The Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye, has urged the Federal Government to solve the recurring problem of power supply for economic development.
Olumakaiye gave the advice on Wednesday at the ongoing 1st Session of the 34th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos entitled “The unfailing faith of our fathers: Ever sufficient”, at Our Saviour’s Church, Lagos.
According to him, electricity plays a pivotal role in the socio-economic development of the nation.
He said: “Electricity consumption in Nigeria is far above the supply.
“This has made the country suffer acute perennial electricity problem, which has been identified as hindrance to the nation’s economic prosperity and national development.
“Research has confirmed a strong correlation between electricity supply and socio-economic development of every nation.
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“Presently the installed power generation capacity in Nigeria is 12,522MW, out of which 10,592MW is gas fired, while 1,930 is from hydro.
“The maximum peak generation by power plant as at last year is put in the region of 4,083 MW.
“When we put this figure side by side the nation’s estimated population of about 180 million people, it could only mean that we still have a long way to go,’’
According to Olumakaiye, if the government is able to tackle the problem of power supply, citizens will live better, small scale businesses will thrive, industries relocating to neighbouring countries will stay.
He noted that as industries and small businesses began to thrive, it would boost employment generation, youth unemployment would reduce drastically, youth unrest would reduce and crime rate would go down.
The cleric said that “any country that solves the problem of power supply will definitely win the people’s admiration and loyalty.’’
Olumakaiye urged the Federal Government to re-consider the overall security situation in the country and focus on the country’s porous borders.
“Our borders are so porous, which allows unchecked illegal migration of insurgents from neighbouring Sahel and Gulf region of Guinea.
“The menace of irregular or illegal migrants must stop.
“Maybe it is time for the Federal Government to look into the possibility of reviewing the EU and ECOWAS treaties. Nigeria cannot remain borderless,” he said.
The cleric commended President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration for ensuring relative peace and security of lives and property during the just-concluded general elections. (NAN)