After roundly criticising the former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, for visiting Egypt to understudy that country’s functional power sector, as a run-off to the 2023 election, the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government is now eating the humble pie and says it will learn power generation and transmission from Egypt which it described as a role model in the sector.
The social media has gone agog with reactions berating the government for the moving.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, disclosed the government plan during a recent meeting in Abuja with the Egyptian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mohammed Fouad.
Adelabu’s spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, said on Sunday that the meeting centered on strengthening bilateral cooperation in energy expansion, with a focus on renewable energy and rural electrification.
A particular post on social media captured the mood of many critics. It reads: “The same Egypt that Peter Obi went to and the entire APC’s propaganda machine went (on) overdrive and called him all sorts of names. Even the Ronu rascals insulted him to high heavens. Is that the same Egypt you want to go? Ah, ah, now, make una get small shame at least after criticising Peter Obi for what you are about to do. Back to what Peter Obi did before the election, na now, una won study Egypt. Clueless government.
“Peter Obi went to Egypt the other day for understudying the Egyptian power system, he came back to give us feedback, many unfortunate people on here abused the day light from him. Today, APC couldn’t hide their shame anymore, they want to go to Egypt. Pls go to PO instead.
“Apparently, Peter Obi was more prepared than anyone to move this country forward from day one, but Ronus and Agbadorians had other plans. Ronu rascals should go and kneel before Peter Obi and tender an apology.
“Peter Obi a leader with foresight.”
Adelabu commended Egypt’s achievements in the energy sector, describing the country as a role model in energy infrastructure development.
He expressed Nigeria’s interest in learning from Egypt’s experience in energy generation, transmission, and distribution, adding that the success in Egypt led to the engagements with Siemens with a view towards stabilising Nigeria’s power sector.
“Egypt has made remarkable strides in energy transformation, and we are eager to collaborate and learn from your expertise. Our goal is to ensure reliable, stable, and affordable energy access for all Nigerians,” he added.
Adelabu highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to connect remote rural areas to power through renewable energy initiatives, citing the economic challenges of extending the national grid to these regions.
“Many rural areas cannot be connected to the grid due to economic constraints, but we cannot neglect them. Through our renewable energy programme, we are bridging this gap. We have secured significant investments, including $750m from the World Bank’s DARES project and an additional $190m from the Japan International Cooperation Agency to support this initiative,” Adelabu stated.
He emphasised Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric potential, expressing the government’s determination to harness these resources for sustainable energy access.
Speaking, Fouad expressed Egypt’s enthusiasm for collaborating with Nigeria, particularly in closing the metering gap and sharing best practices in energy access.
He emphasised the shared goals and mutual benefits of strengthening bilateral ties between the two nations.
“Nigeria and Egypt have much in common, and there is immense potential for collaboration in the energy sector. We are committed to working together to achieve sustainable energy solutions for both countries,” Fouad said.
● Additional report by The Punch.
