By Stephen Simon
A retired judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Taiwo Obafemi Taiwo, has expressed concern over Nigeria’s persistent electricity challenges and the worsening economic conditions facing millions of citizens.
In a rare social media post on Wednesday, the former judge took to his Facebook page to lament the poor power supply across the country, accusing authorities of failing to prioritise the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
Justice Taiwo said his frustration was triggered after his inverter shut down in the early hours of the morning despite having paid for electricity units through a licensed distribution company.
“It is 4 a.m. now. Our inverter shut down exactly 15 minutes ago. This means we have not had electricity despite paying for units purchased from one of the accredited distribution companies. This has been the trend for a long time,” he wrote.
The retired jurist criticised what he described as the silence of those in positions of authority and individuals who can afford alternative sources of power, such as diesel-powered generators.
According to him, many public officials and wealthy individuals are insulated from the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians because they either have access to free fuel supplies or can afford the high cost of diesel.
“Millions of people are forgotten by those in charge of providing electricity because they can afford to buy power alternatives or are supplied free of charge. It appears the government is not prioritising electricity for the people,” he stated.
Justice Taiwo also decried the rising cost of living, noting that the prices of food items and essential goods continue to increase while many citizens struggle to cope with economic hardship.
He questioned why Nigeria, despite its abundant resources, continues to grapple with inadequate power supply and heavy dependence on generators.
“For how long are we going to depend on generators in this country? For how long will we remain at the mercy of those profiting from the sale and distribution of generators?” he asked.
The former judge further challenged public officials to reflect on the state of electricity supply in Nigeria, especially when compared with more stable power systems in other countries.
He urged those in authority to show greater compassion towards citizens who cannot afford alternative energy sources, stressing that access to reliable electricity remains critical to economic growth and improved living standards.
Justice Taiwo, before his appointment to the Federal High Court Bench, was an active member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA). He served as Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch and later as Second Vice President of the association.
His comments come amid continuing public concerns over electricity supply, rising energy costs and the broader cost-of-living challenges facing Nigerians.
