Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), has pledged to raise Nigeria’s electricity generation and distribution capacity to at least 10,000 megawatts within four years if elected president in 2027.
Obi made the promise on Saturday after emerging as the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
The former Anambra governor said Nigeria’s electricity crisis remains one of the biggest obstacles to economic growth and industrial development.
“Nigeria today is the nation with the highest number of citizens lacking access to electricity globally,” he said.
“We currently generate and distribute a mere 4,000 megawatts of electricity for a population exceeding 200 million.”
Obi compared Nigeria’s power output with that of other African countries, arguing that the gap has continued to undermine productivity.
“Comparable nations worldwide, including several African peers such as South Africa and Egypt, each generate and distribute over 40,000 megawatts despite having less than half of our population,” he said.
“This considerable power shortfall continues to cripple businesses, choke industries and stall overall economic growth.”
The NDC candidate said his administration would prioritise investment in the power sector.
“Over the next four years, I commit to ensuring a minimum increase to 10,000 megawatts in power generation and distribution,” he said.
EMPLOYMENT
On employment, Obi said Nigeria’s official unemployment figures do not reflect the country’s economic realities.
“The current official unemployment rate of four percent grossly misrepresents the true situation,” he said.
“Actual underemployment and unemployment in Nigeria exceed 30 percent, with youth unemployment sitting at over 40 percent.”
He said his government would support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) through tax incentives, low-interest financing and targeted funding.
“We will aggressively support the growth of MSMEs through targeted tax incentives, special interest rates and accessible funding,” he said.
Obi said the intervention would focus on sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, entertainment, sports and distribution.
The former governor also pledged to reduce corruption and the cost of governance.
“Nigerians will witness a tangible and verifiable reduction in corruption and the baseline costs associated with governance,” he said.
“Public resources will be managed with absolute transparency, prudence and accountability.”
On the rule of law, Obi promised strict adherence to constitutional principles.
“The rule of law will be fiercely upheld and adherence to it will be sacrosanct for both government officials and citizens alike,” he said.
He also pledged to strengthen democratic institutions and protect opposition politics.
“Our democracy will exemplify true governance of the people, by the people and for the people, completely free from interference by the ruling party,” he said.
“Under my leadership, democracy will be pursued with integrity, fairness and transparency.”
