- The Federal Government plans to establish a decentralised national grid to prevent widespread power outages and address outdated infrastructure issues in the electricity sector.
- Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, urged states to implement the new ₦70,000 minimum wage, emphasising the federal government’s commitment to fair worker compensation.
The Federal Government has indicated plans to create a decentralised national grid to prevent widespread power outages in the event of issues with the central grid. Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu spoke to the press following a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, emphasising that outdated infrastructure is a significant cause of grid failures in the country.
Adelabu explained that establishing state or regional grids could help isolate problems, preventing them from impacting the entire national grid. He noted that the current grid is over 50 years old, with ageing transmission lines and substations. For instance, the transformer that exploded at the Jebba plant was 47 years old. He likened the situation to driving a rickety car, where breakdowns are expected occasionally.
To address the challenges, Adelabu mentioned ongoing efforts to improve the grid, including developing a “super grid” as a backup system. He also highlighted the need for a regional approach, with each state having its grid to enhance reliability.
On the issue of persistent blackouts in the northern states, the Minister stated that the President had directed the National Security Adviser to protect the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to repair vandalised facilities. The leading cause of disruptions in electricity supply to 17 northern states has been identified as vandalism of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line. The TCN is prepared to restore this line, and security arrangements are now in place to facilitate this work.
Additionally, the government is exploring alternative power sources for the north, including solar energy initiatives, which would help lessen the reliance on the national grid. Each of the 19 northern states could benefit from embedded solar utilities, allowing for a more stable power supply.
Regarding compensation for recent blackouts, Adelabu confirmed that customers would not be billed during periods of outage, as discussions are underway with the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies to ensure this.
In a related matter, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, called on states that have not yet implemented the new ₦70,000 minimum wage to do so immediately. He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to fair wages for workers, noting that some states have already begun to comply, with a few exceeding the new wage standard.
Akume highlighted the establishment of a tripartite committee early in President Tinubu’s administration to address wage adjustments, which included representatives from the federal government, state governors, and the private sector. He expressed optimism that all states would soon honour their obligations to implement the new minimum wage.