Peter Obi has described the repeated collapse of Nigeria’s national grid as a “national shame” and a glaring failure of leadership, expressing concern over the country’s power infrastructure.
In a statement released on social media on October 15, 2024, Obi highlighted the negative impact of the persistent power failures on the economy, especially on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which are vital for job creation and economic growth.
He criticized the government for not prioritizing the welfare and economic well-being of its citizens, stating,
“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.”
Comparing Nigeria to other African nations like South Africa and Egypt, Obi pointed out the disparity in power generation, noting that while these countries generate over 40,000 megawatts of electricity, Nigeria struggles with less than 10,000 megawatts.
Obi concluded his statement by calling for urgent reforms, stating,
“It is time for urgent, comprehensive reform.
Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development.
A new Nigeria is possible.”
His statements have sparked a mixed response, with some agreeing with his critique, while others question whether he would have implemented significant changes had he been in a position of greater power.