The Traffic

"Nigeria's Power Grid Crisis: Why More Blackouts Are on the Horizon Despite Government Overhaul Plans"

By Achimi Muktar

Nigeria’s national power grid has collapsed yet again—marking the 11th breakdown this year—and experts warn it might not be the last. Despite the government’s ambitious promises to overhaul the ailing infrastructure, concerns are mounting that the country’s power woes could persist, leaving millions in the dark.

The Federal Government, in a bid to address the root causes of these frequent blackouts, has ordered the immediate replacement of outdated equipment and a full-scale implementation of recommendations aimed at stabilizing the grid. Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has pledged that these measures will be in place within six months.

"The recommendations are far-reaching and will offer lasting solutions to the embarrassing power outages plaguing the country," Adelabu’s spokesperson, Bolaji Tunji, said in a statement. The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant agencies have been tasked with fast-tracking these solutions.

Ongoing Repairs, But More Collapses Expected

Despite these efforts, the TCN has warned that ongoing repair works on critical infrastructure might cause further collapses. A recent grid disturbance occurred on Thursday, November 7, 2024, due to a sudden rise in frequency, plunging parts of the country into darkness. TCN’s spokesperson, Ndidi Mbah, revealed that while some regions like Abuja saw power restored within 28 minutes, many areas remain without electricity.

"This is likely not the last collapse," Mbah admitted, citing ongoing upgrades at key transmission lines and substations.

Root Causes: Poor Maintenance, Aged Equipment

An investigative panel set up to examine the cause of the grid failures revealed shocking lapses: poor maintenance, outdated equipment, and operational inefficiencies. The panel’s findings echo long-standing concerns about Nigeria’s aging power infrastructure, which struggles to keep up with growing demand.

Among the recommendations, the panel has called for immediate action, including replacing obsolete equipment, training maintenance staff, and introducing new technologies like Internet of Things (IoT) devices to monitor the grid.

$800 Million Power Substation Project Underway

To tackle these challenges, the government has allocated $800 million for new substations and distribution lines, a move aimed at boosting the capacity of Nigeria’s fragile power grid. However, experts say the distribution companies (DisCos) remain the weak link. The National Orientation Agency recently disclosed that DisCos are rejecting nearly a quarter of the power allocated to them, contributing to the grid’s instability.

Will These Fixes Be Enough?

While the government’s overhaul plan offers a glimmer of hope, the reality is more sobering. The TCN has warned that until critical infrastructure upgrades are completed, more blackouts are expected.

For now, Nigeria’s power grid remains in a precarious state, and millions of citizens are left wondering: how long before the lights finally stay on?