- The Nigerian government has apologised for recent power outages affecting 17 states due to the collapse of the national grid, which is over 50 years old and needs urgent upgrades.
- Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu announced plans to revamp the grid through initiatives like the Siemens project. At the same time, Vice-President Kashim Shettima called for decentralisation to empower states in electricity generation.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has apologised for the recent collapse of the national grid, which resulted in extended power outages across 17 states. During a courtesy visit to Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf on October 31, 2024, Minister of Power Chief Adebayo Adelabu expressed regret over the situation, labelling it “very unfortunate.” He explained that over 50 years old, the national grid suffers from outdated and dilapidated infrastructure, including weak lines and ageing substations.
Adelabu emphasised that many of the grid’s towers are deteriorating due to weather and climate change, indicating an urgent need for maintenance and upgrades. He noted that maintaining the current grid requires significant financial resources and stated, “We will continue to manage it to prevent frequent disturbances until we can fully overhaul this infrastructure.”
The Minister outlined the government’s plans to revamp the grid through several initiatives. Key among these is the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens project, currently underway.
This project aims to modernise Nigeria’s electricity infrastructure and improve supply reliability. Adelabu mentioned that the pilot phase of the Siemens project has recently concluded, involving the importation of 10 power transformers and mobile substations. He assured us that improvements would soon follow, with phase one of the Siemens project starting shortly.
In response to the power crisis, Governor Yusuf’s Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shehu Sagagi, reported that the state is completing work on two hydropower plants that will contribute to the local power supply. He highlighted the procurement of 500 transformers to enhance electricity distribution in the state and called for federal intervention to establish emergency mini-grid power plants.
During the National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, Vice-President Kashim Shettima stressed the need for a constitutional framework to empower states to generate and distribute electricity independently, helping to alleviate pressure on the national grid. He advocated leveraging renewable energy sources, particularly solar and mini-grids, to enhance energy access.
Shettima also highlighted Nigeria’s low ranking on the Human Capital Index, noting the urgent need to address life expectancy and educational attainment issues. Additionally, he updated the council on ongoing flood mitigation efforts and the need for comprehensive reporting from state governments.
The Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, provided an overview of national accounts and highlighted social protection measures benefiting 25 million Nigerians. The NEC addressed the flood crisis affecting over 1.3 million people, resolving to conduct an integrity review of the nation’s waterways and dams while urging the immediate submission of flood reports from states.