The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has stated that, given the current condition of Nigeria’s power infrastructure, grid collapse—whether total, partial, or minor disturbances—are nearly unavoidable.
To tackle the ongoing challenge of grid collapses in the country, he advocated for the creation of regional power grids.
The PUNCH reported that while speaking on Wednesday during the unveiling of Hexing Livoltek, an electricity meter manufacturing company located in the Lekki area of Lagos State, Adelabu highlighted the need for a more resilient power infrastructure.
Adelabu pointed out that the current state of Nigeria’s power infrastructure makes grid collapses almost unavoidable.
“Grid collapse, grid collapse, whether it’s a total collapse, partial collapse, or slight trip-off. This is almost inevitable as it is today, given the state of our power infrastructure,” he stated. He emphasized that without significant investment, these problems are likely to continue.
To combat this issue, the minister proposed the decentralization of the power sector, made possible by the Electricity Act signed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023.
“This Electricity Act has decentralised power. It has enabled all the subnational governments, the state government, and the local government to participate in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity,” he explained.
He expressed optimism that moving towards multiple regional and state grids would enhance stability. “If there’s a disturbance of the national grid, it affects all 36 states. It shouldn’t be like that,” he added.
Adelabu elaborated on the concept of independent regional grids, noting that this system would prevent widespread disruptions.
“Each of these grids will be removed and shielded from each other. So, if there’s a problem with a particular grid, only the state where it belongs will be affected, not the entire nation,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on the recent grid performance, Adelabu noted, “In the last four months, we have not heard of any grid collapse, except two days ago when we had a partial collapse that didn’t even last two hours.”
He acknowledged that many of the transformers in use are outdated, with some over 60 years old.
“You’re expecting them to perform at the optimal rate. It is not possible,” he remarked, underscoring the urgent need for infrastructure investments.
During the event, Adelabu commended Hexing Livoltek for its commitment to Nigeria amid an economic climate where many companies are pulling back.
He described the unveiling of the factory as a pivotal step towards creating a more efficient and equitable electricity sector. The launch aligns with the government’s strategy to prioritize local content and foster job creation while reducing dependence on imports.
Robert Liang, the Chief Executive Officer of Hexing Group, expressed his excitement about the company’s expansion into Nigeria, calling it a landmark achievement.
“This is a proud moment for the Hexing Group as we open our branch in Nigeria. It’s more than just an office; it’s a step towards a future where clean energy drives the growth of this great nation,” Liang stated.
He further emphasized Hexing’s legacy in smart energy systems and its commitment to advancing digital infrastructure in Nigeria.
Following the recent partial collapse of the national grid earlier this week, which was restored by Wednesday evening, the minister’s remarks highlight the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s electricity sector and the steps needed to ensure a more stable power supply for the nation.