Former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the recent collapse of Nigeria’s national power grid, which plunged large parts of the country into darkness on Monday evening. The incident, which occurred around 6:18 pm, highlighted the ongoing fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure, according to the former governor of Anambra State.
The power grid collapse saw a significant drop in electricity generation, from 3.87 gigawatts at 5 p.m. to zero at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. Power outages affected millions across the country, with the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company confirming the collapse in a statement on Monday. This is not the first time Nigeria has faced such an issue, and Obi did not hesitate to criticize the recurrence.
In a post on Tuesday via X (formerly Twitter), Obi described the collapse as “a national shame” and a direct reflection of the leadership failures that continue to plague the nation. “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,” Obi wrote.
The former presidential candidate stressed that the repeated failures of the national power system were more than just inconveniences; they represent a significant obstacle to Nigeria’s economic growth and stability. “This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels,” Obi added.
Obi also highlighted the economic implications of unreliable electricity supply, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). “How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society?” he asked, pointing out that consistent power failures hinder businesses and undermine economic growth.
Small and medium-sized businesses are key to Nigeria’s economy, serving as engines for job creation and contributing significantly to the country’s GDP. Obi argued that these businesses rely heavily on a stable power supply, and the repeated collapses of the grid hinder their ability to operate effectively. “This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritise the welfare and economic well-being of the people,” Obi said.
He also criticized Nigeria’s power generation capacity, comparing it unfavorably to other African economies. Despite Nigeria’s large population and status as Africa’s fourth-largest economy, it lags behind countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Algeria in power generation. Obi pointed out, “Today, we are the fourth-largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis.”
The disparity in power generation between Nigeria and other African nations, Obi claimed, is a clear indicator of the deep-rooted governance issues that continue to hamper the country’s development. “The disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continues to hold back our growth and potential,” he stated, adding that despite its larger population, Nigeria generates far less electricity compared to smaller economies like South Africa and Egypt.
Obi concluded by calling for immediate and comprehensive reforms in Nigeria’s power sector. He urged the government to focus on initiatives that would drive measurable and sustainable development for the country. “Nigerians deserve a government that prioritises measurable indices of development,” Obi said, stressing that meaningful progress in the power sector is critical to the nation’s long-term economic success.
