Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has observed that the ongoing electricity crisis in Nigeria has reached critical levels, particularly affecting the Southeast, Northwest, and Northeast regions, which have faced complete blackouts for the past three weeks.
In a post on his verified X handle on Saturday, he called for immediate government intervention to restore power in these distressed areas.
Atiku highlighted the necessity for the government agencies responsible for electricity to act swiftly, emphasizing that the current situation demands urgent measures to alleviate the suffering of affected citizens.
He reiterated his belief that his policy proposal, outlined in “My Covenant with Nigerians,” offers a comprehensive plan to address the nation’s long-standing energy challenges.
A key aspect of Atiku’s solution is the decentralization of the electricity sector. He advocates for removing the entire electricity value chain from the exclusive list, granting states the autonomy to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity independently.
“An industrial dispute in the capital should not hinder industrial activities across the nation,” he stated, pointing to the urgent need for localized energy solutions.
Atiku also stressed the importance of enhancing Nigeria’s energy infrastructure, calling for investments in both renewable and non-renewable energy sources. He proposed a strategic mix that includes hydro, solar, wind, biofuels, coal, and gas to diversify the country’s energy portfolio.
To facilitate the transition to a more resilient energy system, the former vice president recommended encouraging private investment in the development of mini-grid systems that could eventually integrate into a national super-grid. This, he argued, would provide a sustainable framework for energy distribution across Nigeria.
Credit: Nigerian Tribune