Nigeria’s Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has directed the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other relevant agencies to immediately implement the recommendations of the inter-agency committee to address the persistent national grid collapses.
The minister’s order comes after the national grid experienced its 11th collapse this year, causing widespread power outages across the country.
The investigative panel revealed that poor maintenance culture, inadequate and aged equipment, and other challenges are the underlying reasons for the incessant grid collapses. The panel outlined recommendations to be achieved in one month, six months, and one year, including reviewing relaying philosophy, capacity development for maintenance staff, and testing existing equipment.
In the short term, the committee recommended strengthening relay coordination, replacing aged equipment, and enhancing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition tools. Long-term solutions include promoting decentralized grid management, implementing full SCADA and Telecommunication upgrades, and modernizing grid infrastructure.
The TCN has begun addressing the identified weaknesses in the transmission system, including significant repair works on critical transmission lines and substations. However, the company warned that some degree of instability may persist until all major works are completed.
The Federal Government has committed $800 million to construct new substations and distribution lines under the Presidential Power Initiative. The government aims to provide 20 hours of daily electricity by 2027, contingent on sufficient investment in the oil and gas sector.
The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) has assured its customers that it is working diligently to restore normal power supply. The company’s franchise states, including Gombe, Bauchi, Benue, and Plateau, were affected by the power outage.
Dr. Friday Elijah, JEDC’s Head of Corporate Communications, appealed for patience and understanding from affected customers. The company is committed to providing reliable power supply and will continue to update customers on restoration efforts ¹.
