Light Up Nigeria: Enough Is Enough · Global Voices
Elia Varela Serra

Despite being a country rich in oil, Nigeria's electricity supply situation is insufficient. “In most parts of the country, darkness pervades and generators have taken over as the source of power”, says Adebayo's blog. “When the power shuts down – which it does all the time – people sit in the dark or, if they’re lucky, fire up generators that cost the country $140 billion to fuel (add a chunk more for capital and maintenance costs)”, says David Steven at Global Dashboard. Adebayo adds:
But to explain or fathom the reasons why it is so complex. From the cartels who import generators, the contractors who fail to complete power projects, citizens who vandalize power lines and installations, languid attitude of government up to the manufacturers of the generators (in developed countries); all these have a vested interest in the continued failure of power
provision in Nigeria.
Now Nigerians have started a massive online demonstration against this frustrating situation on social media sites, especially on Twitter with the hashtag #lightupnigeria. There's also a Facebook group, with the following description:
Are you tired of the constant excuses being given for the incompetence of PHCN, we are forming this group as a voice for our generation. It is time for something to be done,the 7th oil producing nation is one of the world's worst electicity providers. The time has come, Nigeria belongs to all of us and if we do not speak out now,its the same burden we will all have to bear. So join,tell your friends, family andybody you can, enough is enough. Our voice may be small now but as the group grows and the word is spread, the government will hear our words and something will be done. LIGHT UP NIGERIA so progress in all the other sectors can advance also.
Energy is the engine that drives industrialization, which improves communication, helps innovation in science and Technology, provides sound healthcare delivery system and improves citizens’ standard of living. Since energy is the engine that drives industrialization, a sound energy policy would indirectly create jobs even in unexpected sectors.
Archiwiz at To fit or not to fit? commented on the campaign:
The hashtag itself will not do much if the responsible parties don't take notice and do the right thing, but this is a good first step. Awareness is always important when it comes to movements of change […]
So you ask, what is #lightupnigeria? The words that make up the tag are self explanatory to any Nigerian, or anyone that has spent a good two weeks in Nigeria and has experienced firsthand the impact of lack of electricity in Nigeria. I can give you a long laundry list of what we lose because of lack of electricity, but several things surface: money, time & productivity.
[…] This movement needs to get to get to the media and to the ears of our Nigerian leaders. We cannot continue to wink at our lack of electricity.
Here's a selection of some of the things people have been saying on Twitter as part of the #lightupnigeria campaign:
Olufunmike
Nigeria's economy can't change until we #lightupnigeria
imab
#lightupnigeria so that her 140million nigerians can say goodnight and really look forward to having one
Naijanews
the only thing to known to be stable in nigeria is darkness #lightupnigeria
edeanijames
the money we use to buy diesel for a year can pay 10 years light bills, so pls #lightupnigeria
aliceronke
#LightUpNigeria so that people don't go to work on weekends to iron!
drdammie
#lightupNigeria Nigerians leaders love darkness, cos the works of their hands are so dark, it cant stand no light
ricdizzle
#lightupnigeria cos wen there is no light at nite & i need to pee… aiming for that bowl has to be intuitive!! damn!
pheonixforever
have not had power for 4days now… #lightupnigeria pls
Naijanews
i'm planning to relocate to nigeria soon but plans to visit london every week just to charge my phone #lightupnigeria
Ebukalashnikov
It's 11pm, which means it's another night without electricity. Hopefully we can #lightupNigeria so that ‘Goodnights’ can actually be good!
ohdichi
#lightupnigeria because that's my country & my country deserves light
lowla360
As we fight 4 dis to work,i know u r all tired, but think about your kids, how much u want them 2 grow in a good environment/nation #lightupnigeria
abiolaalabi
i would be mighty ashamed if in future my kids called me d generator generation & i did nothing #lightupnigeria
edeanijames
it ain't right that at this time and age we dont’ have regular power supply #lightupnigeria
damilola
#lightupnigeria cos constant power supply should NOT be a luxury in 2009
archiwiz
The pollution from generators is stunting the brains of Nigeria's youth. Now many of us are no longer imaginative. Please #lightupnigeria!
Olufunmike
Obama's campaign didn't stop until a day before elections. Our #lightupnigeria campaign won't stop until 24/7 electricity. Tell ‘em
Ezeani
#lightupnigeria because we have the resources – both natural & man-made..what are we waiting for??
zpixel
Nobody will listen to #lightupnigeria by just twittering,u hve 2 kill somebody&tell d police u mistaken stabbed the fellow cz it was dark…
bubusn
Our greatest challenge isn't in Abuja. It is in ourselves. It is that voice that says: “This will all amount to nothing” #lightupnigeria
eldeethedon
The idea is to make a video in the dark expressing to the govt “we have had enuff”!! : http://bit.ly/XEDX9 #lightupnigeria