For Nigeria to develop its full potential across all sectors, the federal government must take a bold step by declaring a state of emergency on electricity, former governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi said.
The former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, said Tinubu-led administration must work to ensure stable electricity across the country. This, Obi said, could only be achieved by ensuring stable gas supply and encouraging independent power projects like Geometric Power in Aba.
Obi made the call on Thursday, May 16, while speaking as one of the guest lecturers, at the 64th birthday anniversary leadership series of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Dele Momodu.
Obi, who spoke along with, former Ghanaian president, John Mahama; former Minister of Power and the Chief Executive Officer of Geometric Power Plant, Professor Bath Nnaji, called on Tinubu’s administration to declare state of emergency on power to unlock economic potentials in the country.
“Declaring a state of emergency on power is a necessary step to help lead the way in addressing these challenges. By supporting embedded power facilities like the Geometric Power Facility in Aba and ensuring a stable gas supply, Nigeria can unlock its full potential, driving economic growth, improving living standards, and transforming the country’s future,” he said.
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Referencing the feat by Ghana in power generation, distribution and achieving universal electricity for all Ghanaian population as stated by former president John Mahama during his lecture at the occasion, said Obi Nigeria must lead the way for other sub-Saharan African countries in electricity universal coverage.
He said, “John Mahama shared that Ghana generates approximately 5,000 MW of power, with an impressive 88.54% of Ghanaians having access to electricity. Ghana aims to achieve universal access to electricity by the end of 2024, a remarkable goal considering its population is about one-seventh of Nigeria’s.
“In contrast, Nigeria faces significant challenges in providing electricity access to its population, with over 85 million Nigerians still lacking access to electricity. This disparity must change, and we must work towards generating, distributing, and meeting our potential capacity.”
“Nigeria has a critical role to play in driving progress and development in sub-Saharan Africa. To fulfill this mandate, Nigeria must take bold action to address its chronic power challenges, which have hindered economic growth, stifled innovation, and perpetuated poverty,” Obi added.
Peter Obi used the occasion chaired by John Mahama, to appreciate Dele Momodu, for renovating the auditorium of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs. He further “commended Dele Momodu for using his personal resources to upgrade the auditorium at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs with brand-new air conditioners and stage carpeting.”
The former Labour Party presidential candidate “emphasized the importance of cultivating a culture of maintaining existing infrastructure and facilities, rather than constantly building new ones that may not be properly maintained or completed.”
