Experts and electricity consumers have attributed the incessant collapse of the national grid to ageing infrastructure, poor maintenance culture, corruption, acts of vandalism and possibly sabotage.
The respondents, in a survey conducted Osun, Ondo and Ekiti states, said that the collapse of the national grid a total of 105 times within 10 years and three times in October 2024 was horrifying.
They implored the federal government to privatise power generation and transmission as well as allow states’ involvement in the power sector.
Mr. Sadiq Adewale, a former Southwest Vice -President of the National Union of Electricity Employee (NUEE), attributed the incessant collapse of the national grid to either acts of vandalism by hoodlum or deliberate sabotage.
Adewale explained that when there was more demand to what was supplied or vice -versa, such could also result to grid collapsed, if not properly checked or handled.
He said that necessary mechanisms have been put in place by the authorities to ascertain the reason(s) for the incessant grid collapse.
“We are monitoring the situation to ascertain the cause of the persistent national grid collapse whether it is an act of sabotage or not.
Adewale also said that all hands were on desk to prevent the recurring incidence of the collapse.
Also, Mrs. Kikelomo Owoeye, the Senior Communication Officer of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Osun Region, said that only the National Control Center (NCC) could adduce reasons for the collapse of the national grid.
Owoeye said that the electricity distribution companies do not have control over the national grid, but only distribute what was transmitted to them.
She expressed optimism that all hands were on deck to ensure that the situation was addressed for effective operations and service delivery.
However, Dr Enoruwa Obayiuwana, a lecturer at Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, urged the federal government to hand over power generation to private organisations to stop the persistent collapse of the national grid.
Obayiuwana, who noted that most of the power generating equipment were very old and ageing, said that what the equipment needed was preventive maintenance and not maintenance after grid failure.
According to him, there is a problem of poor investment in power generation and federal government has not really invested in building new power stations over the years.
“Nigeria’s population is growing with more commercial activities, whereas there is low investment in power generation for sufficient power to match demands.
“And when there is disruption or imbalance in power generated and power demanded, there is going to be heavy burden on the transmissions and heavy collapse.
“There is going to be grid instability which can lead to frequent voltage imbalance through power demand mismanagement or when having faulty equipment.
“Sabotage through cutting of electrical and high-tension cables, stealing transformer equipment or devices is another possible reason”, he said.
Obayiuwana, however, called for independent power generation by state government to reduce the pressure on the federal government.
Meanwhile, Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says the state is working towards generating its own electricity and will also distribute it to neighbouring states when achieved.
Adeleke said this recently in Ilesa, at the inauguration of the construction of the Obokun 33KV feeder line, a project expected to enhance electricity supply in the state.
The governor said that the state had a robust plan to transform its energy and electricity market through appropriate policy and legislation.
Adeleke said that the state had a draft electricity bill and policy which would expand power generation and distribution.
“As a government committed to the welfare of the people, it is our focus to bring economic light to the people of the state.
“The policy and the bill when finally passed and signed into law will change the face of Osun electricity space.
“Being so blessed with many rivers and solar assets, we will generate our electricity.
“We will issue licences to those capable of generating electricity and we will regulate our power distributor, the Ibadan disco.
“We are acting fast in the energy space because power supply is an engine room of economic growth,” he said.
Electricity consumers and business owners in the state, however, said that the persistent collapse was having negative impact on their businesses and daily living.
Mrs Kehinde Ayinde, a frozen food seller, said that she relied heavily on electricity for her business.
She said that whenever there was power outage for more than 12 hours, her frozen business always suffers for it.
“The last power outage as a result of national grid collapse cost me over N250,000.
“This is because all my frozen food got spoilt and I am yet to recover from it,” Ayinde said
She appealed to government to do everything possible to put a stop to the incessant collapse of the national grid.
Similarly, business owners and electricity consumers in Ekiti have deplored the incessant collapse of the national grid.
Respondents implored the Federal Government to find lasting solutions to the problem.
Also, Mrs. Lola Ojo said that the federal and state governments should not only invest in upgrading existing facilities for power generation, but also invest in renewable energy sources.
Mrs. Olufolake Dada, said it appeared some saboteurs were at work, trying to destroy every genuine intention of government, saying action should be taken against anyone, found wanting.
An electrical and electronic technician, Mr. Oluwaseun Olubunmi, urged the Federal government to diversify to solar energy to improve electricity supply in Nigeria.
Olubunmi, an electrical consultant, said problems of overload, outdated infrastructure and vandalism often caused grid instability, and blackout.
The electrical expert explained that components of a power grid can trip anytime and shut off when a load is high.
Olubunmi noted that if alternative power generating sources are not developed by the federal government, Nigerians would continue to experience poor electricity supply.
He listed problems associated with grid collapse, to inadequacy of gas supply, improper coordination of plants and gas pipelines and poor generation capacity.
Meanwhile, the Ekiti State Government says it has incorporated a power company, named “Ile Iyi Electric Power Company Nigeria Limited”, with the Corporate Affairs Commission, to effectively provide and handle services relating to electricity and energy in the state.
The Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utility, Prof. Bolaji Aluko, said the newly registered company would operate as an independent private body, devoid of bureaucratic bottlenecks, and other challenges, usually associated with the old order.
He said that the company, would among others, render services for provision of electricity to the public and private sectors as well as render such other services commercially to individuals, and possibly, governments of other states.
According to him, the state government in a bid to ensure stable electricity supply in parts of Ekiti, inaugurated a 5MW Independent Power Project, (IPP).
“The IPP is at present providing uninterrupted power supply to government offices and some other key government installations in the state capital,” Aluko said.
He said that the independent power station, represents a significant step toward addressing electricity supply challenges in the state.
He confirmed that the project had undergone a successful two-week test period, during which 700kw of power was distributed out of the total 3.5 megawatts capacity.
A resident, Mr. Abimbola Oladeji advised the Federal Government to partner with the states to evolve effective strategies that would involve engaging local stakeholders in addressing issues like outdated infrastructure and lack of maintenance of energy assets.
Also, the Ondo State Government says it has officially taken over the energy sector after meeting all conditions set by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
The Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Energy, Engr. (Dr.) Johnson Alabi, stated this in an interview in Akure, while revealing efforts of the state government to be energy sufficient.
He said the state government plans to venture into power generation, transmission and distribution.
Alabi said the transfer of electricity oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the State Electricity Regulatory Bureau (SERB) was a milestone to state’s power sector.
“This transfer will allow the state to manage its electricity sector more effectively, tailoring policies to the specific needs of its people,” he said.
