Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria may continue to struggle with its electricity crisis unless the private sector takes greater control of the power sector.
The former president’s position highlights the need for a more private-sector-driven approach to electricity generation, transmission and distribution in Nigeria.
Obasanjo: Government Cannot Fix Nigeria’s Electricity Crisis Alone
Speaking on Tuesday at the Youth Governance Dialogue, themed African Youth and Renaissance, Obasanjo said the government had made efforts to address Nigeria’s electricity challenges but had yet to achieve the desired results.
The event was held at the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
He drew comparisons with Nigeria’s telecommunications industry, arguing that transferring greater responsibility to private operators had helped transform the sector.
“Government has tried, just like government tried with telecommunications, until we put it in the hands of the private sector, we didn’t solve it.
“And I believe that until we put energy in the hands of the private sector, we won’t solve it,” he said.
Obasanjo Urges Nigerian Youths to Develop Solutions
The former president described electricity as a critical driver of economic growth and national development, expressing concern over Nigeria’s slow progress in addressing its power supply challenges.
He also expressed optimism that young Nigerians could contribute to resolving the crisis through innovative business ideas and technological solutions.
Obasanjo urged young people to move beyond developing ideas and translate them into practical solutions capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
He further challenged youths interested in influencing governance and public policy to acquire the knowledge and competence needed to engage government institutions effectively.
