Egypt with 109.3 million people generates 14400mw while South Africa with 60 million people generates 50000mw. But Nigeria is battling to sustain 7000mw of electricity to serve over 200 million people.
So, the question is can 7000mw of electricity really drive Nigeria’s economic prosperity?
Poor infrastructure has been fingered as the reason Nigeria’s economic development plan is not working.
The truth, at times, we say is bitter, but it must be told for change or improvement to occur.
Have You Read: See What IMF Says Will Attract Investors To Nigeria
At the 35th Annual National Education Conference of the National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN).
Foreign Investors Will Not Come
The director general of NUTGTWN, Dr. Hamma Kwajafa, said that Nigeria’s drive for foreign investments won’t succeed without critical infrastructure like power in place.
He cited South Africa’s economy as an example of an economy that is doing better than Nigeria’s because of electricity.
Kwajafa said South Africa can boast of 50,000 megawatts of electricity, while Nigeria is battling with 7,000 megawatts of electricity.
He said: “This cannot drive a prosperous economy.
“We say Nigeria is the giant of Africa, but infrastructure is our biggest challenge.
“Go to South Africa, they have 50,000 megawatts of electricity for a population of 60 million people.
“We are 200 million in Nigeria, but only 7,000 megawatts. How can that work?
“Dealers of textile materials now buy polyester fabrics from China, but in Nigeria, they are asking us to use backward integration; that we have to buy cotton.
“Sadly, this polyester can be produced in Nigeria, but our refineries are not refining in Nigeria for us to get the raw material.
“The refineries are exporting jobs.
“Can you imagine having four refineries and none is working? But an individual, Dangote, could build a refinery.
Government Must Rise Up
“It is a fact that electricity is a key factor for growth in any country and a necessity for development.
“The government must stop hiding behind one finger and be truthful to itself and the citizens.
You May Also Like: NGX: ASI Dips By – 0.38% As Investors Trade ₦299m Shares
“There is so much potential in this country, but corruption is fast destroying everything.
“Until the issue of electricity is resolved foreign investors will keep seeing us as jokers in this country”.
