Obasanjo Advocates for Private Sector-Led Energy Reform in Nigeria

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for a fundamental shift in how Nigeria manages its power sector, asserting that the government alone is incapable of resolving the country’s long-standing electricity challenges. Speaking at the Youth Governance Dialogue held at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, the former leader suggested that the energy sector requires a transition similar to the one that revolutionized Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

The Case for Private Sector Control

According to the report by Channels Television, Obasanjo argued that the government’s historical attempts to manage power have fallen short. He stated, “Until we put energy in the hands of the private sector, we won’t solve it,” drawing a direct comparison to the liberalization of the telecom sector, which saw significant growth after being opened to private operators.

Obasanjo emphasized that energy is a critical driver for national development, lamenting the lack of sufficient progress in the sector. While he did not provide specific timelines or policy blueprints, his remarks highlight a growing discourse on the necessity of structural reform to stabilize the national grid.

Empowering Youth Through Innovation

The dialogue also featured insights from other speakers, including Oluwaseun Obasanjo, who encouraged young Nigerians to view the country’s infrastructure gaps as opportunities for innovation. He noted that Nigeria’s large consumer market makes it an attractive destination for foreign businesses, and he challenged local youth to develop homegrown solutions that can compete on a global scale.

“Every problem we have is an opportunity to have innovation,” he remarked, urging young people to leverage artificial intelligence and modern technology to improve productivity. He warned that those who fail to adapt to these digital tools risk being left behind in an increasingly competitive economy.

Evidence-Based Advocacy in Governance

Dr. Ayodele Aderinwale, a mentor at the event, provided a roadmap for young Nigerians looking to influence public policy. He argued that effective civic engagement requires moving beyond emotional appeals and protests toward data-driven advocacy.

Aderinwale advised youth to:

• Study public budgets: Understand the breakdown of capital expenditure versus personnel costs and track actual releases against approved budgets.
• Gather verifiable facts: When engaging with government officials, present costed alternatives and data-backed proposals rather than mere complaints.
• Join established institutions: Participate in political parties, professional associations, and trade unions to build sustained influence rather than focusing solely on election-cycle rallies.

By mastering the mechanics of institutional management—such as accounting, meeting procedures, and leadership transitions—young people can better position themselves to negotiate effectively with government authorities.

Conclusion

The dialogue underscored a dual approach to national development: the need for high-level structural reforms in critical sectors like energy, and the necessity for a more informed, tech-savvy, and organized youth population. While the former president’s call for privatization reflects a long-standing debate on economic policy, the advice provided to the youth emphasizes the importance of competence and institutional participation in shaping Nigeria’s future.

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p class=”vbna-source-note”>Source: Channels Television

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