National Assembly Member for Banjul Central, Hon. Abdoulie Njai, has described citizens’ demands for electricity and accountability as legitimate, while urging them to express their frustrations through peaceful protests.
Speaking during the Matter of the Day debate at the Third and Fourth Ordinary Sessions of the 2026 Legislative Year, Njai raised concerns over the country’s longstanding electricity challenges, noting that the problem has persisted for nearly five decades despite successive reforms, investments, and interventions.
“Since 1977, from UEC to NAWEC, we have witnessed reforms, restructuring, investments and successive interventions aimed at resolving our electricity challenges. Successive governments have made efforts, resources have been committed, and plans have been developed, yet nearly five decades later, the crisis remains with us,” he said.
Njai questioned why decades of interventions had failed to deliver a reliable and sustainable electricity system for Gambians. He pointed to reports of blackouts lasting up to 30 hours in some communities, adding that NAWEC itself has acknowledged the deficit in power supply.
“Thousands of our fellow citizens have taken to the streets. The situation is serious, and our people’s frustrations are understandable,” he stated.
The Banjul Central lawmaker also acknowledged measures taken by President Adama Barrow’s government in response to public concerns, including the establishment of a task force and visits to NAWEC facilities. However, he stressed that genuine accountability and long-term solutions are needed to end the cycle of crisis.
Njai’s remarks come at a time of heightened public frustration, with many Gambians demanding both improved electricity supply and greater transparency in governance. His call for peaceful protests underscores the importance of civic engagement while maintaining national stability
