
In a statement posted on X, Obi, the former governor of Anambra State, labelled the recurring grid failures a ‘national shame.’
He also challenged President Bola Tinubu’s administration, asking how much longer Nigerians must endure a system that cannot provide such a fundamental necessity for a functional and productive society.
The statement read partly: “For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure. This 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.
“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 expressed disappointment over the country’s decline from being the largest economy in Africa to now ranking fourth.
According to Obi, this setback is a result of leadership failures and a persistent power crisis, especially when compared to smaller economies where such issues are less prevalent.
“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”, he said.
He highlighted that the gap in power generation underscores a deep-seated governance deficit that has long hindered our growth and potential.
He emphasised the need for urgent and comprehensive reforms, stating that Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indicators of development.
