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Kenyan pan-Africanist and human rights advocate, Patrick Lumumba, has condemned Africa’s persistent failure to provide stable electricity, warning that poor energy supply is crippling the continent’s economic growth.
Speaking at the 2025 Independence Day Lecture and Awards Night in Lagos, Lumumba expressed frustration that such a fundamental need remains unmet.
“Electricity is not rocket science, yet we cannot provide it consistently. Who cursed us? Who bewitched us that we cannot do what must be done?” he asked.
He described Africa’s electricity supply as “epileptic,” noting frequent power outages in hotels and public spaces within an hour of arrival. Lumumba stressed that Africa cannot achieve its industrial and trade goals under the Africa Continental Free Trade Area without a reliable energy system.
Nigeria Must Lead Africa
Lumumba insisted that Nigeria, with its population and resources, must lead Africa’s economic transformation.
“Nigeria should be the economic leader. When Nigeria competes with South Africa or Egypt over GDP size, I laugh — it’s like two dwarfs arguing over who is taller,” he said.
He urged Nigeria to target a $2 trillion economy, arguing that the country has the capacity to achieve it. “What does Nigeria lack? Is its oil different from that of Saudi Arabia or Qatar?” he asked.
Lumumba called on Nigeria to spearhead continental energy integration through pipelines and infrastructure, but criticised the culture of endless “analysis and lamentation” that stalls progress.
Harnessing Demographic Power
Highlighting Nigeria’s demographic strength, Lumumba said the nation must assume leadership because of its population and intellectual potential.
“One in every five Africans is Nigerian. With a population approaching 350 million, Nigeria must rise to its responsibility,” he said.
He criticised frequent academic strikes, arguing that Nigerian universities should attract students from across Africa and generate revenue. He also urged the revival of a national airline, noting that aviation is essential for regional integration.
“If ASUU strikes had not occurred, we would study in Ibadan, Nsukka, and Lagos. How can a country like Nigeria lack a national airline? Air Peace and Ibom Air prove it is possible,” he added.
Call for Visa-Free Africa
Lumumba advocated visa-free travel across Africa, particularly within Nigeria, which he described as the continent’s “Mecca.”
“I look forward to a day when I visit Nigeria without needing a visa,” he said.
He reminded Africans that post-colonial states were designed to struggle and possibly fail. “The fact that we are celebrating 65 years of independence proves we have defied those predictions,” he said.
Lumumba urged Nigeria to lead reforms, noting that many former colonies — Africa’s “colonial age-mates” — have made greater progress.
End Lamentations, Act Now
Warning that Africa remains unstable, Lumumba cited conflicts in Sudan, Somalia, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, southern Cameroon, and insurgency-hit northern Nigeria.
“The continent is like an island surrounded by a sea of sorrow and desperation,” he said.
He urged African leaders to reform healthcare, governance, and the economy to create a united and prosperous future.
“We have lamented and agonised for too long. The time to act is now,” Lumumba concluded.
