- Nigeria remains energy-poor despite its vast and diverse energy resources.
- Poor governance and weak priorities continue to undermine productivity.
Nigeria continues to struggle with energy poverty despite possessing every known form of energy. Former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke says poor governance and weak priorities explain this contradiction. He argues that abundant resources are of little value without productivity and effective planning.
Duke made the remarks at the 2025 Annual Luncheon of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association held at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. He served as chairman and used the platform to question leadership decisions.
He explained that Nigeria’s national budget has remained stagnant for decades. Between 1979 and 1983, the budget averaged approximately $25 billion. At that time, the population stood near 75 million people. Today, Nigeria has over 230 million citizens. However, the budget still hovers around the same figure. Therefore, Duke linked this imbalance to the country’s deepening social and economic challenges.
According to him, governance should maximise citizen productivity within a secure environment. Unfortunately, Nigeria has failed to meet this responsibility. As a result, the country remains largely unproductive. Citizens now compete for limited opportunities despite vast natural and human resources.
To explain his governance focus, Duke introduced the acronym SHIT. It stands for Skills, Health, Infrastructure, and Technology. He stressed that these pillars drive productivity and growth. Without them, economic progress remains impossible.
Duke also criticised Nigeria’s energy management framework. He noted that the country holds hydrocarbon, solar, hydro, and solid mineral energy sources. Lithium and other modern energy minerals also exist in large quantities. Yet, Nigeria still battles energy shortages and high costs. Hence, he described the nation as a land of abundance that remains thirsty.
On fuel pricing, Duke dismissed the fuel subsidy narrative. He described it as a long-running scam. According to him, manipulation began during the military era. He explained that crude oil produces many valuable by-products. These include petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and kerosene. Selling most of them commercially should lower fuel costs significantly.
He added that recent fuel price drops signal hidden inefficiencies. Therefore, transparency remains vital in energy management. Duke stressed that affordable energy sits at the heart of development.
Beyond energy, he emphasised education and skills acquisition. He warned that neglect in these areas fuels unemployment and insecurity. Thus, sustainable development depends on productive citizens and effective governance.
Overall, Duke’s comments highlight the paradox of Nigeria’s energy poverty. Despite vast resources, poor leadership continues to limit progress.