Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, expressed deep dismay over Nigeria’s inability to provide electricity to even one of its major cities, contrasting it with Tanzania’s achievement of electrifying all its major urban centers. Obi highlighted a World Bank report indicating that while approximately 70% of Tanzania’s rural population has gained access to electricity, Nigeria lags far behind in this regard.
The contrast was underscored by recent news that Tanzania had shut down five hydroelectric stations due to surplus electricity in its grid, a move made possible by adequate power production to meet urban and rural needs. Obi emphasized the need for Nigeria’s government to address and revitalize the electricity sector, lamenting the economic repercussions of widespread power shortages. He cited statistics revealing that 60% of Nigeria’s population lacks access to electricity, as per a 2022 Energy Progress Report.
Obi stressed the urgent necessity for Nigeria to emulate Tanzania’s success by ensuring reliable electricity provision, particularly in major cities across the country. He called for decisive action to reform and rejuvenate Nigeria’s power sector, advocating for competent and dedicated leadership to achieve this critical goal. Ultimately, he emphasized that a stable power sector is indispensable for Nigeria’s progress toward a better future.