The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu has linked Nigeria’s recent grid collapse to vandalism and poor maintenance.
Committee chair Nafisat Ali, detailed incidents like equipment explosions, urging improved grid security.
Adelabu pledged to review and submit recommendations to President Tinubu.
In the heart of Abuja, on Wednesday, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu received a report on Nigeria’s frequent grid collapses.
The findings revealed that vandalism, theft, and poor maintenance were major contributors to the ongoing power failures.
Adelabu explained that, most notably, many of the collapses in 2024 were caused by criminal activity, with thieves targeting key power equipment.
Moreover, he highlighted the lack of proper maintenance, which had left the power grid vulnerable to damage.
“The Federal Government is taking this matter seriously,” he said, stressing the need for immediate action to address the issue.
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Furthermore, the six-member committee, chaired by, Executive Director of the Independent System Operator (ISO), Nafisat Ali identified specific causes of recent collapses.
These included the destruction of lightning arrestors at Jebba and Oshogbo transmission stations on October 14, and an explosion at Jebba Station on October 19.
In response, the committee proposed several solutions, including a review of the grid’s relay systems, better training for staff, and testing of critical equipment.
Additionally, Ali noted that implementing some recommendations would require financial backing, and the government would address these needs in the 2025 budget or through supplementary funds.
Despite these challenges, she commended the teams for their swift response, ensuring no outage lasted longer than 24 hours.
Finally, Adelabu promised to review the report, make necessary amendments, and submit it to President Bola Tinubu for further action.
The government remains committed to improving Nigeria’s power grid.
