Nigeria produces oil but never had electricity — Kemi Badenoch

Leader of the United Kingdom Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has again lashed out at Nigeria’s governance record, describing the country’s long-standing electricity challenges as a consequence of poor public policy.

Badenoch, speaking on how her upbringing shaped her political beliefs, stated Nigeria’s vast natural resources had not translated into prosperity for its citizens.

“Nigeria is an oil-producing country that has never had electricity. It is very easy to have resources under the ground, but stupid public policy means that you can’t use them,” she said.

She also drew parallels between policies she opposes in the United Kingdom and the approach of past Nigerian military governments.

According to her, excessive government control and wealth redistribution policies often lead to economic decline.

Reflecting on her childhood in Nigeria, Badenoch said her experiences in a developing country continue to influence her views on governance and economic management.