Power Grid Collapses Are Inevitable, Says Federal Government

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has emphasized the necessity of establishing regional power grids to combat frequent grid collapses in Nigeria.

Speaking on Wednesday during the launch of Hexing Livoltek, an electricity meter manufacturing company in Lekki, Lagos State, Adelabu acknowledged that given the deteriorating state of the country’s power infrastructure, grid collapses are almost unavoidable.

He proposed that multiple power grids in different regions and states would promote stability in the power supply.

Adelabu explained that the decentralization of the power sector would facilitate the creation of regional grids, a process enabled by the Electricity Act signed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023. He stated, “This Electricity Act has decentralised power. It has allowed subnational governments, including state and local authorities, to participate in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. Relying solely on a single national grid means that disturbances can impact all 36 states. We need to shift towards having regional and potentially state grids, ensuring that if one grid faces issues, only that area is affected.”

He further highlighted that without adequate investment, grid collapses will persist. “We often discuss grid collapse, whether it’s total, partial, or a slight trip-off. Given the current state of our infrastructure, which is in disrepair, such issues are nearly inevitable. We will continue to face these challenges until we overhaul the entire system. Our focus now is on effective management,” he stated.

Adelabu noted that there had been no significant grid collapses in the past four months, except for a partial collapse earlier this week that lasted less than two hours. He underscored the importance of improving response times when issues occur and replacing outdated transformers, some of which are over 60 years old.

During the event, Adelabu praised Hexing Group for their substantial investment in Nigeria, especially as others are withdrawing from the market. He called the launch of the meter factory a significant milestone in creating a more efficient and equitable electricity sector, highlighting efforts to prioritize local content, generate jobs, and reduce reliance on imports.

Hexing Group’s CEO, Robert Liang, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s expansion into Nigeria, viewing it as a commitment to promoting clean energy in the country. “This is a proud moment for Hexing Group as we open our branch in Nigeria. It’s more than just an office; it’s a step toward a future where clean energy fuels the growth of this great nation,” Liang remarked, drawing on Hexing’s three decades of expertise in smart energy systems, solar technology, and digital infrastructure.

Nigeria News 247 reported that the national grid, which collapsed earlier this week, has been restored as of Wednesday evening.