Nigeria’s national power grid has become a symbol of the country’s energy crisis. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria struggles with persistent blackouts stemming from repeated grid failures, paralyzing households, businesses, and industries. In recent years, grid collapses have become almost routine, with the entire nation experiencing multiple incidents annually, undermining hopes of a stable and reliable power supply.
The Frequency of Grid Collapses
It was been recorded that the national grid has collapsed on several counts in 2024; February 4th, March 28th, April 15th, July 16th, August 5th, October 14th, 15th, and 19th. Total blackouts and partial disruptions come in as the primary effects of these collapses. It is noteworthy that the impact of grid collapse is invariably downspiriting. Each grid collapse leaves millions without power, increasing hardship and driving up operational costs for businesses and consumers who must rely on expensive alternative sources of power, such as diesel generators.
Factors Behind Nigeria’s Grid Failures
Nigeria’s power grid collapse has over time grown to be a reoccurring decimal and the factors propelling such unfortunate incidences could be traced to technical, infrastructural, and operational issues that bring to the scene the frailty of the country’s power sector:
The aged infrastructural facility of the power sector tops the list as most transformers, transmission lines, and substation comes off as being victims of years of total oversight which in turn has become a barricade to steady power supply. Most of this infrastructure comes with an expiry date and must be changed or upgraded when necessary. There is an obvious misplacement of priorities in what should be done at the time with the funds allocated to the power sector. Amidst billions of funding, most projects embarked on do not address the genetic causes of power instability.
Nigeria with her over 200 million population generates just about 5000-6000 MW of electricity and this could be traced to the inability of the transmission companies to manage electricity that is way above. The obvious struggle to carry available power supply has also played a pivotal role in this instability. The glaring inefficiency and ill management across power agencies also give a hand in the recurring failures. The human-infused gaps between generation, transmission, and distribution companies exacerbate these issues, hence, frequent disruptions.
Finally, Nigeria’s reliance on gas-fired plants means that gas supply interruptions often destabilize power production, leading to reduced generation capacity and sometimes contributing to grid failures.
The Governments’ Reactions per Time
Intentional steps to reform Nigeria’s power sector have been taken by successive governments with plans to stabilize the grid, but their impact has been limited. The federal government’s pilot phase of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI), also known as the Siemens power project, has almost been completed, with the installation and commissioning of five out of 10 power transformers completed. The program is aimed at upgrading the grid’s capacity to 25,000 megawatts by 2025. However, this project has faced delays and funding issues.
The government initiated the privatization and regulation of the power sector in 2013 with the sole aim of driving efficiency and private investment. Yet, most distribution companies (DisCos) continue to struggle with debt and operational inefficiency. The Managing Director/CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Engr. Dr, Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz confirmed in a recent interview that the DisCos lack the capacity to transmit more than 5,000 MW and called for the upgrade of their grids.
There is a surge of interest in renewable energy sources to decentralize Nigeria’s power supply. Programs promoting solar mini-grids and independent power plants aim to reduce reliance on the national grid, though these initiatives are still in their early stages and yet to be fully explored. The government has also announced various plans to stabilize the gas supply to power plants, but challenges in infrastructure and operational efficiency persist.
Experts Stance and Critiques
Critics believe that the numbering interventions are grossly insufficient, noting the government’s heavy focus on infrastructure without addressing systemic issues. Experts emphasize that any long-term solution must tackle governance, regulatory, and investment challenges.
According to industry analysts, the privatization model also requires a recap to ensure that distribution and generation companies have the capital and expertise needed to stabilize the grid. Advocacy groups suggest that Nigeria’s reliance on a centralized grid is unsustainable in the long term, pushing for a decentralized system that can support rural areas and provide reliable, localized power.
Recommendations to Stabilise Power Generation, Transmission, and Distribution
To ensure a sustainable energy future for Nigeria, a multipronged approach is essential. Here are some actionable recommendations:
Modernise the Grid Infrastructure
Immediate investment in transmission lines, substations, and grid control systems is critical to improve the reliability of power delivery. This infrastructure upgrade should be prioritized to reduce technical faults and manage higher power loads effectively.
Enhance Gas Supply to Power Plants: As gas remains Nigeria’s primary energy source, an integrated strategy for steady gas supply, transportation, and storage is crucial. This strategy should include incentives for gas production companies to increase supply to power plants and policies that reduce supply disruptions.
Invest in Decentralised Power Solutions
Nigeria should adopt a more decentralized approach to power generation, using renewable energy sources like solar and wind to support rural and underserved communities. Mini-grids and independent power producers could complement the national grid, relieving pressure on transmission networks.
Implement Robust Governance and Oversight
Improving transparency and accountability in the power sector is essential. Regulatory bodies must ensure that all stakeholders comply with established standards and make it a priority to address issues like mismanagement, corruption, and operational inefficiencies.
Establish Financial Support and Incentives for DisCos
Distribution companies must be financially viable to maintain and expand their networks. A more flexible regulatory framework, alongside financial incentives and access to affordable capital, can help DisCos improve service delivery and reduce debt burdens.
Promote Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
To bridge the funding gap, the government should actively seek partnerships with local and international investors. These partnerships could bring in technical expertise and capital to improve grid stability.
Encourage Energy Efficiency and Demand Management
Reducing the strain on the grid also involves managing demand. Public awareness campaigns and incentives for energy-efficient appliances could significantly reduce power consumption, easing grid pressure.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s persistent power grid collapse is not just an infrastructural problem; it is a systemic issue that requires a holistic approach to resolve. Stabilizing the grid demands collaborative effort, substantial investment, and regulatory reform. By focusing on decentralization, efficiency, and transparency, Nigeria can finally begin to break the cycle of blackouts and build a reliable power supply that powers economic growth and development for its people.
Links for further reading:
https://www.arise.tv/nigeria-reports-progress-in-siemens-power-project-as-5-transformers-3-mobile-substations-installed/
https://www.channelstv.com/2024/10/14/international-customers-owe-nigeria-5-7m-electricity-debt-nerc/
https://punchng.com/power-generation-hits-three-year-high-of-5105mw/
https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/south-africa-energy
https://www.esi-africa.com/industry-sectors/transmission-and-distribution/electricity-exports-from-nigeria-to-neighbouring-countries-capped/
Author: Kosisochukwu Kingsley
Issues in the News
Top four stories on our thematic areas in Nigeria
Politics & Governance; At the Madison Square Garden Rally on Sunday, Trump repeatedly rammed home his plans to halt undocumented immigration and deport migrants he described as “vicious and bloodthirsty criminals”. Meanwhile, Vice President Kamala Harris said in Philadelphia that nobody should sit on the side-lines. “We are focused on the future and the needs of the American people,” she said. For more details:
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/28/us-election-8-days-left-what-polls-say-what-harris-and-trump-are-up-to
Education: The National President of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), Mohammed Ibrahim said its members and those of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU) embarked on the nationwide strike because they “have been pushed to the wall”.. According to him, the two groups eventually decided to embark on the strike as a last resort, after several attempts and meetings with government officials to resolve the challenges had hit the rocks.
The group commenced an indefinite nationwide strike within campuses of public universities on Sunday, to demand the immediate release of their four months’ withheld salaries. For more details: https://www.channelstv.com/2024/10/28/we-have-been-pushed-to-the-wall-ssanu-president-says-on-nationwide-strike/
Transport: The President and Chief Executive of Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, has expressed support for President Bola Tinubu’s energy transition drive from petroleum products to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG). At a recent event, the billionaire businessman said the company’s investments in CNG are also in line with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Agreement, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060.
“In this pursuit of transition to clean energy, we are optimistic of a remarkable accomplishment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as he has taken the lead in the nation’s drive towards energy efficiency. This presupposes private sector intervention to support this noble idea initiated by the President,” Dangote said. For more details: https://www.channelstv.com/2024/10/28/dangote-backs-tinubus-cng-drive-with-investment-in-trucks/
Health: Rotary International, a Non Governmental Organisation, underscore the need to reawaken the sub consciousness of Nigerians, and the world to support the campaign to end polio world wide and sustain the successes that have been achieved. For more details: https://von.gov.ng/rotary-international-advocates-sustained-efforts-to-end-polio-world-wide/
Regional Updates
Top stories from Benin, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger (BCCN)…
Benin: Benin’s President Patrice Talon on Wednesday pledged to prosecute and punish those responsible for the pre-election violence that erupted in the country’s central region, a day after he was re-elected with more than 86% of the vote.
Benin woke up on Wednesday after a very calm night, without violence, and without celebration. The re-election of Patrice Talon, who faced two candidates unknown to the general public, did not surprise many people in this West African country.
https://www.africanews.com/2021/04/14/benin-president-talon-hardens-his-tone-in-the-wake-of-his-re-election/
Cameroon: Cameroon bans media talk of President Paul Biya’s health amid rumours. he Cameroonian government should end its threats to sanction private media journalists who report on the condition and whereabouts of President Paul Biya, 91, who has not been seen publicly for over a month and has missed scheduled international engagements, the Committee to Protect Journalists said on Thursday. “The Cameroonian government should simply put the rumors to rest by arranging a public appearance
https://ground.news/article/cameroon-bans-media-talk-of-president-paul-biyas-health-amid-rumours
Niger: Niger is facing a severe food crisis, exacerbated by climate change and regional instability. The government is seeking international assistance to address the urgent humanitarian needs of its population
https://www.africanews.com/2024/10/28/niger-food-insecurity-crisis/
Chad:: Following the arrests, the Chadian government has issued a warning against further demonstrations, stating that actions leading to violence will not be tolerated. This comes after significant unrest linked to anti-French sentiments in the country.
https://www.africanews.com/2022/05/17/chad-arrests-opposition-leaders-over-anti-france-protest/
Disclaimer:
The insights, interpretations, and conclusions presented in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policies or positions of Athena Centre, its affiliates, or its Board of Trustees. The information contained in this publication is believed to be based on sources that are accurate and reliable; however, Athena Centre makes no claims or guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the data and assumes no legal liability or responsibility for any errors or omissions.
This report is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or an endorsement of any specific policies, individuals, agencies, or entities. Decisions based on the content of this report are the sole responsibility of the reader. Athena Centre advises readers to seek independent verification and professional counsel before making any decisions based on the information herein.
Athena Centre operates as an independent, non-partisan think tank in compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations, committed to promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability. Our mission is to conduct rigorous research and provide evidence-based recommendations that contribute to the development of a prosperous and forward-looking society in Nigeria.
To download the PDF version of this newsletter: