Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said Nigeria will continue to struggle with its electricity crisis unless the private sector takes greater control of the country’s power sector.

Obasanjo argued that government alone cannot resolve the persistent power challenges, urging Nigeria to adopt the approach used in transforming the telecommunications industry by transferring greater responsibility to private operators.

He made the remarks at the Youth Governance Dialogue, themed “African Youth and Renaissance”, held at the Youth Development Centre of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

According to the former president, government efforts to address the electricity crisis have yet to produce the desired results, just as its attempts to develop the telecommunications industry failed to achieve significant progress before private sector participation increased.

“Government has tried, just like government tried with telecommunications, until we put it in the hands of the private sector, we didn’t solve it.

“And I believe that until we put energy in the hands of the private sector, we won’t solve it,” he said.

Obasanjo described electricity as a critical driver of economic growth and national development, expressing concern over Nigeria’s limited progress in addressing its power challenges.

He, however, expressed optimism that young Nigerians with innovative business ideas and technological skills could contribute to finding lasting solutions to the crisis.

The former president urged young people interested in influencing governance and public policy to acquire the knowledge and competence needed to engage government institutions effectively.

Youths Urged To Embrace Innovation And Technology

Also speaking at the event, a resource person, Oluwaseun Obasanjo, encouraged Nigerian youths to embrace innovation, technology and entrepreneurship as tools for addressing the country’s developmental challenges.

He noted that Nigeria’s large population and consumer market presented significant opportunities for young entrepreneurs, despite challenges such as inadequate electricity and infrastructure.

He challenged young Nigerians to develop homegrown solutions capable of competing with foreign businesses seeking opportunities in the country’s growing market.

Oluwaseun also warned that young people who failed to embrace modern technology and artificial intelligence risked being left behind in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

He explained that although artificial intelligence could replace workers performing routine tasks, it could also improve productivity and business operations for those willing to adapt.

He encouraged young Nigerians to take advantage of free online learning resources, particularly YouTube, to acquire skills in marketing, software development, management and other professional fields.

Youths Told To Use Data To Influence Government Policies

Meanwhile, a mentor at the programme, Dr Ayodele Aderinwale, called on young Nigerians to strengthen their participation in governance through evidence-based advocacy, institutional development and sustained engagement with political and civic structures.

Aderinwale said young people seeking to influence government policies must move beyond complaints and demonstrations by presenting credible proposals supported by facts and data.

He stressed the importance of understanding government budgets and obtaining reliable information about public service delivery.

According to him, young advocates seeking to influence state budgets should examine allocations for capital expenditure and personnel costs, as well as differences between approved budgets and actual releases.

He also advised youths interested in education policy to understand conditions in public schools, including teachers’ salaries, infrastructure and access to basic facilities.

Aderinwale maintained that demands backed by verifiable information, relevant data and practical alternatives were more likely to attract meaningful engagement from government officials.

He further identified political parties, professional associations, trade unions, cooperatives, religious organisations, chambers of commerce, alumni networks and companies as platforms for sustained participation in governance.

He urged young Nigerians to become active members of established institutions rather than limiting their political participation to election campaigns and rallies.

The mentor also emphasised the importance of organisational management skills, including conducting meetings, keeping minutes, accounting for funds and ensuring smooth leadership transitions, in building sustainable institutions.