National Grid Suffers Third Collapse In One Week

Data from the Nigerian system operator’s portal revealed that the national grid recorded zero megawatts (MW) as of 9:10 a.m. on Saturday, marking the third collapse within a week.So far in 2024, the national grid has collapsed eight times, with the first failure recorded on February 4.

Subsequent collapses occurred on March 28, April 15, July 6, and August 5. Nigerians also faced blackouts on October 14 and October 15.On May 1, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) reported a significant reduction in the frequency of system collapses.

According to TCN spokesperson Ndidi Mbah, grid disturbances have decreased by 76.47 percent over the last five years.

Commenting on the ongoing issues, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu attributed the frequent grid failures to outdated infrastructure. He emphasised that investing in power infrastructure is key to preventing future collapses. Adelabu also advocated for decentralising the power sector, suggesting that establishing multiple regional and state grids would prevent widespread outages when a disturbance occurs at the national grid.

The minister further explained that Nigeria’s reliance on a single national grid means that any disturbance affects all 36 states.

He noted that the new Electricity Act has decentralised power, enabling state and local governments to participate in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.