By Tony Okafor
The frequent collapse of Nigeria’s national grid leaves millions in darkness and economic despair, highlighting the urgent need for drastic energy sector reforms.
Years of neglect, inadequate investment, poor management, and corruption have turned the grid into a ticking time bomb.
The consequences are dire, crippling socio-economic activities nationwide.
It’s a paradox that Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, struggles to provide reliable electricity despite having an installed capacity of 6,000 MW, with 67% being thermal and the rest hydro-based.
Damning statistics include 35 annual system collapses, 5,000 megawatts generated against 13,000 megawatts capacity, and 30% transmission losses.
The Federal Government must act. Upgrading infrastructure, increasing power generation, and improving transmission and distribution are critical.
Smart grid technologies and decentralized power generation can prevent future collapses.
However, technical solutions alone are insufficient. Strengthening regulatory oversight, enforcing standards, fighting corruption, and penalizing inefficiency ensure accountability .
Voltage instability is a major concern, contributing significantly to system collapses .
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) must compel distribution companies to perform.
We urge President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to declare an energy sector emergency and convene a national stakeholders’ summit.
Economic growth means little without reliable electricity.
The grid’s collapse is a national embarrassment. It’s time for action to build a reliable, efficient, and sustainable energy sector powering Nigeria’s progress.
