The federal government has been urged to focus on local solutions to the country’s ongoing grid collapse, with a call for more self-reliance in the power sector. Mr. George Onafowokan, Managing Director of Coleman Wires and Cables Industries Limited, made this statement in response to the persistent issues surrounding Nigeria’s power grid and the government’s calls for investment opportunities in the sector.
Onafowokan emphasized the need to industrialize the power sector, stressing that local solutions and innovations should take precedence over foreign imports. He highlighted the importance of deregulating the power industry to create a more competitive environment that fosters growth and efficiency. Although he acknowledged that locally manufactured products might be costlier due to high production costs, he argued that long-term solutions depend on implementing policies that drive private-sector participation.
Onafowokan also pointed out the need to replace obsolete infrastructure, such as outdated wires and cables, and to ensure that all materials for transmission and power projects are sourced locally. He reassured that Nigeria has the capacity to meet and exceed its domestic needs, if the right investments are made. According to him, these challenges have persisted for years, and while he sympathized with the current government for inheriting these issues, he recognized that solving the electricity problem would take time and requires a long-term, sustained effort.
Reflecting on the country’s journey since returning to democracy, Onafowokan noted that although Nigeria made strides in the early years, complacency began to set in after several years, leading to stagnation in the development of the power sector. He reiterated that addressing Nigeria’s electricity challenges is not a task that can be completed overnight, but one that requires significant commitment and focus on homegrown solutions.
