ABAKALIKI, Nigeria (FN), Nigerian activist Stephanie Shaakaa has sounded a stark warning that the country “cannot grow in darkness,” as persistent electricity shortages continue to cripple Africa’s largest economy. Her remarks have sparked widespread debate among citizens, policymakers, and industry leaders, highlighting the urgency of reform in the nation’s troubled power sector.
Nigeria, with an installed electricity capacity of about 13,000 megawatts, often delivers less than 4,000 megawatts to its more than 200 million people. Frequent grid collapses leave homes and businesses in blackout, forcing reliance on costly diesel generators. Economists say the crisis has stifled industrial growth, discouraged foreign investment, and driven up inflation.
Shaakaa’s statement quickly gained traction online, with hashtags such as LightUpNigeria trending across social media platforms. “We are tired of being called the Generator Republic,” one Twitter user wrote. On Facebook, small business owners shared stories of shuttered shops and mounting losses due to unreliable power supply.
Government officials insist reforms are underway, pointing to renewable energy projects and privatization efforts. But critics argue progress has been slow. Some lawmakers have called for declaring a state of emergency in the power sector, while governors in Lagos and Kano are exploring independent power projects to bypass federal grid failures.
Stakeholders across industries echoed Shaakaa’s concerns. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria warned that industries cannot survive on generators alone. Health leaders reported surgeries conducted under torchlight, describing the situation as “national sabotage.” Energy experts say Nigeria’s abundant solar, hydro, and wind resources remain largely untapped due to poor leadership and weak infrastructure.
Shaakaa’s words have become a rallying cry for reform. “Electricity is not a luxury, it is the foundation of modern life,” she said. “Without power, Nigeria cannot grow.”
