# Obasanjo Advocates for Private Sector-Led Energy Reform in Nigeria

- Link: https://viralbrief.top/obasanjo-advocates-for-private-sector-led-energy-reform-in-nigeria/
- Published: 2026-11-11T00:29:59+00:00
- Author: Olamide

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.

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## 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.

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## 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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Results

<

p class=”vbna-source-note”>**Source:** [Channels Television](https://www.channelstv.com/2026/11/10/we-wont-solve-power-crisis-until-private-sector-takes-over-says-obasanjo/)

  TL;DR (AI Generated)

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo stated that the government alone cannot
solve the country's electricity challenges and advocated for a private sector-led
energy reform.

During the Youth Governance Dialogue, other speakers encouraged young Nigerians 
to view national infrastructure gaps as opportunities for innovation using modern
technology.

Additionally, participants were advised to engage in data-driven advocacy and master
institutional mechanics to effectively influence public policy.

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