Power failure costs Nigeria jobs, investments — APFFLON

By Providence Ayanfeoluwa The Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has challenged the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, to translate recent assurances on electricity sector reforms into visible improvements in power supply. The group maintained that Nigerians can no longer afford the economic consequences of persistent electricity failures. In a statement signed by its National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite, on Tuesday, APFFLON described the electricity crisis as one of the biggest impediments to Nigeria’s economic growth, industrialisation and investment drive. According to him, no nation can build a globally competitive economy while grappling with chronic power shortages. He stated: “No nation can build a globally competitive economy while operating in darkness. Stable electricity is not a luxury—it is the foundation upon which industries grow, investors gain confidence, jobs are created and businesses flourish. “The cost of inadequate electricity is being paid daily by manufacturers, freight forwarders, importers, exporters and ordinary Nigerians. Businesses are shutting down, investors are relocating to countries with more reliable infrastructure, and unemployment continues to rise.” Ogunojemite lamented that businesses across the country still rely heavily on diesel and petrol generators to sustain operations, a situation that has significantly increased production costs and weakened the competitiveness of Nigerian enterprises. He noted that the cost of doing business in Nigeria remains among the highest on the African continent, largely because of inadequate electricity supply. “The Minister has an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy. Nigerians will judge this administration not by the number of conferences held or policies announced, but by whether electricity becomes stable, affordable and accessible”.