In response to the persistent power outages affecting Northern, Eastern, and South-South Nigeria, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 elections, voiced significant frustration over the ongoing crisis. He underscored that the prolonged blackouts, particularly in Northern states, have severely impacted numerous businesses that rely heavily on a consistent public power supply.
Obi stated, “This power crisis, combined with the current high cost of petroleum products and the challenging economic environment, is a devastating mix leading to widespread business failures and increased poverty across Nigeria.” He highlighted how the lack of reliable electricity has critically affected small businesses, which are the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a primary source of income for millions of citizens.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s power challenges are “not rocket science” and pointed to successful examples like Egypt, which has made substantial advancements in its power infrastructure. He praised Egypt’s aggressive investments in power stations, which have significantly improved energy reliability for small businesses that contribute over 80 percent to the country’s GDP.
Obi urged the Nigerian government to adopt both immediate and long-term strategies to tackle the power crisis and alleviate the burdens faced by citizens during these “tough times.” He concluded with a hopeful message, asserting that “a New Nigeria is Possible” if the country can implement effective power reforms to foster economic growth and stability.