The consistent collapse of the power grid has raised concern, sending millions of households, businesses, and industries into darkness for the eighth time in 2024. This continued breakdown pattern has driven deep frustration and concern among citizens, who urgently need effective solutions to a longstanding energy crisis. For many, this latest collapse has renewed questions about the state’s ability to deliver reliable electricity, leaving homes and businesses across major cities scrambling to cope with the repercussions. Over the last ten years, the national grid has faced about 105 collapses, leading to a progressively unreliable Power Supply that has frustrated people nationwide.
Although the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has made notable attempts to stabilise the distribution network, recurrent outages remain a problem, highlighting persistent issues that have not been resolved despite the infusion of billions in loans. Under President Bola Tinubu’s administration alone, Nigeria has secured over $1 billion in international funding to revamp the energy sector. Notable contributions include a $750 million World Bank Loan through the Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) project, launched in December 2023, and a $500 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) approved in July 2024. Yet, with each grid collapse, the effectiveness of these loans and the steps taken to stabilise the distribution network are increasingly questioned.
Adelabu urges regional grids to reduce national electricity failures.
Moreover, the recent outage has affected key areas nationwide, disrupting economic activity, impacting public services, and straining businesses. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has sounded the alarm regarding the increase in distribution network disruptions, noting the negative effects on progress in stabilising the grid and tackling Infrastructure challenges. The Commission emphasises the importance of reassessing the grid’s stability, as it plays a crucial part in supplying energy to enterprises and stimulating Economic Growth in Africa’s most populous economy.
Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, expressed the critical need to establish regional grids to reduce the impact of potential national distribution network failures. During the launch of Hexing Livoltek, he emphasised that these regional systems could decrease the likelihood of extensive power outages. He further also pointed out that the poor condition of the country’s energy infrastructure makes collapses challenging to avoid in the short term, illustrating the depth of infrastructural decay and the need for significant investment. According to Adelabu, achieving a reliable energy supply entails more than temporary solutions; it requires comprehensive reform and a revamped strategy for energy management.
Citizens voiced their frustration widely across social media platforms.
Concerned about ongoing power outages, the public has expressed their frustrations openly, with many individuals utilising Social Media platforms to share their discontent. They are mobilising for reform, condemning the government’s failure to ensure a reliable energy supply despite significant funding. This widespread discontent highlights a collective feeling that the electricity sector has not delivered on its commitments to enhance infrastructure in recent years. Adding to the challenge, the TCN has disclosed recent acts of vandalism that jeopardise the distribution network’s stability. Two towers on the 330KV Shiroro-Kaduna transmission lines were recently compromised by these acts, hindering the TCN’s efforts to ensure reliable energy distribution across the country.
However, the TCN has assured that restoration work is in progress and anticipates power will be returned shortly; On the other hand, this event serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting essential infrastructure from potential threats. In light of these challenges, there are growing demands for the government to focus on upgrading Nigeria’s electrical systems. A comprehensive renovation of the existing distribution network, along with the suggested establishment of local grids, might help mitigate the recurrent outages and enhance stable electricity access for millions.
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Lastly, experts stress that these enhancements need to go beyond short-term fixes to tackle the underlying problems of insufficient funding and stagnant policies that have impeded progress in the energy industry. In the long run, tackling this problem is crucial for maintaining the nation’s economic growth goals and enhancing people’s quality of life. A promising future hinges on establishing a reliable, contemporary, and effective electrical grid capable of supporting the country’s expansion and freeing citizens from regular power outages.