A VOP analyst, Dr Peter Anosike, on Monday, criticised the Federal Government of Nigeria for exporting electricity to Togo while domestic power supply remains inadequate.
In an interview on VOPFM’s Frontpage Review, Dr Anosike highlighted the disconnect between government priorities and the electricity needs of Nigerian citizens.
“This is a case of somebody who is starving and dashing others’ food,” Dr Anosike said in reference to the Togo electricity deal.
He also criticised what he called the administration’s “Profit over People” approach.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is treating Nigerians as customers and not as citizens… ” You make a profit from them… and not giving us anything back,” Dr Anosike said.
Increased electricity imports from Nigeria
The Togolese government recently moved to increase electricity imports from Nigeria by 75 megawatts.
Dr Anosike pointed out the stark disparity between domestic electricity generation and local demand, noting that Nigeria produces approximately 4,000 megawatts for over 200 million people. In comparison, a single city like Lagos alone requires about 3,000 megawatts for a consistent supply.
The expert argues that exporting electricity under these circumstances prioritizes foreign-exchange profits over meeting Nigerians’ basic energy needs.
Dr Anosike’s critique adds a moral and economic dimension to debates over the government’s neoliberal reforms.
By labelling the administration’s approach as “transactional,” he suggests that prioritising exports over domestic welfare risks fueling public dissatisfaction and potential labour unrest.
Trade unions and civil society groups may intensify pressure on the government to ensure that domestic electricity provision is stabilized before further exports are pursued.
Background
Nigeria’s power sector has long struggled with inadequate generation, distribution inefficiencies, and infrastructural challenges.
Critics argue that the government’s recent focus on exporting power to neighbouring countries exemplifies a governance model that prioritises short-term gains over citizens’ welfare, raising ethical and economic questions about national resource management.
Discover more from VOICE OF THE PEOPLE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
