A Peoples Democratic Party chieftain and former Delta State governorship aspirant, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has condemned the recurring collapse of Nigeria’s national grid, describing it as a national embarrassment and security threat.
Onuesoke’s reaction comes on the heels of the national grid collapsing three times within a week, adding to the numerous collapses experienced in 2024 and previous years, according to Independent.
This recent series of failures has sparked widespread complaints from Nigerians.
Speaking at a workshop on energy supply in Lagos, Onuesoke emphasized that the frequent national grid failures have severe consequences for Nigeria’s economy.
As a developing nation, electricity supply is crucial for economic growth and development.
The PDP chieftain questioned how those in charge could explain the repeated collapses, especially given the importance of regular electricity supply to the nation’s economy and security.
He noted that Nigeria’s economy suffers greatly from these failures, resulting in reduced manufacturing output, increased household expenses, and slowed economic growth.
Onuesoke highlighted the impact on businesses, which are forced to invest in alternative power sources, increasing operational expenses and reducing competitiveness.
The service industry, particularly finance and technology, is also severely affected, disrupting services and profitability.
Furthermore, Onuesoke pointed out that households bear the brunt of blackouts, resorting to expensive alternatives and reducing disposable income, ultimately affecting the broader economy.
He called for immediate and long-term solutions to address the electrical sector’s challenges. Onuesoke also criticized state governors for their inaction, despite the federal government’s authorization to construct their own power stations.
The PDP chieftain questioned the governors’ reliance on federal allocations and electricity supply, emphasizing that electricity is essential for development. He challenged them to take proactive steps in addressing the power crisis, rather than depending on the federal government.
“The collapse reduces the ability of Nigerian businesses to compete internationally, hence many firms are forced to invest in alternate power sources, such as generators, which dramatically raise their operational expenses,” he said.
“Secondly, the service industry as a whole is affected, especially in financial and technological fields. The steady flow of electricity is crucial to the success of these industries. The frequent grid failures cause disruptions in service, which in turn reduces both the companies’ capacity to make a profit and the quality of their service to the people of Nigeria.
“The third effect is on individual families. As a result of these blackouts, many homes have had to switch to expensive, inconvenient alternatives to conventional electricity. As a result, households will have less money available to spend, which will have a ripple effect on the economy as a whole.,” he stated, stressing that the electrical sector require immediate and long-term responses to the issue.
He wondered what the state governors are doing after the Federal Government had given them the green light to go ahead to construct their own power stations?
“They know that without electricity, there is no development in anywhere in the world. How many governors can boast of creating just 10 percent of their own power stations? None. Why is that they depend on the Federal Government for statutory allocation and electricity supply where as the Federal Government had giving them instruction to act. What are they really there for? He queried.
