Nigeria’s quest for reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply has long been a significant challenge, with the country’s electricity grid plagued by repeated collapses and failures. These grid collapses have become a recurring phenomenon, causing widespread blackouts and disrupting the daily lives and economic activities of millions of Nigerians.
For the umpteenth time, Nigeria experienced another blackout caused by grid failure again on November 5 and 7, 2024. Said to be the 10th in less than two years and fourth in one month, the frequency of national grid collapse has equally become a national embarrassment and a disgrace to a country so endowed with various sources of generating electricity. There are 23 generating stations in Nigeria, yet the grid has collapsed at least105 times in the last 10 years.
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed that the November 5 incident was caused by a fire in one of the power plants, which resulted in ‘sharp drops in frequency’ while Enugu Electricity Distribution Company reported a total system collapse that catalysed the grid failure, reducing power generation down to zero before peaking at 27MW out of the daily average of 4,200MW.
Coming shorty after the North suffered untold hardship of 10 days of darkness after the October 14 and 15, 2024 grid failure, it bears repeating that the power sub-sector is the most vulnerable of the country’s critical infrastructure architecture. The grid failure then was caused by vandalisation, theft and bandits’ control of the Shiroro part of Niger state.
The economic toll of this extended blackout was staggering. Businesses, industries, and essential services were crippled, resulting in massive financial losses estimated to be in billions of naira. Hospitals, schools, and other critical infrastructure were severely affected, compromising the delivery of essential services. The lack of power also disrupted water supply, telecommunications, and other vital utilities, compounding the hardship faced by the population.
At the heart of this persistent problem lies a confluence of factors that have collectively undermined the stability and resilience of Nigeria’s power sector. One of the primary drivers is the inadequate generation capacity to meet the country’s growing demand for electricity. Nigeria’s installed electricity generation capacity, which stands at around 13,000MW, is woefully insufficient to cater to the needs of its population of over 200 million people. This mismatch between supply and demand places immense pressure on the grid, rendering it vulnerable to system overloads and eventual collapse.
Compounding this issue is the aging and poorly maintained infrastructure that underpins the country’s transmission and distribution networks. Much of Nigeria’s power infrastructure has deteriorated over the years due to a lack of sustained investment and proper maintenance. Outdated transformers, dilapidated transmission lines, and inadequate substations all contribute to the grid’s fragility, making it more susceptible to failures and blackouts.
The electricity sector in Nigeria has also grappled with the persistent problem of vandalism and sabotage, and lately insecurity caused by banditry and insurgency in the North. The targeting of critical power assets, such as pipelines and transmission towers, by unscrupulous individuals or groups has become a significant threat to the grid’s stability.
The lack of sufficient investment in the power sector has exacerbated these challenges. Over the years, both public and private sector investments in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure has been insufficient or inadequate, hindering the sector’s ability to keep pace with the growing demand.
To address the persistent challenge of grid collapses and ensure a more reliable and resilient electricity supply, Nigeria must prioritise the expansion and modernisation of its power generation capacity. This can be achieved through the diversification of the energy mix, with a greater emphasis on renewable sources, such as solar and wind power, to reduce the over-reliance on gas-fired generation. The rehabilitation and upgrading of the transmission and distribution infrastructure must be a top priority.
Addressing the issue of vandalism and sabotage is another crucial element in securing the electricity grid. Strengthening physical security measures, such as the deployment of surveillance systems and the implementation of deterrent strategies, can help protect critical power assets from unauthorised interference. Additionally, the government should work closely with local communities to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility over the power infrastructure, encouraging their participation in the prevention and reporting of such acts.
Improving the governance and regulatory frameworks governing the power sector is also essential. Enhancing institutional capacities, streamlining decision-making processes, and fostering greater transparency and accountability can create a more conducive environment for investment, innovation, and efficient operations.
The promotion of decentralised solutions, such as off-grid and mini-grid systems, can play a vital role in expanding access to reliable electricity, particularly in underserved communities. These localised, renewable-based systems can provide a cushion against grid failures and offer a more resilient and sustainable power supply option for the population.
Ultimately, the successful resolution of the persistent grid collapse challenge is not only crucial for the country’s economic development and the well-being of its people but also vital for the preservation of its strategic national assets and the advancement of its long-term aspirations as a leading African nation.