Electricity shortages hinder Africa's industrial growth and competitiveness, Schneider Electric warns
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Schneider Electric has highlighted that persistent power shortages and unreliable electricity supply are significantly impeding manufacturing growth and industrial competitiveness across Africa. The company stated that inadequate energy infrastructure constrains the continent's drive toward industrialization, digital transformation, and regional trade expansion, despite initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area. Ajibola Akindele, General Manager, Anglophone Africa, at Schneider Electric, emphasized that energy is fundamental to development pathways, from industrial growth to digital transformation and urbanization. He noted that nearly 600 million people in Africa lack electricity, with Nigeria alone accounting for over 80 million. This situation is not merely an infrastructure deficit but a productivity ceiling limiting industrial output. Akindele also pointed out a major financing gap, with Africa requiring an estimated $200 billion annually to achieve energy access goals by 2030, while current investments are around $110 billion. He identified the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure, alongside the push for industrial localization under AfCFTA, as forces increasing pressure on West Africa's energy systems. Manufacturers in West Africa heavily rely on diesel generators due to grid instability, increasing costs and reducing competitiveness. Akindele argued that addressing the energy challenge requires not only expanding generat
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Must ReadThe House of Representatives has summoned National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence Gen Christopher Musa, and his finance counterpart Taiwo Oyedele for questioning regarding the increase in kidnappings across parts of Nigeria. The House is seeking details on funds released to the Ministry of Defence over the past six months and an explanation for the lack of corresponding improvements in nationwide security. This resolution followed a motion by Mr Sulaiman Gumi, representing Gummi/Bukkuyum Federal Constituency of Zamfara State, who highlighted severe insecurity in Zamfara and other North-West states. He cited incidents including the killing of 93 people and the abduction of students and lecturers in June 2026, as well as other attacks in Sokoto, Katsina, Kaduna, and Kano states. Lawmakers also proposed establishing state police, revisiting the cashless policy to hinder ransom payments, and strictly regulating Bureau De Change operators. The House urged the defence minister to deploy adequate security personnel and equipment to Zamfara and the North-West and called on other ministers to explore non-kinetic approaches to address security challenges. The Committee on Defence and other relevant committees are mandated to ensure compliance and report back within two weeks.
Retired officers of the Nigeria Police Force, under the Police Retired Officers Forum of Nigeria, have appealed to President Bola Tinubu to sign the Police Exit Bill into law. They argue that the current Contributory Pension Scheme has led to inadequate pensions and gratuities, causing suffering for over 30,000 retired officers. The National Coordinator, CSP Raphael Irowainu retd, stated that the bill, passed by the National Assembly in December 2025, seeks to exempt the Nigeria Police Force from the Contributory Pension Scheme, similar to other federal security agencies. He emphasized that the bill is a strategic national security investment, promoting fairness, justice, and improved welfare, which would enhance police performance and integrity. The forum recalled President Tinubu's past commitment to police welfare as Lagos State governor and urged him to extend this commitment nationally. The retirees view exiting the scheme as an investment that will improve professionalism, reduce corruption, and boost public confidence in law enforcement. The group has threatened a nationwide peaceful protest if the bill is not signed into law by June 22, 2026.
Must ReadProfessor Rufus Akinyele, Vice-Chancellor of Maranatha University, stated that Nigeria's domestic challenges are diminishing its global influence. He made these remarks while reviewing a compendium titled “Governance Crises and Contradictions in Nigeria’s Relations,” a festschrift honoring Professor Solomon Akinboye, former Dean of the School of Postgraduate Studies, University of Lagos. Akinyele noted that Nigeria, once a "big brother" on the African continent, has lost this position due to internal issues, including the exclusion of women from governance, which he attributed to godfatherism and consensus candidacy. Guest lecturer Alade Fawole, speaking on "Nigeria–US Relations in an Unstable World Order," urged Nigerians to recognize threats to the country's sovereignty and to avoid discrediting the government, warning of long-term consequences. He emphasized the importance of citizens uniting to defend national sovereignty despite internal grievances. Former Senator Anthony Adefuye also spoke at the event, congratulating Professor Akinboye on his retirement and commending the University of Lagos leadership and students.