By 9jaeye 
Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate, has voiced concerns over Nigeria’s repeated national grid collapses, highlighting the dire need for a stable power supply. In a series of tweets on Wednesday, Atiku addressed the country’s sixth grid failure of the year, which plunged millions into darkness and exposed ongoing vulnerabilities in Nigeria’s power infrastructure. He labeled the situation as “one collapse too many” and called for innovative solutions to overhaul the sector.
Atiku’s proposal includes establishing an Infrastructure Debt Fund (IDF) with an initial investment capacity of approximately $20 billion, aimed at financing substantial infrastructure projects, particularly in the power sector. He suggested that the IDF would attract both local and international private investment, which he sees as essential for Nigeria’s economic progress. Furthermore, Atiku proposed creating an Infrastructure Development Credit Guarantee Agency, which would work alongside the IDF to reduce investment risks, making the sector more attractive to investors.
A Longstanding Issue
The power sector’s instability remains a major challenge for Nigeria, with grid failures disrupting businesses, affecting homes, and driving up operational costs. The recent grid collapse on Monday and a subsequent failure on Tuesday morning have raised public frustration, especially among business owners who rely on electricity for daily operations. According to industry data, Nigeria’s grid has collapsed over 100 times in the last decade, reflecting deep-rooted structural issues within the sector.
Response and Criticism
Atiku’s call for action has stirred a mixed response. While some welcome his approach to include private sector funding, others have expressed skepticism. Activist Omoyele Sowore criticized Atiku, linking the former Vice President to past mismanagement in the power sector during his tenure in the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. In response, Atiku emphasized that his plans are forward-looking, focusing on creating solutions that would reduce dependency on an unreliable national grid and ensure consistent power for Nigerian homes and businesses.
The Need for Urgent Reforms
Experts warn that without substantial upgrades, grid failures will continue to affect the nation’s economic stability. Atiku stressed that electricity stability is crucial, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are often hit hardest by power outages. His push for targeted reforms reflects growing concerns about Nigeria’s energy crisis and its impact on economic growth and productivity. The next steps, he suggested, should involve legislative adjustments to encourage investment and secure lasting improvements in the power sector.
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