Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has declared that Nigeria’s persistent electricity crisis will remain unresolved until the country fully transfers the management of its energy sector to private operators.
Speaking on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, during the Youth Governance Dialogue at the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL) in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the elder statesman argued that government-led management of the power sector has repeatedly proven ineffective.
Reflecting on past national reforms, Obasanjo drew a direct parallel to the successful transformation of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. He noted that the government had tried for years to manage telecommunications without success, maintaining that the issue was only resolved once control was placed firmly in the hands of the private sector.
He emphasized his firm belief that a similar private-sector approach is the only way to solve the nation’s energy predicament and drive national economic growth. Addressing the event’s central theme, “African Youth and Renaissance,” Obasanjo urged young entrepreneurs and innovators to adopt practical, data-driven technological solutions rather than relying solely on emotional complaints when engaging policymakers.
Drawing from his extensive experience on both sides of the governance table, he observed that while government officials listen politely to complaints, they actively negotiate when presented with data, costed alternatives, and a clear constituency.
He further encouraged youth advocates to maintain strict budget accountability by rigorously analyzing state allocations and tracking the disparity between approved capital expenditures and actual fund releases.
Sharing the stage, Ayodele Aderinwale, executive director and co-host of the dialogue, emphasized that youth participation in nation-building must extend far beyond political rallies.
Aderinwale urged young Nigerians to actively join established institutional platforms, including political parties, trade unions, professional bodies, and community associations, while mastering core governance skills such as fund accounting, meeting documentation, and executive leadership transitions.
