Concurring With Commentators Who Say Constant Electricity Can Solve Nigeria’s Concurrent Challenges

It is no more news to not a few dispassionate and non-partisan observers that Nigeria is currently facing a multitude of concurrent challenges that cut across various aspects of society and governance. Without sounding exaggerative in this context, the challenges no doubt transcend the realms of economic, security crises, and infrastructure and service delivery. Without a doubt, these challenges are interconnected and have negatively been impacting on Nigeria’s development and stability.

Against the backdrop of the challenges, particularly as they are intertwined, not a few commentators hold the view that constant electricity supply across the country can solve the concurrent challenges.

For instance, a professional colleague, Akin (not realname) at a popular bar in Ogba in Lagos the other day expressed the sentiment, resulting to not a few people who heard him at the rendezvous dismissed his somewhat assumption with wave of the hands as they unanimously chide him, and chorused that he is unintelligent. One of his knockers was blunt in casting aspersions at him as he scolded him, “E be like say drink don dey catch you?”

The reason for the unanimous pooh-poohing of his comment cannot be farfetched as he is no doubt a happy go lucky man; and going by his naughty disposition, and even as he is tacitly partisan despite being a Journalist that ought to be on the middle-of-the-road when it comes to politics, no one takes his comments serious on diverse national issues as he is always seen to be biased and notalways being objective.

Notwithstanding his personality, given the understanding that there is wisdom in listening to the message rather than the messenger, I dispassionately pondered on the substance of Akin’s sentiment, and concurred with his view, rather than completely dismissing his view like others did, I saw him as a messenger, and realized that his comment was literarily loaded with facts.

Without denying the fact, constant electricity in Nigeria can help in addressing the concurrent challenges facing other sectors of the economy as it could have a transformativeimpact on various sectors of the economy.

Reason for the foregoing view cannot be farfetched as constant electricity supply can have a profound domino effect on Nigeria’s economy through several interconnected pathways.

First and foremost, constant electricity is capable of catalyzing Nigeria’s industrial growth as a reliable electricity supply is crucial for the operation and expansion of industries. In fact, with constant power, industries can run more efficiently, reduce production costs, and increase output. This can lead to a boost in the manufacturing sector, which is essential for economic diversification and job creation.

Worse still, the prevalent power crisis in Nigeria is capable of discouraging foreign investment, particularly as investors are more likely to invest in a country with stable infrastructure. The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as constant electricity can attract foreign direct investment, leading to new businesses and technologies that can stimulate economic growth.

On what benefit is constant electricity is to the people, there is no denying the fact that it can lead to improvement in quality of life as access to electricity improves the quality of life of the people as it powers essential services such as healthcare, education, and communication. This, in turn, can lead to a more productive workforce.

In a similar vein, constant electricity can boost technological advancement. This can be understood from perspective of the fact that it can lead to the adoption of modern technologies in various sectors, including agriculture, and increased productivity through mechanization and irrigation systems.

Most feasible of all is that stable power supply can enhance reduction in operating costs. This is as businesses and households which currently rely on expensive alternatives like generators would be relieved the agonies and pains of bearing extra costs on power. In fact, constant electricity would significantly reduce these costs, increase disposable income and savings, and in turn reinvested into the economy.

Again, stable power no doubt increases environmental sustainability. The reason for the foregoing cannot be farfetched as it would discourage the rampant use of generators with their attendant fumes, and by that, Nigeria can reduce its carbon footprint and address environmental concerns, which is increasingly becoming a global economic consideration.

In summary, constant electricity acts as a catalyst for economic growth, touching every aspect of the economy from industrial output to environmental sustainability. In fact, it is a foundational element that can trigger a positive cycle of growth and development for Nigeria.

Given the foregoing basket of benefits that are inherent in constant electricity, one is no doubt swayed to concur with commentators, like Akin, who say constant electricity can solve Nigeria’s concurrent challenges.