Amanze Chinonye
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned Wednesday’s repeat collapse of the national electricity grid, warning that the recurring failures are crippling businesses, fuelling unemployment, and worsening poverty across the country.
The grid reportedly crashed on Wednesday, with power generation plunging from 2,917.83 megawatts at 11 a.m. to just 1.5 megawatts by midday. The Independent System Operator confirmed the steep decline, while the National Grid’s X handle announced that “system restoration is in progress.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA said the incessant grid failures were a symptom of deep rot in the electricity sector. The group accused the government of neglecting critical reforms and leaving citizens to pay high tariffs for services they barely receive.
“Every grid collapse means factories shut down, small businesses close their doors, hospitals struggle to keep life-support machines running, and schools are disrupted,” HURIWA said. “Those who cannot afford generators are plunged into darkness, while those who can are burdened with unbearable fuel costs. The multiplier effect is job losses and increased poverty.”
The association argued that while Nigerians face higher electricity tariffs, the service delivered falls short, describing it as exploitation. “People are paying for darkness, while also paying again for generator fuel,” it stated.
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HURIWA also took aim at the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, accusing him of prioritising his 2027 Oyo State governorship ambition over fixing the sector. “The Ministry of Power should not be a stepping stone for political office,” it said, calling on President Tinubu to replace Adelabu with a technocrat who can drive real reforms.
Energy experts have long identified the fragility of Nigeria’s national grid as a major obstacle to growth. Despite an installed capacity of over 13,000 megawatts, the country can barely transmit a third of it due to ageing infrastructure, gas shortages, and weak investments. This unreliability, they say, discourages foreign investors, inflates production costs, and contributes to unemployment.
For HURIWA, the latest collapse should be treated as a national emergency. The group urged government to upgrade transmission lines, expand substations, and diversify into renewable energy to ease pressure on the fragile grid.
“The recurring collapse of the grid has made Nigeria unattractive to investors. Industries are relocating, while local businesses are shutting down. Until urgent steps are taken, the country will continue to lose jobs and revenue,” it warned.
The civil society organiation further stressed that electricity is not just an economic issue but also a human rights concern. “Without power, hospitals cannot function properly, students cannot study effectively, and businesses cannot thrive. Nigerians deserve better than endless excuses.”
With millions of homes and businesses thrown into darkness on Wednesday, HURIWA said the blackout underscored the urgent need for a leadership reset in the power sector.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
