The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has urged the Nigerian government to investigate the recurring collapse of the national power grid.
In a statement issued on Friday, MURIC’s Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, emphasized the importance of resolving what he referred to as Nigeria’s “culture of darkness.”
“It will be recalled that the national grid collapsed for the second time in just two days, on Tuesday, November 5, and Thursday, November 7, 2024,” Akintola stated.
He expressed deep concern, highlighting that consistent and reliable electricity is essential for Nigeria’s industrial and technological advancement.
“We cannot achieve technological success without stable, around-the-clock electricity. Nigeria’s ongoing power crisis will continue to cripple the economy if left unaddressed.”
Akintola underscored that stable electricity is fundamental not only to economic growth but also to health, education, IT, security, and entertainment.
He cited a report by Standard Chartered, which found that Nigeria loses an estimated $26 billion annually due to power failures. “Something must be done to halt this colossal waste,” he urged.
The power crisis, according to MURIC, has severe social implications as well. Due to power issues, industries that should be employing young Nigerians have shut down, leaving many job seekers without employment.
Akintola warned of the link between joblessness and increased crime rates, stressing that reliable electricity could address this by creating job opportunities.
Akintola noted that Tuesday’s collapse was the tenth incident this year, which he called “one collapse too many.”
He indicated that Nigerians are beginning to suspect inefficiency, corruption, or even sabotage in the power sector.
“Whatever it may be, Nigerians deserve transparency, and the government has a duty to investigate.”
MURIC called on the government to launch a comprehensive probe into the power sector’s failures. “Even if heads have to roll, so be it,” Akintola declared.
He questioned why the national grid remains unstable despite the government’s expenditure of ₦29.3 billion to repair 266 vandalized electricity towers nationwide.
In closing, Akintola affirmed MURIC’s commitment to the welfare of all Nigerians.
“Our vision for Nigeria is a nation enjoying technological progress, free from hunger and homelessness, where peace and harmony reign, and where all citizens enjoy their fundamental rights regardless of class, creed, or ethnicity.”
