By Anthony Otaru, Abuja
Therefore, they have called on President Bola Tinubu to convene a national dialogue to address the lingering electricity crisis.
The stakeholders also lamented that the Federal Government’s approval of the N10bn solar power project for the Presidential Villa in the 2025 budget was a clear indication of the government’s failure and a growing disconnect from the plight of ordinary citizens.
They argue that this development confirms that the government has no immediate plan to tackle the country’s lingering electricity crisis.
The stakeholders noted that despite consistent annual budgetary allocations to the power sector, successive administrations have failed to find lasting solutions to Nigeria’s electricity problems for over thirty years.
But, in an earlier reaction to criticism of the solar project, the Presidency defended the decision through its spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, claiming it is in line with global best practices.
“The White House in Washington, DC, uses solar power,” Onanuga stated, urging Nigerians not to vilify President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
*A clear case of failure- Tella
However, Prof Sheriffdeen Tella, an economist at Olabisi Onabanjo University, described the solar power project for the Presidential Villa as a “clear admission of failure” and a symbol of self-serving governance.
“The government is more interested in its comfort than national productivity or citizens’ welfare. There is an urgent need for a national dialogue on electricity generation and distribution if Nigeria must grow economically,” he said.
Tella urged the government to draw lessons from countries like South Africa and Ghana, which have significantly expanded their electricity capacities over the past two decades.
“We need to learn how South Africa is able to generate and distribute about 58,095 megawatts! How Ghana has moved beyond general darkness within two decades, et cetera,” he added.
*Power crisis threatens industrial growth- Ighedosa
Godwin Ighedosa, President of the Institute of Fiscal Studies, warned that persistent power shortages will derail Nigeria’s industrialisation drive.
He questioned the government’s commitment to attracting foreign investment without addressing critical infrastructure like electricity.
“Who will invest in a country shrouded in darkness?” he asked. “The government should focus on lighting up the nation, not just the State House. Comparing Nigeria to the US is misplaced when the US has already provided all basic social amenities for its citizens.”
He called on the government to channel funds into improving the national grid rather than isolating power solutions for a privileged few.
*Citizens abandoned, says retired Director
Gregory Emeh, a retired Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Transport, described the situation as “hopeless,” noting that average Nigerians are now boxed into a corner where necessities like electricity, clean water, healthcare, and good schools are beyond their reach.
“This government promised heaven and earth on social services, particularly electricity, but what we see today is a failure on all fronts,” Emeh said.
“It is time Nigerians braced up for self-help. This government cannot deliver. They don’t care if industries are closing or the poor man has power. Only God can help.”
He added, “What has the poor man done to deserve this neglect? They should resign if the government cannot meet its constitutional obligations.”
