- Grid collapses will continue due to insecurity and vandalism, but the government aims to reduce their frequency and restore power faster.
- An investment of N36 billion is planned for transformer distribution and revamping of five sub-stations across the six geopolitical zones.
- Failure to repair the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando line increases grid pressure, contributing to collapses. Vandalism is cited as a significant challenge.
The Federal Government has warned that frequent national grid collapses will continue because of unresolved insecurity and vandalism.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu delivered this message on January 13 during his appearance before the Senate Committee on Power, chaired by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, to defend the 2025 budget. Adelabu explained that the national grid remains fragile because the government has not repaired a key transmission line in the North due to insecurity.
He emphasised that while grid collapses will persist, the government aims to reduce their frequency and ensure quicker restoration. “Vandalism stands as one of the biggest obstacles in the power sector,” Adelabu noted.
The minister announced a plan to invest N36 billion to distribute transformers across the six geopolitical zones. This move will improve power distribution infrastructure and address systemic issues. Adelabu also unveiled plans to revamp five sub-stations nationwide in Phase 1 of an overhaul.
He pointed out that over seven million customers still face estimated billing, highlighting the need for significant improvements in the power sector.
Adelabu stated that failing to repair the Shiroro-Kaduna-Mando transmission line has worsened grid collapses. The line, vandalised in October 2024, remains down due to security concerns, adding pressure on the grid and increasing its vulnerability.
“The Kaduna-Shiroro-Mando line is one of two major lines supplying power to the North,” he explained. “While the Ugwuaji-Makurdi line, also hit by vandalism, has been repaired, the Shiroro-Mando line is still down. This leaves the grid overly reliant on one line, which increases the risk of collapses.”
He stressed the government’s commitment to shortening restoration times after collapses and highlighted the importance of working with security agencies to stop vandalism. Adelabu called for collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser, which is crucial to solving this issue.
Clarifying reports on grid performance in 2024, Adelabu stated that the country experienced eight collapses, not 12. Five were complete collapses, while three were partial. He linked three complete collapses to generation issues, where demand exceeded supply, causing grid imbalances. Two collapses resulted from vandalism.
“We inherited an old and weak grid system, but we are working hard to fix it,” Adelabu told lawmakers.
Despite these challenges, the minister assured that the government is strengthening the grid and reducing the impact of future collapses. He called for ongoing investments and greater collaboration with security agencies to stabilise the power sector.