₦airaland Forum

Wow! Thought I would never come back to this!!! Now that I am able to get back to Nairaland, let's continue.

4) Power supply has worsened: When this government announced the privatization of the power section, I was amongst those who thought that at least Nigerians would have something to rejoice about this administration. However, my relief was short-lived. Why? Simply looking at the shadowy manner the bidding for the distribution companies was done and the fact that ALL (not most) of the new owners of NEPA had little or no technical know-how of such unbundled power companies are operated. While it is on record that the new owners partnered with technical companies who supposedly know about energy companies and how they operate, one of the basic rules of investment is that an investor doesn't invest in what they don't at least have a basic understanding of. Another thought that comes to mind is that of all the power companies in the world, Nigeria, with a population of over 170m people, could not attract one of them. That in itself is disturbing.

That aside, since the transfer to the new owners, have we as a nation really enjoyed increased power supply? In my area, it has been a case of the more you look, the less you see. The only time people really enjoy power supply is when PHCN officials want to come around to collect PHCN bills, the following week, the supply goes back to status quo. I laughed some months ago when a pdp chieftain said on national TV that in his locality they have almost 24 hrs power supply. It seems this government has become so cut off of reality that they no longer know where truth ends and falsehood begins

5) Increased unemployment: There has been too many people losing their jobs within the last 6 years. Virtually all key industries have had to cut jobs. Even industries which used to be seen as safe havens of employment are now experiencing so much economic/financial pressure that to survive they just have to let go of some of their members of staff. The fact that the big players in the Oil and Gas sector have to reduce their staff should be a warning that all is not uhuru and all this before the oil price went into free fall. Shell, Chevron, exxon mobil have all had to sell off part of their portfolio and this government has remained mum as if all is well. The question is why is all this happening and the answer is simple, the corruption in Nigeria today is making the environment less and less attractive to investors. While corruption is not new to our country (we are currently ranked the 33rd most corrupt country in the world and the 14th in Africa), corruption right now has simply gone haywire in this country.

6) Strikes, strikes and more strikes: Under this government, I can't remember a single sector that has not gone on strike. Isn't it just embarrassing that our dear president who is a PhD holder watched helplessly for months while the education sector was grounded by a needless ASUU strike. At a time when countries are increasing their investments in education, we are yet to find a solution to the decay in our educational system. I want a government who has a plan for how the future generations of this country would be educated and I don't think this government has convinced any one that it is that government. I read recently that ASUU is gearing up for another strike, I hope it is a rumor.