After many days of blackouts across the country, incessant grid failures and accompanying financial losses, the federal government appears to be thinking outside the box. Through new long-term initiatives to overcome grid collapse, the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, said the government is “working actively to ensure rapid infrastructure development in the sector and has initiated two programmes: the Presidential Power Initiative, which has operationalised an additional 600MW wheeling capacity in the last year, and the Presidential Metering Initiative, which aims to supply two million meters by the end of this year to reduce estimated billing practices in the sector.

“For our long-term strategies, we are finalising plans to develop a super grid project that will enable a more robust and resilient grid system. We will also work alongside subnational governments as they develop their embedded power generation portfolio based on a least-cost approach to reduce their dependence on the central grid,” the minister said at Jericho Business Club in Ibadan, Oyo state.

In our solution-based editorial earlier this month, after the grid collapsed for the 10th time during President Bola Tinubu’s less than two years in office, we identified challenges causing incessant grid failure and suggested solutions.

At the heart of this persistent problem lies a confluence of factors that have collectively undermined the stability and resilience of Nigeria’s power sector. One primary driver is the inadequate generation capacity to meet the country’s growing electricity demand. Nigeria’s installed electricity generation capacity, which stands at around 13,000 megawatts (MW), is woefully insufficient to serve its population of over 200 million people. This mismatch between supply and demand places immense pressure on the grid, making it vulnerable to system overloads and eventual collapse.

Compounding this issue is the aging and poorly maintained infrastructure underpinning the country’s transmission and distribution networks. Much of Nigeria’s power infrastructure has deteriorated over the years due to inadequate sustained investment and proper maintenance. Outdated transformers, dilapidated transmission lines, and insufficient substations all contribute to the grid’s fragility, making it more susceptible to failures and blackouts.

The electricity sector in Nigeria has also grappled with persistent vandalism, sabotage, and lately, insecurity caused by banditry and insurgency in the North. The targeting of critical power assets, such as pipelines and transmission towers, by unscrupulous individuals or groups has become a significant threat to grid stability.

The lack of sufficient investment in the power sector has exacerbated these challenges. Over the years, both public and private sector investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure has been inadequate, hindering the sector’s ability to keep pace with growing demand. We welcome the new initiatives not only because they align with our admonitions to government but also because they represent the right course of action.

The minister highlighted the enactment of the 2023 Electricity Act, signed into law by President Tinubu, calling it “an unprecedented groundbreaking legislation that represents a major shift in how we regulate and manage electricity in Nigeria. For the first time, state governments have been brought into the fold, empowering them to establish and manage their own electricity markets.”

Chief Adelabu disclosed that “ten State Electricity Markets, including Oyo state, are developing their state electricity market, enabling us to create a more decentralised, responsive, and competitive electricity supply industry. This decentralisation is key to fostering innovation, driving investment, and delivering greater energy security for our state,” again aligning with our editorial’s emphasis on sector diversification for greater benefit.

To address persistent grid collapses and ensure more reliable electricity supply, Nigeria must prioritise expanding and modernising its power generation capacity through energy mix diversification, emphasising renewable sources like solar and wind power to reduce over-reliance on gas-fired generation. The rehabilitation and upgrading of transmission and distribution infrastructure must be prioritised.

The government should work closely with local communities to foster ownership and responsibility over power infrastructure, as demonstrated by Adelabu’s vision of states developing their own “electricity market.”

Improving governance and regulatory frameworks in the power sector is essential. Enhanced institutional capacities, streamlined decision-making processes, and greater transparency and accountability can create a more conducive environment for investment, innovation, and efficient operations.

The promotion of decentralised solutions, such as off-grid and mini-grid systems, can expand access to reliable electricity, particularly in underserved communities. These localised, renewable-based systems can provide protection against grid failures and offer more resilient and sustainable power supply options.

It is encouraging that Minister Adelabu has implemented some suggestions from Blueprint’s earlier submissions, and we hope that more recommendations will be adopted over time. This also demonstrates that President Tinubu is a listening leader who values the media’s agenda-setting role. (Blueprint Editorial)