By Destiny Obinna
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has challenged President Bola Tinubu to explain the worsening electricity crisis in the country, questioning his administration’s commitment to its campaign promise of delivering 24-hour power supply.
The rights group also accused the Federal Government of failing to demonstrate the urgency, technical competence and political will required to address persistent electricity shortages, warning that prolonged blackouts are undermining businesses, healthcare delivery, education and household welfare.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, HURIWA said Nigerians continued to endure erratic electricity supply and rising electricity bills while government officials repeatedly offered explanations without providing sustainable solutions.The association recalled that Tinubu had promised during his political campaign to deliver 24-hour electricity, declaring that he would not seek re-election if he failed to fulfil the commitment.
It therefore challenged the President to explain whether the promise remained binding or was merely an electoral declaration.
Reacting to the recent explanation by the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, that electricity shortages resulted from scheduled maintenance at Egbin Power Station and gas supply constraints affecting thermal power plants, HURIWA described the development as evidence of the sector’s vulnerability to recurring disruptions.
The group said the minister’s assurance that affected generating units would be restored within 48 to 72 hours failed to address the underlying structural problems confronting the industry.
“Nigerians deserve a power sector managed through strategic planning, competent leadership, transparent investment and effective regulation, rather than repeated assurances that electricity would improve after every major disruption,” the association said.
HURIWA also questioned the criteria guiding political appointments in the power sector, arguing that professional qualifications, technical expertise and proven experience should take precedence over political loyalty and patronage.
It asked why a sector requiring specialised knowledge of electricity generation, transmission, distribution and gas supply should be treated as a platform for rewarding political allies.
According to the association, Nigeria needs experienced electricity-sector technocrats capable of coordinating reforms and providing effective institutional leadership.
The group, however, acknowledged that appointing a technocrat alone would not resolve all the industry’s structural challenges but said it would demonstrate a commitment to competence and national interest.
Beyond leadership concerns, HURIWA called for an independent forensic audit of power-sector expenditure, contracts, abandoned projects, transmission infrastructure and outstanding financial obligations.
It also questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported release of 98 out of 300 containers of transmission equipment allegedly stranded at the ports for nearly two decades.
The association demanded explanations about the ownership, procurement history and financial implications of the equipment, insisting that its release should not be presented as sufficient evidence of progress without accountability.
HURIWA further called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to strengthen accountability mechanisms around public investments in the electricity sector.
On consumer protection, the group condemned estimated and allegedly inflated electricity bills imposed on consumers despite prolonged power outages.
It urged regulatory authorities to hold electricity distribution companies accountable for the quality and quantity of electricity supplied to customers.
Among its demands, HURIWA asked Tinubu to undertake an urgent performance assessment of the Ministry of Power and relevant electricity institutions, establish measurable generation, transmission and distribution targets, and ensure that appointments are based on competence and integrity.
The association also called for a transparent audit of major power-sector investments and stronger protection for electricity consumers.
Warning that the crisis was threatening employment, industrial productivity and the survival of small and medium-scale enterprises, HURIWA said Nigerians could no longer bear the financial consequences of an inefficient electricity system without accountability from those responsible for its management.
It said: “The fundamental question is simple: if efficient electricity supply was important enough to become a major campaign promise, why is it no longer important enough to attract the urgency, competence and political will required to deliver it?”
HURIWA concluded: “Nigeria deserves electricity, not endless explanations. The time has come for President Tinubu to demonstrate that his government is serious about ending the power sector crisis.”
