Chief Sunny Onuesoke, a prominent figure in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Delta State gubernatorial aspirant, has condemned the frequent collapses of Nigeria’s national grid, calling it a national embarrassment.
Onuesoke’s comments followed three separate national grid collapses within a single week, a pattern that has repeated several times in 2024 and in previous years. These incidents have raised widespread concern among Nigerians.
Speaking to journalists during a workshop on energy supply in Lagos, Onuesoke emphasized that the frequent grid failures pose a serious threat to national security and economic stability.
He highlighted the critical role of electricity in driving Nigeria’s economic growth and development.
He questioned how those responsible could explain the repeated collapses, especially when reliable electricity is vital to sustaining the nation’s economy and ensuring security.
ALSO READ:JUST IN: Again, national grid collapses
Onuesoke pointed out that these failures significantly damage Nigeria’s economy, hindering manufacturing and services, increasing household expenses, and stalling overall growth.
“The grid collapse reduces the ability of Nigerian businesses to compete internationally, forcing many firms to invest in expensive alternate power sources like generators, which inflate operational costs,” Onuesoke said.
“The service industry, particularly financial and technological sectors, also suffers, as constant electricity is essential for smooth operations.
Families, too, bear the brunt, as they are forced to rely on costly alternatives, which impacts household spending and further weakens the economy.”
Onuesoke urged immediate and long-term solutions to the energy crisis, criticizing state governors for not taking advantage of the Federal Government’s approval to construct independent power stations.
“Without electricity, there is no development. How many governors can claim to have built even 10% of their own power stations? None.
“Why are they still relying on the Federal Government despite being empowered to act?” he asked.
