For a couple of years now and still present, cattle herding has been on the discussion table in Nigeria. Herders have travelled with their cattle reaching almost all parts of the country, bearing the reputation of destroying people’s farmlands and livelihood sources, hence, laying the government’s connotation of the crisis (the farmers/herders crisis) on a debate table.
Many persons have also lost their lives protecting their land against what is widely believed as herders’ invasion.
Although some leaders in Nigeria are strongly against the decision to grant herders license to patrol around the country and feed as they please, others have joined voices with the administrative power to support the free movement of these herders and their cattle.
Only recently, an argument was made over the spare parts business owners being similar to cattle herders, seemingly because one can easily find spare part traders in all parts of the country.
Quite many arguments can arise from this view; however, my argument is from a different angle.
Nigerian citizens have seen the zeal of those in power to ensure the free flow of business for cattle herders. The question is, if the same zeal is utilised in Nigeria’s electricity sector, wouldn’t its economy blossom?
Businesses in Nigeria have suffered huge setbacks and losses; some have even folded up due to the lack of a stable power supply. Many business ideas generated by creative minds have been put on hold because the country cannot boast a steady electricity supply.
Yesterday, NERC announced a drop in electricity generation figures owing to the infrastructural deficit and load rejection by distribution companies.
If the energy put into ensuring herders’ business growth is the same energy used to restructure Nigeria’s crippling power sector, then stories of load rejection and the infrastructural deficit would not be heard. Citizens would enjoy adequate supply, businesses would grow, and the country’s GDP would soar.
It is time to be fair and channel the energy in the right direction.