For the umpteenth time, the national grid has collapsed, plunging a huge part of the nation into darkness and exposing the fragility of Nigeria’s power infrastructure.
This recurring disaster is a national shame and a glaring testament to the failure of leadership and policy implementation at the highest levels.
How long must Nigerians endure a system that fails to provide one of the critical necessities for a productive society?
This latest power grid collapse is emblematic of a leadership and government that have consistently failed to prioritize the welfare and economic well-being of the people.
We all know the immense importance of power supply to the transformation of our economy. Its support to SMEs, which are the engine of job creation and a major contributor to our GDP, is immeasurable.
Today, we are the fourth largest economy in Africa, having fallen from the number one position due to leadership failure over the years, including the persistent power crisis, which is critical when compared to smaller economies.
South Africa, which is now the largest economy in Africa with a GDP of about $400 billion and 30% of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts of electricity.
Secondly, Egypt, the second largest economy with a GDP of about $350 billion and half of our population, generates and distributes over 40,000 megawatts.
Algeria, the third largest economy, with about 300B GDP and 20% of our population, generates and distributes over 50,000 megawatts of electricity.
Nigeria, with less GDP but with more population than the 3 countries combined, generates and distributes less than 10,000 megawatts, and even that is riddled with frequent collapses and crises of failure.
This disparity in power generation is a reflection of the deep-rooted governance deficit that continue to hold back our growth and potential.
It is time for urgent, comprehensive reform. Nigerians deserve a government that prioritizes measurable indices of development.
A new Nigeria is POssible. PO.
INTRODUCING THE #ENDBADGOVERNANCE PROTEST CHECK IN FORM
We’ve launched a form where protesters can check in and check out daily to ensure that everyone returns home, or gets help if they fail to.
HOW IT WORKS:
1. Fill out the form with personal details.
2. Upload a picture of yourself showing your outfit for the day.
3. Agree or disagree to allowing us to post your name and picture online to find you, if your preferred contacts haven’t seen or heard from you since your last check-in.
4. You will receive an email receipt of your entry which you will use to edit and check out for the day.
5. If you fail to check out after 12 hours of your last entry, then we will reach out to your family.
6. We advise you to check out when you’ve returned home.
7. Your privacy remains protected.
8. If you get arrested at home, ensure that someone around you takes down the location where they are taking you and the plate number of the vehicle. If you have access to your phone, please post an SOS on any social media platform you use or have someone post on your behalf.
If you do not permit us to find you online, we will only reach out to your contacts via phone or text to confirm your safety but won’t post about it online.
Here’s a link to the form.
https://t.co/MaRfbOc2JD
This form won’t be active until August 1, 2024, so any entries you make before then won’t be recorded, but we encourage you to give it a try.
We will host a space on Saturday morning to walk you through this form or answer any questions you have. Please look out for the space link in the next thread.
I sincerely congratulate @Keir_Starmer, and the Labour Party UK on the landslide victory they recorded in Thursday's election. May the victory translate to a better and new chapter for all the UK residents as you remain committed to your electoral promises.